MATCH REPORT | CAMBRIDGE UNITED 0 BLACKPOOL 0
Cambridge United were held to a goalless draw by a strong Blackpool side at the Cambs Glass Stadium, with the U’s extending their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two to eight games.
Luke Berry was denied the chance to secure three points from the penalty spot by Sam Slocombe with 15 minutes to play, but the point moves United up to eighth and within one point of the top seven.
The U’s lined up with two changes to the side that began the game against Leeds United in the Emirates FA Cup five days earlier, with George Maris and new signing Jake Carroll in for Blair Adams and Conor Newton.
United were quick out of the blocks with Leon Legge striking the foot of the post with a typically powerful header from a George Maris corner inside ten minutes.
The U’s continued to be the more positive of the two sides as the game approached the midway point in the first half, and following a scintillating piece of build play, the returning Maris side-footed a shot on target which forced Sam Slocombe into a smart save.
The U’s were dealt a warning on 30 minutes with the best chance of the first half when Brad Potts drilled a shot at goal which was deflected onto the chest of Norris and was eventually lifted over the bar by Mark Cullen.
The Tangerines returned after the break as the team in the ascendency with the U’s forced to show their defensive grit during the opening 15 minutes of the half.
Will Norris produced an excellent save to deny Andy Taylor from scoring a second free kick against the U’s during the 2016/17 season.
Referee Darren Drysdale awarded the U’s penalty on 75 minutes when Conor Newton was tugged back by Tom Aldred, who was subsequently shown a red card. However it was not to be because despite Berry’s firm effort from 12 yards, Slocombe made an excellent save to his right, keeping the game scoreless.
United pushed for a winner in the closing stages but a robust Blackpool side held firm to take a point from the Cambs Glass Stadium.
Cambridge United: Norris, Taylor (Adams, 45 mins), Legge, Roberts, Carroll, Mingoia, Dunne, Clark (Newton, 62 mins), Berry, Maris (Williamson, 71 mins), Ikpeazu
Blackpool: Slocombe, Mellor, Taylor, McAlister, Robertson, Aimson, Vassell (Matt, 85mins), Potts (Philliskirk, 83 mins), Cullen (Osayi-Samuel, 78 mins), Aldred, Payne
Attendance: 4,248 (328)
Vindis Man of the Match: James Dune