Actonians 1 - 2 Cambridge Utd

After 3 consecutive weeks of home fixtures it’s back on the road today for the As as they travel to St Neots to face Cambridge United. Actonians have a very good record against Cambridge United in recent seasons, however today’s home side have an unbeaten start in the league so far in 2023-24 so today has all the makings for a close contest.

The first quarter of an hour was very evenly balanced with neither side creating anything of note. In the 18th minute Jas had the first shot of the game but her effort to beat the oncoming keeper went wide of the post. 4 minutes later Jas was involved again playing Shakes through on the right and her shot from the corner of the 18 yard box wasn’t far off the target. Cambridge had their first 2 efforts straight after that. One blocked by Jen and one saved by Amber. Camila was very close to scoring with 25 minutes on the clock. A great save from the Cambridge keeper tipping her shot onto the bar. A few minutes later the same player had another effort, this time just over the crossbar. Cambridge required their keeper to make another great save on 38 minutes, this time saving a goalbound shot from Jas. In the 45th minute Actonians took the lead. Jas headed the ball into the six yard box and Shakes got the final touch. The half time scoreline of 1-0 was a true reflection of how the game was going at that point.

Cambridge levelled the score on 52 minutes managing to find the net after the Actonians players in their numbers tried to clear the ball to safety. 10 minutes later Cambridge took the lead for the first time scoring direct from a free kick. Straight up the other end from kick off and Jas had a shot saved. Kieran made the first changes in the 69th minute bringing Lara and Tori on for Naomi and Shakes. Meila had a shot go wide in the 76 minute. With 4 minutes of normal time left another change was made with Justine replacing Maria. Justine attempted to get on the end of a 88th minute corner but her effort was blocked. After that Cambridge saw the game out for a 2-1 win to them.

A frustrating afternoon, particularly in the second half where a very physical Cambridge side put up more of a fight and, as was with the first half, a scoreline true to reflection of how the game went. A chance on Thursday to get things back on track when the first team visit Chesham for a game under the lights. Isi had a good game at left back, both defending and trying to drive the game forward and was my player of the match today.

Photo and Report by Neil Hayward