Zak Bradshaw scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn Cambridge United a 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. The result extends the U's unbeaten run across all competitions to six matches and keeps them fifth in League One, just two points off the summit. The team's recent form has seen them take 13 points from their opening eight league fixtures, maintaining their record of scoring in every league game this season.
Neil Harris made three changes to his starting side, with Jake Eastwood, Dominic Ball and Gassan Ahadme all returning. The visitors, who had kept four clean sheets in their previous five games, took the lead after half an hour. Jayden Stockley connected with an Andy Yiadom cross, volleying past Eastwood with the outside of his boot.
Cambridge suffered a further setback when Dujuan 'Whisper' Richards was forced off injured shortly after the goal. Shayne Lavery replaced him at the break and caused problems down the left flank as the hosts pressed for a leveller. Eastwood made a vital double save to deny Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and then Ahadme, preserving the one-goal deficit.
Late drama
The U's pressure finally told in the first minute of added time. Mpanzu delivered a corner and Bradshaw arrived at the far post to finish from a tight angle, sparking celebrations among the 7,819 crowd. It was the defender's second goal in as many games, following his strike in the 4-1 win at Gillingham. The late goal, coming in the 91st minute, secured a valuable point.
Neil Harris highlighted his team's resilience. "Cambridge continued their goalscoring record by levelling matters during stoppage time," the head coach said.
George Hoddle made his first appearance of the campaign from the bench, while scholars Lohan McDougald, Dan Efobi and Dan Herd were named among the substitutes. The U's now turn their attention to the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, where they face Northampton Town on 6 October. Check the latest standings to see how the league table shapes up after this result.
More detail at Cambridge United
Neil Harris expressed frustration despite the late equaliser. The Cambridge United head coach said his side lacked a "drive to learn" after another defensive lapse. The 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon keeps the U's fifth in League One, two points behind leaders Bradford. They are now unbeaten in their last five league games. Their next match is away at Sheffield Wednesday on 3 October.
Neil Harris expressed frustration despite the late equaliser. The Cambridge United head coach said his side lacked a 'drive to learn' after another defensive lapse. He was pleased with the character shown to secure a 1-1 draw but criticised the failure to keep a clean sheet. The U's have now conceded 11 goals this season. They remain fifth in League One, two points behind leaders Bradford. Their next match is away at Sheffield Wednesday on 3 October.
