Harrison Dunk put in a Man of the Match performance
A Harrison Dunk goal prevented Ebbsfleet from getting their first win at the Abbey Stadium.
Unchanged from the 4-1 victory over Southport, spirits were high as the Fleet were hoping to cause a shock by beating Cambridge United away from home for the first time in seven attempts. The travelling fans had every reason to believe when Matt Godden struck past Nick Pope, unfortunately Dunk was on hand to smash the ball home when Johnny Gorman's effort was blocked off the line.
Cambridge begun the game playing some neat football, passing it around and getting in some good positions. Their first opportunity came as early as the fifth minute when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. Dunk's attempt to cross the ball got a bit too much curl as the ball flew over the bar. Godden registered the Fleet's first shot on target when his deflected shot looped into the grateful arms of the on-loan keeper.
As the half wore on, the Cambridge wingers were beginning to find more and more space, although they weren't troubling the Fleet defence enough.
A moment of confusion in the Fleet backline almost gave the hosts the lead. A weak ball in was first sliced by Phil Walsh and then by temporary right back Tom Phipp. Fortunately for the Fleet, Preston Edwards was there to clean up.
The U's best chance of the half came soon after. A long ball over the top - very similar to the one in the first minute of the reverse fixture - gave striker Tom Elliott time and space to smash home, only he tried to cut in on his right foot allowing the Fleet defenders to get back and make the challenge. Dunk had a shot soon after, which was blocked and landed in Liam Hughes' path - his effort was deflected wide.
The Fleet's best chance of the half came when a corner was headed into the path of Godden eight yards out. His volley was destined for the net until Rossi Jarvis produced a fine block on the line.
Neither side produced many clear cut opportunities but perhaps both sides should have scored before the interval.
HT: 0-0.
The second half begun and it was Cambridge who started brightly, with Josh Coulson heading straight at the keeper from an Andy Pugh free-kick. The Fleet then went close with their own header as Liam Bellamy's cross was met by the head of Walsh. His effort went just wide of the post.
The U's went close twice in quick succession soon after. Dunk's decent delivery found Kevin Roberts, he glanced his header a whisker wide of the goal. Hughes then went even closer as Elliot's low cross found him in space near the penalty spot, his effort brushed the side netting. Half of the ground thought it was in!
The Fleet had rode their luck a little but Godden went close after. He had been a pain all evening and his curling shot from the edge of the area took the slightest of deflections, leaving Pope stranded. The post came to Cambridge's rescue and they were able to clear the resulting corner with ease.
Twelve minutes later and the Fleet were ahead. Substitute Liam Enver-Marum attempted to thread the ball through to Godden, and what looked to be a relatively easy interception for Charlie Wassmer turned into a nightmare. He touched the ball into Godden's path and the striker was through on goal, allowing him all the time in the world to pick his spot. He thrashed his shot home, giving the travelling support huge hope of back-to-back wins for the first time since mid November.
The Fleet were on course for their first victory at the Abbey Stadium until ten minutes from time. A mistake from Ashley Carew in midfield allowed the U's to progress with the ball and a cross from Elliott found debutant Johnny Gorman in space and his effort was blocked off the line, only for Dunk to hit home the rebound from eight yards out.
Cambridge were spurred on by the goal and piled pressure on the Fleet backline in the last ten minutes, the ball just wouldn't break kindly for them.
Going into injury time, Godden had one more chance to give the Fleet the points after some good work from Bellamy. The midfielder managed to square the ball and Godden, on his weaker foot, stretched to put his effort wide. The last chance of the game - gone.
The Fleet would certainly have taken a point pre-match but given the fact Nuneaton and Barrow recorded wins, they now sit a point further adrift than when the evening started! Cambridge drop a place to 10th while the Fleet remain in 23rd. Cambridge travel to Hyde next Tuesday while the Fleet face the long trek to Barrow on Saturday, a game that they'll be desperate for three points.
Attendance:
1,737 (50 away)
Cambridge:
Pope, Roberts, Coulson, Wassmer, Haynes-Brown, Shaw, Dunk, Jarvis (Berry - 72), Elliott, Pugh (Gorman - 61), Hughes (Blissett - 77).
Subs not used: Anderson, McAuley.
Ebbsfleet:
Edwards, Phipp, Lorraine, Walsh, Howe, Barrett, Bellamy, Carew, Elder (Marum - 68), Godden, Payne (Azeez - 57).
Subs not used: Menz, Blake, Williams.
Man of the Match:
Harrison Dunk (Cambridge)
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