Two goals from Sean Cusack led the men’s football Blues to a statement victory in the league over rivals Oxford this Wednesday (30/11).

The Blues, winless in their last four matches against Oxford, including a 1-0 defeat earlier this season, will be encouraged ahead of the upcoming Varsity clash.

Oxford raced into an early lead, converting from the penalty-spot. The Blues grew steadily into the game and Cusack claimed a scrappy equaliser mid-way through the half.

A dominant second-half performance was marked by a Cusack second and the Blues saw out the game through resolute defending.

Oxford threatened a nervy Cambridge defence in the early phases. An early chance fell to an Oxford striker, but his low-driven effort was denied superbly by Tim Wallace.

Minutes later, Oxford broke through again. Winger Alfie Cicale bore down on the Cambridge goal, and Wallace brought him down in the penalty area. Cicale slotted home coolly, giving Oxford the lead.

Cambridge, as yet unconvincing, then burst into life. Sonny McPherson weaved forwards from right-back, winning Cambridge a free-kick in the Oxford half. Oxford failed to clear their lines, and the ball fell for Cusack, whose deflected effort levelled the scores.

Undeterred, Oxford continued to threaten, hitting the woodwork before half-time and remaining in control after the break. Aimless passes and loose touches left Cambridge frustrated, and the game looked to be slipping away.

However, electric wing-play from Brody Wooding reignited the light blue spark. Wooding motored past four Oxford defenders and curled a teasing ball into the box. Cai la Trobe-Roberts connected, but his header sailed over the bar.

An energised Wooding played creator once more as the Blues claimed the winner, clipping a ball in-behind for Cusack to chase. Cusack rounded Oxford keeper Harry Way, and slotted home for his second of the match.

The Blues continued to attack and almost killed the game. Josce Syrett tore down the right-wing, firing a ball across the six-yard box, almost finding Cusack’s outstretched leg. More chances came through the enterprising play of Wooding, but the winger failed to convert.

Desperate for an equalsier, Oxford committed numbers forward and began to threaten the Cambridge goal. But for heroic defending, they may have rescued a draw. Reece Linney, defending the goal-line, diverted what looked a certain goal from an Oxford corner.

A nervy final ten minutes passed, and the Blues claimed a much-needed derby win. Elated, the team now look towards survival in the league and redemption in the Varsity match.

Varsity’s player of the match: Sean Cusack.