It was another decent afternoon and another good crowd as Cambridge United took on fallen giants Derby County. Today’s crowd was 6813 which included around 1450 odd from the Midlands. In bright sunny conditions the visitors kicked off toward the NRE. Moments into the game came a scare for the U’s as Derby got through the home defence, home keeper Mitov spread himself well to save, as United defenders rushed back to cover, Mendez-Laing for Derby fired wide from the angle about 25 yards out, it was a let off. The early stages of the game were somewhat spoiled by officious refereeing as referee Mather awarded the visitors a number of soft free kicks much to the frustration of home fans.
Knight of Derby fired wide after being fed by Mendez-Laing, the home team were still making a sluggish start. Davies of Derby then headed over following a corner. United were still not getting the rub of the green and I have to say the number of soft free kicks to the visitors increased by a very fussy referee. Moments later came two instances though which could have had a bearing on the game, first Sam Smith was cut down from behind just outside the Derby area, amazingly referee Mather saw nothing wrong. Moments later though and Joe Ironside was put through only to cut down by Cashin. It looked a clear foul and a certain red card. However this inconsistent referee saw nothing wrong and waved play on. It was a very poor decision indeed. Ironside had nothing to gain by going down and he was through on goal, it made the referees interpretation difficult to believe.
Following a corner half cleared by the defence, Jack Lankester fired just wide with United’s best effort so far on 34. Hourihane fired just over as the visitors, quite capable of playing good football were very efficient on the break. To sum up everyone’s frustration, Dobbin of Derby went down in front of the main stand following a challenge by Dunk, in view of earlier incidents, giving a free kick to the visitors seemed inevitable. As the half grew to a halt and both teams cancelling each other out, United made a hash of a clearance with Zeno Ibsen-Rossi miskicking on the edge of his own box to give Collins the simple task of firing past Mitov for 0-1. Moments later the whistle went for half time, the U’s far from their best, Derby looking bright on occasions but woeful refereeing being a major talking point.
Hourihane fired wide for the visitors as the visitors made a bright start, it appeared in the early stages of the half, the goal had affected the home team who simply could not get going. Osula replaced Dobbin for the visitors before Sam Smith had a rare effort blocked. Collins shot over for Derby before Osula set up by Cashin had a good shot saved by Mitov. Harvey Knibbs replaced Jack Lankester for the home team on 68 as at last the home side strung some passes together. However Mendez-Laing shot wide for the visitors following a break. Too often for the home side had passes played down the wing on the Habbin side being chased by united players who either could not beat the first defender or over hit their cross. This happened on a number of occasions.
On 76 Fejiri Okenabirhie replaced Shilow Tracey who had found progress in the game difficult today. James Brophy replaced Harrison Dunk for the home side while Forsyth replaced Barkhuizen for Derby, time was getting short. Harvey Knibbs then had an effort blocked after good work by George Williams. United made a late effort to save the game but Derby’s back 4 were in a positive mode and messers Smith and Ironside had precious loose change. The U’s were then caught on the break as Bird found Collins who fired low into the corner past Mitov at his near post for 0-2. Sibley the impressive Collins before Adam May had another go but his shot was charged down.
The last few minutes of the game were played in an absolute downpour as further passes to united forwards were over hit in what had been an off day for the home side. Knight shot wide for the visitors Before Sam Smith had a header saved. A late booking for Osula for a foul on Williams was far too late to affect the game. United seemed to let the occasion affect them, Derby impressed as the game progressed. The referee was inconsistent. Onto another tough game at Ipswich on Tuesday evening. The U’s will need to be at their best, we know they can do it.