Burge's blunder rescues a point for the U's

A game of huge significance awaited the Abbey at 3pm. Harris named an unchanged 11 from the draw away at Barnsley last week whilst Northampton made 1 change following their 2-0 home loss to Rotherham. Just before kick off all 7,200 fans applauded in memory of Simon Dobbin. Simon was a Cambridge fan who was attacked following an away game at Southend and was left wit life altering damages. He later passed in 2020.

The U's started poorly, failing to string short passes and the wind preventing any threat with a long ball. A fairly quiet first 25 minutes was abruptly halted after Sam Hoskins fired home following a long throw that wasn't dealt with and fell to the Northampton no.7. James Gibbons was irate at Bishop screaming that the keeper should have come out and claimed the ball. A tough opening half an hour for the U's created internal arguments and disappointed fans. The U's registered 0 shots in the first half with a passing accuracy of 48% despite having 51% of possession. Boo's rang round the Abbey to conclude the opening 45 minutes of action.

Harris made 2 changes to personal as well as a formation change. Ballard and Malone made way for Bennet and Loft. Harris changed to a back 5 with Loft leading the line, Stokes and Kachunga sitting just behind occupying the no.10 position. Digby was instructed to play as a box to box opposed to a holding midfielder. Brophy and Bennet also had their full focus on penetrating their back line. A great start for the U's lifted spirits in the stands and on the pitch. Stokes closed down Burge in net twice showing great promise for the U's. The U's were knocking on the door, however couldn't create any chances.

Up stepped James Brophy. A winger who has played everywhere outfield this season and only managed to record 1 goal prior to the 24/25 season for the U's since signing in the summer of 2021. H e opened the scoring last week for the U's and in the 52nd minute stood over a corner. The cross was aimed to the near post which evaded everyone and Burge could only push the ball over the line. For now it's going down as a James Brophy goal and we hope it stays like that. An absolute blunder from the 32 year old in the sticks but a lifeline for the U's. Brophy has now scored twice in 2 games which in 2 games doubles his total tally in his Cambridge United career.

With the Abbey rocking and the away end silenced it was looking highly likely that the side in amber would find a way to get a winner. However after creating very little chances with 58% the U's were unable to take the lead and the game finished 1-1. A difficult point that Harris called a "good comeback" but requires more composure in the attacking third from his players.

The U's will face a strong Wrexham side at the Abbey on Tuesday. The U's now sit 11 points adrift with 7 games to go. Not impossible but a very steep mountain to climb. Harris and his players certainly won't be giving up and will aim for safety until it is impossible.