Cambridge United boss Garry Monk left with ‘mixed emotions’ after League One draw at Bolton Wanderers

Head coach Garry Monk was left with ‘mixed emotions’ after watching his Cambridge United side play out a 2-2 draw at Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.

After taking an early advantage through Josh Stokes’ first League One goal, the U’s were pegged back by John McAtee’s equaliser.

However, Elias Kachunga soon restored Cambridge’s lead against his former club and it looked like being the winning moment until the 90th minute when defender Zeno Ibsen Rossi scored an own goal.

“It’s two feelings, isn’t it? One of disappointment that we haven’t walked out of here with three points given everything we’ve faced and where we are as a squad,” said Monk, who named five academy players on the bench as the injury issues continue to mount up.

“We’re disappointed for ourselves and the fans but on the flip side of that I don’t think we could have given any more.

“The first half we were excellent and looked a real threat as well. We were really good with the ball at times but in the second half you expect them to come out and have pressure.

“But I don’t think we really had too many shots on our goal that came in. We were defending so manfully and so I just feel so disappointed because they couldn’t have given any more.

“I stand here disappointed but I’m proud of that performance. I’ve said it all along, there’s been quite a few games this season where the small margins have gone against us, but the performances have been at a good level to be in the game and get points.

“That’s the level that we need to produce and you can see that everyone is fighting to get out of the situation. They were excellent all the way through and it’s real mixed emotions.”

Monk also had sympathy for Rossi, who turned the ball into his own net while trying to deflect a cross behind for a corner.

Monk added: “What is Zeno supposed to do? You’re putting your body on the line and he does that. Nine times out of 10 that goes wide of the goal and you’ve got a corner to defend, but it goes in the goal – it’s extremely unfortunate.”

The draw has left second-from-bottom United eight points from safety heading into next weekend’s home encounter against Mansfield Town.