MATCH REPORT | LUTON TOWN 2 CAMBRIDGE UNITED 0
Cambridge United’s impressive unbeaten away run in the League came to an end on Saturday afternoon, following a 2-0 defeat against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Isaac Vassell gave the hosts a first half lead and despite United bossing large periods of the second half, Jordan Cook converted a penalty on 83 minutes to claim the win for the Hatters.
Harrison Dunk and Bradley Halliday returned from injury in time for the clash, whilst Conor Newton was the final change to the side that faced Mansfield a week earlier.
The first chance of the game came from Newton, when the midfielder darted into the Luton area before drilling a low shot goalwards only to see it blocked by Glen Rea.
A finely poised half then emerged with Newton again on the end of an opportunity in front of goal, after Uche Ikpeazu’s deft back heel found the run of the former Rotherham man, but his effort this time missed the target from an awkward angle.
However, the Hatters broke the deadlock on 33 minutes with a swift counter attacking move that started from a U’s corner and saw Isaac Vassell tuck away a neat finish past Will Norris to give the hosts the advantage at the break.
Manager Shaun Derry elected to bring Ben Williamson on in place of Dunk at the start of the second half and the striker was straight into action when Mingoia picked him out at the far post, however he was unable to direct his effort on target.
The game began to open up around the hour mark, with chances falling more frequently for the U’s as they went in search of a leveller. Newton and Berry both came close, whilst James Dunne attempted a long range strike which fizzed wide.
United continued to be the dominant side in the second half, building pressure on the hosts and looking likely to register an equaliser.
However, Luton put the game to bed in the final ten minutes from the penalty spot. Leon Legge was adjudged to have pulled Vassell down in the box and Jordan Cook made no mistake despite Will Norris’ best efforts.
Luton Town: Walton, Smith, Cuthbert, Cook, Marriott (Mackail-Smith, 87 mins), Rea, Mpanzu, Vassell, Senior (Sheehan, 87 mins), Gambin (D’Ath, 78 mins), Justin
Cambridge United: Norris, Halliday, Legge, Roberts, Carroll, Mingoia (Lewis, 76 mins), Dunne (McDonagh, 83 mins), Newton, Berry, Dunk (Williamson, 45 mins), Ikpeazu
Attendance: 8.917 (997)