Cambridge United concluded pre-season with a goalless draw against Norwich City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at The Nest...
The U’s entered the fixture undefeated throughout pre-season following Tuesday's goalless draw with Northampton, aiming to build further momentum ahead of Saturday's Carabao Cup tie against Barnet.
Hughes, Ball, Bauer, Appere, Marcel (Trialist), Battrum (Trialist), Mpanzu, Lavery, Bradshaw, Jobe and McConnell were named in the starting XI, and whilst the warm weather and high early intensity posed a tough test, Neil Harris’ side soon found their footing through firm defensive challenges and swift counter-attacks, though a clear effort on goal remained elusive.
Neither keeper was truly tested during the remaining opening 45 minutes, with both sides delivering strong defensive efforts across the pitch. The U’s reached the break level against higher-tier opposition, limiting Norwich to few chances while displaying great determination to match the challenge.
Harris made two changes at the interval, introducing Shane McLoughlin and Ben Knight for Dom Ball and Shayne Lavery. The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams seeing plenty of the ball without generating significant goal threats. United’s defensive line shone throughout, dealing comfortably with the physicality of the Championship outfit.
Further rotation followed midway through the second period, as Daniel Efobi, Kell Watts, Dan Herd, and Lohan McDougald were introduced.
The U’s best opportunity fell to Knight midway through the half, who pounced on a defensive error to race through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his final effort drifted off target.
United looked most in control during the closing stages but were ultimately held as their pre-season campaign came to a close. Attention now turns to the first competitive fixture of the season, with Barnet visiting the Cledara Abbey Stadium on Saturday (1pm) in Round One of the Carabao Cup.