It was another typical January evening as the men in amber and black prepared to take on struggling Shrewsbury. The U’s of course have been on a winning streak and looked to extend this against opponents searching for any sort of form. Despite the chilly conditions and live TV coverage, a decent crowd of 5347 including a very loyal 168 travelled from Salop. Manager Neil Harris named an unchanged United side.
United kicked off towards the South Stand and were soon into their stride, in fact on 6 minutes, Louis Appere played a great ball to Sullay KaiKai, the pass splinting the defence wide open. KaiKai controlled the ball well and fired in his effort but debutant keeper Matthew Cox pulled off a great save. It should really have been a goal. Pelly Mapanzu then fired in a shot saved low down by Cox. United were looking a little lightweight in midfield as the visitors a typically physical league 2 side won most headers and put in some crunching tackles. This appeared to throw the home team off their stride as both passing and crossing were going astray. In a half of rare highlights, the U’s took the game to the visitors but without great conviction. Mapanzu then set up Appere who rather snatched at his shot held low down by Cox.
The by now routine issue of a goalkeeper going down ‘apparently’ injured reared its head again as Cox went down on 33. Once the resulting corner came over though he was quick to leap and catch. The 3 minutes of added time saw Kaikai set up the lively Ben Knight who sidestepped a number of defenders before firing at goal. His effort saved low down and at full stretch by the impressive Cox. Moments later referee Abigail Byrne blew for half time at 0-0. It had not been a great half. The visitors invisible in attack and United below recent par.
The second half started with United replacing Hoddle and Bennett with Dom Ball and Ben Purrington, doubtless to add some physical presence. KaiKai had an early effort blocked then Appere fired at Cox after being set by by Knight. James Brophy then sent over a corner with Mamadou Jobe heading wide. On 54 Shrewsbury replaced Ogunsuyi with George Lloyd. Then following a corner from Town, the ball was cleared to the edge of the box with Josh Ruffels firing a volley just wide. Appere was then booked for a foul on Perry. On 62 United replaced Brophy and Appere with Shayne Lavery and Elliott Nevitt. Minutes later with the game still yet to really take off, Town replaced Morgan and Oninnaka with Ismeal Kabila and the dangerous John Marquis. United then replaced Mapanzu with Shane McLoughlin. Mapanzu having collided with the advertising boards at the NRE/North Habbin corner.
Lavery was quickly into the game and showed some real pace and at one time raced into the corner to retrieve a ball being left to go out by defenders. Lavery played the ball off a defender to win a throw. The unusual sight of the referee indicating a foul throw against the visitors, with the poorest attempt at a throw I’ve seen in years. Extra training for the young man. Lavery again, thinking ahead of everyone twisted and turned and played the ball back to the edge of the box for Knight to fire towards the corner, Cox having a fine game saved low down. The busy Lavery set up Nevitt who had his shot blocked. As the clock ticked into the 80’s chances really had been few and far between with the visitors seemingly content to hang on.
As it looked as if victory was beyond us, Purrington contested a clearance, ran to the goal line and attempted to cross. Luca Hoole in trying to clear, stuck his arm up and handled the ball. Penalty said the referee and it was the 90th minute. The usual nif naf and trivia by those defenders in trying to hold up the penalty ensued. Sam Clucas was booked for arguing with the referee. Ben Knight then sent the keeper the wrong way to score and for the U’s to lead 1-0. There were 6 minutes of stoppage time indicated and these minutes were very interesting. United held firm but some of the tackling got a little colourful. Referee Byrne seemingly overlooking what looked a couple of routine yellows. One particular foul on KaiKai looked very poor. On 97 the referee awarded Town a free kick near the United area. It looked a soft decision, but we were all cheerful when Sang fired the free kick over the crossbar. The referee blowing for full time on 98. United had won 1-0 but had not been at their best.
In truth it was not a vintage performance nor was it very exciting to watch, but in reality you have to play the opposition even if they were somewhat limited in attacking intention. I only remember two moments of any sort of danger, a shot following a corner which went wide and a free kick sent over the crossbar just before the final whistle. Yes it’s true to say United’s passing and crossing was not up to recent very high standards but the U’s stuck to their task and eventually got their reward. Star man for me was Ben Knight, a real live wire who set about the visiting defence, wasn’t afraid to take on defenders, fired in a number of shots and of course kept his nerve to score. Shayne Lavery also put in a noteworthy performance whilst the rest of the team did ok but I’m sure we are allowed the odd game like this. Just ask yourselves how many teams would swop places with us at the moment.
Ref Watch – Abigail Byrne – 7 altogether not a bad performance from one of our female referees. Good fitness, whistle and positional sense. A brave decision to award the late penalty which earned her some grief from the Town team. A number of fouls in stoppage time required more formal action as tensions raised. Not a bad effort at all.