Cambridge United suffered their first League One defeat of the season, losing 2-1 at home to Huddersfield Town this afternoon. A stoppage-time penalty from Joe Taylor snatched the points for the visitors after Zak Bradshaw had equalised for the U's late on.
This result halts Cambridge's positive start to life back in the third tier. Before this match, they sat fourth in the table with four points from two games, just two points behind leaders Bradford City. You can see the full League One picture on our standings page. The defeat came in front of their own fans at the Cledara Abbey Stadium, a tough way to end an unbeaten run that had followed promotion.
How did the match unfold?
The game started evenly. Cambridge United's Liam Bennett saw a first-half header saved by Huddersfield goalkeeper Matt Young. At the other end, Ashley Fletcher hit the outside of the post for the Terriers. The second half saw Sullay Kaikai test Young with a free-kick, but the breakthrough seemed elusive.
It finally came in the 81st minute. Debutant Ra'ees Bangura-Williams, who had come off the bench, provided an assist for Zak Bradshaw to fire Cambridge level. The joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Joe Taylor put Huddersfield back in front. Then, in the 90th minute, referee Harrison Blair awarded the visitors a penalty after a challenge by Liam Bennett on Taylor. The decision was contentious, with many believing Bennett won the ball cleanly just outside the area. Taylor converted from the spot to complete his brace and seal a 2-1 win.
What does this mean for the squad?
The introduction of Ra'ees Bangura-Williams provided a positive spark, with his assist marking a promising debut. Manager Neil Harris selected a starting lineup of Eastwood, Heffernan, Watts, Perry, Bradshaw, Bennett, Ball, Mpanzu, Knight, Heath, and Appere. They faced a Huddersfield side many tip for promotion, who started Young, Bowat, Wallace, Balker, Smith-Sway, Bronkhurst, Harness, Ledson, Taylor, Fernandes, and Fletcher.
The late nature of the defeat, especially via a disputed decision, will be a bitter pill to swallow. It ends a run where Cambridge had scored four goals and conceded three in their opening league fixtures, giving them a positive goal difference. You can review the team's individual and collective numbers on our stats hub.
What is next for Cambridge United?
Attention now turns immediately to a massive fixture. Cambridge United travel to face league leaders Bradford City on Tuesday, September 1st. It represents a quick chance to bounce back against the team currently setting the pace at the top of League One. The schedule does not get any easier, and the squad will need to regroup fast. Fans can plan ahead by viewing the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
Reporting on the match, the Cambridge Independent described the penalty decision as controversial. The defeat, while disappointing, leaves Cambridge in a solid early-season position, but the response in the next game will be important.
