Cambridge United defender Lloyd-Jones bemoans the half-time display in Sky Bet League One loss to Charlton Athletic

Lloyd-Jones criticized Cambridge United’s first-half performance during today’s 2-1 defeat at home to Charlton Athletic in Sky Bet League One.

The U’s ranked second over the opening 45 minutes at Abbey Stadium and can count themselves lucky to concede just two goals.

They responded in the second half with a goal from centre-back Jones and an improved display, but the damage had already been done.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a hangover from last week (the defeat against MK Dons), I just thought we were too weak,” said the 27-year-old.

“We were not victorious in our interventions, we were not victorious in our duels, we were not aggressive enough and we paid the price for it.

“We didn’t get in their faces but we did get in their faces (in) the second half and it was a good performance. We just didn’t get out of the blocks fast enough.”

The loss also sent United, who are second from bottom, into relegation. The gap to safety has been extended to six points and with an even lower goal difference for the majority of sides around them, a seven-point margin that needs to be bridged over the last nine matches.

However, while the situation is far from favourable, Jones tries to remain optimistic.

He added, “You have to be (positive). If you don’t, it’s going to be a really awful Nine Games.”

“You have to believe it until it’s over. Whatever happens at the end of the season, we just have to do our best.

“The first half wasn’t all we had, the second half was all we had and if we can maintain that level of performance – I’ve seen it in recent games – but it has to be 90 minutes, not 45 or 60.”

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