Cambridge United progressed towards the knockout stages of the Vertu Trophy as they overcame Brighton & Hove Albion U21s 1-0 at the Cledara Abbey Stadium…
The U’s secured their sixth successive win at CB5 in comfortable fashion, dictating play in the early stages and capitalising through Adam Mayor’s early opener, before showcasing little signs of surrendering the lead throughout to secure their passage.
Reverting back to a similar setup from the opening two matches against Luton Town and Barnet, Neil Harris named a total of 10 changes from the FA Cup victory four days earlier – with Ben Knight the only player to retain his place. Included in a strong bench was striker Louis Appere, appearing in the matchday squad for the first time since mid-September.
Looking to get off to a front-footed start, James Gibbons was afforded space to roam forwards, where he hit a neat half-volley inside the area which forced Nils Ramming into a good diving stop.
On the 4th minute, the hosts bulged the onion bag when Elias Kachunga scampered down the left flank, beating his man for pace before picking out an unmarked Mayor at the back post, who did well to keep the shot down and fire it into the net.
As it stood, a win would send United through, but they were determined not to rest on their laurels as they continued to accumulate the chances. A quick throw from Zak Bradshaw released Knight in the box, whose angled effort had power but just shaved the crossbar.
The Seagulls produced their first attempt of the night on 22 when Aidan West hit a speculative shot from 20 yards, but it lacked the venom necessary to test Ben Hughes, who got down low to claim.
Shannon Ruth’s young outfit from the South Coast – unable to quality after picking up the solitary point from two – were certainly growing into this one, finding their feet on the ball and testing the shape of United’s back four, who remained resolute.
Just after the half hour mark, Gibbons helped himself to his third shot on target of the evening when a clearance fell invitingly to the full-back on the edge of the penalty area, whose clean hit was matched by Ramming’s dive.
Ultimately, the first 45 couldn’t finish in a crescendo. The U’s looked content with their advantage but would soon impose themselves after the break when Glenn McConnell jinked into the final third and squared to Knight, who cut into the middle and rifled inches over the crossbar.
Yet to find breathing space, the Head Coach opted for a triple change on the 64th minute, with Kell Watts, Sullay Kaikai and James Brophy drafted on to test Brighton’s defence.
Five minutes later, a dangerous cross into the six-yard box from Sean Keogh was begging to be tapped home, but a crucial prevention from Hughes saw the goalkeeper get a firm grip on the ball to keep the lead intact.
Overall, on a night which lacked any further clear-cut chances, United did well to shut up shop and secure their passage to the round of 32 in assuring style.
A quick turnaround sees the U’s travel to the Peninsula Stadium on Saturday (8th November) to take on Salford City – be sure to back the boys as they look to turn around their form on the road.
Cambridge United: Hughes, Gibbons, Jobe, Ibsen Rossi (Watts, 65’), Bradshaw, Hoddle, Mpanzu (Kaikai, 65’), Knight (Appere, 72’), McConnell, Mayor (Brophy, 65’), Kachunga
Subs Not Used: Eastwood, Bennett, Kouassi
Goalscorers: Mayor (5’)
Bookings:
Brighton & Hove Albion U21s: Ramming, Mackley, Barclay, Atom, Keogh (Ferdinand, 87’), Middleton, Owusu (Brennan, 87’), Ibrahim, West (Brett, 62’), Hayden (Morby, 80’), Belmont (Kasvosve, 80’)
Subs Not Used: Jensen, Newnham-Reeve
Goalscorers:
Bookings: Brett
Referee: Alan Young
Attendance: 599 (46 away fans)