And the good weather continued as another afternoon in the warm sunshine greeted everyone as we settled down to watch Cambridge United take on Lincoln City. A decent crowd of 5677 including 1004 from Lincolnshire watched the teams take to the field. It was to be another good test for the U’s as Lincoln had also started well. United lined up the same as for last weeks game v Burton.
Lincoln kicked off towards the NRE. Early stages of the game were quite cagey as both sides sought the early advantage. United began with a couple of corners, the second of which led to a clash of heads between Joe Ironside and Lasse Sorensen. Both players recovered after lengthy treatment, and wore head bandages. Bishop tried a shot for the visitors but Mitov was down to it quickly. Then Okedina was disposed by House who passed to Bishop who had a clear shot at goal but fired straight at Mitov. That was a let off, let’s have no repeats of last week chaps. Harvey Knibbs had an effort blocked following good work by Shilow Tracey. Diamond for Lincoln then shot high and wide. Tracey himself then had an effort blocked as the U’s began to impose themselves.
Then following good wing play by the impressive Harrison Dunk, he sent over a deep cross headed back into the danger area by Sam Smith. Paul Digby seized upon the loose ball and fired in a shot blocked on the 6 yard line by a defender. Then reminiscent of his goal at Newcastle in the FA cup game, Joe Ironside swivelled and fired home from 8 yards for 1-0. It was good centre forward play, which would be backed up only moments later. Following more good work from Tracey who fed Sam Smith who, in turn played out a pass to Harvey Knibbs, Knibbs took the ball to the edge of the 6 yard box, drew the keeper and side footed a cross for Ironside to bury his chance from 6 yards for 2-0. Again great build up and nice to see the U’s take their chances.
The visitors looked stunned by this quick 1-2 and following a quick pass from Digby, Sam Snith was only just caught offside. O’Conner of Lincoln upset home fans with his treatment of Ironside and although referee Allison did not get every decision right, I applauded his efforts in keeping the game moving and ignoring any play acting. A handful of free kicks littered the remainder of the half including 7 minutes of stoppage time with a final effort by Sam Smith which was blocked before the whistle blew. Half time came at 2-0 to the home team who had improved as the half wore on.
Lincoln changed Sorensen and Eyoma with Virtue and Walsh, upped their game in the second half but despite plenty of possession did not create anything dangerous. Poole sent over a cross which Hopper headed weekly at Mitov. Hopper was then guilty of blatant play acting going down as if shot. Both referee and assistant as were the majority of the crowd completely unimpressed. After treatment Hopper returned to the game and was roundly booed. Lincoln replaced Bishop with Vernam with the U’s changing May and Tracey with O’Neil and Brophy. Midway through the underwhelming second half the game had become a statement, the U’s happy with what they had, Lincoln seemingly unable to threaten. Cheers of ‘we’ve had a shot’ was heard from the disappointed visiting fans.
Jack Lancaster replaced Harvey Knibbs on 74 with Joe Ironside heading just wide from a Harrison Dunk cross, it was the first action of note for 15 minutes or so. Okedina swung over another cross met powerfully by the head of Ironside, but his effort was only just wide. Vernam had a shot near the end saved low down by Mitov. Following the corner Diamond had a shot blocked and the U’s cleared their lines. O’Conner was then booked for a cynical foul on Brophy as the U’s broke. O’Conner was very lucky not to be already on a yellow. Janneh replaced Sam Smith and Greg Taylor replaced Paul Digby as the clock ran down. A final effort from Liam O’Neil flew over the bar with the game ending moments later.
A fine 2-0 win moving the U’s into 5th. Next up are Ipswich and Cheltenham away. A good chance for a progress report after these games. Not a bad days work today though.
Richard Stephen