Cambridge United made a winning start to their 2026/27 Jersey Mike’s Trophy campaign as they comfortably dispatched Gillingham 1-4 at Priestfield Stadium…
An entertaining ten-minute spell in the first half saw Zak Bradshaw’s opener cancelled out by Louie Dayal’s long-range strike, but Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu headed his side back into the ascendency. It proved to be a lead they showed no signs of surrendering as they roared to victory after the break courtesy of Louis Appere’s finish and Isaac Heath’s late penalty.
Deeming it the perfect opportunity to rotate his side following a quick turnaround, Neil Harris named six changes to the starting XI as the likes of Glenn McConnell and Heath returned to the fold, whilst Gabe Breeze made his full debut and youngster Dan Herd was handed his first start.
Four unbeaten after an impressive draw on their travels at Oxford United last time out, attention turned to cup competition as the road to Wembley began in Kent against the League Two outfit who – despite a thumping in their last meeting in March – had enjoyed a no-nonsense start which included three consecutive victories.
Pitted in Group G of the Southern section with Northampton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion U21s – which saw the Seagulls overpower the Cobblers 0-3 in the opening fixture – early points on the board would make for a handy start.
Throughout the early stages, the U’s looked to press high up the pitch and keep the home defence alert, but ultimately it was two teams just trying to find their feet with neither goalkeeper truly tested during a cautious introduction.
Turning the corner halfway through the first period, United gained the foothold following a spell of heavy pressure down the left. After Bradshaw’s delivery was recycled, Louis Appere fed McConnell who dinked to the aforementioned full-back from a tight angle out wide who did well to control and then slot into the far corner.
Eager to capitalise on their new-found momentum, Owen Moxon was next to test his luck with a free-kick from 25 yards out. It hit the wall and was met by the head of Ethan Coleman, who directed back towards goal and was claimed by Taite Holman.
On the half hour mark, Gareth Ainsworth’s men levelled matters when Cameron Antwi’s cross was overhit but cleaned up by Michael Luxton, who had the simple task of teeing up Dayal who did the rest by picking out a spectacular first time left-footed strike which gave Breeze – at full stretch - no chance.
Just a couple of minutes later, drama ensued as Andy Smith’s backpass to Holtam was missed by the goalkeeper, who had to scamper back and save his blushes with a clearance on the line. This soon fell to Mpanzu, whose fierce attempt was headed behind for a corner.
Pelly would make no mistake from Ben Knight’s inswinger, evading his marker and nodding home from inside the six-yard box to restore the lead for the visitors.
Attacking with real spirit as the half progressed, Cambridge continued to cut open the Gills as neat link-up play from the goalscorer and Knight saw the latter be found with a through ball – the angle was against him though as he laced against the side netting on 37. Shortly after, the playmaker had another attempt accumulated when he was found on the edge of the area but this time the shot had too much height as it flew over the crossbar.
It was as you were after the break for the U’s; however Gillingham opted for a double swap as they brought on pedigree in Bradley Dack and Will Goodwin. It almost paid its dividends four minutes in when Sheldon Kendall was looming from close-range, but his lashed effort was powered high and wide.
On 56, United had breathing space as they extended their advantage. A sloppy clearance caused trouble as Knight willingly picked it up and drove into the final third, before unselfishly picking out Appere who advanced into the area and placed past the goalkeeper.
Implementing further energy into the team as the hour passed, Dominic Ball was drafted on whereas the Head Coach handed a first professional appearance for Academy prospect Jamie Murefu.
As the chances dried up, the men in amber remained professional to navigate their way through the tie. That was until the 85th minute when Heath’s sharpness saw him jink into the box before being fouled, prompting him to step up from 12 yards and fire in through the post.
The latter stages saw a pleasing moment for the Club when Dan Efobi and Lohan McDougald were handed minutes to cap a thoroughly impressive evening where they ran out worthy and emphatic winners.
Up next, the U’s return home on Saturday (26th September) to take on another strong starter in AFC Wimbledon – be sure to back the boys.
Gillingham: Holtam, Smith, Daley, Dobbs (Booth, 74’), Kendall (Theodore, 87’), Antwi (Beszant, 74’), Coleman (Dack, 46’), Dayal, McCleary (Goodwin, 46’), Luxton, Webster
Subs Not Used: Wright, Waldock
Goalscorers: Dayal (30’)
Bookings: Daley
Cambridge United: Breeze, Bradshaw, Watts, Heffernan, Herd, Moxon, Mpanzu (Ball, 61’), Heath (McDougald, 87’), Knight (Murefu, 61’), McConnell, Appere (Efobi, 87’)
Subs Not Used: Hughes, Lavery
Goalscorers: Bradshaw (23’), Mpanzu (33’), Appere (56’), Heath (86’)
Bookings: Mpanzu, Herd
Referee: George Laflin