Cambridge United vs Norwich City

Cambridge Utd: Barrett (Gayle 66), Chenery, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Murphy, Campbell, Williamson (Wilde 82), Rees (Beall 82), Kyd (Taylor 64), Butler (Benjamin 64), Preece (Hayes 64).

[Jon Mansfield's match report] [Gareth Challis' match report] [Fred Berry's match report]

Jon Mansfield's match report:
A crowd of just over 2,600 saw an entertaining match between two teams intent on playing good passing football. United dominated for long periods of the game making Norwich's full strength side look like the lower division team, with Kyd and Butler lively up front, United cut through the first division outfit on numerous occasions, only heroics from City keeper Andy Marshall keeping them in the game. Kyd went close on three occasions forcing save after save, when finally Marshall was beaten the post came to his rescue.

The midfield trio of Preece, Rees and Williamson hustled and bustled for every loose ball. City took the lead against the run of play when Keith O'Neill converted a header from a right wingd cross just inside Barrett's right hand upright, O'Neill reportedly being watched by Newcastle seemed to have some kind of chip on his shoulder through out the game, taking great pride in taunting the Newmarket Road End as his goal put the Canaries ahead, but justice was done as Mike Walker decided to do without his services with him being substituted in the second half. United again went close on several occasions with Marshall saving with his chest from Butler midway throught the second half, then a crunching challenge from Marshall on a 50-50 ball ended Butler's evening, forcing a double substitution with Kyd and Butler being replaced by Benjamin and Shaggy.

The biggest cheer of the evening came when the out of contract Scott Barrett was substituted for Mark Gayle mid way through the second half, the patience of the Cambridge public wearing thin, Chants of "Cambridge's No 1" echoed round for Mark Gayle, as he took his position between the sticks.

Hayes, Beall and Wilde were introduced late on and it was Wilde who chipped a through ball into the box which was handled by the City defender, the referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot, it was a penalty that United thoroughly deserved, Taylor stepping up to plant the ball high to the right sending Marshall the wrong way to level the scores. United still had chances late on for the winner Wilde chasing a through ball that again was well claimed by the brave Marshall.

Defensively United coped very well with the departure of Jody Craddock to Sunderland, Campbell, Murphy and Mark Joseph looked comfortable at the back with the two full backs Wilson and Cheenery coping admirably, the main threat from City was the always lively Darren Eadie.

If tonights game is anything to go by then we can look forward to an interesting season, come on Roy, Sign Butler on.

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Gareth Challis' match report:
Just what the hell is going on ?! Cambridge outplayed what looked like a full-strength Norwich side for much of the game and were only really troubled when Darren Eadie ran at the defence. Right from the start it looked like it would be a good game, as first United skimmed the outside of the post (not sure who's shot it was), and then a minute later, Eadie pulled a good save out of Barrett.

Then came three excellent chances all falling to Kyd. He was put through for the first chance as United continually scythed through the defence. Perhaps he should have scored, but his shot beat the keeper, bounced off the post and across the goalmouth before being cleared. Two other efforts followed in quick succession, one way wide of the post and other sky high over the crossbar. Things were beginning to look good ...

The first goal of the night came from the rather smug Keith O'Neill, who got his head to a cross which didn't look to be doing anything. It was the perfect header, straight into the corner past Barrett who was unsighted by one his own players (Campbell?) who should have dealt with the original cross.

United went close on numerous occassions and really ruled the show coming forward. Kyd was excellent and was the core of a lot of the attacking play, as was Rees who made up for his dire performance against Luton. I wouldn't say the U's dominated, maybe it's too strong a word. Norwich never really looked like producing another goal, although United had Barrett to thank for an excellent point-blank save in the first half.

The second half was Rees go close with two excellent chip/lob shots, Preece with a similar effort, Kyd with two well-placed crosses, one just eluding the outstretched boot of Butler. On 64 minutes, while Kyd was receiving treatment for what looked like cramp, Butler received an accidental two-footed kick in the face by Marshall in the Norwich goal as both players went in for a 50-50 ball. Butler went off to loud applause and calls of "Sign Him Up!" ... Kyd also was sub'ed and on come Taylor and big Trev.

For a few minutes United continued to press, but then Norwich began to get back into the game briefly and it really looked evident that Taylor and Benjamin shouldn't be our joint strikeforce upfront. Norwich were never really going anywhere, and it wasn't long before United started pressing them back into their own half.

Finally, United got the deserved rewards for all their hard work. Adam Wilde who was impressive in the 8 minutes he played, which seemed to consist of pushing up behind the front two, tried to chip the ball into Benjamin's path - the defender handled and the ref didn't hesistate in giving a penalty. Taylor's shot finally beat the Norwich keeper who had an excellent game keeping United out. Perfectly placed in the top corner.

United deserved more ... but we look good. Maybe Kyd, if he can last 90 minutes, could be the man we need up front week-in, week-out that can run, shoot and score goals. Unfortunately Taylor and Butler are more of your tap-in type of guys. Benjamin, for all his running and effort, is somewhere in between. You don't expect him to take on players, as Stevie Claridge and Carlo Corazzin did in recent seasons. Personally I'd like to see Kyd and Benjamin up front with Barnwell playing just behind them with the freedom of the pitch ... that's assuming we don't sign Butler.

Team:

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Fred Berry's match report:
A well earned draw in which United could have won against a full strength Norwich team.

We could have been 4-0 up by half time, the midfield partnership of Preece and Rees were slicing through the Norwich defence. Kyd was put through on goal twice, the first time his shot hit the post after many thought it was in. The second time he squandered his shot wide. Wilson fired over from 4 yrds after a Kyd cross went through the whole of the Norwich defence.

Norwich were quiet but a superb goal by Keith O'Neill silenced the U's supporters. A cross from the left was met by a superb diving header from 20yrds out sizzling in the back of the net. That ended a exciting first half.

The second half was about even. There were no clear chances but Butler, challenging for a low ball got kicked in the face by a oncoming Andy Marshall. He was subbed for Hayes. Benjamin, Taylor, Wilde and Beall all came on as well. Rees had a long shot saved and Davey Williamson tried a superb 40 yrd lob that almost paid off.

Barrett came off for Gale and as he walked off was booed by the north terrace. On came Gayle to the chants of "Cambridge's No.1".

Our goal came in the dying minutes as Benjamin tried rounding a defender who made a handball in the area. Taylor stepped up and shot a great penalty into the top corner.

Ratings: Barrett 6, Chenery 6.5, Wilson 7, Joseph 7.5, Murphy 7, Campbell 7, Williamson 7, Rees 7.5, Kyd 8, Butler 7, Preece 8 MOM, Subs: Gayle 6, Wilde 6, Beall 6, Taylor 7, Hayes 6, Benjamin 6.

Many thanks to Jon, Gareth and Fred for their match reports.

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