Leon Legge goal clinches Cambridge United victory over Exeter City

U's earn vital win in play-off chase

Leon Legge scored the only goal of the game as Cambridge United clinched a 1-0 win over Exeter City at the Cambs Glass Stadium to boost their Sky Bet League Two play-off chances.

Exeter started the game the stronger as Reuben Reid burst through inside the first minute, but a great last-ditch challenge from Brad Halliday denied the Exeter man the chance to get a shot away.

Joel Grant then fired over after good work by Ollie Watkins, but United grew into the game.

Luke Berry had a shot easily held by Exeter keeper Christy Pym, and then Uche Ikpeazu had a tame diving header from an inswinging Jake Carroll cross go just wide.

Berry sent a 20-yard free kick narrowly the wrong side of the post, but the deadlock was broken in the 29th minute.

A brilliant free kick from Piero Mingoia on the right saw Leon Legge rise highest at the far post to head back across goal and past Pym.

Berry broke on to a long ball only to see his attempted lob of the onrushing Pym go just over the bar, but then United had keeper Will Norris to thank for keeping them in the lead.

He palmed out a dipping cross from Ryan Harley, and then somehow spectacularly denied Grant’s header at point-blank range.

It was end to end in the second half, with both teams having a number of half chances.

Ikpeazu had a tame effort easily held by Pym, while a flicked header by Reid went just wide at the other end.

Liam O’Neil headed wide for United and Ikpeazu had a shot from the edge of the box charged down.

Norris was called into action to produce another good stop, denying David Wheeler’s far-post header with a full-length save in the 79th minute.

But United held on for what was a worthy win.