Cambridge United concluded 2024 with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to in-form Leyton Orient at the Gaughan Group Stadium…
Despite starting in the ascendency, the visitors were undone half an hour in when Oliver O’Neill pounced from close range before youngster Jamie Donley increased the lead mid-way through the second half to consign the U’s to a third successive defeat in Sky Bet League One.
Despite being in the midst of a three-match winless run, the travelling amber nation remained just four points from safety, but knew the importance of signing the year off with a positive result. In their way, an in-form O’s side eager to continue their ascension up the league after securing 13 points from a possible 15 and keeping six successive shutouts.
In search of a response to the Boxing Day defeat at Charlton Athletic, Garry Monk named four changes to his starting XI. Jack Stevens returned between the sticks, with Liam Bennett, Danny Andrew and Dan Nlundulu also being restored. On the bench, Taylor Richards made his return to the squad following a lengthy injury absence.
After contending well with early pressure, where the hosts forced a corner within the opening seconds, it was a set piece up the other end on the 6th minute which was agonisingly close to drawing first blood. A U’s corner was flicked on to Nlundulu inside the six-yard box, who smashed with venom, but it was sensationally blocked on the line by the feet of Josh Keeley.
Overall, the visitors had controlled the play in the opening stages with a workmanlike approach that was enough to nullify any threats. The biggest test of their resolve arrived 10 minutes later when Dan Agyei drilled an inviting ball into the danger area and towards a looming Charlie Kelman, but the striker couldn’t pull the trigger as Bennett was on hand to slide out of play.
Just as the encounter became more end-to-end, there was a brief stop in play as Sullay Kaikai required treatment for his ankle.
On the half an hour mark, Orient found the foothold and broke deadlock. A purposeful run from Agyei down the right saw him dart into the box from an angle and force pinball in the area – with the U’s unable to clear the lines, O’Neill was first to react to tap home.
Work to be done for Monk’s men, who were forced into a change on 34 when Kaikai went down and was unable to continue, with James Brophy replacing him.
Petering out from here, the last pieces of play came during additional time when key cog Agyei raced into the final third, utilising his blistering pace to break free and pick out a speculative shot, which was well wide of Stevens’ post.
The only opportunity United could muster up fell on the brink of the whistle when Elias Kachunga nicely teed up Korey Smith from 20 yards, but the midfielder’s shot was always rising. It concluded an uneventful first half where the visitors simply required more service.
Straight after the break, there was a sense of urgency from Cambridge, who were now more inventive in possession. On the 54th minute, good work down the left saw Brophy play Kachunga, whose first-time effort was well taken by goalkeeper Keeley.
This triggered a rapid counter up the other end, with Agyei’s replica run from the opener seeing him wriggle into space and cut back on a plate for Spurs loanee Donley, who lashed inches past the post – a golden chance to make it two.
With just the one goal in it, the U’s remained hopeful of finding a way to get on top, but as we approached the hour it was clear Orient were in control of proceedings and were showing little signs of surrendering their imperious defensive record.
On the 64th minute, Stevens kept his side in it after a scramble in the box was concluded by O’Neill’s header, but the number one showed excellent reflexes to dive and scoop away a certain goal.
Five minutes later, the advantage was doubled when Richie Wellens’ group capitalised on being played onside through Kelman, whose pinpoint ball towards the far post was scooped in by Donley.
Now looking to shut up shop, the hosts had the experience in their locker to slow down the tempo. In response, United introduced Ryan Loft and Brandon Njoku for the final 15, with Richards also returning to the pitch in the latter stages.
Four minutes into injury time, Agyei drifted into the penalty area and tested his luck with a finesse shot, which beat Stevens but didn’t quite get the accuracy as it trickled wide. It put to an end an underwhelming performance where the visitors were second best throughout.
Up next, United kick off 2025 at the Cledara Abbey on Wednesday (1st January) as play-off chasing Reading make the journey – be sure to back the boys.
Leyton Orient: Keeley, Galbraith, Beckles, Simpson, Currie, Ball (Pratley, 58’), Brown (Clare, 74’), Agyei, Donley, O’Neill (Perkins, 83’), Kelman (Sweeney, 83’)
Subs Not Used: Phillips, Cooper, Jaiyesimi
Goalscorers: O’Neill (31’), Donley (69’)
Bookings: Brown, Keeley
Cambridge United: Stevens, Okedina, Morrison, Andrew (Njoku, 77’), Bennett, Smith, Cousins (Richards, 84’), Kaikai (Brophy, 35’), Stokes, Kachunga, Nlundulu (Loft, 77’)
Subs Not Used: Reyes, Watts, Ibsen Rossi
Bookings: Kachunga, Andrew
Referee: James Oldham
Attendance: 8914 (1252 away fans)