Cambridge United’s Vertu Trophy journey came to an end at the Round of 32 after Cheltenham Town staged a dramatic second-half comeback to seal a 2-1 victory at the EV Charger Points Stadium.
Josh Stokes gave the U’s the lead on the brink of half-time with a confidently struck penalty, but Cheltenham turned the game on its head with rapid goals from Matty Taylor and Arkell Jude-Boyd early in the second half. Despite a spirited response, Cambridge could not claw their way back into the contest.
Cambridge Lead Early
The match began with Cambridge in full flow, their early pressure nearly rewarded when Stokes forced a corner just 12 seconds in. Emmanuel Longelo followed up in the seventh minute, his curling cross tipped away at full stretch by Cheltenham’s Joe Day.
Cheltenham’s first real chance came on the half-hour mark as Liam Dulson weaved his way into the box, his shot skimming just over the bar. Cambridge immediately responded, with Longelo testing Day once again from a tight angle.
The breakthrough came in the 45th minute. Brandon Njoku was brought down in the box by Jude-Boyd, and Stokes stepped up to slot home his first Cambridge goal, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
Second-Half Turnaround
Cheltenham emerged from the break revitalised, equalising within eight minutes. A short corner routine found Tom Bradbury, whose deft flick set up Taylor for a looping header that left Jack Stevens helpless.
Moments later, the hosts grabbed the lead. Taylor, turning provider, delivered a pinpoint cross that Jude-Boyd volleyed in from close range, completing the turnaround and sending the Robins faithful into celebration.
Cambridge responded valiantly, with Loft coming closest to an equaliser on 71 minutes. A venomous volley from 25 yards rattled the crossbar, epitomising the U’s frustrations in front of goal. Late substitutions, including a return for Dan Barton and a debut for Peter Holmes, injected fresh legs but could not alter the scoreline.
Writer’s View
Cambridge United’s exit reflects a missed opportunity to build on their promising first half. Stokes impressed in his return to the starting lineup, but defensive lapses after the break proved costly. As the U’s turn their attention to the league, consistency and capitalising on key moments will be vital to their success.
Up next, Cambridge head to Wrexham, where they’ll look to regroup and bounce back. Supporters will be hoping for a swift response from Garry Monk’s men.
