The ACN Match Review 25/26 – Cambridge United (a) | OneFootball

The lineup

A heavily rotated lineup with seven changes from the previous week. In a piece of good news, Sarah Quantrill made the matchday squad for the first time this season, though Holly Mears continued in goal. The defence was switched to a back three with Evie Williams, Hope Strauss and Ceri Flye as the centre-backs, while Ellie Bishop and Poppy Francis came in as the wing-backs. Sienna Booty and Issy Moore started in midfield, with Lauren Hailes in a more advanced role just behind the forwards Eloise Hall and Lara Densley.

How did we play?

A strong performance overall.

Cambridge United played a relatively high line, and there was a theme of playing long balls in behind quickly to test their defence. The player who I thought did really well was Lara Densley, who had a unique role in City’s 3-4-1-2. While Eloise Hall led the line like a typical centre forward, Densley was more of a false 9, playing off Hall in the left half-space with more freedom to roam and try to make something happen in the attacking third. Densley’s willingness to make runs in behind really wrongfooted Cambridge, and one of those runs took her to the edge of the box with a shot at the bottom right corner narrowly saved by the Cambridge United goalkeeper. On the whole, I thought she was unlucky not to have gotten on the scoresheet, and when Ceri Flye scored from range to give us the lead, it was well-deserved. Both teams looked to get the ball forward quickly and City definitely came out on top during those exchanges, and though the first half ended at 1-0, the Yellows could easily have gotten a few more.

The second half’s performance was more subdued. Under the bright heat of the sun, it was Cambridge United who had the upper hand and created a fair number of chances, while City weren’t able to test the hosts as much. On balance, I’d say Cambridge probably did enough to earn an equaliser, but as the footy gods would have it, a few big saves from Mears kept them out, and we were able to hold onto our lead. (I’d tell you more about it, but ADHD and a pint of Guinness made the second half go by like a blur. Oops.) All in all, I thought it was a really good performance from City, to go to St Neots with a heavily rotated squad and come away with a win against a tough opponent (hey Lauren, hey Shannon, it was good seeing you guys). There is so much talent in the squad, and with some of those performances I saw, the future is definitely bright.

What was the best bit of the game?

Ceri Flye’s goal, which made the difference. Has she ever scored a goal that’s not gotten you out of your seat in a flash?

What was the worst bit of the game?

When I went hunting for some food at half-time and was told that they didn’t do hot dogs. How Lucyphobic.

What was the atmosphere like?

Amazing as always. We really do have the best support in the league.

Hero of the match

Quite a few players impressed me out there. Densley was obviously one, Ellie Bishop was another. The two of them struck up a nice partnership down the left hand side and constantly caused trouble for Cambridge United. Bishop’s lung-busting runs down the wing were a sight to behold. I thought Sienna Booty and Issy Moore both did really well in the midfield, receiving from the backline and linking up with the attacking players. Booty played more like an anchor and put in a composed and mature performance, while Moore played more box-to-box and showed a lot of bravery. She didn’t shy away from the ball and always tried to play it forward with a pass or a carry, and though it didn’t always work out, I was impressed by her willingness to try things and take risks. And of course, there was the goalscorer Ceri Flye, who was constantly bombing up and down the flank to support the attack. That said, this week’s HOTM goes to Mears, whose goalkeeping heroics kept Cambridge out and let us hold onto our lead until the final whistle.

Summary in five words

Great team performance at St Neots.