Neil Harris saluted the effort of his Cambridge United players after he celebrated the start of his second spell as manager at the Abbey Stadium with a 2-0 victory over Stockport County.
Harris left Cambridge to rejoin Millwall last February, but was reappointed on Wednesday – alongside fellow former Us boss Mark Bonner, in a new role as director of football – and saw two goals from Josh Stokes ensure a winning return.
Having only had one day to work with his squad, Harris was delighted with the victory, which also saw his bottom-of-the-table side keep a first clean sheet in 17 league games.
“It was an amazing effort by the group,” Harris said. “The attitude and desire from the lads, and the information they’ve taken on board in the last 24 hours, has been immense.
“Today was about the changing room, the board and the fans. We’re a side in a difficult position, and I’ve just got to get the best out of the players that are available to me and give them some belief and confidence. We’ve done that today and we’ve got to carry that forward.”
Stokes gave Harris and the Us the perfect start when he headed home Liam Bennet’s cross after nine minutes.
Kyle Wootton’s lob was blocked by Us keeper Nathan Bishop and Stokes made it 2-0 in the 43rd minute with a shot from outside the box that took a slight deflection on its way past Corey Addai.
Macauley Southam-Hales put a free header from close range over the bar and in the second half Stockport piled on the pressure, with Bishop making a flying save to deny Wootton after the County striker had turned well in the box.
Kell Watts and Elias Kachunga also did well to smuggle the ball off the line after Wootton’s header had caused chaos and in the closing stages, James Gibbons cleared a goalbound shot from substitute Sam Cosgrove.
To compound the visitors’ woes, defender Callum Connolly was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence.
Stockport manager Dave Challinor said: “We created more big chances today than we have in the last three games put together, but you’ve got to take those chances. In the first half we missed two sitters.
“It’s always going to be difficult if you give a team that is scrapping for its life something to hang on to.
“We let them play the game they wanted today, it was scrappy and the pitch is not conducive to a good game of football. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be in a position to adapt and today we’ve made a lot of poor decisions.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025