In a determined display, Cambridge United secured their fifth consecutive victory and clean sheet, edging out Chelsea U21s 1-0 at Cledara Abbey Stadium in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
With this win, the U’s remain in contention for the knockout rounds, though they will now rely on Charlton Athletic avoiding defeat against Bromley to secure their progression.
Second-Half Heroics Propel Cambridge Forward
Head Coach Garry Monk made extensive changes to his squad following their FA Cup win over Woking, with nine new faces. Only Liam Bennett and Elias Kachugna retained their places, while Glenn McConnell returned to the lineup, and Amaru Kaunda made his first professional start.
The game began cautiously, with both sides focused on ball retention rather than risky advances. Despite steady possession, clear chances were scarce until Chelsea’s Donnell McNeilly fired wide after a close-range attempt, denied initially by a Bennett block. Cambridge’s counter-attack soon followed, with McConnell nearly setting up Kachunga in a promising run that lacked a final touch.
Throughout the first half, the U’s defensive backline, led by Zeno Ibsen Rossi and Kell Watts, held strong, successfully stifling Chelsea’s offensive maneuvers. Their efforts paid off, limiting Chelsea’s shots on goal and allowing Cambridge to maintain a solid structure. Cambridge’s first attempt arrived in the 37th minute when Kachunga’s shot was expertly saved by Chelsea’s keeper, Lucas Bergstrom.
The U’s momentum shifted noticeably after the break, bringing a series of close calls that demonstrated their dominance. Kaunda, in particular, nearly broke the deadlock early in the second half, only to be thwarted by a world-class save from Bergstrom.
Kaunda finally found the back of the net in the 74th minute, capitalizing on his initial saved shot to net the crucial goal. With newfound energy, Cambridge kept Chelsea at bay, enduring an additional nine minutes of pressure without conceding, securing their hard-fought clean sheet and advancing their trophy ambitions.
Cambridge Eyes Cambridgeshire Derby
With spirits high, Cambridge United now turns their attention to a much-anticipated local derby against Peterborough United on Saturday at the Weston Homes Stadium. Their defensive solidity and consistent victories provide a strong foundation as they prepare for the upcoming challenge.
Writer’s View
Cambridge’s disciplined performance highlights a team that has grown defensively resilient and tactically astute under Garry Monk. Kaunda’s breakthrough shows promising depth in their squad, while their current form suggests they’re not only capable of trophy progression but also increasingly competitive in challenging fixtures ahead.
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