Cambridge United vs Luton Town FC (11th Jan 2014)

Cambridge 2 Elliott 73, Chambers 74 Town 2 Inniss 4, Wall 48

A much-changed Town surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw with promotion rivals Cambridge in a thrilling FA Trophy tie at the Abbey Stadium.

The Hatters led through headers from Ryan Inniss and Alex Wall but United stormed back to earn a replay when Tom Elliott and Ashley Chambers struck in the space of a minute.

Earlier, Greg Taylor had missed a penalty for the home side and, late on, the Town had goalkeeper Elliott Justham and the woodwork to thank for keeping the U’s at bay as the Hatters held out for a replay on Tuesday.

With just captain Jake Howells keeping his place in the Town side, it was a total of 10 changes that John Still made and one of those had the Hatters in front inside five minutes. Wall was barged off the ball down the left flank and Shaun Whalley’s inswinging free-kick was met by a thumping header by Inniss – scoring with his first touch for the club having arrived on-loan from Crystal Palace on Friday.

A minute later Justham was tested for the first time, getting down well to his right to keep out a low shot from Harrison Dunk.

Portugese midfielder David Viana was showing flashes of flair down the left side of the Town midfield and his pass with the outside of his boot on seven minutes was cleared by the home defence with Mark Cullen sniffing for an easy finish.

It was end-to-end stuff as both sides attacked at will and the Hatters should have doubled their lead on 12 minutes when an unmarked Anthony Charles headed over the crossbar from six yards following Solomon Taiwo’s pin-point right-wing cross.

Cambridge had the first of a total of three penalty appeals in the first half on 14 minutes when Dunk went down under a challenge from Inniss but, as Cambridge pressed for an equaliser, the Hatters defence held firm with Inniss and Charles coping well with the amount of crosses whipped in from both flanks.

Justham dealt with a low shot from Nathan Arnold on 24 minutes before the Town keeper then stopped another effort from the same player four minutes later.

There was a long stoppage in play shortly after the half-hour mark when Tom Bonner came off worse in a 50:50 challenge with Alex Wall. The defender was stretched off and at one point home manager Richard Money came onto the pitch to inspect his player’s injury.

After the break in play the Town came close to doubling their lead when Cullen’s shot from 12 yards was tipped over in unorthodox fashion by home stopper John Sullivan, making his U’s debut.

As the half-time whistle approached the Hatters continue to thwart and frustrate the home side but, after another penalty appeal was dismissed by referee Bennett, United did get the opportunity to notch from 12 yards. Howells was adjudged to have handled a goal-bound shot from Arnold and this time a penalty was awarded. However, former Town man Taylor saw his spot-kick strike the foot of the post before the loose ball was hacked clear by the Hatters.

Before the start of the second half, the Town introduced Jon Shaw in the place of Viana – it was the centre-forward’s first appearance since the two sides met in the Skrill Premier in August.

But, just like in the first half, the Hatters struck early and doubled their lead three minutes after the restart. Kane Ferdinand was the architect, robbing Michael Spillane of the ball down the left and he looked up to spot the unmarked Wall in the six yard box and the striker did the rest, diving to head into an empty net.

After the second Town goal Cambridge upped the ante once more but in truth Wall’s effort had really extinguished the home side’s threat and the Hatters came close to making it 3-0 on 62 minutes when Wall showed great pace and power to set-up Shaw to hammer a shot at goal that was clawed away by Sullivan.

Again it was end-to-end as both sides traded chances. Chambers fired over for United, as did Cullen at the other end. Justham, again did well on 67 minutes, getting down to his right to prevent Dunk’s low shot from finding the target. A minute later Chambers then sent a low shot skimming inches wide of the target.

But the pressure from the home side was slowly building again, though, and on 73 minutes Dunk’s cross was headed home by Elliott at the back post to get United to within one goal of the Hatters.

And, less than 60 seconds later Cambridge completed the turnaround to equalise when Chambers was sent through and he kept his composure to beat Justham with a fine finish. All of a sudden it was all United. Dunk sent a rasping shot over the bar moments later.

Back came the Town, Ferdinand unable to get past Sullivan on 80 minutes, Whalley unable to find Cullen for the chance to shoot, before Howells twice came close to making it 3-2 when curling a free-kick wide on 84 minutes and thumping a shot over two minutes later.

As time ticked towards the final few moments, Elliott saw a shot deflected just wide on 87 minutes before Luke Berry headed over a minute later as the hosts pressed for a late winner.

United came even closer in the first minute of three added when Liam Hughes’ rasping free-kick came back off the post and bounced to safety.

And the Town defence stood firm in the final few moments as Cambridge came closer to finding a winner with Justham denying Chambers twice before Arnold struck the outside of the post with the last kick of the game.

So it ended all square after a breathless 90 minutes to ensure both clubs try again at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

TOWN: Justham; Longden, Howells, Charles, Inniss, Viana (sub Shaw 46), Taiwo, Whalley, Ferdinand, Cullen, Wall (sub Rees 77)

Subs not used: Banton, King, Chabata.

Attendance: 3,194, including 687 backing the Town.

Manager pleased to hold on to draw at Cambridge

While disappointed to let a two-goal lead slip, Town boss John Still was satisfied with his much-changed side’s 2-2 draw at Cambridge.

The Hatters led 2-0 at promotion rivals Cambridge with goals from debutant Ryan Inniss and striker Alex Wall but two goals in two second half minutes from the hosts set-up a replay at Kenilworth Road this Tuesday.

“We’ve come away from home against a side that’s a good side, good players and we’ve made our normal changes,” said the boss after 2-2 draw.

“Some might say what’s the best result for Luton? And probably a lot of people would say a draw. The best result for John Still is to win.

“It’s disappointing when you’ve been in front and they come back, but it was a battling performance, we just dug in and I was really, really pleased with that.”

With 10 changes made to the team that last played in the Skrill Premier, Still thought some tired legs led to Cambridge’s second half revival.

“We found the last 20 minutes tough,” said Still. “Our centre-back pairing of Anthony Charles and Ryan Inniss obviously have not played together and we knew Anthony’s fitness would not be great because he has been out for so long and we paid for it.

“One straight ball through the middle for the second goal carved us open and we could do nothing.

“I do not want to sound unfair to Anthony but I am not surprised he made mistakes because of match rustiness. We thought we would give him another run-out as this game was important for the likes of him, Solomon Taiwo and Jon Shaw but I think tiredness was a major factor in us giving away the lead.”

Tuesday's replay will see the winners move forward to the quarter-final of the Trophy and Still may change things selection-wise once more.

"We'll have a look and see who's fit and available," he said. "We'll have a look at Jake Howells as he's played a lot recently but we'll wait and see what our options are."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4gR5z4f52o

http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/cambridge-pix-1101-1288239.aspx

Hatters denied Trophy victory by Cambridge United fightback

FA Trophy Third Round: Cambridge United 2 (0) Luton Town 2 (1)

A ding-dong battle saw Luton surrender a 2-0 lead as hosts Cambridge United ferociously fought back to earn a draw and force an FA Trophy third round replay at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday, writes Mark Wood.

It was an enthralling end-to-end encounter between the two sides battling it out for for the Skrill Premier title.

And for a while it looked like Town would inflict only a second home defeat on the U’s all season, with their only loss being a 2-0 defeat to League One Sheffield United in the third round of FA Cup in December, but the hosts battled back to level as Town became the only other side not to lose at the Abbey Stadium all season.

The Hatters made the perfect start to both halves as debutant Ryan Inniss headed them into the lead in the opening seconds of the first half, while Alex Wall doubled their lead at the start of the second.

But Cambridge always looked dangerous going forward as two goals in the space of a minute from striker Tom Elliott and substitute Ashley Chambers denied the Hatters victory.

Town were also indebted to a fine keeping display from Elliot Justham, while the U’s hit the woodwork three times, including a penalty from former Hatter Greg Taylor, as the Hatters were forced to hold on at the death.

It was virtually all change for Luton as they made 10 alterations to the side that drew 0-0 at Lincoln City the week before, with only Jake Howells retaining his place.

New Crystal Palace loan signing Inniss made his debut in the heart of the Hatters’ defence, while Peterborough loan man Kane Ferdinand made his first start in Town’s midfield.

The U’s, meanwhile, made five changes from their goalless draw at Nuneaton last time out as ex-Town boss Richard Money named a surprisingly strong side.

And Town made the perfect start as they took the lead after just four minutes. Wall won the free-kick on the left and debutant Inniss rose highest to glance home Shaun Whalley’s delivery.

A lively opening then saw Harrison Dunk trick and weave his way into the box two minutes later as his near-post drive forced a good save from Justham.

Former Portuguese U19 international David Viana threatened at the other end as his clever cross was cleared by a stretching defender.

The U’s though were looking dangerous too as Luke Berry headed over from a corner, before Luton should have doubled their lead on 12 minutes.

Patient build-up play from the Hatters saw Whalley make a real nuisance of himself and Solomon’s Taiwo’s tantalising cross was powered over the bar by Anthony Charles when he should have hit the target.

A controversial moment arrived moments later when the pacy Nathan Arnold got in behind and the wrong side of Inniss and went down under the defender’s physical presence, but referee Simon Bennett waved away the home side’s strong appeals for a penalty that would have likely ended in a red card too.

Charles was again in action on 20 minutes when Dunk got free on the left and put in a great cross, with the experienced Town defender just beating Elliott to the ball to clear.

The lively Arnold then went close again eight minutes later as a fine swivel and volley forced Justham into action.

A number decisions seemed to be going against the Hatters as Brett Longden was booked retrospectively for a foul, before a big 50-50 challenge between Wall and Tom Bonner left the former Dartford player in a heap on the floor.

Play went on for a few moments with Bonner down in agony before he received a lengthy spell of injury and was stretchered off with what looked like a serious leg injury.

He was eventually replaced by Town nemesis Chambers on 37 minutes, making his United debut after his midweek switch from York City.

The U’s continued to look good going forward as Elliott saw his dangerous cross run across the six-yard box before being cleared.

However, the Hatters too were dangerous going forward as Longden put Mark Cullen away on 41 minutes and his sharp effort from just inside box was turned over the bar by John Sullivan.

A cross by ex-Hatter Michael Spillane inadvertently hit Inniss’ arm before the break as U’s appeals for a penalty were waved away, before they were finally awarded a questionable spot-kick in the third minute of stoppage time.

Arnold skirted the edge of the box and Howells did brilliantly to fling himself in front of his effort only for Bennett to harshly point to the spot for a handball.

Ex-Hatter Taylor stepped up, but could only fire his effort against the base of the right-hand upright, as Charles put in another excellent challenge to clear behind.

Tom Champion replaced Kevin Roberts at the break for the hosts, while the fit-again Jon Shaw came on for the impressive Viana for the Hatters.

And Town repeated their superb start in the second half as they doubled their lead three minutes in. Ferdinand robbed Spillane and floated in the perfect cross to the far post for the unmarked Wall to head home.

However, the hosts continued to press as Charles did well to block Berry’s drive from the edge of the area before Chambers fizzed in a drive which Justham fielded well.

Wall made a wonderful run to open up the Cambridge defence on 62 minutes before finding Shaw unmarked on the edge of the box, but his powerful drive was turned behind by Sullivan.

Cambridge though proceeded to boss proceedings as they showed they weren’t done yet.

Howells was booked for a cynical foul on Dunk before a lovely touch by Arnold put Chambers away, but he could only fire a difficult chance over.

At the other end Cullen fired an effort well over, before Cambridge continued to turn the screw.

Arnold found Dunk in space as Justham did well to hold on to the winger’s effort with Chambers then dragging an effort across the face of goal.

Richard Tait replaced Spillane on 69 minutes and the U’s should have pulled a goal back two minutes later when Arnold drove in a cross across the face of goal and Chambers somehow diverted it wide from just a year out.

However, the U’s turned the game on its head with two goals in the space of a minute.

The first came on 73 minutes when Dunk floated in a cross and Elliott headed home from inside a crowded six-yard box.

And a crazy spell of action saw the game turned completely on its head as Ferdinand appeared to be fouled by Champion in midfield, but nothing was given, as Chambers raced clean through and kept his cool to dink past the exposed Justham.

With Ferdinand remonstrating with Champion the pair were booked by Bennett as United chased a winner.

A powerful Dunk blast forced Justham into another notable save, before Wall was booked for a poor challenge on 78 minutes as he was almost immediately replaced by young midfielder Ian Rees.

Town finally began to respond as Whalley’s direct run saw him power into the box but he poked just out of the reach of Cullen, before the winger won a free-kick in a great position but Howells curled his free-kick inches wide.

Captain for the day Howells whizzed another effort over with four minutes to go, but it was the U’s that came closest to grabbing victory in the closing stages.

Elliott danced his way into the box but saw his effort deflected just behind with three minutes to go before Berry headed over from another United corne.

Cambridge almost won it four times in stoppage time. Liam Hughes thundered a free-kick against the left-hand upright as it rebounded across the line and out.

The dangerous Chambers sent another effort into Justham’s midriff before racing clean through deep into stoppage time, but the Town stopper came out to narrow the angle and saved brilliantly from point-blank range and, with Town unable to clear the danger, Arnold’s follow-up from the edge of the area flicked the join of the post and bar as Town somehow clung on for a draw and a replay at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

U’s (4-4-2): John Sullivan, Kevin Roberts (Tom Champion 46), Greg Taylor, Tom Bonner (Ashley Chambers 37), Ian Miller (C), Tom Elliott, Harrison Dunk, Liam Hughes, Luke Berry, Michael Spillane (Richard Tait 69), Nathan Arnold. Substitutes not used: Josh Coulson, Will Norris.

Hatters (4-3-3): Elliot Justham, Anthony Charles, Solomon Taiwo, Alex Wall (Ian Rees 78), Jake Howells (C), Mark Cullen, Ryan Inniss, David Viana (Jon Shaw 46), Shaun Whalley, Kane Ferdinand, Brett Longden. Substitutes not used: Zane Banton, Craig King, Tinashe Chabata.

Booked: Longden 31; Howells 63; Ferdinand 73; Champion 73;Wall 78.

Referee: Simon Bennett.

Assistant Referees: Stuart Eagland and Matthew Jones.

Fourth Official: Jonathan Burridge.

Attendance: 3,194 (Luton 687).

Star Hatter: Elliot Justham. No chance with the goal and made a vast number of saves.

Still felt fatigue played its part in Trophy draw

Hatters manager John Still conceded tiredness played a part as Luton let a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2 with Cambridge United in their FA Trophy third round clash yesterday, writes Mike Simmonds.

Town had gone 2-0 up with goals from debutant Ryan Inniss and Alex Wall, before a quickfire second half double by Tom Elliott and Ashley Chambers ensured a replay at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

With Town making 10 changes to their side, including starts for Anthony Charles and Solomon Taiwo, Still said: “At 2-0 up, I thought we might run out of a little bit of legs second half with Charlo being out a long time and I felt I was right.

“I thought he found the last 20 minutes a bit tough, while Ryan has just come in and we haven’t done a lot of work with him. The second goal would have disappointed us, one straight ball, but I’m not stupid, I’m fully aware that Charlo hasn’t played for a long time.

“It didn’t shock me that an error come from him perhaps not being more on his toes.

“I’m more delighted with the response of the two of them, as they just got back on with it.

“Some might say what’s the best result for Luton? And probably a lot of people would say a draw. The best result for John Still is to win, but we’ve come away from home against a side that’s a good side, good players and we’ve made our normal changes.

“It’s disappointing when you’ve been in front and they come back, but it was a battling performance, we just dug in and I was really, really pleased with that.”

Still was delighted that the likes of Charles and Taiwo got 90 minutes, with the latter not starting since August 17.

Striker Jon Shaw also made his first appearance for over four months, as the boss continued: “Solly I thought did exceptionally well for someone who hasn’t played, and has had the one game against Reading in the week.

“It was really important for Anthony Charles, for Solly, even for Shawy to get some fitness.

“One of the things that was really on our mind before the game, was how long Charlo and Solly could last.

“In fairness they lasted the distance, not easily, and considering that Ryan only came in on Friday and did one training session, I thought they did all right.

“For patches in both halves, we lacked a little bif of legs in midfield, Kane (Ferdinand) hasn’t played a lot of football, but I have to be satisfied with what I’ve seen.”

One thing that Still wasn’t overly happy with was referee Simon Bennett, who gave a soft penalty against Jake Howells for handball, before missing a clear foul on Kane Ferdinand in the build up to United’s first goal.

He said: “They were strange decisions. I actually thought one (penalty appeal for Cambridge) before that might have been, but I didn’t think that one was.

“But I’m 50 yards away, so it’s difficult isn’t it. Very rarely do I complain about a decision that I can’t really have an impression on, if you give it, you give it.”

Meanwhile, on the Ferdinand decision, he added: “We’re a long way from it, but you know what you can tell, the game stopped for a second because it was a foul.

“He didn’t give the foul, they’ve come down and scored. It’s a long way from our goal, but we should probably do a little bit better in our box.

“It looked a foul, but it wasn’t.”