Cambridge United's impressive 10-match unbeaten streak away from home was halted by a 3-0 defeat at Leyton Orient.
Neil Harris made two changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Zak Bradshaw and Sullay Kaikai for Shane McLoughlin and Isaac Heath. The U's started brightly and created four decent openings in the first half hour, but failed to test the goalkeeper. Leyton Orient's first shot on target brought the opening goal in the 32nd minute, as Rarmani Edmonds-Green headed home from an Alex Gilbert corner. The hosts added a second five minutes after half-time when Edmonds-Green set up Jaze Kabia, and Aaron Connolly completed the scoring in the 62nd minute.
Cambridge United almost equalised straight after the restart when Louis Appere's looping effort struck the post. Instead, Orient doubled their lead five minutes into the second half. Edmonds-Green turned provider, setting up Jaze Kabia to score. Aaron Connolly sealed the victory just after the hour mark, driving forward to find the bottom corner. The U's, who had conceded first in nine of their last ten league games, failed to score for the first time this campaign. This result means their recent form over the last five league games stands at one win, two draws and two losses.
Harris made a formation change at half-time, replacing Callum Perry with Shayne Lavery, and used all five substitutes in an attempt to change the game. Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Bradshaw and Kelland Watts all received yellow cards in a frustrating afternoon. The 3-0 scoreline reflected a clinical edge from the hosts, who had only three shots on target. Cambridge's squad was unable to find a response despite the tactical adjustments. The team has now scored 21 goals and conceded 18 this season.
The result leaves Cambridge United four points behind leaders Huddersfield Town. Their next league action is not until November 14, when they travel to face eighth-placed Luton Town in a key fixture. Before that, they host Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening. The focus now shifts to ending this poor run and reigniting their promotion push at Kenilworth Road.
