U's thrashed at Rodney Parade
Cambridge United were thrashed by table-topping Newport County on Tuesday night, a result which leaves Richard Money's side without a win in five games.Money made three changes from the disappointing home loss to Hyde 10 days ago with Liam Hughes, Rossi Jarvis and Robbie Willmott the men to make way for James Jennings, Ricky Wellard and Sam Smith.
After a goalless first 15 minutes the U's were dealt a hammer blow when first Lee Minshull and then Michael Flynn scored within a minute of each other to put the home side two goals to the good.
There was hope for United just before the half hour when Tom Elliott netted from the right-hand side of the penalty area but, as has all too often been the case this season, Cambridge failed to capitalise and found themselves looking at a two goal deficit again within three minutes.
It was Andy Sandell who made it 3-1, a deflection helping his free kick into the net. Michael Gash went close before the break but the players retreated to the dressing room with the Exiles in a commanding position.
Things got even worse after the break for the U's as Aaron O'Connor pounced from close range in the 62nd minute to make the scoreline 4-1 and seemingly put the result beyond doubt.
However, there was another glimmer of hope for Money's side in the 69th minute when Luke Berry's deflected volley found the back of the net. But, once again, the U's slim hopes were dashed almost immediately as O'Connor got his second, chipping Jonathan Hedge from long-range with the goalkeeper well off his line.
Debutant Michael Smith capped a miserable night for the loyal band of travelling United fans when he scored in the final minute to condemn the away side to their heaviest league defeat since a 4-0 defeat to Bath City in January 2011.
The result leaves Cambridge above the relegation zone only on goal difference, ahead of back-to-back home matches against Macclesfield Town and Tamworth.