The season end with a goalless draw at Vale Park
Coming into the game, the visitors knew they had to get something from the game or rely on other results to ensure their League One safety.
They made the brighter start when Gassam Ahdame received the ball with back to goal before cutting inside, then outside and dragging a right footed effort wide of the post.
After 12 minutes the Vale had their first effort on goal when Baylee Dipepa met Jensen Weir’s cross with a looping header that was comfy for Will Mannion in goal for The U’s.
The first 25 or so minutes was devoid of any action, neither side were able to break into the final third and create an opening. In the 27th minute Ethan Chislett took matters into his own hands and tried his luck from range, but his effort was deflected into the arms of Mannion.
Ten minutes before the break, the visitors had another good opportunity when Ryan Bennett met a cross from the right with a powerful header, but Connor Ripley got across well and saved comfortably.
The second half was much like the first with neither side able to break the lines and get into the final third. Uche Ikpeazu did well to muscle his way past the Cambridge defence and work an opening for a shot that was weak and trickled into the grateful arms of Will Mannion. Moments later, Ethan Chislett crossed towards Ikpeazu who was unmarked, but he wasn’t able to get any connection on the header.
Some good football on the edge of the box saw the ball eventually fall to Elias Kachunga who found Liam Bennett just inside the box. His effort was blocked as far as Sulley Kaikai who took aim but Jason Lowe threw his body in front of the ball to deny the Cambridge substitute.
Four minutes from time Vale had the best chance of the game when Jack Shorrock’s deep freekick was perfect for Alex Iacovitti saw his powerful header saved by Will Mannion from six yards out.
Port Vale | Connor Ripley, Nathan Smith, Ben Garrity, Ethan Chislett (Andrew Buah 83’), Uche Ikpeazu (Jason Lowe 69’), Alex Iacovitti, Jensen Weir (Mitch Clark 83’), Jack Shorrock, Ryhs Walters (Funso Ojo 21’), Baylee Dipepa, Jesse Debrah.
Subs not used | Jayson Leutwiler, Kacper Lopata, Karl Agnero.
Cambridge United | Will Mannion, Liam Bennett, Paul Digby, Ryan Bennett, James Brophy (Adam May 90’), Jubril Okendina, Elias Kuchunga (George Hoddle 92’) , Gassan Ahadme, James Gibbons, Macauley Bonne (Sullay Kaikai 45’)
Subs not used | Louis Chadwick, Jordan Cousins, Jack Lankester, Fejiri Okenabirhie
