A big second-half performance from Mark Bonner's men earned a deserved point at the Mornflake Stadium...
Adam May rescued a dramatic point for the U's with almost the last kick of the game, after Sam Smith had given the U’s hope 15-minutes before the full-time whistle.
The boss named two chances going into the clash, seeing Adam May return to the side in place of Sam Smith – who dropped to the bench, as well as handing Jack Lankester his first league start of the season, replacing Shilow Tracey.
The visitors enjoyed the better of the opening 10 minutes, with Joe Ironside heading on goal after some good work by James Brophy down The U’s left. However, somewhat against the run of play, the U's found themselves a goal behind after veteran Chris Porter had done well to cushion long ball down to Oliver Finney, who slotted home after ten minutes from the edge of the area.
Following the opening goal, United really struggled to gain control of the game in the minutes that followed, seeing the Railwaymen spurn a couple of chances moments before goal scorer Oliver Finney turned provider, neatly teeing up Scott Robertson to double the host’s lead after 24 minutes.
Mark Bonner’s men began to grow into the game as the first half drew to a conclusion, with Adam May going close with a low strike from an acute angle, which clipped Will Jasskelainen's post, before moments later midfielder Adam May, who was involved in United's best play in the first half, neatly set up Paul Digby to unleash a strike on goal – which was well blocked.
The second half saw the U’s come out with a higher intensity, with Adam May and Joe Ironside going close in the early stages – the latter being excellently picked out by James Brophy, however saw his header fly agonisingly high of the bar.
The U's boss turned to the bench in the 63rd minute, with Shilow Tracey and Wes Hoolahan being introduced for Jack Lankester and Conor Masterson – seeing Paul Digby drop into the back four in place of the departing Masterson.
Wes Hoolahan immediately began to become the main instiagtor in United's best attacks, doing well to find Shilow Tracey before the winger was excellently tackled as he was about to pull the trigger.
Finally, United would take one of their chances in the 79th minute, as an outstretched Sam Smith connected with an excellent Jack Iredale cross - setting up a nervy final ten minutes for the hosts.
Shilow Tracey, who was again nealty played through by the ever-involved Wes Hoolahan, had a golden opportunity to level the scoring just moments later. However, with Sam Smith free in the centre, decided to go for glory before shooting high and wide of the opposotion's net.
With the game almost looking out of reach for Mark Bonner's men in the 94th minute, the U’s completed a dramtic comeback with almost the last kick of the game. Wes Hoolahan recieved a loose ball on the edge of the Crewe area before expertly tee-ing up the advancing Adam May to brilliantly fire into the bottom corner - a deserved equaliser for Mark Bonner’s men, who dominated large proceedings of the second half.
The U’s next make the trip to Morecambe, looking to build upon Saturday's draw – with tickets now available for fans to buy.
Starting XI: Mitov, Williams, Iredale, Digby, Jones, Brophy, O'Neil, Ironside, May, Lankester, Masterson
Bench: Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Smith, Dunk, Okedina, Hoolahan, Weir, Knibbs
Attendance: 4247 (337)