Stevenage manager Mark Stimson was generous in his assessment of the Cambridge United team that won 2-1 at Broadhall Way on Saturday and the supporters who cheered them on.

"It was a good game of football with loads of entertainment and the place was absolutely buzzing," he said afterwards.

"Cambridge United came in their numbers and were very vocal and our supporters matched them in that and made it a great atmosphere.

"Unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted today. I can't fault the players for that as they gave everything against a very good side, who are possibly a lot stronger than us at the moment. Whether that's something that comes with age and the size of some of their players.

"We would've been happy to have got in nil-nil at half-time but it wasn't to be. The lad slung in a great cross and the little midfield player - possibly the shortest on the pitch - took it upon himself to make a great near post run and scored.

"We told the lads at half-time to settle down and relax and we could get something out of the game," he continued.

"Full credit to our players - we tried to get things going and play a little bit in the second half but just couldn't get the equalising goal. We could have equalised just before their second, but when that went in it was backs against the wall."

The Stevenage boss confirmed that he will not be appealing against the red card shown to Stuart Lewis, adding, "I've watched the video of the incident - he's produced head movement towards the Cambridge lad who's done the correct thing and gone down and Stuart has deserved to be sent off.

"We put the penalty away and it became a real end-to-end finish to the game, and maybe on another day we may have put one of our chances away but it wasn't to be.

"We'll take defeat on the chin and move on from here.

"We've lost against a very good side today and they'll be up there come the end of the season."

Interview by David Gray

United are next in action tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Abbey Stadium when new leaders Aldershot are the visitors (k.o. 7.45pm).

[Match report] [Fixture list] [League table]

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