Cambridge United were forced to settle for a point at the Toughsheet Community Stadium as late drama in Sky Bet League One saw Bolton Wanderers nick a 2-2 draw at the death…
An industrious start in Manchester was rewarded when Josh Stokes headed home the opener with just three minutes on the clock. Although John McAtee levelled matters, Elias Kachunga immediately put his side back ahead with his sixth of the season. It looked to be enough to separate the outfits as the U’s continued to show grit and determination, but a late own goal denied what would have been a deserved first victory of the year.
Recuperated following a two-week break from action, Garry Monk named four changes to the XI that took to the field in the slender defeat against Bristol Rovers last time out. Goalkeeper Marko Marosi came in for his Club debut, whilst Kell Watts, Ryan Loft and Dan Barton were handed starts in the absence of the suspended Michael Morrison and injured pair Dan Nlundulu and Korey Smith. Elsewhere, a youthful bench consisted of five current/former Academy prospects.
Determined to start on the front foot, the U’s orchestrated an excellent opportunity within the opening seconds. After beating Ricardo Santos for pace, lone striker Ryan Loft was blatantly fouled from an inviting angle outside of the area – allowing Danny Andrew to whip in a delivery to the far post which Kachunga headed over the crossbar.
A carbon copy move on the 3rd minute resulted in a momentum-generating early opener for Monk’s men. Applying heaps of pressure, Loft’s strength yet again won a free-kick deep down the right, which was flicked at by Kachunga and parried by Luke Southwood, who could only paw into the path of Stokes as the loanee craned an inch-perfect header into the net.
It was just the application United needed off the back of five successive defeats, as they remained good value for their lead against an extremely restless home support who were frustrated by the visitors’ energy and ability to close off all avenues.
On the 12th minute, the Trotters conjured their first attempt of the afternoon when Hungarian Szabolcs Schon showcased tricky feet to beat his full-back in the box before drilling a low attempt at the near post, but Marosi had it covered as it went wide.
Shortly after, centre-back George Johnston was able to swing at a recycled corner from 20 yards, but he got his half-volley all wrong as it sailed high. Although Ian Evatt’s side were accumulating the possession, they were yet offer any final third danger.
That was until the 33rd minute when, against the run of play, Joel Randall carried the ball with intensity and cut wide to Schon on the left, whose first-time cross was prodded home by McAtee from a matter of yards.
United’s response? Simply going up the other end and immediately reclaiming their one-goal advantage. Advancing play with a determined run, James Brophy found Barton in space, who in turn teed up Stokes with a clever pass – the goalscorer turned into provider as he cut back to Kachunga who lashed past his former club via the crossbar.
Ultimately, this had knocked the stuffing out of the hosts, which suited the U’s just fine as they saw out the half in a professional and comfortable manner.
The Wanderers opted with a more direct approach after the break and certainly saw plenty of action where it mattered. On 54, Aaron Collins touched down with his chest and picked out an ambitious 20-yard shot, but Marosi – as he had done all afternoon – cleaned up with assurance.
The Slovakian performed some heroics just after the hour mark to keep Cambridge’s lead intact. Substitute Jordi Osei-Tutu won the ball down the right wing and cut towards Aaron Collins inside the six-yard box, who had time to take a touch and pull the trigger, but Marosi remained big to deny.
As the clock ticked down, there was intent from the hosts as they introduced attackers Klaidi Lolos and Victor Adeboyejo to the field, whilst Brandon Njoku was on for the U’s – who would need to help dig in.
Despite the barrage of pressure, United continued to be first to it when dealing with deliveries into the box and got plenty of men behind the ball. With them pegged back, Lolos looked to capitaise on the 81st minute as he wriggled into space but with the outside of his boot, he guided wide of Marosi’s right post from 20 yards.
Just as victory looked destined, Monk’s side were on the receiving end of heartbreak at the death as George Thomason’s cross was deflected home by the unfortunate boot of Zeno Ibsen Rossi to ensure a share of the spoils.
Up next, Cambridge return to the Abbey next Saturday (25th January) when they take on Mansfield Town in an early kick-off – be sure to back the boys.
Bolton Wanderers: Southwood, Johnston, Jones (Sheehan, 74’), Santos (Forrester, 46’), Morley, Dacres-Cogley (Osei-Tutu, 58’), Randall (Lolos, 69’), Thomason, Schon, Collins, McAtee (Adeboyejo, 69’)
Subs Not Used: Baxter, Matete
Goalscorers: McAtee (33’), OG (89’)
Bookings: Collins, McAtee, Sheehan
Cambridge United: Marosi, Watts, Ibsen Rossi, Andrew, Bennett, Cousins, Brophy, Barton, Kachunga (Longelo, 77’), Stokes, Loft (Njoku, 64’)
Subs Not Used: Stevens, McConnell, Hoddle, Holmes, Munday
Goalscorers: Stokes (3’), Kachunga (35’)
Bookings: Kachunga, Andrew
Referee: Tom Nield