| West Bromwich Albion | 2-1 (AET) | Cambridge United |
| Hunt 86' | Butler 13' | |
| Sneekes 103' | ||
| Att: 10,264 |
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson (Benjamin 105), Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Rees, Kyd (Matt Joseph 98), Butler, Williamson (Taylor 55).
Booked: Wilson 55 (foul).
Jon Mansfield's match report:
It was just not to be our night, a mighty impressive display from a determined United side who were beaten (?) by high flying Albion in a 2 hour thriller. After a shaky opening 7 or 8 minutes United adapted well to the unfamiliar surroundings and although never took control of the game they looked solid in defence, and very dangerous on the break. United took the lead on 13 minutes with a quick break from midfield, Kyd unleashed a fierce shot which was only parried by Nigel Spink in the Albion goal, the ball was looping into the top left corner of the net but was headed off the line by Holmes, Kyd hit a spectacular overhead kick which was again saved but not held by Spink, the ball dropping this time to Butler to ram the ball home from six yards (His first for United). The 350(?) or so United fans when absolutely wild ( If you could capture moments like that, bottle and sell them you would make a fortune..)
Albion again took the game to United, but for all their possession failed to penetrate the United defence on many occasions, when they did they were foiled by a string of excellent saves from Scott Barrett. On 25 minutes the referee (By now realising this wasn't in the script) awarded Albion a penalty for alleged hand ball in the box against Marc Joseph, unfortunately he was the only person out of 10,264 to see it, everybody else including ourselves some 175yds away could see that he clearly headed the ball away, but despite the protests it was given. It was nice to see that true sportsmanship still exsists even in football, as Andy Hunt (Have I spelt that right?) steps up and side foots the ball 2 feet wide of Scotty's right hand post (JUSTICE!!!! and more ecstatic U's fan's)
United soaked up lots of pressure for the whole match, but looked extremely dangerous on the counter attack with both Kyd and Butler breaking away quickly, and holding the ball up well when awaiting support in the box. Late in the first half United forced three good saves from Spink, Kyd broke free one on one but was'nt able to get much power into his shot with the Albion defender breathing down his neck, and Kyd again forced an excellent fingertip save from Spink, this time a header destined for the top left hand corner. Butler also had a good claim for a penalty turned down as he stopped the ball in the box layed it off slightly, was about to turn and hit it and had his standing leg taken away from him (not obscure enough for this ref though) . Chenery had a shot pushed over the bar one handed in the dying moments of the half.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first if anything United coping with the Albion attack slightly better, with some solid defending on the 18 yard line. Occasionally Albion got behind our defence but many times crosses were wasted particularly from the right, much to the delight of the United fans behind that goal. United still looked dangerous on the break and came close to scoring with nearly every attack, the addition of Shaggy for Williamson causing problems.
With 4 minutes of normal time left the pressure was finally converted into a goal by Albions penalty supremo (not!) Andy Hunt, he picked the ball up 20 yds out, turned and hit a stinging shot which took a very slight deflection past Barrett. Thus pushing the game into extra-time.
Extra time and the fear that United would tire was unfounded as we still pushed forward, probably the more attacking in the early stages. Kyd was replaced by Matty Joseph on 98 minutes, but this game still had a bitter twist in store. Richard Sneekes was hovering over the ball as it rolled towards the dead ball line in the box, Campbell made slight (with the emphasis on SLIGHT) contact with him and over he went, the referee having a job to contain himself as he rushed over and pointed to the spot, it was unclear whether the ball was still actually in play as he went over. This time Sneekes made no mistake ramming home the penalty.
Bruno was thrown on for the last 15 minutes and caused problems with several chances going begging, he forced two good saves from Spink then a great ball in behind the defence from Rees fell to Shaggy who looked favorite to score but could not get enough power into his shot.
All in all we didn't deserve to lose the match, if it had gone to penalties I don't think we would have won, not against Spink in that kind of form, but the first penalty given to Albion was probably the worst penalty decision I have ever seen , or even likely to see. The second slightly more dubious Sneekes certainly made the most of it, that sort of thing happens in most games and the referee just gives a goal kick and tells the forward to get up. But if we play half as good as this for the rest of the season I'll be happy.
Barrett (8) Several excellent saves Chenery (7) Better than of late Marc Joseph (8) Solid and confident Foster (9) Words alone cannot describe (Sign him on!!) Campbell (7) Looking good, different player this time around Wilson (7) Better, still not captured last seasons form Rees (7) Played some excellent crosses to far post Wanless (8) Ran his socks off Williamson (8) Nice to see midfielder run at defenders Butler (8) Best game so far, put himself about well Kyd (9) Used his pace well, looks stronger this year Taylor (8) Caused defenders lots of problem Benjamin (7) Scared C**p out of defenders Matt Joseph (6) Never adjusted to the pace of the game
P.S How do you pronounce Richard ( Drop your shoulder ) Sneekes is it Snekas or Sneeeks, I suggest the latter suits his style of play better.!!!
Many thanks to Jon for his match report.
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