Mark Bonner sees draw disappointment as good sign for Cambridge United after a ‘close call’ against Tranmere Rovers

Mark Bonner feels that it is a good sign that Cambridge United's squad felt disappointed with only a point from their clash with Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two.

The U’s had to dig deep to earn a 0-0 draw as the visitors were on top for long periods of the game.

But the resilience and determination that they showed means that they remain top of the table, and are still to concede a league goal this season.

“We weren’t at our best, but played a really good side that will end up near the top end of the table, no doubt,” said the U’s head coach.

“The fact that we’ve come out of the game with something is really pleasing for us, even though we know we’re going to have to do a lot better than that in certain games.

“But that game is a lot more reflective of what games are going to look like in this league than last weekend (when they beat Morecambe 5-0).

“The clean sheet is really well earned. We could have defended better at times - clearances and making contact with people could have been better, we could have been cleaner in those moments to make sure we weren’t defending for as long periods.

“We could have made sure we kept the ball better with the first past to keep some control and get up the pitch. But we said at half time, if we can’t win the match then don’t get beat and we found a way not to get beat which is really important for us.

“We’ve got a squad of players in the dressing room that are disappointed that we’ve drawn 0-0, and we’re still top of the league - that is a sign of the progress we’re making.

“Sometimes, it’s good for you to come out of a game a little bit disappointed when you’ve taken points from it and you can learn from that.

“It’s very early in our cycle as a team and we know there is much more to come which is good.”

The U’s had arguably the best chance of the game.

Having struggled to get a foothold in the first half, Paul Mullin did well to get to the byline in the area, and pulled a pass back for Luke Hannant, who fired over from just outside the six-yard box.

Adam May also forced a smart-stop from Tranmere keeper Scott Davies.

“We had to be resolute, strong and we fought in the first half,” said Bonner.

“We had a couple of really good chances - Adam (May) has made the goalie make a good save and Luke had a really good chance as well.

“In the games where we don’t have complete dominance and control, we’ve to make the most of those moments. We weren’t able to do that, but to come out with something is encouraging.”

There was also a touch of fortune involved in the 83rd minute.

Keeper Dimi Mitov had failed to hold on to Kieron Morris’ shot from the edge of the box, and James Vaughan tucked home the rebound.

After what felt like an age, the assistant referee waved his flag to signal the the Rovers’ striker was offside, so no goal was awarded.

“I think when you have to struggle your way through games sometimes and it is tough to stay in them, you don’t want to lose those games late,” said Bonner.

“The fact the offside flag goes up, for us today it goes our way, on another day it might not. But it’s a reward maybe for the hard work we’ve put in - we’re delighted because it would have been really difficult to come back from that.

“The angle you get from the gantry is really tough to tell so you can’t really see so much there. It is so difficult to tell.

“It looks level or marginally off from my point of view, but it was a definite close call.”

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