Cambridge united 1 Oxford United 0

 Finally a win! It seems like ages since we witnessed a Cambridge win at the Abbey - because other than a dead rubber in the Papa John Trophy in reality it is!

Both teams went into this game in terrible form, but given that Cambridge had lost at home in the week to fellow strugglers Cheltenham, we weren't confident of getting a result and a defeat would have surely meant a final nail in the coffin of any hopes of staying in League 1 next season. It's still going to be hard, but at least this result gives the Us some hope and there were encouraging signs from players coming into the team. Ryan Bennett who joined as a free agent added some solidity in defence. Liam Bennett returning from a loan move at Walsall offered something different at full-back. Conor McGrandles, who joined on loan from Charlton added some bite to midfield and Jack Lankester, who was already at the club added a spark going forward. I was also impressed by George Thomas, who signed on deadline day from QPR and who also looks like he could fill the big gap left my the now retired Wes Hoolahan. A gap that has seemed to get wider and wider as the season has progressed. Thomas was only handed a cameo role, but hopefully we will be seeing more of him in the run-in. 

The goal came nice and early in the game with what looked like a goal being scored directly from a Conor McGrandles corner, but Lloyd Jones got something on it to give the Us the lead after just 8 minutes. 

Oxford rallied a bit, but never looked like scoring with the Cambridge defence oddly resolute. In reality Cambridge had the better chances, but looked most dangerous from set pieces. McGrandles and Thomas, both look like they could be dangerous from dead ball situations. The one area of concern however is probably the forwards. Sam Smith could have and should have buried a couple of chances, but still seems to be struggling for confidence. I am really not at all convinced by Joe Ironside. Opposition players and referees are wise to his backing into players and he seems increasingly one dimensional. He's still dining out on the FA Cup goal against Newcastle. After a promising season last season, he seems to have lost his edge, mainly because it is all so predictable. I'd be tempted to try Smith or Knibbs on their own up top with Thomas just behind. Probably best not to moan though, as at least we saw a win!





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