Cambridge hold out for vital win over fellow strugglers Oxford

Cambridge recorded a long-awaited League One victory, beating out of form Oxford 1-0.

The home side started brightly and were rewarded with the decisive goal in the eighth minute, when a Conor McGrandles corner was flicked into the net by defender Lloyd Jones.

On 20 minutes Paul Digby fired wide of the far post after a James Brophy cross fell to him, and just before half-time Jack Lankester saw an effort deflect narrowly off target.

Straight after half-time Brophy pulled the ball back to Sam Smith, who blazed over from a central position.

Oxford posed more of a threat in the second half and 10 minutes from the end Ryan Bennett made a vital interception to stop Yanic Wildschut’s centre from reaching Josh Murphy following a loose defensive header by Michael Morrison.

Five minutes after that Cambridge failed to clear but Marcus Browne could only fire over from just outside the box.

With seconds of the 90 minutes remaining, Wildschut’s effort from similar range flew narrowly wide of Mitov’s post as Cambridge’s winless run ended at eight games and Oxford’s extended to seven.