Cambridge United 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday: Five of the key talking points from yesterday’s Sky Bet League One fixture at the Abbey Stadium

Sports editor Liam Apicella takes a look at five of the biggest talking points to have come out of Cambridge United’s 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday yesterday afternoon.

1. Is three the magic number?

Mark Bonner sprung a bit of a surprise ahead of kick off when he opted for a back three – something he has rarely done during his two-and-a-half years in charge.

And while the team did look a little vulnerable at times in a defensive sense, there was some reason for optimism in terms of what it provided in possession.

The U’s certainly enjoyed longer spells on the ball than they did in recent defeats against two of the division’s other big hitters – Ipswich Town and Derby County.

Obviously it is still very much a work in progress but something Bonner refused to rule out trying again.

2. Goal shy

The fixtures have not been kind in recent weeks but the goals for column does not make for pretty reading.

In United's last four League One fixtures they have mustered more than one shot on target in just one of those – the 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

Add in the fact that only four goals have been scored in the previous seven league outings and it highlights just why positive results have been hard to come by of late.

3. Injuries starting to bite

Injuries are par for the course in football, yet when you are working with a relatively small squad like United are, it does not take too many absences for life to become a little difficult.

Left-backs Harrison Dunk and Brandon Haunstrup are set to be out for a little while, while the club is awaiting news of Adam May’s scan on a knee injury.

Liam O’Neil’s illness further hampered Bonner's options against Wednesday, while the boss also revealed after the game that midfielder Paul Digby and goalkeeper Dimi Mitov picked up injuries that need to be assessed.

4. Lewis takes his chance

Of course injuries open up the door for someone else – and one of those to benefit was Lewis Simper.

The 22-year-old made a couple of League One appearances last season and this was his first one of 2022/23.

And to his credit he performed well. Simper, who has had numerous loan spells away from the club, was brave enough to demand possession in all areas of the pitch, passed the ball well and even pushed forward during the second half.

5. Big game next week

There will be plenty of football left to play after next weekend’s home clash with Port Vale but it still feels crucial that United return to winning ways.

Darrell Clarke's side will head to the Abbey in buoyant mood after a win against Derby County was followed up by a 2-2 draw with Forest Green Rovers last time out. And while they will have harboured hopes of winning that one before prior to it getting under way, the fact they fought back from being 2-0 down with two late goals makes it a point gained.

It was also a result that lifted them above United and into 17th place.