Cambridge United

Cambridge United kicked off 2017 in convincing style with a 4-0 win over Notts County at the Cambs Glass Stadium.

A brace for Luke Berry and second half goals from Uche Ikpeazu and Piero Mingoia ensured the U’s sustained their top seven position at the turn of the season. 

Shaun Derry made three changes to the side that started the game at Leyton Orient on New Year’s Eve, with Blair Adams, Max Clark and Ben Williamson in for the clash with the Magpies.

Adams had the first chance of the match when he cut inside the Notts left back before drilling an effort wide of the mark on 13 minutes.

However, the Amber Army didn’t have to wait long for the opener when Luke Berry typically harried County keeper Adam Collin, who attempted to clear the ball but instead clattered it against the midfielder for his 14th goal of the season.

United continued to be the side in the ascendancy, although only Mark Roberts had the chance to extend the lead before the break when he lifted Berry’s header over the bar from two yards on the half hour mark.

However, three second half goals put the game beyond doubt and guaranteed the U’s their first win of 2017.

Uche Ikpeazu barged past two defenders inside the Magpies area before coolly finishing to double the advantage on 57 minutes, and Luke Berry doubled his goal tally for the day when he chipped the keeper from the flat of his back on the hour mark.

Piero Mingoia finished off the fourth goal for the U’s when substitute Harrison Dunk had robbed the visitors of possession in a dangerous position. Mingoia was subsequently subbed off to make way for Leon Davies for the youngster’s League debut.

Cambridge United: Norris, Taylor, Legge, Roberts, Adams, Mingoia (Davies, 77 mins), Dunne, Clark, Berry, Williamson (Dunk, 53 mins), Ikpeazu (Newton, 88 mins)

Notts County: Collin, Dickinson, Smith, Hollis, O’Connor, Forte (Collins, 56 mins), Milsom, Laing, Thompson, Hewitt, Stead (Campbell, 83 mins)

Attendance: 4,981 (360 away)

Vindis Man of the Match: Luke Berry