MATCH REPORT | CAMBRIDGE UNITED 1 LEEDS UNITED 2
Two second half goals from Leeds United saw them come from behind to end Cambridge United’s Emirates FA Cup campaign at the Third Round in front of a sell-out crowd at the Cambs Glass Stadium.
Uche Ikpeazu had given the U’s a fully deserved lead at the break before Stuart Dallas and Alex Mowatt flipped the score line to book the West Yorkshire side a Fourth Round berth.
The U’s buoyed by a sell-out crowd began the game with a ferocious start, albeit Marcus Antonsson striking the woodwork with a cross-come-shot in the opening encounters. Uche Ikpeazu benefitted from a fine run by Mingoia who played the striker through for the first opening at goal on six minutes, but Silvestri saved his shot low with the feet.
Luke Berry teased a whipped free kick within fractions of the Leeds target soon after as the U’s continue to enjoy the better of the opportunities in front of goal in the early stages.
However, Shaun Derry’s men continued to pressure their Championship opponents and when Luke Berry had a second free kick denied by the Leeds wall, Uche Ikpeazu was only too happy to slam home an opener from 14 yards and send the Cambs Glass Stadium into rapturous delight.
United keeper Will Norris was called into action late in the half, when he first pulled off fine stop to deny Alex Mowatt from range before saving point blank from the resulting corner when Doukara headed on target.
James Dunne’s off balance effort which saw Silvestri tip over when it looked destined to be a second for Shaun Derry’s side, meant United began where they left off in the opening 45 minutes.
However, the visitors registered a leveller on 56 minutes when Stuart Dallas flicked a header in from close range following a dangerous cross in from the left by Doukara.
It proved to be a turning point in the game as Leeds took control of the play and soon established a lead of their own when Alex Mowatt redirected Pontus Jansson’s header on target and into the net from a corner.
The U’s attempted to rally in the closing stages, backed by the terrific support of the Amber Army, however Leeds used their Championship pedigree to see out the tie and progress into the next round.
Cambridge United: Norris, Taylor, Legge, Roberts, Adams, Mingoia, Dunne, Newton (65 mins), Clark (Williamson, 88 mins), Berry, Ikpeazu
Leeds United: Silvestri, Cooper, Antonsson, Doukara (Roofe, 59 mins), Dallas, Grimes, Jansson, Phillips, Mowatt, Berardi (Berardi, 45 mins), Denton
Attendance: 7,973 (1,414 away)