Cambridge United Women fell to a 0-1 defeat in their opening league match of the 2024/25 season...
The U's hosted Actonians at St Neots for their first fixture of the new FAWNL South East Division 1 season, but after going toe-to-toe with Actonians throughout the contest - without finding a route to goal - the away side struck late in the first half to take all three points back to London.
The match began with the ball mostly exchanging hands back and forth throughout the midfield, but with the U's creating more attacking chances and being the controlling side.
The most threatening attempt by the U's came from a loose ball within the center of the penalty area - Stojko-Down making a rushing attempt to meet the ball before the Actonians keeper swept it up.
The game was certainly not one-sided, and Webb found herself tested on a number of occasions. An Actonians striker found space on the left side of the penalty area and had the chance to take the lead, but for new signing Rosy Wadhams getting a leg in the way for a deflection, allowing Webb to get hands to ball and eliminate the threat.
The visitors threatened once again on the counter-attack soon after, as a unit of Actonians forwards bore down on goal, but Gisela Otten showed great composure to shut down the advance with a slide tackle, knocking the ball out of play and stealing the momentum.
A string of corners from Cheal-Ferris for the U's offered up some aerial chances, however the U's could not find a way through.
Actonians took the lead on the stroke of half-time - another counter-attack as they picked up ball on the edge of United's area, this time rushing the length of the pitch before finding the back of the net, securing them the lead heading into the changing rooms.
Both sides came out in the second half with clear intentions, applying aggressive forward pressure within the first few minutes, and United coming close to scoring the all-important equaliser.
Cheal-Ferris' floated free-kick caused chaos as the on-rushing Actonians keeper missed the ball and although Stojko-Down attempted to pick up the loose ball near the goal-line, a clearance from the Actonians once again denied the U's a goal.
With time dwindling down, United's opponents were offered the perfect opportunity to double their lead, as a penalty was awarded for a collision in the Cambridge area, however the penalty was sent high and over the bar.
Neither side could capitalise on any of their further chances on goal, as Actonians overcame their 0-3 record against the U's last season to kick off their 2024/25 campaign with a win.
View the best photos from the game via our below gallery.
