It was an important match for Cambridge United. Not only were the U’s looking to put an end to their recent run of losses, but  also looking to start their new chapter under the management of Garry Monk on a positive note. There was a sense of excitement among the home fans, with nearly 6,000 United supporters showing up in full force to witness the beginning of what will hopefully be a new, more stable era for the Cambridge side.

 

The U’s started the game well, and were the dominant side in the first half. The first fifteen minutes saw an attacking-minded United side continuously attempt to drive forwards, with most of the attacking balls being directed towards striker Elias Kachunga. However, the Us’ passes lacked clinicality  in the final third and were unable to convert their early opportunities into goals. This, however, all changed in the 16th minute with a string of clean, well directed passes between Jack Lankester and Liam Bennett building up to a thundering goal by Kachunga. The net bulged and the home fans exploded into celebration as the U’s three-match goal drought was put to an end.

 

Kachunga’s goal did not take the fire out of the Northampton side, however. The Cobblers continued to pose a threat throughout the first half - particularly from set pieces. The U’s fans started to bite their nails as United’s back line took a long time to clear a Northampton free kick in the 28th minute. The nervy fans’ anxieties were not quickly alleviated as Northampton got their best chance of the first half from a corner in the thirtieth minute which called the U’s goalkeeper, Jack Stevens, into action. 

 

However, after a few minutes of being forced into defensive play, the U’s regained their dominance and had a very good chance in the 46th minute. Lyle Taylor neatly crossed the ball to Kachunga who volleyed it towards the goal. It looked as if it were going in and the home fans erupted in celebration. Their cheers were premature, however, as the ball ended up going just wide of the goal. Disappointing for the U’s, but a good way to end the first half.

 

It was a game of two halves, however, and the Cobblers started the second half looking much more threatening. A strong and vocal away fan turnout of just over 1,000 Northampton supporters seemed to inject a bit more fire into the Northampton side. Most of the action took place in the U’s half and the Cobblers were excellent in possession, passing out from the back and continuously frustrating the United back line. Cambridge United, conversely, struggled to keep the ball for meaningful periods of time after winning it. 

 

The U’s seemed to settle into a purely defensive role, wanting to protect their win rather than push for a second goal. This allowed for wave after wave of Northampton attack - it felt like an equaliser was coming. Then, in the 82nd minute, Marc Leonard - whose deliveries in set pieces had been looking dangerous all afternoon - delivered a free kick into the box which found the Cobbler’s captain Jon Gunthrie, who headed it into the back of the net. 

 

Northampton did not appear to be content with a draw and continued to push for the win all through the nine minutes of added time. Cambridge United, however, managed to close them down and prevent the Cobblers from scoring, allowing  them to finish the game with a point.

 

It was a frustrating second half for the U’s but manager Garry Monk said there were lots of positives to take from the game. He will be focusing on these before Cambridge United’s next match against Lincoln City on 12th March. Indeed, he has been managing the team for less than a week and therefore has not had much time to implement his new ideas. He did, however, seem content with the fact that the U’s effectively executed - particularly in the first half - what he had been practising with the team in his limited time as manager. Looking forward, he will be looking to eliminate the ‘protective mindset’ the U’s fall into after going up a goal and ensure  they continue to attack and move the ball forwards. This will be easier now as  the U’s begin to rebuild confidence after having taken a point after a run of four losses.