No joy for Cambridge United in defeat to Plymouth Argyle

U's get no reward for performance

An impressive performance from Cambridge United could not bring with it the points as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Plymouth Argyle in Sky Bet League Two.

It was a terrific first half, with end-to-end action and both teams looking to move the ball, which led to numerous chances.

Ben Williamson had a header brilliantly defended when he seemed certain to score and Liam O’Neil saw a 20-yard effort take a deflection that carried it on to the top of the bar.

While at the other end, Matthew Kennedy had two curling efforts from the edge of the box spectacularly kept out by Will Norris.

The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute as Graham Carey sent in a delightfully-floated cross to the six-yard box and Antoni Sarcevic powered a header into the top corner.

The U’s were nearly level at half time as Scott Wharton had a header from a corner cleared off the line.

United made a bright start to the second half and were somehow kept out after an almighty goalmouth scramble.

Paul Lewis directed a header straight at Luke McCormick, and then more great defending kept United at bay from another corner.

Former United striker Jordan Slew had an effort saved by Norris, while Wharton was denied when another header from a corner was headed off the line.

Slew had a chance to wrap up the win in injury time, but after breaking clear for a one-on-one with Norris, he could only fire into the side netting.

And for all their endeavours and a good all-round performance, United were left empty-handed on the final whistle.

Cambridge United: Norris, Legge, Roberts, Wharton, Mingoia, Dunne, O’Neil, Carroll, Berry, Ikpeazu, Williamson.

Substitutes: Dunk (Carroll, 56), Lewis (Dunne, 67), McDonagh (Williamson, 78). Substitutes not used: Gregory, Maris, Clark, Newton.

Plymouth Argyle: McCormick, Sawyer, Songo’o, Sarcevic, Carey, Bradley, Kennedy, Threkeld, Taylor, Fox, Sokolik.

Substitutes: Donaldson (Sarcevic, 56), Slew (Taylor, 73). Substitutes not used: Dorel, Bulvitis, Blissett, Jervis, Tanner.

Bookings: Cambridge United – Legge (foul, 90+4); Plymouth – Sawyer (foul, 80), McCormick (time wasting, 90).

Referee: John Brooks.

Attendance: 5,084 (away 837).