Cambridge United's attacking midfielder Jack Lankester pleased to have made the most of first Sky Bet League One start at Morecambe

Jack Lankester has had to bide his time this season.

While the statistics will have shown that he had made seven appearances for Cambridge United in Sky Bet League One this season heading into Saturday’s trip to Morecambe, all of them had come from the substitute’s bench.

In fact, the 16 minutes he was afforded during the 2-0 victory over Lincoln City earlier this month was the longest he had spent on the pitch in the league this term.

However, having made an impression during the midweek win over Northampton Town in the Papa John’s Trophy, head coach Mark Bonner gave the Bury St Edmunds-born attacking midfielder his chance from the start at the Mazuma Stadium and he took it with both hands.

After the U’s had fallen behind the 22-year-old drew them level before the break with a well-taken shot from the edge of the box.

And while he had been substituted by the time that Harvey Knibbs had scored the late winner on the coast, Lankester’s performance was eye-catching enough to earn him the Man of the Match award from supporters on the club’s Twitter feed.

“It was nice to get the goal after being patient and waiting for my chance. It’s great to get the three points,” he said.

“Coming off Tuesday, I thought I did well and got the minutes that I needed. I’ve just had to remain patient and take my chance.

“I don’t score many with my right foot but it was a great ball from Dunks (Harrison Dunk) and it was nice to tuck it away.

“He’s (Bonner) put me in to get on the ball and get us playing forward on the turn.

“I’ve just got to keep going, keep training hard and (good things) come to those who wait.”

As for the overall performance, Lankester was pleased with the powers of recovery United showed after falling behind.

He added: “The goal was against the run of play.

“They broke and managed to put one away, but we’ve shown already this season we can come from behind and stay resilient.”

Lankester will hope to keep his place against Derby County at home on Saturday (October 1).