Spot-on Norris frustrates Stanley
GOALKEEPER Will Norris saved two last-minute penalties to secure a third successive victory for his Cambridge United side against Accrington Stanley.
In a sensational finish to the match at the Cambs Glass Stadium, Norris first denied Chris Eagles after Leon Legge had been sent off for pulling back Terry Gornall.
Then, from the resulting corner Brad Halliday handled a goal-bound Matt Pearson header. He was shown a red card too, but Gornall’s spot-kick was turned away by Norris.
Piero Mingoia’s spectacular goal against his old side turned out to be the winner, with Legge having put Cambridge in front in the first half before Billy Kee equalised.
Cambridge boss Shaun Derry said: “In all my time in football I’ve never seen a last ten minutes like that. It was incredible, surreal.
“I have got a magnificent number one at this football club in Will Norris. He’s been a big player for me ever since I’ve been here, and he’ll continue to be one because he’s a first-class goalkeeper.
“We’ll reflect on the closing stages later, but for now we’re delighted with the three points.
“We’ve won three on the trot and the place is completely different. It’s been a difficult time for us but now we’re looking forward.”
Legge headed United into a 14th-minute lead from a pinpoint Mingoia free-kick from the right. Norris made a smart stop to foil Josh Clark just before the break, and did his best to keep out the equaliser with a sprawling stop to prevent Omar Beckles’ header crossing the line. However, Kee was on hand to score from close range.
Romauld Boco hit the post for Stanley, before a powerful run from substitute Uche Ipeazu down the left flank saw the ex-Watford striker dig out a fantastic cross to the far post, where Mingoia was on hand to smash in the winner.
Accrington boss John Coleman said: “It’s disappointing when the second one was going in and they handled on the line.
“It’s unusual to see two substitutes take spot-kicks. Billy Kee is the penalty taker but he’s carrying a knock.
“Chris and Terry both stepped up to the plate, but they weren’t great penalties.
“I am more disappointed we haven’t got a result after totally dominating the first half. There was only one team on the pitch. When we equalised I thought we’d go on to win, but to give Cambridge their due they upped their game.”