Cambridge United’s blistering run of form in Sky Bet League Two continued into 2026 as they made it 10 unbeaten courtesy of a 2-0 win against Walsall at a bumper Cledara Abbey Stadium…
Patience was required in a first half which was controlled by the visitors, but the U’s made it count on the stroke of half-time as Ben Knight slotted home. Coming out of the blocks firing, the number 14 grabbed the all-important second shortly after with a delightful chip, before Jake Eastwood saved a late penalty to secure his 12th clean sheet of the season as United rose to 5th in the table.
Following on from the statement victory at Chesterfield three days earlier, Neil Harris named four changes to his XI as Zeno Ibsen Rossi made his first league start of the season, Dom Ball his first start since suffering a knee injury in early November and Sullay Kaikai and Knight were also selected from the off.
A compelling way to kick off the year between two of the in-form sides of the division, the U’s had gone from strength to strength in recent weeks, with the well-oiled machine unbeaten in 13 in all competitions and with just the solitary home defeat to their name. Five points and places above them sat the visitors, fancied by many for a promotion charge and looking to get back on track after defeat to Oldham Athletic last time out was their first in seven.
Danger man Daniel Kanu was quick to apply the afterburners during the 1st minute when Jamie Jellis’ lofted ball was raced at by the Charlton Athletic loanee, who showed good athleticism to get behind the defence and attempt a dink from inside the area, but it couldn’t generate the height as it lashed against the side netting.
The Saddlers were on top in the early proceedings, exploiting on both flanks and keeping United alert and busy to clear their lines at high frequencies. When the hosts were in possession, Walsall very quick to press with intensity and almost force mistakes, with a good moment falling their way on 17 when Kanu was in a footrace with Ibsen Rossi and would have been in a one-on-one position if it wasn’t for a fine, last-ditch lunge from the centre-back.
Straight up the other end, the U’s countered through Knight, whose incisive pass was picked out by James Brophy on the left – he was quick to square to Kaikai from 12 yards out, but the chance went begging as he got a touch but couldn’t find the connection.
On the half hour mark, Jamille Matt was forced off after going down unchallenged for the second time, with fellow striker Aaron Pressley replacing him during a period of calmness in the game, with Cambridge yet to mark their authority or create any moments to test Myles Roberts between the sticks.
Nonetheless, defensively they were doing well to cancel Mat Sadler’s side out. On the 40th minute, Walsall advanced play well as Ryan Finnigan progressed to Kanu, but just as he was about to pull the trigger he was denied by a superb tackle from Liam Bennett to force a corner. The resulting set-piece was met by the head of Jid Okeke, but it was pawed behind by Eastwood.
Although chances were few and far between for Cambridge, they made their first golden moment count as they broke deadlock during additional time. Appere’s chasing and hustling to create pressure in the backline saw Brophy pounce into space and tee up Knight on a plate who stroked home the opener before wheeling away in front of the South Stand.
There was still time to almost extend the advantage on the stroke of the break as a dangerous, inswinging corner across the six-yard box was glanced to Mamadou Jobe from yards out at the back post, but his header tapped the post. It was almost the perfect conclusion to a first half where the U’s had to dig deep and be patient, but ultimately had found a way and now had a lead to protect.
Seven minutes into the second half, Knight was on a hat-trick after a moment of magic gave his side breathing space. Released by Appere’s floated ball, the attacker showed blistering pace to run into the final third and, after spotting Roberts off his line, executed a sublime chip into the net from over 20 yards.
Oozing confidence, the Knight show continued on the hour where he was agonisingly close to grabbing his third with a barnstorming attempt. Neat play down the left from Kell Watts saw him pick out a delivery to Knight, who hit a perfect overhead kick which clattered against the crossbar.
As a result of the two-goal cushion, the Saddlers started to probe by pouring forwards and peppering the U’s rearguard, who to a man remained resolute and physical.
A double swap in the middle of the park in Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and George Hoddle, before Ben Purrington and Shayne Lavery also received minutes, helped energise the group as they hunted more control.
On the 75th minute, Kanu did well to wriggle his way through despite being under pressure, but his shot whilst falling was an easy claim for Eastwood.
Five minutes later, Kaikai showcased power and trickery as he glided past two men with skill before releasing Lavery on the right-hand side of the penalty area. The angle was narrowing, but the forward got his shot away which drilled across the face of goal and wide.
With 88 minutes on the clock, a nervy ending was almost set up as Walsall received a penalty after Courtney Clarke was adjudged to have been fouled inside the area. Up stepped Aaron Pressley, but the in-form Eastwood – for the third time this campaign – guessed correctly to save from the spot by diving to his right and sending CB5 into another rapture of cheers.
It was plain sailing here for the hosts, who saw the new year in with a third victory in four, a 14th match without defeat and a rendition of coconuts as their ascension up the league ladder continued.
Up next, a tight turnaround sees CB5 host another league fixture on Sunday (4th January) when Grimsby Town make the journey down – be sure to secure your place and get behind the boys.
Cambridge United: Eastwood, Ibsen Rossi, Jobe, Watts, Bennett, McLoughlin (Mpanzu, 64’), Ball (Hoddle, 64’), Brophy (Purrington, 72’), Knight (Kachunga, 80’), Kaikai, Appere (Lavery, 72’)
Subs Not Used: Hughes, Gibbons
Goalscorers: Knight (45+1’, 52’)
Bookings:
Walsall: Roberts, Browne, Flint, Weir, Barrett (Adomah, 68’), Jellis (Clarke, 68’), Lakin, Finnigan (Comley, 81’), Okeke, Matt (Pressley, 30’), Kanu (Harper, 81’)
Subs Not Used: Hornby, Cox
Goalscorers:
Bookings: Browne
Referee: Wayne Cartmel
Attendance: 7277 (825 away fans)