CAMBRIDGE UNITED 1 WOKING 0

Cambridge United 1 Woking 0
15 March 2008

Woking were unlucky to come away empty-handed from the Abbey Stadium after losing 1-0 to Cambridge United. The Cards were denied by referee Bull?s decision to award a penalty towards the end of the first half, thus condemning Woking to their 6th league game without a win.

Frank Gray brought in Matt Ruby for the suspended Tom Hutchinson, and he lined up with Paul Lorraine and Jay Gasson in a back three. Danny Bunce and Goma Lambu provided width on the flanks, aiding Matt Gray, Matt Pattison, and Bradley Quamina in the middle. Liam Marum replaced Jason Norville up front to partner leading scorer Marvin Morgan.

Cambridge shot out of the traps early on with a couple of corners, both of which Marvin headed clear. The Cards found their feet shortly afterwards and some neat build-up play enabled Marvin to get on the end of a Bradley Quamina cross in the 7th minute, but his effort was claimed by ?keeper Danny Potter.

Bradley had a shot of his own two minutes later after being left in space 25 yards out, and Liam Marum was found by Matt Gray inside the area. He managed to get a shot in, but saw his effort blocked.

In the 23rd minute, Matt Gray got past a couple of Cambridge defenders who got back to clear for a corner. Danny Bunce stepped up and crossed the ball out to Patto on the edge of the ?D?. Patto attempted a volleyed shot a la Paul Scholes but his effort cleared the bar.

There was a lengthy stoppage from the 25th minute after Cambridge forward Lee McEvilly fell awkwardly and was left with a nasty-looking injury to his ankle.

The game resumed and Liam had another shot blocked, after finding space in the Cambridge area. However, the first goal of the game arrived somewhat against the run of play when Cambridge were awarded a 45th minute penalty. Goma was adjudged to have brought down Courtney Pitt inside the area, and Lee Boylan stepped up to take the spot kick, sending Ross Worner the wrong way to make it 1-0.

Half time: Cambridge United 1-0 Woking

Not long into the second half Woking had an early chance to make the scores level. Danny Potter in the Cambridge goal was closed down by Liam Marum, hitting his clearance straight against the Woking forward. The ball bounced off Liam, hitting the bar. It fell loose to Marum again, who crossed back into the danger zone, finding the onrushing Patto inside the area. However, his volley sailed harmlessly wide.

Matt Gray?s shot was deflected behind for a corner in the 48th minute as Woking again pressed. Liam had a shout for a penalty turned down two minutes later, claiming he was tripped in the area after nicking in behind defender Mark Peters.

Goma got a vital foot in at the other end, hooking the ball away from Courtney Pitt and denying the winger a strike on goal. Pitt then had another attempt, hitting a fierce shot along the ground which went just wide after a Woking clearance fell to him.

Patto had another couple of shots which went wide, but despite their best efforts, the Cards couldn?t force an equaliser. Gez came on to replace Liam, and saw a shot of his own go wide of the mark in the 77th minute.

Jason Norville joined the fray in the last 10 minutes, replacing Goma, and was soon in the thick of things. His turn and strike was claimed by Potter, and he later won a free-kick which Gez stepped up to take. Unfortunately, his set play sailed over the bar and Cambridge held on for all three points.

The Cards were unlucky to come away from Cambridgeshire with nothing in the bag. However, there were a lot of plusses to take from what was a much improved and spirited performance.

Woking: Ross Worner, Paul Lorraine, Matt Ruby, Jay Gasson, Goma Lambu (Jason Norville), Matt Pattison, Matt Gray, Bradley Quamina, Danny Bunce, Liam Marum (Giuseppe Sole), Marvin Morgan

Subs not used: Nick Gindre, Adam Green, Damian Batt

Booked: Marvin Morgan, Goma Lambu, Bradley Quamina

Attendance: 3778

My MOTM: Marvin Morgan