Brewers 2 Cambridge United 1: The Brewers are Staying up… ‘nearly’
Brewers had Jon Dadi Bodvarsson returning to the starting line-up for the penultimate game of the season at home to Cambridge United. Nothing but a win for Cambridge would stop them being relegated to League 2, and the Brewers knew that they would realistically just needed a win to stay up after Reading beat Bristol Rovers 2-0 before the game. Full Time att 3540.
By Andrew Lunn
The Brewers were in control of much of the half despite limited goal mouth action, but the complexion of the game changed at the end of the half when Cambridge were reduced to 10 men when substitute Loft flung an arm out towards Godwin-Malife, this followed shortly by Brewers being reduced to 10 men after McKiernan was sent off for a 2nd yellow card for a challenge on the keeper. McKiernan’s eyes fixed on the ball, the decision looks soft. Goalless at half time.
Brewers took the lead when a brilliant run by Dylan Williams fed Bodvarsson who took a touch to the left before smashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Brewers 1 Cambridge 0.
The Brewers nearly went two up almost immediately when Lofthouse was thwarted by Stevens in the Cambridge goal after being put through by Chauke, the Cambridge keeper saving well to his right.
Stevenson hit a shot that put the scoreboard more in danger on 60 minutes.
Brewers were claiming a penalty on 62 minutes after Jack Armer sent the ball to Lofthouse whose surging run was halted again in the box, but the ref waved claims away.
Cambridge should have equalised on 65 minutes when Williams lost the ball, Ballard finding himself clear on goal and Crocombe pulled not just the save off from Ballard, but the follow up from Kaikai to keep the Brewers in front.
Brophy shot over soon after as Cambridge enjoyed a spell of pressure, and Kachunga had a shot after Kaikai had put him through, but was well saved by Crocombe.
Brophy had a curling effort on 81 minutes that drifted just wide to demonstrate that the visitors were still dangerous.
Cambridge equalised on 84 minutes when Kachunga shot the ball in from close range after a clever back heel from Morrison. Brewers 1 Cambridge 1
Brewers take the lead on the 93 minutes, Dylan Williams scored one of the most important goals of his young career as he squeezed the ball from an impossible angle under reserve keeper Bishop after great work from Taveres. Brewers 2 Cambridge 1. Jubilant scenes as the Albion saw the game out to safeguard their League 1 future for next season bar a mathematical miracle.
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