Cambridge United were unable to extend their gap inside the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion zone as they were dealt a last-gasp 1-2 defeat to Grimsby Town at the Cledara Abbey Stadium…
An open, end-to-end first half saw Kieran Green head home the opener for the Mariners, but the U’s responded well as Ben Knight levelled matters with his 10th strike of the season. The goalscorer had the opportunity to secure the turnaround on the hour mark from the penalty spot, but Jackson Smith denied, giving the visitors the impetus to snatch maximum points in injury time through Cameron McJannet to force a first home defeat in 18.
Five days on from grinding out a goalless draw against promoted Bromley at Hayes Lane, Neil Harris named two changes to his side as Jack Walton and the injured Shayne Lavery made way for Jake Eastwood and Louis Appere.
Eager to kick off back-to-back home matches by advancing closer to their task of a five-point requirement for promotion, just two defeats from 29 was an indication of their progression and confidence. Standing in their way were a Grimsby outfit with play-off aspirations, who have hit form at the right time thanks to three victories from four – capitalising on this game in hand with a win would rise them into the top seven.
Determined to continue their string of front-footed introductions, the U’s were first to probe on the 3rd minute when a delivery fell to Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu inside the box – the midfielder was first to react to it by pulling the trigger, but the shot was blocked on the six-yard line.
Up the other end, the Mariners’ attacking nous was evident. A headed flick-on released veteran Andy Cook in on goal, but the striker opted for goal at the first opportunity from range, which was hacked wide of the mark.
An end-to-end start dished up a promising move on the 11th minute when Adam Mayor twisted and turned past Harvey Rodgers down the left before whipping in a delivery to Sullay Kaikai inside the penalty area – ultimately he couldn’t get the placement on it as the chance lashed against the side netting.
Following a misplaced defensive pass, the visitors looked to punish when Justin Amaluzor picked the pocket of James Gibbons and squared to Green. The attempt was slotted low, but Eastwood was on hand to deny with a stern block.
On 22, deadlock was broken by Grimsby when a delivery from Reece Staunton down the left-hand side was matched by the head of Green, who powered in the opener.
United’s response was a calm one, safe with the knowledge that time was on their side to win back the momentum. Carrying their set-piece threat, a Kaikai corner just after the half hour mark was flicked at by Kell Watts and perfect for a diving Mamadou Jobe at the back post, but his effort struck the woodwork.
Growing as the half progressed, Cambridge’s efforts were rewarded five minutes from the break as they levelled matters. Utilising vision and speed, Appere slipped in a marauding Mayor on the left with a pinpoint through ball, where the winger did well to get to the cross on the line and spot a lurking Knight who was there to nestle in a controlled close-range shot.
All in all, it was a fitting conclusion to an entertaining first 45, where the U’s had shown grit and determination to fight back and end with the momentum in their favour.
Remaining in the same ascendency, the encounter was very much up for grabs for both sides. United looked to play it around the park but the visitors maintained a similar energy to press, which resulted in half-chances for Cook – drilled wide of the post – and Jaze Kabia, blazing over the woodwork from an angle.
On the 57th minute, the U’s were left to rue a golden opportunity to claim the lead when Kaikai was fouled inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Knight stepped up, but was unable to continue his perfect record from 12 yards as Smith stayed firm to save with his foot.
Determined not to let the setback dampen their attacking outlet, Knight responded by finding the pocket of space to drive forward, where he teed up Mayor from a far angle in the box, but the winger generated too much height as it sailed over the crossbar.
With the clock ticking down, a double switch was on the cards as Harris introduced Elliott Nevitt and Korey Smith, whilst James Brophy also entered the fray shortly after.
On 79, the U’s received a major let-off when Amaluzor held the ball up well from a throw and fired an effort from 20 yards which creeped inches wide.
With eight minutes of additional time indicated, perseverance was required with the match firmly in the balance, but the killer blow was dealt deep into the night when a corner was played in and Cambridge were unable to clear their lines, resulting in McJannet seeing the ball through the line to consign the hosts to a first home defeat since September.
With two matches to play, United remained in 3rd position with a one-point cushion from their rivals in a congested table that reads at just five points from themselves and Chesterfield in 8th heading into a dramatic final week of the campaign.
Up next, a sold-out Abbey welcomes relegation-battling Barrow on Saturday afternoon (25th April) for the last home league game of the season.
Cambridge United: Eastwood, Bennett (McConnell, 90+3’), Jobe, Watts, Gibbons, Ball, Mpanzu (Knight, 72’), Mayor (Brophy, 79’), Knight, Kaikai, Appere (Nevitt, 72’)
Subs Not Used: Hughes, Purrington, Morrison
Goalscorers: Knight (40’)
Bookings:
Grimsby Town: Smith, Staunton (Sweeney, 90+2’), McJannet, Kacurri, Rodgers, Turi (Walker, 68’), Oduor (Warren, 88’), Green (Vernam, 68’), Kabia, Amaluzor, Cook
Subs Not Used: Pym, Burns, Soonsup-Bell
Goalscorers: Green (22’), McJannet (90+3’)
Bookings: Turi, Kacurri
Referee: Thomas Parsons
Attendance: 7,779 (1,032 away fans)
