Cambridge United exited the Emirates FA Cup at the Second Round stage as Wigan Athletic secured a last-gasp 1-2 victory during extra-time at the Cledara Abbey Stadium…
A dramatic end to the second half saw Brandon Njoku jump off the bench to draw first blood for the U’s, but they were quickly pegged back by Thelo Aasgaard to ensure an extra 30 minutes of football. Just as penalties beckoned, the hosts were undone as Jonny Smith’s cross trickled in to ensure their passage.
Going into the cup tie, the U’s were full of belief, and rightly so after their midweek perseverance saw them rescue a point for the third successive game - stretching their strong form to just one defeat in nine. A familiar face, the Latics had been steady. Prior to the last meeting between the sides in October, they’d secured seven clean sheets on the bounce and looked to have turned a corner again after registering back-to-back victories.
In response to the encouraging last-gasp draw against Bolton Wanderers four days earlier, Garry Monk tinkered with his XI as he named four changes. Kell Watts and Zeno Ibsen Rossi were introduced to the defence, whilst Elias Kachunga and Dan Nlundulu also came in to add to the attacking ranks. Elsewhere, Emmanuel Longelo returned to the bench following an injury lay-off.
Early signs were strong for the hosts, who started off in a 4-4-2 setup and were progressing play well with quick passes. Within the opening minutes, Sullay Kaikai probed by racing into the box from the left and powering a shot which was blocked by a sea of defenders. Play was recycled and concluded by Kachunga, who had a pop but that too was denied.
On 13, the lively Kaikai floated a delivery into the area from the left, but it was smothered confidently by Sam Tickle. A stop in play followed with the Sierra Leone international receiving treatment, but he was deemed ok to continue.
Continuing with the same ascendency, Ryan Loft embarked on a blistering run on the 21st minute, beating a couple of men with his pace and power and driving into a tight angle. The forward did well to hit it on target, but Tickle stood firm to deny it at his near post.
The overall tone of the encounter was a below-par one, with very little opportunities at either end. To their credit, United had not put a foot wrong defensively, with Vicente Reyes claiming every cross and the back four settled in possession.
With ten minutes of play left, Kaikai was replaced by Korey Smith after being unable to shake off the early niggle. As a result, James Brophy reverted to the wing.
All in all, a goalless first 45 was a fair reflection, with both sides deciding to keep things tight and bide their time.
Michael Morrison and Shayne Lavery were brought on at the break for United, who needed to dig in deep early stages as Dale Taylor was played onside, who twisted and turned and hit a high shot which Reyes jumped to catch.
Finding that foothold, substitute J. Smith was next to go close on the 58th minute when he picked his spot from an ambitious 25 yards. It was dipping, but not at the right moment as it creeped just over the crossbar.
Seconds later, the on top Tics were extremely close to breaking the deadlock when Taylor was played in through on goal. The Northern Irishman drilled low, but Reyes rushed out to take force off it and allow the U’s to clear their lines.
Straight up the other end, Brophy applied the afterburners down the wing and cut it back to Smith in the middle of the park, who beat his man to advance before pulling the trigger, but it was dragged inches past Tickle’s left post.
Starting to generate some momentum, the hosts produced their best opportunity of the afternoon on 70 when Watts got plenty of power behind a header to guide it towards the far post, but excellent reflexes from Tickle forced a corner.
Fresh from replacing Nlundulu, Njoku raced onto the end of Lavery’s flick and wriggled his way into the penalty area, where from here he coolly slotted a shot home in off the post to send the home faithful into raptures.
Now reverting to a cautious approach, the U’s couldn’t hold on as the Latics levelled matters on 84 when Aasgaard was picked out in the area before delicately poking into the bottom corner.
As a result, extra time beckoned, with very little to separate the outfits. Shaun Maloney’s side came out with more drive and tested Reyes on 92 when Maleace Asamoah worked into space and pulled the trigger from 15 yards.
With tired legs evident, the game continued at a calm tone, with the U’s only moment falling to the head of Njoku on 102 who got on the end of Danny Andrew’s free-kick inside the six-yard box but couldn’t angle it on target.
Longelo was introduced during the quick debrief and immediately caused havoc out from the left. Well and truly in the ascendency, multiple chances fell their way – first Lavery flicked wide, then Njoku after being played in by the Birmingham City loanee and last but not least Smith, whose venomous long-range shot produced an outrageous save from Tickle.
The U’s were dealt a killer blow two minutes from time when J. Smith’s well-executed cross drifted into the back of the net to seal the last-gasp win for Wigan and knock Monk’s side out.
Up next, United return to league action on Tuesday night (3rd December) as they make the trip to the Madejski Stadium to take on improving Reading – be sure to back the boys.
Cambridge United: Reyes, Bennett, Ibsen Rossi (Longelo, 106’), Watts, Andrew, Kachunga, Cousins (Morrison, 46’), Brophy, Kaikai (Smith, 34’), Loft (Lavery, 46’), Nlundulu (Njoku, 73’)
Subs Not Used: Stevens
Goalscorers: Njoku (77’)
Bookings: Loft, Nlundulu, Lavery
Wigan Athletic: Tickle, Sibbick, Aimson, Kerr, Sessegnon (Robinson, 73’), Adeeko (McManaman, 80’), S. Smith (M. Smith, 72’), Rankine (J. Smith, 56’), Aasgaard, Thomas (Asamoah, 55’), Taylor
Subs Not Used: Watson, Carragher, Weir, Sze
Goalscorers: Aasgaard (84’), J. Smith (118’)
Bookings: Asamoah
Referee: Zac Kennard-Kettle
Attendance: 3830 (320 away fans)