Charlton played perhaps the best football of their season in the first half, relegating bottom-of-the-league Cambridge to spectators and teaching them a lesson. The first goal came from a tap in from young Leaburn on 14 minutes and was followed up by another from Jes Rak-Sakyi on 28 minutes. Charlton looked rampant and Cambridge looked thoroughly deflated.
Leaburn was taken off at halftime, replaced by even young Kanu, possibly due to a knock he suffered late in the first half. His battering play up front was missed, allowing Cambridge to push higher and gain a foothold in the game. Some capable defending and a fantastic save down low to his left from Maynard-Brewer kept Cambridge at bay, until on 72 minutes they found a breakthrough. For ten or fifteen minutes, Cambridge had the momentum and renewed intent. Fortunately, we had enough to hold on and secure all three points. One other incident of note, was a cast iron penalty shout, as Daniel Kanu was held down from challenging for the incoming cross, was ignored completely by the ref, but buy that time, most of Cambridge’s steam had run out and the Addicks were able to settle the game down and see it out. The second half wobbles are disappointing, but earlier in the season we would have completed folded; so that’s progress!
Back-to-back victories give the Addicks a bit of momentum going into the remaining part of the season.
Cambridge 1 Charlton 2
Over to you.
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Comments
We dominated the first half & played well 2nd half, apart from the goal, which we should have defended better.
I'm very happy, a win's a win.
but what was pleasing is we stayed strong and actually last 8/10 mins we managed the game very well with Payne and Fraser showing all their experience..
Should have had a pen .. how it’s not given is beyond me ..
I'd add in our CB pairing as well, albeit to a lesser degree.
Lost our way in 2nd half, but kept hold of the 3 points.....7 points out of 9.....I'll take that, in what has been a 'poxy' poor season.
Strange pre season type atmosphere at the ground but not unexpected
Deserved win
On about 75 minutes, Cambridge delivered a shocking surprise, sneaking on MMA legend Royce Gracie, who wasted no time in identifying his prey in the youthful and blissfully unaware Daniel Kanu. Gracie’s opening came quickly, rather carelessly, right in front of goal in his own penalty area, such was the level of his brazenness. The wiley old technician pounced on the naive striker, wrapping his arm around Kanu’s neck, applying pressure to his carotid artery, and dragging him down in one motion. For Kanu, he knew not what had happened; a complete yet temporary blackout. The referee was too far away to see this infraction and, before the ruse was uncovered, Gracie disappeared from the pitch.
Maynard-Brewer showed what a good keeper he could be. One super save and his taking off crosses all afternoon was first class.
And Michael Hector put in a superb display. If he can stay fit, and we can sign him, he's going to be a huge asset.
And watching the first half in particular after Tuesday the funny thought that went through my mind is that Inniss, Hector and even Morgan and Thomas must be putting themselves in a position where they will be offered new contracts!
I would hazard a guess as to how next season goes depends entirely on whether we can keep Leaburn for another season. With him in the team, 4-3-3 works perfectly and we look a dangerous, well set up team. Take him out of it and we look a mess.
Rak-Sakyi and Leaburn apparently know each other well. Rak-Sakyi wouldn't do the dirty on us and recommend Leaburn to Palace, would he? What an horrendous thought!
P.s, is it wrong to be pleased we let in a late goal, because I forecast 2-1
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-reveals-miles-leaburn-was-withdrawn-during-win-at-cambridge-due-to-injury-concern/