Uninspiring U's fall short to Exeter City

An awful day for football set the tone before the game had even kicked off. Exeter started the game as expected, keeping the ball but not creating any chance of substance. As Cambridge United grew into the game they started to keep the ball and ending the half with 49% of the ball. With a a split in possession it was Exeter who created the most shots, however none of their 5 first half attempts tested Bishop. Ryan Lofts header in the 36th minute was the closest either side came to opening the score. The U's were getting great joy from Dan Barton on the right hand side who fought for every ball and was compose on the ball. Barton helped gain 5 corners for the U's in this first half but to no avail. The individual battles were being won by the side in Amber for the most part of the first half which instilled trust in our defense from the fans and players. The first half was tense with either side opting to go long to Loft and Magennis respectively. A first half that didn't blow the socks off anyone watching nor playing however both sides went into half time with a fairly deserved 0-0.

The second half started with Demetri Michell replacing Vincent Harper who had been booked previously in the match. Brophy kicked the game off in the second half and the U's were able to keep the pressure on managing to have 58% of possession throughout the second half. They were able to create 7 shots however only getting 1 on target. Cambridge United created 2 big chances however both were squandered. Josh stokes caught a loose pass from Whitworth after Loft applied pressure but Stokes couldn't convert the always rising effort. Only 3 minutes later, in the 55th minute Kachunga gets passed his man and shoots hard, low and across goal but Whitworth was equal to it. The U's created an expected goals of 0.44 in just the second half alone, clearly showing an enthusiasm to attack. However in the 71st minute the Northern Ireland international rose highest from a Caleb Watts cross and simply guided the ball across goal and into Bishop's net. A well manufactured counter attack was topped off by a great no.9 at this level. This goal left the U's fans shocked, players fustrated and staff irrate. Monk's substutuions were confusing to the fans after bringing off Brophy and Loft for Ballard and Stevenson. Many in the NRE were pleased from Brophy's display today so to bring him off created confusion amongst the fans. To later bring off Barton, who had caused the Exeter back line problems throughout the game seemed just as questionable. Stokes continued to create chances and help bring the game back level. However his attempts couldn't result in a goal unfortunately. The game ended 1-0 to the visitors with uproar from the home fans. Whitworth decided to celebrate towards the NRE after the game which only created more frustration and anger. Morrison replied by sending Whitworth's bottle and towel towards the back of the NRE. This gave the U's fans something to cheer about until the referee decided to give Morrison a yellow card. The game now finished and huge question marks loom of Gary Monk as to is he the right man for the job.

Up next for Cambridge United is promotion chasing Stockport County who provide a tough challenge for any side, especially Cambridge United. The chances of Barry Corr taking over is increasing likely by the day. More to come in the week I'm sure. Good news for the U's as nobody has been added to the injury room although Gibbons came worse off in a tackle and limped off the pitch.

Angle from the NRE in the first half