Cambridge United Women defeated 3-0 at the hands of QPR in a soggy match at Loftus Road.
The U’s came into the game on the back of three big wins, including 2 league victories.
Their Hosts started the day 2 places above them in the League table, in 4th position, and unbeaten in the league since the start of January, a run of 3 games.
The game started slowly, both teams figuring how to manage the constant rain and slippery surface that made the ball skip. QPR tried to use the surface by playing long balls through, but the defence of Abbie Jackson and Lauren Rouse let little through.
It was the hosts who settled into the game quicker, finding space and time to string passes together. With 24 minutes gone the hosts found the lead. Some quick play on the left wing led to Jackson clearing a cross but only to the edge of the box where it was met with a first time shot. A wicked deflection took the ball away from Lauren Webb in the Cambridge goal to make it 1-0.
6 minutes later Rangers would make it two, another cross from the left led to a close range shot that was saved excellently by Webb, however the QPR striker was first to react and tap in the rebound.
Any early substitution would ideally have been avoided by Manager Darren Marjoram due to an already scarce bench, but his hands were forced when Mayzee Seymour unable to run off an earlier injury was replaced by Gisela Otten.
With 10 minutes to go in the first half, Ella Marden was forced off as well, a head injury ending her game, winger Ruth Fox her replacement. During the stoppage the U’s gathered to lift each other following a subdued opening half to their game, hoping to up their tempo and find a way back into the game.
Rangers continued to push to half time, hitting the bar on two occasions from range.
The half time whistle was relief for the U’s, as Manager Darren Marjoram would be able to gather his players and come back for the second half fighting. A final substitution at half time saw Harley-Jean Simpson introduced for Brooke Cheale-Ferris in an attacking change.
A major change in formation for the second half saw United have more of the ball higher up the pitch, reverting to a back three with more players advanced. This gave attacking players more options in the final third and more space in the midfield.
Despite the positive start to the half, a misplaced back pass was anticipated by a QPR player who rounded Webb to slot into an empty goal to make it 3-0 to the home team.
Despite the setback, the U’s continued to search for a goal. Serena cobb’s long range shot was gathered by the keeper before Abi Smith dragged her effort wide from 18 yards. With 15 minute left to go Fox found space in the box only to see her lobbed attempt tipped away by the onrushing keeper.
With 5 minutes left Cambridge found themselves with their best chance of the game. Smith blocked a defensive clearance with the ball falling to Simpson who found herself with only the keeper in front of her. Her first time effort nearly nestling in the top corner but was a few inches too high.
A spirited second half display from Cambridge but it wasn’t enough too little too late and QPR came out on top.
A quick turnaround for the U’s as they host London Seaward at St. Neots on Thursday night, with a 19:45 kick off.
Line Up: Webb, Seymour (Otten 29’), Rouse, Jackson, Cheale-Ferris (Simpson 45’), Edgar, Cobb, Smith, Marden (Fox 35’), Gillies, Stojko-Down.
Un-used Subs: Marjoram.
