Joe Dunne Tenure Review - Part 2

By Owen Mizon - writer for YABA

First and foremost, and if you haven't already, please give part 1 a quick read (Joe Dunne Tenure Review - Part 1) - highlighting Joe Dunne's time from the drama at Chesterfield up to the point gained against Carlisle at Brunton Park.

It was clear that Joe Dunne had got the team playing again, proving their capabilities against the bigger teams in the league and showing that never-say-die attitude. This was missing under the guidance of Shaun Derry, the players looking down and out when losing and the usual losses to the same old culprits. For his remaining 7 matches as interim head coach, he would see the U's come up against teams you'd expect three points from. It would be interesting to see a different set-up and finally, after what would seem like an eternity, completely finish off teams. The only real time United had done this in the campaign was the 3-0 defeat of Forest Green Rovers back in September. The formula was working for Dunne, a back four in Halliday, Taft, Taylor and Dunk was ever-reliable and the return of Jabo Ibehre was useful.

The first game of this review goes back to Good Friday when the U's saw off a Crawley Town side they always had the edge over. Changes were made, however. Uche Ikpeazu had to settle with the bench (it's evident now probably why,) Jake Carroll was slotted into left-back, pushing Harrison Dunk onto the wing, on the opposite flank was a rare start for David Amoo, who has impressed ever since that boxing day victory against relegation-stricken Barnet. Liam O'Neil was forced out with injury and Jabo Ibehre made his 2nd start in a row. An intriguing line-up for United. Deadly play on the wing resulted in a corner for United early on, where a pinpoint Jevani Brown met the head of Jabo Ibehre who opened the deadlock. It wasn't long before the faithful 4,000 were treated to an audacious George Maris free-kick who had had some start to the match. Although a Payne penalty reduced the deficit on 49, Joe Dunne's men showed real character to shrug it aside and go for the third goal. They did exactly that, an exquisite pass from George Maris found Jevani Brown who, with some composure, may I say, turned the goalkeeper and tapped into an empty net. Breathing space. Both teams were probably unlucky not to find the net at least once more, but the weather took its toll and reduced any chances of silky play. Nevertheless, an important win for United who were now on 54 points. A breathtaking display from George Maris, who grabbed his 2nd goal in two games, proved just how crucial he is to United's play and was the start of an excellent run of form.

Originally, United were due to face Morecambe at the Globe Arena the following Monday, but a waterlogged pitch abandoned proceedings, moving onto another weekend at The Abbey where they would host Exeter City. Another tough match against a promotion-chasing team full of game-changing players. Dunne named an unchanged team, rightly so after what was an impressive victory last time out. In a battling first-half, you could argue that the hosts were on top, this was evident when Jabo Ibehre found the net once again on 42. When fit, he's a very useful option up front. 15 minutes after the break, former-loanee Jayden Stockley nodded home to level. This didn't set Joe Dunne's men back, however, that man George Maris giving his team the lead again just 8 minutes later with a marvellous strike from outside the box; Christy Pym had no chance. What a win it would have been for the team, it looked like they were going to hold on, forcing Exeter to limited opportunities, until the 84th minute. Cruel it was when Matt Jay pounced onto an attempted Greg Taylor clearance to make it 2-2. Salt was rubbed into the wounds moments later, Cambridge once again unable to clear danger when Jake Taylor struck the winner, giving the Grecians a huge three points. Joe Dunne felt the U's were very unlucky and that although it was an enjoyable game of football, it was cruel. The team had given it all they've got and nobody can the blame. He took positives out of what was a good display and if they could return to winning ways next week, it would be the sign of a strong team. Take away the defensive errors and you really can't complain.

United certainly did bounce back, and what a way to do it. On the 14th of April was the away trip to Stevenage which is always a date every U looks forward to. 847 fans packed the Lamex Stadium and witnessed a solid display. Jake Carroll was moved back to the bench and starts for Paul Lewis, Medy Elito and Billy Waters. Allowing Stevenage to attack and soaking up any pressure was exactly what United did, pouncing when possible and ensuring no mistakes were made ensured it was an accomplished and professional first-half. The second-half topped off what was an enjoyable away day, the inspired substitution of Barry Corr paid its dividends. On 54, he planted a header from George Maris' free-kick into the net to send everyone in the away end into ecstasy. Gary Deegan controlled the midfield extremely well, making the defenders have a calm second half as United attacked when the opportunity arose and cleared danger quickly when it occurred. Arguably United's goal of the season came in the 83rd minute when passes ranging from Gary Deegan, Jevani Brown and George Maris found Brad Halliday who, with accuracy, found an unmarked Barry Corr who tapped into an empty net to secure his brace, United's clean sheet and the three points. Certainly, a handy man to have on the bench each week is Barry Corr!

Game by game, Joe Dunne had given the amber army so much excitement which we haven't been accustomed to. Cheltenham Town's visit to the Abbey was the pick of the bunch. Every player was doing their part with confidence and a re-inspired side surely boosted Dunne's chance of a contract? Gary Johnson's team were, at the time, just six points behind the U's and equipped with Mo Eisa, one of the division's deadliest men. United unchanged from the win over rivals Stevenage. Just 3 minutes in the match and the team received a sucker-punch, George Lloyd with his first senior goal to make it 1-0 to the Robins. Strong perseverance, and not for the last time that day, United bounced back when Greg Taylor grabbed his first goal of the season from a Jevani Brown corner. In his time with the club, the centre-back has scored three goals, all against teams beginning with 'C'. Crawley, Crewe and Cheltenham. Random fact aside, it wasn't long before the third goal of the game arrived, only 13 minutes in. Causing United problems already, a delightful Eisa free-kick put Cheltenham back into the lead. A busy summer awaits for the visitors regarding interest in the Sudanese striker who was plying his trade in Non-League last season. Just before the break, Billy Waters converted to make it 2-2, however straight after it hit the net, the referee blew for a penalty to United, their goal dismissed. Medy Elito stepped up and, although power was there, accuracy was not. Into the stands it went and the players went into half-time disappointed not to be drawing. The likes of Amoo, Dunk and Corr were eventually drafted on and Cambridge had an impressive second-half. George Maris, of course, got the equaliser on 53 with a drilled effort after good link-up play from Jevani Brown. The speed of David Amoo meant he was caught in the box on 59, penalty United! Again. This time, Brown coolly dispatched his into the net and United had the lead! Easy sail from here, right? No. Dangerman Mo Eisa capitalised and struck past David Forde on the 79th minute leaving United rather dejected. However, that man Barry Corr just two minutes later got to the end of a scramble and once again sent the fans wild. No more goals in this contest, 4-3 to United. Joe Dunne was made up for his team, highlighting praise for the character shown. For the first time this season they had scored 4 goals, how strange would it be if they went on to score 5 in their remaining 3 games!

The re-arranged fixture at the Globe Arena was on the following Tuesday against a Morecambe side who could still have gone down. Just the 61 United fans made this journey to see United come home with their 61st point of the campaign. Some probably wished they hadn't have bothered after what was a dire spectacle. Elito and Waters once again starting up top with Lewis back in action as was Carroll. The most interesting addition was Dimitar Mitov, lining up for his professional League debut. A long time coming for the promising keeper. He put in a man of the match shift, earning United another clean sheet for the season. Jake Carroll, who has come to life under the guidance of Joe Dunne, came close as did Harrison Dunk. Veteran Kevin Ellison got himself about too and probably should have scored to give Morecambe a crucial win. Right at the death, Morecambe very nearly scored an own goal from a Steven Old header. Morecambe held on for their 18th draw of the season. In 180 minutes of football between the clubs this season, we've seen 0 goals. Two more games of the season left for United - next up, Wales.

Rodney Parade was where United would conclude their away fixtures for the season. It was indeed their second visit for the season after the FA Cup 2nd Round tie. Once again, Dimitar Mitov regained his place in goal. David Forde nowhere to be seen for the last two games. Former Cambridge United loanee Mickey Demetriou opened the scoring with another goal for him on the 26th minute after a good spell from Newport County. Dimitar Mitov did pull off a smart stop in the first half to keep United in the game. Uche Ikpeazu, back in the starting eleven after recently announcing that he was joining Hearts in the summer after turning down a new contract with the club, had a real battle with Demetriou all half. This was changed when he was replaced by Barry Corr, who struggled to make an impact against a physical opponent. On 59, former Championship striker Frank Nouble scored a smart volley after a nice assist from Aaron Collins. United did show some fight late on however, a sweet strike from George Maris made it 2-1 and gave the team confidence. However, it was too little too late as Cambridge United travelled home empty-handed. Joe Dunne stated how he "dares" his players to put in a performance like that next week when United finish the campaign at home to Port Vale. It was a disappointing performance, but this has really only occurred twice in his tenure so far, which is a real step in the right direction.

On the 2nd of May, just three days before United host Port Vale, Joe Dunne was rewarded for his work with a three-year contract as manager of Cambridge United Football Club. Although the three-years is debatable bearing in mind you consider his managerial experience and the fact that Richard Money did not last for his full initial three-years, you can't fault Dunne's efforts thus far. He's been a breath of fresh air and really has got the best out of certain players, his philosophy is second to none and the system he plays has worked. Fans have taken a real liking to him, and rightly so, helping the U's to an improved points-to-game ratio than under Shaun Derry. "I have never enjoyed coaching a group as much as I have this one during the last to months."

Because of the managerial news, United went into the last game of the 2017/18 campaign in high spirits, determined to go out on a high and show potential for next season. They did exactly that with an emphatic victory over Port Vale. With power, speed and passes all over the pitch, we saw the opener on the 33rd minute with a nice finish from winger David Amoo. His second of the campaign. With a full pre-season behind him, he'll have some season next campaign I think. It was 2-0 just two minutes later. Rapid on the counter-attack, a few shots eventually fell to Harrison Dunk who calmly placed his shot into the corner to relax the fans. It wasn't until the 68th minute when a thunderbolt strike from Bradley Halliday found the net to send the Newmarket Road End into ruptures - some goal from the full-back who celebrated his first of the season. Better late than never. 6 minutes later, Barry Corr got in the act and slotted the ball into the net. 4-0! Leon Legge came on for Gary Deegan and was given the armband to the delight of the fans, "LEON," shouted all around the ground as he made his way onto the pitch for the last time - in a Cambridge shirt that is. Youngster Tom Knowles made a brief cameo too and certainly impressed, eager to attack at all times, he played a part in the fifth goal of the game when Billy Waters beat his man and found the keeper's right corner, a nice finish. Cambridge were unlucky not to get more, Jake Carroll coming close to getting his first in United colours. That would be that however, an incredible way to end the season. 5-0 to Cambridge United certainly brings you that optimism ahead of next season with the core of the squad in place already.

All in all, the appointment of Joe Dunne has worked wonders. In his 15 games in charge, United won 7, drew 4 and lost 4. A creditable 25 points is some achievement for a side that seemed depleted at times beforehand. He deserves the opportunity to build his own team and if his tenure this season is anything to go by, we'll be seeing some entertaining football next season!

Typical really, isn't it? Just when each match starts to become even more interesting than the last, we're at the end of the campaign. Never mind though, we've got the attention of the World Cup looming next month, a battling 0-0 draw against Tunisia is what we live for. Before you know it, we'll be at the likes of St. Neots Town and Bishop's Stortford eagerly anticipating the 2018/19 campaign. I know I say it each season, but I've got a good feeling about this one!

Up the U's!

Owen Mizon
Mizonowen@gmail.com