Cambridge United suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Millwall at the Cledara Abbey Stadium, eliminating the U's from the Carabao Cup second round. Jake Cooper scored the only goal in the 10th minute following a scramble, having been set up by an early Millwall chance that saw Lyndon Dykes hit the crossbar in the seventh minute. Daniel Kelly had a shot deflected behind for Millwall before Cooper's breakthrough, while Danny Batth also struck the woodwork before the half-hour mark.
Where Cambridge United lined up
Neil Harris named an unchanged starting eleven for the visit of the Championship side, but the U's made five changes to their lineup from their previous league draw with Bromley. Zak Bradshaw, Sullay Kaikai and Glenn McConnell returned to the starting XI, while Gassan Ahadme started after overcoming an injury. Patrick Bauer made his Cambridge United debut in defence, and Max Crocombe, who appeared at the World Cup with New Zealand, was between the posts for the U's.
How the match unfolded
The Millwall goal arrived early when Cooper met a scramble inside the box in the 10th minute. Raees Bangura-Williams forced a low save from Crocombe before the half-hour mark, while on 15 minutes Elkan Baggott headed wide for the visitors. Cambridge had half-chances through Sullay Kaikai, whose 25th-minute effort was saved by Crocombe, and Isaac Heath, whose long-range effort in the 49th minute went high and wide after a lay-off from Louis Appere. Glenn McConnell also saw a shot go wide in the 66th minute following a set-up from Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu.
Cambridge United changes and substitutions
Cambridge United made five changes to their starting lineup from their previous match. Patrick Bauer was substituted in the 54th minute due to discomfort, with Callum Perry replacing the defender. Zak Bradshaw moved to centre-back after Bauer's departure. In the 63rd minute, Sullay Kaikai and Ball were replaced by Shayne Lavery and Dan Herd, with Herd's appearance marking his first professional outing for the club. In the 88th minute, Isaac Heath was substituted for Lohan McDougald. There were six minutes of added time, during which Callum Perry took a free-kick from 25 yards that was saved, and Lohan McDougald was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, with the resulting free-kick being blocked.
What happens next for Cambridge United
The result leaves Cambridge United eliminated from the Carabao Cup. The U's are back in League One action on Saturday afternoon, 29th August, when they host Huddersfield Town at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. Neil Harris's side will look to build on their previous league draw with Bromley, while Millwall, managed by Alex Neil, continue their cup campaign. Cambridge United's league standing is 4th in League One with 4 points from 2 games, a goal difference of +1, and B. Knight is the top scorer this season with 11 goals in 36 appearances. The U's will be aiming to bounce back when they face Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
