Home   Sport   Article

Subscribe Now

Cambridge United beat Ipswich Town but still exit Papa John's Trophy at group stage




Despite bowing out of the competition, Cambridge United head coach Mark Bonner was pleased with last night’s 1-0 home victory over Ipswich Town in the Papa John’s Trophy.

The visitors’ Kyle Edwards was sent off for two bookable offences inside 16 minutes, but it was not until 13 minutes from time that the U’s made their numerical advantage count when substitute Lewis Simper rifled in his first senior goal for the club.

To advance beyond the group stage United needed to better Arsenal Under-21s’ result at Northampton Town, yet with the young Gunners running out 3-1 winners at Sixfields, they finished third and so their interest in this season’s tournament is over.

Cambridge United midfielder Lewis Simper celebrates scoring against Ipswich Town in the Papa John's Trophy on October 18, 2022. Picture: Ben Phillips
Cambridge United midfielder Lewis Simper celebrates scoring against Ipswich Town in the Papa John's Trophy on October 18, 2022. Picture: Ben Phillips

However, with injury problems starting to pile up, Bonner was not too disappointed to be without the extra games.

He told the club’s YouTube channel: “They were probably stronger than we thought they might be when the team sheet came out. I thought they’d probably make a few more changes than that.

“Obviously the red card early on changes the game but I thought there was some good bits.

Cambridge United attacker Saikou Janneh in action against Ipswich Town in the Papa John's Trophy on October 18, 2022. Picture: Ben Phillips
Cambridge United attacker Saikou Janneh in action against Ipswich Town in the Papa John's Trophy on October 18, 2022. Picture: Ben Phillips

“In the second half we had some good attacking moments, lots of chances and perhaps we could have got ourselves ahead earlier than we did.

“(I’m) really pleased to win the game. Yes we’re out of the competition but being honest the extra game at the minute is probably too much for the squad, we’re really stretched.

“We’re just really pleased to get a result, have lots of time with the ball and again just look at a slightly different shape (3-5-2) we’ve been playing – a different version of that.”

Bonner is also hopeful that his side can take the ‘confidence’ from the result and performance into Saturday’s home Sky Bet League One clash with Port Vale when they will be looking to halt a run of four straight defeats.

Cambridge United winger James Brophy in action against Ipswich Town in the Papa John's Trophy on October 18, 2022. Picture: Ben Phillips
Cambridge United winger James Brophy in action against Ipswich Town in the Papa John's Trophy on October 18, 2022. Picture: Ben Phillips

He added: “We can go into that (Port Vale) with a little confidence from tonight.

“We know it’s a big game. They’re playing well themselves and getting some good results.

“They’ve got that real bounce of a new promotion side so it’s one to look forward to.

“Our boys are in good spirits after tonight and hopefully we can see if we can get one or two back for Saturday that weren’t available for tonight.”

One player likely to be missing against Vale is goalkeeper Dimi Mitov, who was seen at the Abbey last night on crutches. The Bulgarian is due to have a scan on Thursday.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More