Cambridge United U18s claimed a deserved 1–0 win over Sutton United in the Youth Alliance League, extending their outstanding early-season form and securing another important three points...
United set the tempo from the outset, with Ebanks-Blake driving down the right to force consecutive corners inside the opening 15 minutes. The U’s had the ball in the net shortly after when Okolie turned in a low cross from the left, but the flag was raised for offside.
Cambridge continued to create the better chances. M. Murefu found himself well placed on 33 minutes but lifted his effort over the bar, before Okolie went close again, this time steering a six-yard attempt narrowly wide as the pressure grew. Despite their control, the teams went in goalless at the interval.
Sutton threatened early in the second half, forcing Massoud into an excellent flying save as he tipped a rising strike over the bar. Making his first league start of the season, the young goalkeeper impressed throughout and went on to claim a clean sheet on debut, handling every test with composure.
United eventually made their dominance count with 20 minutes remaining. Ryan Gray broke through one-on-one and dispatched a clinical low finish into the bottom corner to give Cambridge the lead.
There was also a notable moment late on as U14s midfielder Angus Graham was introduced for the final stages, gaining valuable experience at U18 level.
Cambridge managed the closing minutes professionally to secure their ninth win of the campaign. The result keeps United second in the Youth Alliance League South, with nine wins and one draw from ten matches and an impressive +24 goal difference.
Next up it's the FA Youth Cup Second Round, as Derby County visit the Cledara Abbey Stadium on Wednesday night.