United's Knight in shinning armour scores twice as U's win

The U's looked to add to their 13 game unbeaten streak with a home tie against 3rd place Walsall. Harris made a handful of changes to start the new year including starting Ben Knight. These changes were made to match the Walsall formation whilst also being able to offer 2 supporters to the lone striker Appere.

The opening 20 minutes were awful from both sides. The ball was either out of play or in the air as it seemed like more of a head tennis game then a top of the table League Two clash.

The U's were able to grow into the game and a great move saw Knight play in Brophy down the left wing who pulled the back to Kaikai, but his shot lacked power and precision. Despite this move ultimately not moving the needle towards an opener, it got the Abbey rocking and the home side took control of following 25 minutes of the half.

A surprising 4 additional minutes were given at the end of the first half and although fans were shocked, Brophy was on a mission to capitalise on any mistakes. in the 47th minute of the half, Brophy pickpocketed the ball on the edge of the box and his pass to Knight saw the U's take the lead. The former Man City prospect tapped the ball in and the U's went into the half time break with a 1- 0 lead.

No changes were made by either manager during the 15 minute intermission but the Abbey was rocking. 8 minutes into the second half presented the first chance for either side as Knight was played in 1v1 with the goalkeeper. As the ball bobbled into his path Roberts rushed off his line but then hesitated and Knight delicately chipped the ball over the stranded Roberts and the roof was blown off the Abbey.

The U's looked to see the game out with changes to the midfield and Purrington replacing the slightly knocked up Brophy. See out the game is what they did until the 89th minute. With the ball going away from goal, Liam Bennet swiped out the Walsall attacker and Eastwood had yet another penalty to save. With all 7,277 fans holding their breath up stepped Aaron Pressley, former U's transfer target in the previous 3 transfer windows, who saw his shot saved brilliantly by Eastwood. Another great save by the U's shot stopper just when his side needed it most.

The U's now add their unbeaten streak to 14 on the bounce and another clean sheet to add to Eastwood's fantastic record. With the most clean sheets in the 92 and 5th in League Two the only focus will be on promotion come May.

Credit: @CambridgeUtdFC on X