Cambridge Utd still searching for that elusive win after another defeat.

5th game of the season, just 3 points on the board, another defeat, a worrying injury and a sending off. Worrying signs for a United side that seems to be lacking that vital ingredient.
As football matches go, this was not a classic by any means, ultimately though the way the game was played doesn't matter as Cambridge United are still without a victory this campaign and sitting rather close to the foot of the table. Though its early season and you cannot use that as too much of a guideline, it isn't a good start for United. 
Mansfield away never looked like an easy fixture and from the start The U's were up against it, early chances came thick and fast for Mansfield and when Kevin Roberts was forced to go off after 10 minutes things were not looking good. The odd United chance here and there came to nothing as Mansfield continued to press and press however the United defence did stand fast and that is what positive that Cambridge can take out of the season so far, generally the defence has done very well. Surviving till half time without conceding must have been one of the things Ling focussed on in the half time team talk however it can't have been a 'Benitez in Instanbul' speech because United returned lacking anything real in attack.  On 61 minutes though, the U's defence was un-done, in a manner that would of displeased Martin Ling. Jennings blocking a cross seemingly legally however deliberate handball was the verdict, a sending off for Jennings and subsequently a ban and also a penalty for Mansfield. Kiegan Parker stepped up and finished past Simon Brown. Coakley then came on to replace the unfortunate Platt, Coakley filling in for the sent off Jennings. After going behind United never really looked liked coming back into the game making very few chances, with time running out and the only chances falling to Mansfield, Brian Saah was thrown up front with Daryl Clare who came on to replace Willmott, Saah 'the goalscoring machine' nearly worked a treat as his volley from inside the area fell just wide. United managed to keep possesion well, but when your 1-0 down possesion doesn't do much for the game. Despite all Uniteds possesion it was Mansfield that threatened time and time again. The game ended with United launching one last rather hopeless attack and it was a rather lack-luster from a Cambridge team lacking any cutting edge. Definately work for Martin Ling to do however there were a few positives that can be focussed on.