Ben Knight's composed finish three minutes from time earned Cambridge United a vital 2-1 victory at Valley Parade, their first away win in Sky Bet League One this season. The result lifts Neil Harris's side to sixth in the table with seven points from four matches, just three points behind leaders Huddersfield Town.
Sullay Kaikai had given the U's the lead in the 57th minute, capitalising on a defensive error, before Bobby Pointon equalised for the hosts in the 76th. Knight's intervention, set up by Louis Appere, secured maximum points for a Cambridge side that had suffered a frustrating late defeat to Huddersfield just three days earlier. The match report was published by www.cambridgeunited.com.
How did the match unfold?
Neil Harris made four changes to his starting lineup, handing full debuts to Owen Moxon and Ra'ees Bangura-Williams while also giving Sullay Kaikai and Gassan Ahadme their first league starts of the campaign. The visitors started brightly, with Liam Bennett testing Bradford keeper Jon McCracken from a tight angle inside three minutes. Ibou Touray also forced a save with a low strike from distance midway through the first half.
Bradford's best chance of the opening period fell to Jake Beesley, whose header was well saved by Cambridge goalkeeper Jake Eastwood on the half-hour mark. Adam Phillips then saw a dangerous cross scrape the far post just before the interval. The breakthrough came from a Bradford error, as Macaulay Gillesphey's misplaced pass towards his own box was intercepted by Kaikai, who finished coolly past McCracken.
What changed after Bradford's equaliser?
The home side responded well after falling behind. Josh Neufville's delivery caused problems, leading to Nick Powell hitting the woodwork before Bobby Pointon bundled the rebound home to level the scores. Antoni Sarcevic then flashed a header across the face of goal in the 83rd minute as Bradford pushed for a winner. Instead, it was Cambridge who found the decisive moment. Substitute Louis Appere progressed the ball forward to fellow replacement Ben Knight, who showed great composure to slot home and roar his side to maximum points late in the evening.
Harris had utilised his bench effectively, introducing Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and Appere just after the hour mark, followed by Knight and James Lavery. The changes provided fresh energy and ultimately the winning goal. You can view the full squad details on our squad page.
Where does this leave Cambridge United in League One?
This victory represents a significant bounce-back from the late loss to Huddersfield, which had been Cambridge's first defeat of the season. The team has now scored seven goals and conceded six across their opening four fixtures, giving them a positive goal difference. Their recent form reads Win, Loss, Draw, Win (WLDW), demonstrating both resilience and attacking threat.
Crucially, the win at Valley Parade marks the first time this season Cambridge have not opened the scoring in a league match, yet they still found a way to win. They face another tough test immediately, travelling to face fourth-placed Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium on September 5th. Fans can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and follow the team's progress in the standings.
Bradford City, who had taken six points from their first three games, named a strong side including Antoni Sarcevic and Adam Phillips. Their manager made three substitutions in the second half, introducing Tom Jackson, Nick Powell and Morgan Swan, but could not prevent a second home defeat. Referee Scott Oldham oversaw the contest. Cambridge United's next fixture is away to Burton Albion on September 5th.
