Cambridge boss pinpoints area for improvement ahead of Bolton clash

Garry Monk has called on his Cambridge side to be more ruthless in front of goal as they prepare to host Wanderers.

The U’s enter the fixture on the back of a goalless draw against Northampton over the weekend.

Former Bolton man Elias Kachunga came closest to breaking the deadlock but he was denied by Nesta Guinness-Walker’s block.

Monk felt that his side did enough to win the game but insists they need to start taking their chances as they aim to climb the League One table.

“The conditions dictated the game and it was not the most thrilling game, but I thought we gave an excellent performance,” he said.

“We were the dominant side in terms of creating opportunities and territory. The only thing missing was the ball hitting the net.

“We were solid and did the basics well, and I felt our performance warranted three points but we didn’t take our chances. If you can’t win, make sure you don’t lose and it’s another point.

“The weather obviously plays a big role and you have to change your approach, but I was really pleased with how we played - especially away from home.

“We dealt with them and in terms of territory, it was us. We had the wind in the first half and we were dominant. It was the same in the second half and we did more than enough to score a couple of goals.

“They put a bit of pressure on us at the end but it would have been criminal had we not come away with at least a point.

“We just need to be more ruthless but we won’t beat ourselves up about it because we’re doing a lot right.”

Saturday’s result left Cambridge 22nd in the table, with three wins under their belts from their opening 15 matches.

It took the U’s until October 19 to record their first win in the league, at home to Wigan, but they followed that result up with victories against Stevenage and Burton to gain some momentum.

Wanderers ran out 2-1 winners on their last trip to the Abbey Stadium thanks to goals from Paris Maghoma and Carlos Mendes Gomes.