Ling gives stern half-time talk

Ling took charge of Cambridge in the summer

Cambridge manager Martin Ling has said that he delivered a stern half-time team talk after his side's poor first half in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Histon.

Cambridge went on to take an 81st-minute lead through Chris Holroyd before Matt Langston's last-minute header ensured the game was drawn.

Ling told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "The first half wasn't anywhere near good enough, we lacked energy.

"I laid into them at half time and told them to match Histon's endeavour."

The draw at the Glass World Stadium halted United's three-match losing run and Ling is confident that they are starting to show the quality needed to move up the table.

"There's players in there that can do the job," added Ling.

"They proved that in the second half and it frustrates you when the difference is that vast from the first half."

The U's host Ebbsfleet on Saturday with Ling optimistic they can build on the performance.

"It's half a step forward," he said. "It would have been a massive step forward to win the game.

"Another late goal has cost us and that is becoming a bit of a trend at the moment, which is frustrating."