U's 1-0 Hereford
Kwesi Appiah’s first half blockbuster was enough to see Cambridge United claim another three points against Hereford and make it 13 games unbeaten.
Appiah turn and smashed the ball home from 20 yards in the seventh minute, but the U’s couldn’t add a second, and had to withstand heavy pressure in the closing stages to secure the win. They’ve now gone 13 games unbeaten since the start of the season, a new club record.
Adam Cunnington returned to the U’s starting line-up as Richard Money, celebrating a year in charge at the R Costings Abbey Stadium, made one change to the side that drew at Wrexham. Delano Sam-Yorke was the man to make way.
But it was United’s other striker, Appiah, who notched the only goal with a powerful shot after turning well 20 yards from goal. It was the Crystal Palace loanee’s third goal in three matches.
Hereford almost hit back immediately through Sam Smith, but his long-range effort was turned onto the post by Chris Maxwell, and the rest of the half belonged to United. Liam Hughes had an effort come back off the cross-bar, while Richard Tait also went close with a low shot.
The second half was more low-key from the U’s, though Hughes had a shot blocked and Ian Miller saw a header cleared off the line after a spell of four corners in quick succession.
But it was the Bulls who finished the stronger, throwing on an extra striker and piling bodies into the United area at every opportunity. Josh Coulson made one cracking headed clearance to foil Richard Brodie, who was inches away from scoring with a header from Dan Walker’s cross.
However, they couldn’t find a way past Chris Maxwell, and United claimed the points and will now go on to Tuesday’s match at fellow promotion-chasers Grimsby looking to making it 14 without defeat.
MayIClaim Man of the Match: Tom Champion.
Cambridge United: Maxwell, Tait, Taylor, Coulson, Miller, Hughes (Spillane 82), Dunk, Champion, Berry, Appiah, Cunnington (Sam-Yorke 55). Subs not used: Norris, Austin, Arnold.
Hereford United: Evans, Leadbitter, Bush, McDonald, Graham, James (Purdie 51), Pilkington (Walker 65), Gwynne (Sharp 73), Brodie, Smith, Brown. Subs not used: Collins, Odhiambo.
Referee: Justin Amey
Attendance: 3,381 (away 178)