Cambridge United sealed an instant return to winning ways in Sky Bet League One as they came from behind to dispatch Reading 2-1 at the Cledara Abbey Stadium…
Following a tricky first 45 minutes, the U’s found themselves a goal behind when the clinical Jack Marriott slotted in, but an encouraging second-half display saw them attack with real purpose as they sealed the comeback early on thanks to well-taken headers from Liam Bennett and Kell Watts.
A week on from being forced into a share of the spoils at Burton Albion, Neil Harris made two changes to his starting XI as Sullay Kaikai and Ra’ees Bangura-Williams came into the side for Isaac Heath and Zak Bradshaw, who both dropped to the bench.
Knocking on the door in their aspirations of a Championship return, the Royals had kick-started their fourth season away in free-scoring form, picking up seven points and bagging 11 goals. Two places and a point above them stood the U’s, who had been assuring and were out to make it three unbeaten.
In what was a lively start to proceedings – where Cambridge were keen to take the game to their opponents by getting the ball high up the pitch – they looked to latch onto some deliveries into the box but it was Reading who went closest after 16 minutes when Kyreece Lisbie flashed a header across the face of goal, but it was cleared away near the line.
Although they had been steady, the hosts were yet to muster up the opening golden opportunity despite endeavour prior to the half hour mark when Cathal Heffernan’s header was blocked behind for a corner and good link-up play down the left saw Bangura-Williams tee up Kaikai, who cut into the area and unleashed a curler but there was too much height on the strike.
Digging in when it mattered, an inviting corner from Lewis Wing floated towards Udoka Godwin-Malife at the back post, who was closing in and tapped towards goal but a crucial block on the line from Owen Moxon retained deadlock.
Moments after George Earthy marauded forwards and pulled the trigger which was stopped by a strong low stop from Jake Eastwood, the Royals found the breakthrough when United failed to clear a long ball, switching off and allowing Marriott to race in and delicately slot under the goalkeeper.
On the 39th minute, Leam Richardson’s side almost immediately doubled the advantage when neat work from the attacking trio resulted in Earthy picking out Lane, whose fierce shot required a stern prevention from Eastwood.
Ultimately for the U’s, it was about holding out for the break to allow them to recuperate following a half where they had created little and were yet to unlock a firm Reading defence.
As a result, the Head Coach opted with a double change for the second period as Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and Shayne Lavery were introduced in what appeared to be a switch in formation.
Forced deep within the opening couple of minutes, Lisbie cut back to Earthy who was denied by Heffernan’s block, before a quick counter saw Marriott try his luck from distance, with the rebound falling kindly to Lane who couldn’t get his angles right as it sailed over the woodwork.
On 51, the U’s sent the Newmarket Road End wild when they gained the equaliser thanks to a well-crafted cross from Callum Perry who floated towards Bennett at the back post, who picked out an excellent looping header over Joel Pereira and into the back of the net.
The clash had now opened up in an end-to-end fashion, with the hosts needing to remain physical and alert as the Royals caused panic on the break – this time it was livewire Lisbie again who drilled a clean shot which was inches wide of the far post.
With their tails up, Cambridge were out for blood. Kaikai tested his luck with a 20-yard strike, which rattled the post and required a paw from Pereira, but from here they recycled and found the lead as Mpanzu’s whipped cross was met by a super header from Watts, who angled it home from distance.
Desperate to dish up a response, Lisbie jinked inside the box and rattled the post to continue the dramatic start to the second period, but at the other end Harris’ men kept probing as Heffernan’s headed pass found Lavery, whose acrobatic flick was stopped by Pereira.
Eager to kill the game off, Ahadme did well to flick to Lavery on the 73rd minute, who despite being at an angle did enough to test the visiting goalkeeper who got down low before clearing lines.
Bringing on attacking prowess in Randell Williams and Jacob Brown, which was soon followed by Charlie Savage and Jamie Reid, Reading kept pouring forwards in their numbers as Godwin-Malife showed speed down the flank before crossing to Williams who slashed wide of Eastwood’s right post.
As the clock ticked down at an atmospheric CB5, Cambridge bolstered their defensive ranks to help preserve the lead as Zak Bradshaw and then Sam Curtis came on for his debut. Clearing their lines at every moment, Bennett remained no-nonsense as his block denied Lane on the cusp of four additional minutes.
Ultimately, the U’s bravery and determination saw them over the line – despite Lavery almost wrapping it up in the dying embers - to make it three matches unbeaten and ascend themselves up the League One ladder following a professional turnaround.
Up next, the U’s make the trip to the Kassam Stadium next weekend (19th September) to take on Oxford United – be sure to back the boys.
Cambridge United: Eastwood, Bennett, Heffernan, Watts, Perry (Bradshaw, 84’), Ball, Moxon (Mpanzu, 46’), Knight (Appere, 90+1), Bangura-Williams (Lavery, 46’), Kaikai, Ahadme (Curtis, 84’)
Subs Not Used: Breeze, Heath
Goalscorers: Bennett (51’), Watts (61’)
Bookings: Ahadme, Perry
Reading: Pereira, Godwin-Malife, O’Connor, Ward, Roberts (Reid, 77’), Wing, Rinomhota (Savage, 77’), Lisbie (Williams, 71’), Earthy, Lane, Marriott (Brown, 71’)
Subs Not Used: Stevens, Kyerewaa, Masterson
Goalscorers: Marriott (38’)
Bookings: Williams
Referee: Ollie Yates
Attendance: 7,129 (1,086 away fans)
