Neil Harris admitted he could not wished for a better start after returning as Cambridge head coach as the U’s followed up their 2-0 win at Stockport by defeating fellow strugglers Crawley by the same score at the Broadfield Stadium.
Goals in each half from Elias Kachunga and Paul Digby lifted Cambridge off the bottom and above Crawley into 22nd place, and both clubs are now six points from safety.
Both teams had players sent off for straight red cards in the second half, Crawley’s Rushian Hepburn-Murphy being dismissed for clashing with Kachunga before U’s defender James Gibbons followed for a challenge on Charlie Barker.
Harris said: “I couldn’t have wanted a better start. For me, success is putting smiles on faces, winning games of football and achieving something miraculous and staying in the league.
“Our previous win gave confidence and belief, ticket sales were doubled in a week and the players delivered for the fans.”
Harris said he did not see Gibbons’ challenge on Barker, but Cambridge may appeal if he appears “hard done by.”
Harris added: “That’s two clean sheets in two games, the players have got some hope and belief and we want another three points at home to Stevenage on Tuesday.”
Crawley have won only five of 24 league games since Rob Elliot took over as boss five months ago, and the former Newcastle keeper appealed to frustrated fans not to direct criticism directly to the players.
He said: “I completely understand the frustration of the fans – we are all frustrated.
“But if you want to direct frustration at anybody direct it at me and not the players.”
Elliot felt his side were unfortunate to concede the first goal when he felt certain Cambridge were not penalised for a foul on keeper Jojo Wollacott before Kachunga put the ball in off Kamari Doyle.
He said: “Everything changed with the first goal and the disappointing way it went in. To me it was a clear foul on the keeper.
“The referee stopped the game three or four times to stop pulling and pushing, but in spite of the way the goal was scored he does nothing.”
Elliot believes that his men can get out of trouble and added: “There is 13 games left and there is no lack of desire. We will look at what we can improve.
“Obviously it’s an extremely disappointing result for us in what was built up to be a big game, but there is still a big part of the season to come.”
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