MATCH REPORT | CAMBRIDGE UTD 2 CRAWLEY TOWN 0
Cambridge United successfully took their play-off ambitions to the wire with a 2-0 home win over Crawley Town at the Cambs Glass Stadium.
Goals from Scott Wharton and Luke Berry secured three points for the U’s to keep them within three points of the top seven with only a game against fellow play-off chasers Wycombe Wanderers left to play.
The visitors looked dangerous in the opening 20 minutes and came close through Kaby Djalo who struck the foot of the post on 18 minutes from a 20 yard half volley.
Will Norris was also forced into an excellent save plucking out a well struck effort from Andre Blackman midway through the half to keep the game level.
It proved an important moment as the U’s took the lead ten minutes before the break when Scott Wharton rose highest to flick Harrison Dunk’s corner past Glenn Morris to ensure United gained an advantage at half time.
The U’s stayed solid for the remainder of the game and when substitute Gerry McDonagh broke forward in the dying embers, the big striker was fouled by Josh Payne inside the 18 yard box who subsequently received a red card.
Luke Berry made no mistake with the spot kick, converting to register his 22nd goal of the season and keep the U’s play-off hopes alive with one game to play.
Cambridge United: Norris, Halliday, Legge, Wharton, Taylor, Mingoia, Dunne, Newton (McDonagh, 27 mins), Dunk, Berry, Elito (Williamson, 83 mins)
Crawley Town: Morris (Mersin, 45 mins), Young, Payne, Connolly, Boldewijn (Roberts, 59 mins), Smith, Blackman, Collins, McNerney, Djalo (Harrold, 59 mins), Cox
Attendance: 5,675 (177)
Vindis Man of the Match: Scott Wharton