Shaun Derry hails young guns in setting cup standard at Cambridge United

U's progress past derby rivals

Shaun Derry was delighted to see Cambridge United’s youngsters progress in the FA Youth Cup – and now hopes the senior side can emulate their achievements.

The young U’s headed to derby rivals Peterborough United in the first round on Tuesday night, and secured a 2-1 win.

Substitute Sam Bennett put United ahead in the second half, but Peterborough equalised through Jack Gurney to take the game to extra time.

But Bennett sealed the tie for the U’s with his second goal in the first minute of the extra period.

And U’s head coach Derry said: “It was a great win for the young lads.

“It was a tight game that went to extra time and to go away to your rivals and beat them at any stage, whether it’s league or cup, is a great positive for us.

“My two junior FA Cup games were against Stoke and West Brom, and I know them; I could recall the game now.

“Those players that played against Peterborough, and Sharkey [Bennett] who got the two goals will always be reminiscing about his two goals in the FA Youth Cup, regardless of where his career takes him.”

Now it is the turn of the first team in the FA Cup against Sutton United at the Cambs Glass Stadium on Sunday (November 5).

Last year, the U’s reached the third round of the FA Cup before being beaten by Leeds United, while the young U’s reached the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, eventually being defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion.

“It was good last year, the junior lads went on a good Cup run and so did we; and it was nice to go on it together,” added Derry. “So if we can get through on Sunday it would be fantastic.”

United’s youngsters will face the winners of the tie between Long Eaton and Scunthorpe United in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.