YOUTH TEAM | LEYTON OREINT U18’s 1 CAMBRIDGE UNITED U18’s 1

Cambridge United started the new Merit League 1 campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Youth Alliance South East League winners Leyton Orient.

The U’s opened the scoring against the run of play when Harry Lea picked the ball up from the edge of the area to slot home, before the O’s equalised with seconds to go to go nick a point. 

As was expected, the former league winners took dominance of the ball although they failed to create any real goal scoring opportunities.

Under huge amounts of pressure the U’s stayed strong defensively until a breakaway move just before half time paid off, when good work from Norville-Williams down the left side saw the winger cut his cross back to Lea who placed the ball in the bottom right corner from 25 yards out.

The start of the second half was controlled by the U’s who had large amounts of possession, spraying the ball from left to right trying to keep their 1-0 lead. 

Big chances fell to Prince Mutswunguma whose shot was cleared off the line brilliantly from the Orient defender and then Joe Neal who was inches away from connecting with a fantastic Ben Worman cross.

Towards the end of the game Orient started to have a lot more of the ball which upped their confidence while United’s legs began to tire on a heavy pitch.

After one or two chances the hosts finally got their equaliser when United Failed to clear from the edge of the box leading to a goal mouth scramble before the ball was eventually headed in at the back post to snatch the three points away from the U’s with seconds to go. 

Academy Manager Mark Bonner commented on the result: “We can be disappointed with the result and the manner in which we conceded the goal. I think it's harsh on us to not take all three points.

“In the first half we didn't have enough control of the ball or quality in possession but did control space and limit them to few opportunities. We scored an excellent goal before the break which we gained confidence and momentum from before starting the second half well.

“For twenty minutes we controlled the game and should have extended our lead but for some good defensive clearances. 

“We conceded a late goal which was preventable and have to be frustrated not to leave with the win. That said, we can take away a positive performance and a point. The energy and togetherness with which we played gives us encouragement as we begin a new league for the remainder of the season.”

Starting Line-up; Iron, Emmins, Norville-Williams, Lea, Squire, Johnson, Knowles, Mutswunguma, Neal, Watkins, Worman