09/10/24: Men’s Blues 2-3 Warwick 1

A rare early start to the BUCS season at Cambridge, as the Men’s Blues kicked off their return to Midlands 1A by hosting Warwick 1. With plenty of familiar faces still around the squad from last season, the atmosphere was positive. It was especially good to see Asa Campbell back in the #10 role after a tricky season of injuries last year. Returning without missing a beat, he duly dinked the keeper for the game’s opening goal after a lovely touch following a defense-splitting pass by Aaran Mehmood. The team kept up the pressure, with some lovely play between the attacking four of Asa, Aaran, Deniz Ozer and Dani Sanchez. However, Warwick remained dangerous at points, with the Blues being bailed out by some fantastic goalkeeping from Aram Sarkissian on multiple occasions. Half-time saw Cambridge head in 1-0 up.

Cambridge continued to remain dominant at the start of the second half, before a difficult 10 minute spell saw Warwick score three in quick succession, including an impressive chipped finish. Although the Blues seemed momentarily rocked, first-year and Blues debutant Jesse Tapnack combined well with Deniz to put pressure on the Warwick defense once again. Taking the fight on himself, Aaran contributed another important moment as he weaved past 5 Warwick defenders inside the box before being hacked down to win a penalty. Deniz put his 2024 varsity demons to bed by slotting home calmly, claiming the discovery of a new technique. With only 3 minutes remaining, a full comeback proved too much as the final whistle blew for a 3-2 loss; a disappointing return from a game with sustained control and many positive moments. However, heads remain high, with the team already looking forward to setting things right against Birmingham in 2 weeks time.

Final score: Cambridge 2-3 Warwick.

Goals: Asa Campbell, Deniz Ozer.

Assists: Aaran Mehmood (2).

✍️ Cai La Trobe-Roberts