Cambridge United head coach praises players and supporters after 18-game winless run ends with victory over Wigan Athletic

For the first time in 201 days, head coach Garry Monk was able to discuss a Cambridge United victory during his post-match media duties this afternoon.

Wigan Athletic were the side that the U’s last beat back on 1 April and it was the Latics that once again came a cropper at the Cledara Abbey Stadium as the hosts ran out 2-0 winners.

It ended a run of 18 games without a victory for United, who also moved off the foot of the League One table in the process.

And Monk, who had to watch the game from the Main Stand as a result of a one-match touchline suspension, felt that his side were worthy winners.

“It’s taken longer than we wanted or expected to get that first win but it’s a bizarre situation because the feeling inside was we’re not far away,” he said.

“We know we should have had a win before now but getting over the line is obviously the ultimate validation for everyone. Of course the feeling in the changing room is good.

“We’ve had the same endeavour and effort and commitment to some of the other performances we’ve had, but we’ve come out on the wrong end of the margins.

“Today, the biggest difference was we were clinical with our chances. We could have had more, but we were clinical enough and defensively we’re playing against a good side but I don’t really remember them creating anything.

“All those little margins we’ve been talking about went our way. The players got what they deserved today.”

Monk also paid tribute to the supporters for sticking by the team during the winless run of form.

He added: “You get disheartened when you don’t win games and it goes on for a period of time, but to be fair to them (the fans) it’s not got to the point where the players have felt any disharmony or discontent on top of them.

“Credit to them, they’ve stuck with us. Thankfully today they get a different feeling and it’s a really good feeling. Hopefully we can back that up on Tuesday (against Stevenage) for our away support and give them a feeling like we’ve had today.”