Shaun Derry ready for Cambridge United's festive challenge

U's head into Christmas on high

Shaun Derry is wary of the demands on the Cambridge United squad during the festive period as their confidence flourishes after reaching the play-off places.

The U's moved into seventh in Sky Bet League Two last Saturday as Uche Ikpeazu and Greg Taylor scored in a 2-1 win over Crewe Alexandra.

And they now face fixtures away at Stevenage and Leyton Orient, and then at home to Notts County between December 26 and January 2.

United have produced some top performances when they have faced games in quick succession this season, but they have also had to suffer the consequences.

"In terms of the games coming thick and fast in the November period, especially with the Dover game on the Thursday night and having to play again on the Saturday, as much as it was exciting for everybody, it came at a cost for us,said Derry.

"We lost two players for the long term, in Josh Coulson and ?Medy Elito.

"So as much as everyone wants to watch the players play as often as they can, and the players want to be out there rather than on the training ground, I knew that there was a possibility that we would lose players through injury.

"And I was gutted that my thoughts came into practice as it was a horrible loss for us.

"But in terms of galvanising us and keeping the group really close together, I think that's been a positive.

"I think it's confidence. When you've managed to get three points and then you back it up with another three points you want to play again.

"It has been a good run of late so the confidence is high at this moment and we want it to continue."