Match-winner Harvey Knibbs hails perfect day as Cambridge United start League One season by beating MK Dons

Match-winner Harvey Knibbs has described the perfect day as Cambridge United started their Sky Bet League One campaign with a 1-0 win over MK Dons at the Abbey Stadium.

The striker surged forward and cut into the box before firing a low shot past MK Dons keeper Jamie Cumming in the 17th minute for the only goal of the game.

It was a resolute and impressive opening day display from the U’s, who were well worth their victory.

“It was exactly how I envisioned and dreamed of that to go, getting off the mark early and getting three points - it’s the perfect day,” said Knibbs.

“(James) Brophy has obviously laid me the ball, and I looked up and saw I could take the defenders into the box, and as two came across, I like that duel where there is two because no-one really knows who has got me so it helps to wriggle through.

“It opened up, and I’m really happy that the finish went in. It has hit the goalie’s hand and I’ve just had to watch it go over the line.

“It was a really good feeling when it went in.”

It had been a busy start to the game for Knibbs. He was booked for an alleged dive in the ninth minute, received treatment from the physio and then got the goal, all by the 17th minute.

And he celebrated the strike in front of the MK Dons supporters.

“It was really eventful, and I think that played a part in all of it to be fair,” he said.

“I don't know what the ref has seen as I thought I took my touch around the defender and he’s brought me down, but I’ve got booked somehow for diving.

“All their fans are giving it to me, so it’s just a bit of banter on the celebration back.”

After a good first half, United were forced onto the back foot after the break, but it showed that their resilient nature is just as good and strong as last season.

“We couldn’t get our foot on the ball as much as we would have liked in the second half,” said Knibbs.

“But it showed us the other side of the game which is really good because we demonstrated two sides of our game today and that will put us in really good stead for the season.

“If we can get a collective effort this year, I’m really excited to see what we can do.”

Read more:

Harvey Knibbs fires Cambridge United to victory over MK Dons in League One