Cambridge United’s second match in their Vertu Trophy group resulted in a topsy-turvy 3-2 defeat against Barnet at the Hive…
The visitors were dealt an early blow just seconds into the meeting against their fellow fourth tier opponents as Lee Ndlovu capitalised to slot home. Mamadou Jobe forced an own goal and Elias Kachunga got on the end of a free-kick to turn the tie on its head, but the Bees rallied late on in the evening to come from behind thanks to goals from Britt Assombalonga and Emmanuel Osadebe to ensure the U’s fate will be decided during the final Southern Group H meeting in a fortnight.
Following on from the 2-1 victory against Bromley three days earlier, Neil Harris freshened up his pack by naming a completely different starting XI. The Head Coach reverted back to the team that beat Luton Town in the opening group stage fixture, with the only change being Zak Bradshaw coming in for Ben Purrington.
Just like on Saturday, a rapid start to proceedings yielded the opening goal within the first minute – this time the U’s were on the receiving end. A defensive header from Liam Bennett back to his goalkeeper was undercooked, allowing Ndlovu to latch onto it, race into the box and place past Ben Hughes.
Once the visitors found their feet, they gained the equaliser on the 19th minute when James Brophy’s corner floated to Jobe inside the middle of the area, whose powerful header looked on target but Oli Hawkins’ deflection wrong-footed Cieran Slicker between the sticks who could only watch it nestle in.
Now on the front foot and playing at a decent tempo, Cambridge weren’t overly far from securing a rapid comeback a couple of minutes later when Glenn McConnell squared to a central Brophy from 20 yards out, whose quick touch and shot took a crucial nick behind for a corner from Kane Smith.
On the half an hour mark, Ben Knight was attacking the final third with full throttle – just as he was about to enter, he was clumsily brought down by Osadebe, who entered the book. Stepping up from an enticing position, the summer signing thundered his free-kick into the back of the net, which appeared to go in via Kachunga.
Suddenly, the U’s were in cruise control. On 34, they were desperately unlucky not to have a third when Brophy’s deep cross from the left was touched down well by Kachunga, who hit it well with his left foot but was denied by the post.
Attempting to reclaim a foothold, Dean Brennan’s side looked to make something happen through Ben Winterburn on the 41st minute, who showcased trickery to beat a man and pull the trigger from 25 yards, but his drilled effort lashed just wide of Hughes’ right post.
Into added time, there was a moment of controversy where Barnet were concerned as Ndlovu raced towards goal after being picked out by Osadebe, but as he looked to take it around the shot stopper he went down. Despite his protests, referee Sam Mulhall soon ruled out the penalty shout.
One change apiece for both sides at the break saw goalscorer Ndlovu make way for Romoney Crichlow, whereas Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu came on for Harris’ men, replacing Korey Smith who had accumulated another useful 45 minutes in the tank.
In what had been a composed start to the second period, the U’s felt in control albeit were limited to little chances. Shortly after being introduced on the hour, Kylian Kouassi flicked a header to Kachunga, with the referee doing well to spot some shirt pulling to award a free-kick on the edge of the area. This time, Knight’s effort was high and wide.
On 67, a really instinctive pass from Osadebe helped tee up new signing Assombalonga – making his debut following a midweek move from Turkey – 12 yards out, but the flag was up just as his shot was well-stopped by the reactions of Hughes.
Five minutes later, the experienced Assombalonga proved his prowess as a threaded pass from defender Romoney Crichlow cut open the defence to allow the striker to execute a shot from an angle to level the scoring.
In response, the U’s brought on some firepower and continued to accumulate the opportunities when Adam Mayor crossed towards Kachunga, but the header at goal from close range lacked power.
On the 83rd minute, Cambridge almost won it when Sullay Kaikai scampered out wide and switched to a lone Mpanzu inside the area, who hit it tremendously well but Slicker performed an excellent save.
There was still time for drama when, on the cusp of injury time, Assombalonga linked up with Osadebe, with the former United man showing good feet before executing a pinpoint strike which hit the post and trickled in to hand the Bees the points and deny the U’s the chance of progressing on the evening.
Up next, they’ll look to register back-to-back league wins for the first time this season on Saturday (25th October) when they do battle with Notts County at Meadow Lane – be sure to back the boys.
Barnet: Slicker, Smith, Kensdale, Hawkins, Galvin, Adeniran (Siaw, 41’), Shelton, Osadebe, Winterburn, Ndlovu (Crichlow, 46’), Assombalonga
Subs Not Used: Wright, Matejko, Liwala-Lukizalamo, Colorado
Goalscorers: Ndlovu (01’), Assombalonga (72’), Osadebe (90’)
Bookings: Osadebe, Crichlow
Cambridge United: Hughes, Bennett, Jobe, Ibsen Rossi, Bradshaw, Smith (Mpanzu, 46’), Hoddle, Knight (Kaikai, 77’), McConnell (Mayor, 77’), Brophy (Kouassi, 62’), Kachunga
Subs Not Used: Briggs, Watts, Gibbons
Goalscorers: Hawkins OG (19’), Kachunga (32’)
Bookings: Bradshaw
Referee: Sam Mulhall
Attendance: 692 (167 away fans)
