MATCH REPORT | CAMBRIDGE UTD 1 EXETER CITY 0
Cambridge United rallied together at a rocking Cambs Glass Stadium to produce an excellent 1-0 win over fellow play-off hopefuls Exeter City.
Leon Legge’s first half header proved to be the difference in a hotly contested affair as the U’s moved to within one point of the top seven with three games remaining.
The Grecians began the game brightest with Brad Halliday denying the visitors a goal inside the first minute with an excellent challenge on Ollie Watkins.
However, the U’s grew into the game with Uche Ikpeazu flicking a header wide in the next foray of note, whilst Luke Berry came close with another trademark free kick which grazed the side netting.
The opening goal saw Leon Legge register his seventh of the season, when the centre back powered a header back across goal from the returning Piero Mingoia’s set piece delivery.
United had the opportunity to double that lead when a long ball from Will Norris found Luke Berry one-on-one, but the midfielder was unable to add to his impressive tally for the season, lifting his shot over the bar.
A stunning double save by Norris at the other end kept the U’s lead intact before the break.
United returned for the second half with excellent determination, epitomized by Brad Halliday’s 80 yard dash on the hour mark to win a corner against all odds and move the U’s away from danger.
Paul Tisdale’s side continued to push for an equaliser but with their backs against the wall, the U’s defence kept them at bay and on the odd occasion of a break through, Will Norris stood tall between the sticks.
Exeter’s best chance fell to substitute David Wheeler, who saw his far post header clawed away by Norris and Shaun Derry’s side held on for the victory to the delight of the 6,000 strong home crowd.
Cambridge United: Norris, Halliday, Taylor, Legge, Carroll, Mingoia, O’Neil (McGurk, 81 mins), Newton (Dunne, 66 mins), Elito (Dunk, 71 mins), Berry, Ikpeazu
Exeter City: Pym, James, Archibold-Henville (Wheeler, 45 mins), Harley, Grant, Watkins, Moore-Taylor, Taylor (Stacey, 57 mins), Croll, Sweeney, Reid (Holmes, 67 mins)
Attendance: 6,130 (534)
Vindis Man of the Match: Leon Legge