Cambridge United climbed to fourth in League One with a 2-1 comeback victory over Reading at the Abbey Stadium. Defenders Liam Bennett and Kell Watts scored within ten second-half minutes to overturn a half-time deficit in front of a crowd of 7,129.
Neil Harris made three changes at the interval, introducing Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Shayne Lavery for Owen Moxon and Ra’ees Bangura-Williams. The manager's tactical switch altered the game's momentum after Jack Marriott had given the visitors a 38th-minute lead.
Bennett and Watts turn the tide
Liam Bennett levelled the score in the 52nd minute, finishing from a Callum Perry assist. Just four minutes later, Kell Watts headed home from a Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu cross to complete the turnaround. The goals from the defensive pair secured a vital three points for the U's in their sixth game back in the third tier.
"It was no surprise to see Neil Harris alter his Cambridge side at the break," the manager said after the match, acknowledging the impact of the substitutions. The win extends the team's recent form to two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five outings.
League context and next challenge
The result leaves Cambridge United on 11 points from six matches, just two points behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday. They have scored 11 goals and conceded nine so far this campaign. Their next test is a trip to face Oxford United, who sit one place below them in fifth, this Saturday.
Reading made several changes of their own in the second period, with Sam Reid and Charlie Savage entering the fray in the 78th minute. The 1,036 travelling supporters saw their side's early advantage slip away as Cambridge United's pressure told.
The U's squad depth was tested with multiple late substitutions, including Zane Bradshaw and Sullay Kaikai coming on. The team's current standings position represents a strong start to life back in League One following promotion.
Cambridge United's next match away at Oxford United kicks off at 15:00 on 19 September 2026.
Liam Bennett said the team's results since promotion "speak for themselves". The defender told reporters the challenge was always going to be tough. He added that the team is more than capable of competing at this level. Bennett's 52nd-minute equaliser against Reading was his first goal of the season. He credited work with assistant coach Adam Barrett on his attacking movement. Cambridge United's league standing is 4th in League One with 11 points from six games. They visit Oxford United on 19 September 2026.
