| Cambridge United | 1-1 | Rochdale |
| Finney 16' | Gouck 64' | |
| Att: 2,703 |
United line-up: Barrett, Matthew Joseph, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Finney, Taylor (Barnwell 79), Butler, Rees.
Subs Not Used: Hayes, Rodosthenous.
Booked: Butler.
Ref: D Orr (Iver).
[Keith Webb's match report] [Terry Wilby's match report] [The Abbey Rabbit comments] [Ben Mynott's match ratings]
Keith Webb's match report:
Yet more points thrown away due to abysmal indiscipline. Despite creating plenty of chances we managed to throw points away yet again through needlessly giving the ball away in midfield. I couldn't see which clown it was but I know that he had acres of time and space, whoever it was cannot even claim to have mishit the pass...he just did not look and kicked it straight to a Rochdale player who managed to win a corner from the ensuing break and, although the corner was cleared, there was nothing Barrett could do when the follow up shot took a wicked deflection and ended up in the net.
United never really got going at all and only played well in patches although it was good to see Matt Joseph back in the team and Martin Butler ran his socks off all match. A game we could have won but a game we could so easily have lost as well and although the luck was against us in attack we very lucky in defence particularly in the first half when most of Rochdale's attacks stemmed not from them winning the ball but from us actually giving it away.
We seem to be the team against whom other 'ordinary' sides 'turn the corner' when they meet us and the fact that that was only Rochdale's second away goal and their first away point of the season just about sums up the last few weeks of the season for us. What price Rocastle to score for Hull against us on Tuesday night??
Keith
Terry Wilby's match report:
Yet another game that we should have won easily. We made a number of good chances mostly in the first half attacking the Abbey, yet either couldn't get a shot on target or had it saved. Matt Joseph and Steve Finney both started, Rees moved to number 11.
We had the better of the first half, creating quite a few good chances from some quick passing. Rochdale also looked good with their passing game, but didn't really trouble in the same way that we did. One particular time the ball went one way then the other across the back line, Wilson fed Shaggy who passed to Butler, who beat the defender and crossed for Finney to score from about 1 yard. It may be coincidence, but I don't think Rees touched the ball.
Shaggy was winning a lot in the air, Butler and Finney were looking for the knock downs. Campbell almost scored when a long cross to the back post was volleyed goalwards, but the keeper made a reflex save. In fact their 'keeper, Lance Key (was from Cambridge, and is a relation of Richard Key, our keeper of a few years ago. I think he got a "Save of the Season" award for a save at Luton) made a number of saves. Their best chance came after Scott Barrett was slow out of his area going for a kick towards the touch-line that went about 10 yards, the Rochdale player shot but the ball just clipped the bar. There were a couple of other occasions when Scott was a bit slow to react.
In the second half we never got going, although we didn't really look like conceding a goal, so it was no surprise that they equalised with a shot from outside the area that was deflected in the side off Foster's head. With 10 minutes left Barnwell came on for Taylor, soon after he had a good chance from a few yards out but failed to kick the ball!
The referee had a poor game, in the first half there was a 50-50 ball between Butler and Key which Butler got. The referee at first allowed play to go on, then as Butler fell injured blew the whistle. He then booked Butler because Key injured his hand!
Rees was very poor, how he keeps his place is beyond me. If Preece can't play then I would prefer Billy Beall or Williamson. I don't think Billy has given the ball away as much in his whole career as Rees did in the game on Saturday. We need a big centre forward if Shaggy cannot play. Butler was my Man of the Match, trying to make things happen. Finney showed a few skilful touches, and could be quite a catch. Wanless kept running as always, the defence coped fairly well. Wilson was very good, particularly his crossing in open play and from corners. Foster showed he has some skill, there was one occasion where he disguised a back heel superbly.
Why is the Abbey Rabbit sign at the Allotments end partially covered up?
Ratings: Barrett 5, Matt Joseph 6, Wilson 7, Marc Joseph 5, Foster 6, Campbell 7, Wanless 7, Finney 7, Taylor 7 (Barnwell 6), Butler 8, Rees 3
Terry.
The Abbey Rabbit comments:
Despite creating several chances in the first-half, the controlled passing and incisive play of Rochdale was always worthy of a point. We were awful second-half, especially when Matt Joseph began to tire. We have no creative midfield outlet and I have to agree that on his current "form" Rees shouldn't even get a game in the reserves. I'd rather we played Williamson (who at least looks as if he can be bothered) and if Preece isn't going to last the pace then we need to get a creative midfielder and instill some urgency in our game. If results continue as they have of late, it is going to be a long, hard winter...
Barrett 6 Looked unsteady at times. Couldn't do anything about the goal though.
Matt Joseph 5 Not as influential a return as most would have hoped/expected.
Wilson 7 Pick of the back 5 - by a mile!
Marc Joseph 4.5 Part of a very shaky back three.
Campbell 5 Scores slightly higher as he always tried hard, and was unlucky not
to score with his volley.
Foster 4.5 Doesn't seem to try now he's got a contract.
Wanless 7.5 Put in a lot of work, both defensively and in attack.
Rees 4 Donkey yet again!! He did a few very good things, but lost possession
and generally had a 'mare far too often.
Butler 8.5 My MoM. Was a constant threat, set up the goal and was unlucky not
to score himself. He also tracked back well and pulled his weight in
defense.
Taylor 5 His touch let him down far too often.
Finney 7 Played well, but was often sucked out wide where he was largely
ineffective. Would do some good work but lacked the final killer ball.
Sub:
Barnwell 5 Had a very good chance that he tapped to their keeper!
Ben.
Many thanks to Keith, Terry,Steve and Ben for their reports and ratings.
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