29/09/21: Men’s Blues 4 – 2 Warwick

It’s not every day that you see something that genuinely takes your breath away and leaves you standing there, hands on head, wondering what on earth just happened. But around half three today, we witnessed exactly that, courtesy of everyone’s favourite ginger keeper (Adam Bogdan eat your heart out). But to set the scene… The Blues started well, keeping the ball well in midfield (it helps when you have two serious ballers in there) and threatening the Warwick goal early. The opposition’s few chances came from set pieces, and Tim had to be alert to tip over a shot from range. Jay’s wicked free kick nearly led to a scrappy opener, but the breakthrough came soon after. We won the ball high up the pitch, and a ricochet off debutant Cai’s ‘chest’ fell to George Pugh, who lashed home from the edge of the area. He’ll tell you it was the Harry Kane-esque placement that beat the keeper, but the lovely bobble it took might have other ideas. The defence was holding strong, with centre-backs Ben and Lambo cleaning up well, and full-backs Sonny and Percy battling hard. However, a brief switch-off from a throw-in led to the Warwick skipper firing a powerful shot past an outstretched Tim to equalise. The wind was making it difficult for the Blues to get out of their defensive third, but when they did the results were exceptional. VC Louie’s battling in midfield led to a chance for Cai which was very well saved by the keeper. Minutes later Harris (what a baller) won it back and slid in Cai perfectly, who found the bottom corner for his first CUAFC goal. 2-1 Blues at half time. Straight from the restart, Cai and George displayed more of their deadly link up, and only a stunning goal-line clearance from the Warwick full-back prevented a third. However, despite playing into the wind, Warwick were pushing the Blues back , and won a dangerous free kick on their left (their excessive moaning at the ref eventually paying off). A sweet inswinger was met by a near-post flick over the unfortunate Tim. 2-2. The Blues were now very much on the back foot, and Tim had to be alert again to tip a shot from a tight angle onto the post. However, Sonny and Ben were resolute on the right side of the defence, with countless challenges to stop Warwick getting into the box, and Lambo and Percy were dealing with the long ball every time. Not phased, Tom Blatch brought on Jed and Fortina on the wings, to instant impact. Louie won the ball back on halfway, George slid in Jed down the right. He got to the bye line and pulled it back (causing Blatchy to let out a little squeal) for Brody to finish and put Cambridge ahead for the third time in the match. Warwick weren’t going down without a fight. Reece came on in the midfield to lock it up alongside Joe Helm, and the two worked tirelessly to stop the straight balls into feet. Matt Hawthorn replaced the outstanding Sonny (who had been bombing up and down the wing all match) and promptly turned into Dani Alves, turning his man with an audacious spin with virtually his first touch. However, the Blues were still working hard at the back, and were indebted to the immense work rate of the subs. Then, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. An overhit pass from the Warwick midfield brought out Tim, who (with the wind at his back) thumped it long. The ball just went and went and went, and the Warwick keeper started to backpedal. His despairing dive got only the faintest touch (was it going wide already?) and the ball nestled in the bottom corner. The crowd went wild - all 9 of them - in genuine shock at what they’d just seen. A proper 80-yarder. Wow. The defence was resolute for the last 10, with Lambo in particular leaving it all out there. The ref eventually blew for full-time. 4-2, an excellent team display, and some very promising signs for the season ahead. MotM: Until the 80th minute, a lot of contenders, but only one man after that – Timmy. Excellent between the sticks, even better in front of goal.