City Res 4 v Cambridge Res 1

Injured...again
By CCFCSleepingGiant.com
August 14 2002

A strong City team made the long journey to Cambridge for the first reserve fixture of the new season. With the likes of Maxwell, Prior, Gordon and Hamilton on the pitch, City overwhelmed their opponents.

News from CCFCSleepingGiant.com Line-ups

Cambridge: Martin Brennan (Rob Thornton 40), Franco Nacca, Daryl Bourgeois, Graham Rush, Daniel Huggins (Jonathan Heathcote 62), Alex Revell, Paul Wanless, David Bridges (John Turner 68), Tony Scully, Owen Paynter, Armand One.
Subs Not Used: Rikki George, Colin Alcide

Cardiff: Martyn Margetson, Ryan Green, Gethin Jones, Spencer Prior, James Collins, Martin Giles, Des Hamilton, Layton Maxwell (Kristian Dimond 59), Ceri Hughes (Simon Heal 47), Gavin Gordon, Tony Wallis (Richard Ingram 39).
Subs Not Used: Marc Porter, Kirk Huggins

Infront of a massive crowd of 46, the City second string were a class above the U's. The home side started brightly, but Margetson showed his quality with two fine stops.

City then took the game by the throat. Ceri Hughes was given far too much space and he took full advantage, firing brilliantly into the top corner.

The Bluebirds doubled their lead just three minutes later through Martyn Giles. The youngster finished off a flowing attack with a thunderous drive again into the top corner.

City secured the victory with a third goal after 17 minutes, Ceri Hughes again the scorer with a volley from outside the area. His performance today will certainly not have done his contract aspirations any harm.

The U's then came into the game a little bit more, but could only manage a handful of half chances.

There was a change of goalkeeper for United after 40 minutes when Martin Brennan was taken ill. The new shot-stopper was immediately brought into action, picking the ball out of the net after City scored their fourth of the afternoon. Maxwell played a perfect ball to Richard Ingram, and the youngster kept his cool, slotting past Thornton.

On the stroke of half time, Margetson again showed his worth with a great save after a strong run and powerful shot.

Half time - Cambridge 0 v City 4

City almost made it 5-0 within a minute of the restart, Gavin Gordon slotting wide when one-on-one with the 'keeper. But the lively start didn't last long and the second half was a much quieter affair. Dimond was unlucky to see his 25-yard screamer tipped over the bar.

Spencer Prior wandered off injured as the match drew to a close, leaving City playing the final minutes with 10 men. Cambridge made the most of the extra man advantage, John Turner stabbing a looping shot over Margetson.

All in all, it was a brilliant performance by City. There were certainly some players on show today who are good enough for Division Two - and they were all wearing blue.

Final score - Cambridge 1 v City 4