Another red hot day at the Abbey Stadium today as Cambridge United played host to newly promoted Exeter City. City had made a fine start to the season and doubtless would surprise many. The high temperature and possibly a rail strike saw a lower than anticipated crowd of just over 5000 including 400 or so from the West Country.
The visitors won the toss and changed ends with the U’s kicking towards the NRE. It was red hot indeed just watching, the players were in for a tough afternoon. Sweeney for City fired at goal from outside the box but his effort was blocked. Following clever work from former U, Jevani Brown, who set up Sparkes whose effort was also charged down. Sam Smith headed just wide before Joe Ironside for the home team had efforts cleared as the U’s settled down. United then had a great chance to score, Ironside’s effort was blocked the ball rolling along the ground centrally, Digby running in only a few yards out with the goal at his mercy, struck a ground shot brilliantly saved by city keeper Blackman. This entertaining game certainly swung from end to end and moments later following some hesitancy in the home back 4, Nombe shot high and just wide, it was close.
Referee Purkiss’s interpretation of foul play did not go down well with home supporters. Seemingly happy to award the visitors a number of free kicks, like many others before him seemed to think that Joe Ironsides shirt really belonged to his marker. Smith had an effort low down saved well by keeper Blackman. Jevani Brown then curled an effort just wide and in truth after 15 minutes this pulsating game could have been 2-2. Following a clearance from a corner Okedina fired in an effort blocked by a number of defenders. Nombe and Key for the visitors had chances cleared and the visitors were gaining the upper hand. This was especially so on 29 when the dangerous Nombe clipped the crossbar shooting after a swift break. Referee Purkiss booked Digby for a late challenge during this break.
Digby headed wide for the U’s before Exeter took the lead in most unsatisfactory circumstances. Lloyd Jones was seeing the ball out for a goal kick when he was tackled from behind by Nombe, Jones fell to the ground but amazingly referee Purkiss and his assistant did not see anything wrong which led to Nombe squaring the ball for Brown to fire home for 0-1. It looked a clear foul and one routinely given 99 times out a 100. Protests fell on deaf ears. With their tails up Nombe headed wide moments later when well placed. To rub salt into the wound Harrison Dunk was then booked a routine tackle on Key. No better or worse than that committed by the visitors. The referee was making hard work of the game and his consistency was questionable. Sweenney of Exeter was yellow carded following a foul on James Brophy, I thought that harsh but the home crowd were venting their displeasure as half time came at 0-1.
In conditions more suited to the Mediterranean rather than East Anglia, both sets of players were playing some fine flowing football and the U’s needed to up their game to get anything today. Sparkes shot wide before Nombe had an effort saved, the visitors starting the second half strongly. The home team though were getting back into the game and firing in a number of crosses. Just as Harvey Knibbs looked set to equalise from close range the ball was booted clear, it fell to George Williams on the right who fired in another cross for Sam Smith to leap high and bury his header in the top corner of the net for 1-1, classic stuff. Manager Bonner then replaced Dunk and Brophy with Haunstrup and Tracey.
Key had another effort as the visitors attempted to regain the initiative. Then out of nothing Shilow Tracey raced clear and looked certain to score but keeper Blackman raced out to clear the danger. Tracey making a huge contribution then set up Sam Smith who headed wide from close range. Coley and Jay replaced Kite and Key for the visitors. Knibbs then had a chance when he was grappled to the ground, he ended up injured, another key incident missed by the referee. Jack Lankester came on for the injured Knibbs. Nombe had a header saved by Mitov as the U’s ran the clock down. The impressive Tracey having an effort saved low down following more fine play. Coley of Exeter was then yellow carded following a foul on Lloyd Jones.
Following clever wing play between Tracey and Haunstrup by the edge of the box, the ball found Lankester who went on a run to the by line beat a couple of defenders before crossing perfectly for Digby to power a header again in the top corner for 2-1 and on 88 minutes. Caprice replaced Sweeney and Grounds for Dieng for the visitors who looked crestfallen.
Sam Smith had another effort saved. O’Neil then replaced Smith before Lankester was yellow carded for picking up the ball for a United throw only for the assistant to have, not for the first time today flagged incorrectly. To give Exeter credit they fought to the end. The numbers board was now playing up and I believe 7 minutes of stoppage time was allowed. Referee Purkiss again angered the home crowd on 2 further occasions first by giving a corner to the visitors when a forward had played the ball last and then incredibly in the 8th minute of stoppage time awarding a corner when the ball had not gone out of play. The U’s hung on to win 2-1 in what was a very entertaining game played by two sides trying to play football. We know the U’s are a good side. Exeter will also enjoy a good season.
Richard Stephen