Relegated U's lose late away to Burton Albion

The U's went into gameweek 45 knowing only a win could see them with a slither of a chance to survive in League One. Bristol Rovers lost their 12:30 kick off against Reading 2-0 to the joy of all U's fans across the country. The job was simple, beat Burton Albion and fight for another day. However, football isn't played on paper or a league table but rather on grass.

The 1st half had little chances at either end but after loanee Josh Stokes was subbed off due to a lower back injury Ryan Loft was introduced in the 33rd minute. Within 15 minutes of coming on Ryan Loft had a tussle with Goodwin-Malife in which the usual handbags were out. However the referree decided to send Loft off and not book the Burton centre back. After watching the replays Loft did seem to punch and kick out at the Burton no.2, resulting in a clear and obvious red card. However only minutes later the Brewers were also reduced to 10 men after McKieran clashed into Stevens. He should have been sent off after an awful tackle on Stevenson in the 27th minute.

The second half started horribly for the U's as after 3 minutes they found themselves 1-0 down. The afternoon was going from bad to worse as after an hour of play Dom Ballard missed a great chance inside the penalty area. He weaved in and out but couldn't nestle the ball into the back of the net.

The U's eventually found an equaliser late in the game through Kachunga. The creative midfielder lurked at the back post and after Ballard put a good ball in into the box and after Lavery could only prod it into the path of former Huddersfield player Kachunga who stabbed it home.

It wasn't enough for survival and as the U's pushed forward chasing a winner Burton Albion went down the other end and confirmed the fate for the U's.

It wasn't this game that was the reason we got relegated but it was the continual poor performances and issues off the pitch which has led us to this fate. Issues with the training ground has resulted in injuries so bad the U's have had to go to train at Cambridge City. The recruitment hasn't been good enough and after targets in January such as Gassan Ahadme rejecting us hasn't helped. Losing 22 games in all competitons by 1 goal has lead us to this fate.

With 1 game left of the League One season and chapter of Cambridge United it would be a great to end the season with a win against the greatest League One side ever.

3 TALKING POINTS

With Loft seeming to be an integral part of the plan for next season, what should we expect from the striker entering his second season with the U's?

What position do we need to focus on? With a lack of attacking quality should we focus on creative minded players or more stability in the defensive third?

With the board confirming changes to the stadium in the coming months what would you want to see be added or taken away from the Abbey?

U's fans in full voice despite relegation