MATCH REPORT: CRAWLEY TOWN 1 CAMBRIDGE UNITED 3
Cambridge United came from behind to produce their best performance of the season with a 3-1 away win over Crawley Town in Sky Bet League Two.
Greg Taylor, Uche Ikpeazu and Luke Berry were all on the scoresheet as Shaun Derry’s side claimed three excellent points at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.
An unchanged U’s side found themselves trailing after nine minutes, when a Chris Arthur cross was initially headed away by the United defence but the loose ball fell at the feet of Crawley’s top goal scorer James Collins to dispatch from eight yards out.
United had a superb opportunity to level three minutes later with Luke Berry slotting in an excellent through ball to Uche Ikpeazu, but the big striker failed to hit the target, dragging his shot wide.
However, Shaun Derry’s side continue to press the hosts as they went in search of a quick riposte and their efforts were rewarded on 18 minutes. Greg Taylor tucked away a well taken half volley from 12 yards out to level the game and register his first competitive goal for the club.
The goal gave United further confidence as they hounded the Red Devils for possession at every opportunity over the next 15 minutes. Again their endeavour paid dividends as they robbed the ball inside their own half before a brilliant long ball from Max Clark found the run of Ikpeazu, who this time showed great composure to lob Glenn Morris in the 28th minute.
The former Watford man continued to cause real problems for Dermot Drummy’s men during the first half and could have extended the winning margin with two further opportunities which left Morris untested.
Buoyed at the prospect of another fine away result, United wasted no time in the second half in cementing their advantage, as Luke Berry produced another divine free kick from 25 yards which he powered past Morris to make it 1-3.
For the remainder of the game United showed a fantastic work rate to frustrate the hosts and could have scored more with Roberts and Halliday spurning chances in front of goal.
Crawley Town: Morris, Young, Arthur, Davey, Connolly (Garnett, 42 mins), Boldewijn (Yussuf, 51 mins), Smith, Bawling (Roberts, 71 mins), Clifford, Collins, Djalo
Cambridge United: Norris, Halliday, Legge, Roberts, Taylor (Adams, 71 mins), Mingoia, Dunne, Clark, Berry, Dunk (Elito, 66 mins), Ikpeazu (Williamson, 88 mins)