Cambridge United 1-3 Reading: Garry Monk reflects on ‘brutal result’ as goals from Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith secures victory for away side

Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk has described this afternoon’s 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Reading as a ‘brutal result’.

The U’s were on top for long periods of the League One encounter at the Cledara Abbey Stadium, but ultimately there were beaten by goals scored by former players Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith.

“It’s disappointing in terms of the result but I thought the performance was where it needed to be,” said Monk.

“That was a brutal result to receive considering everything we put into the game and the way that we went about it.

“It was crucial moments in both boxes. We had so many good periods in the game and we were on top of them, in around their penalty box but we couldn’t get the ball in enough.

“They relied on moments, they had a few of them and that was the difference. It was about both boxes.

“It was a brutal result in terms of what we put into that game. Normally we’d be stood here saying how proud we were of that performance, everything that went into it and the quality that we showed. It was a tough result to take.”

Monk now faces the challenge of lifting his players for Saturday’s crucial encounter against fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers.

The second-from-bottom U’s are five points adrift of their upcoming visitors, who are just above the relegation zone.

Monk added: “It’s moments that have hurt us. We haven’t shown enough quality in those moments but in terms of effort and endeavour and being up for the fight, we’ve shown that across the majority of the season.

“That’s what we’re going to try to keep hold of and continue, but it’s difficult when you put that much into a game and come away with nothing.

“It’s difficult, that’s human nature, but we’ll dust ourselves down and get ready for the next game.”