U18S overcome FA Youth Cup exit with 4-0 win
Cambridge United Under 18s overcame the disappointment of last week’s FA Youth Cup exit against Stevenage on penalties with a comprehensive Youth Alliance League victory played at St Neots Town FC.
The game, played on a wet but excellent playing surface, began at a good tempo and soon saw the U’s take the lead. As early as the fifth minute a deep cross from the right hand side from Dylan Williams was superbly headed back across the goal by Matthew Foy to strike partner Jordan Brown, whose well timed touch and spin was followed by slamming the ball in to the roof of the net.
United grew further into the game with a committed and intense performance hassling the Stevenage players at every opportunity, determined to regain the ball at the earliest opportunity. A succession of set plays finally led to an in swinging Josh Emmins corner being headed home by Jake Chambers-Shaw to double the lead midway through the half.
Emmins then added a third on the half hour, finishing at the back post after another Williams cross failed to be cleared and the scholars stayed in control for the remainder of the half limited the visitors to few chances on goal.
The second half was an even affair, Stevenage starting brightly and looking to find a way back in to the game, but United continued to press the ball with enthusiasm and make it hard for the visitors to make their way up the pitch.
There were few chances for either side in the second period, with a number of disappointing moments after some encouraging build up play.
Justin Leavers added the fourth for the U’s chasing down the goal keeper on a back pass and poking the ball past the Stevenage stopper ten minutes from time.
The closing stages were controlled and United saw the game out and will have no doubt been delighted with the score line.
Mark Bonner said, “It’s obviously a good result and it was an energetic encouraging performance. We need to play with that intensity more often and every day in order to be able to make that our game.
“The boys managed the game well and had good control for large periods with some direct attacking play. Our passing and possession must improve to make better use of our moments of dominance and we can be brighter in the transitional phase upon regaining the ball.”
Team; Macree, Bell-Toxtle, Goddard, Jones, Burniston, Emmins, Chambers-Shaw, Williams, Lea, Brown (Leavers 60), Foy (Knowles 75). Not used; Iron, Boddey