Cambridge United Under-18s overcome Netherton United during Junior Premier League encounter

Two goals from Emilia Reinhardt and a Flo Hjaltun-Rayner screamer helped Cambridge United Under-18s to remain joint second of the Junior Premier League with a convincing 5-1 win at Netherton United on Saturday.

Billie Cook and Millie Docking were also on target for Sean Greygoose’s team to make it three wins from three and keep the pressure on West Ham United and leaders Haringey.

The goal of the game came in the 15th minute when Hjaltun-Rayner’s brilliant strike from distance flew into the top corner.

The young U’s were pegged back to 1-1 at half-time, but they then ran away with the game with four goals in 20 second-half minutes – including Reinhardt’s brace.

Manager Sean Greygoose said: “Saturday was a good test for the girls going away to Netherton.

“We had a slightly depleted squad due to players being unavailable, restricted minutes due to games over the weekend and injuries. This gave the opportunity to some others.

“We started the game really well and scored a really good goal.

“Unfortunately we then dropped our levels and allowed Netherton to get back into the game. We spoke about what we are good at during half -time and how we can come up with some solutions.

“Like the Cambridge City game, we had a really good reaction in the second half and were more positive in all our actions. Netherton did still have a couple of opportunities, but only a couple were on target.

“Up the other end we took a few of our chances and scored some really good goals which was pleasing for the group. Our biggest challenge is making sure that we can be more consistent throughout the first half when we take the lead.

“As a group we seem to be getting results along with developing our understanding which is helping the girls as they also move into women’s football.”

United will be at West Ham in the JPL Cup on Saturday (7 December).