Cambridge United record victory and defeat in two pre-season friendlies against Notts County

Cambridge United continued their preparations for the upcoming League One campaign with a win and a defeat against Notts County in two pre-season matches.

The U’s faced the National League outfit in two back-to-back friendlies of 70 minutes apiece at St Neots Town’s Premier Plus Stadium on Saturday.

United won the first match 2-0, with Sam Smith netting a goal in each half.

Harvey Knibbs’ first half brace put the U’s in command in game two, but Macaulay Langstaff’s seven minute hat-trick after the restart turned the game around to secure a 3-2 win for the visitors.

Mark Bonner’s side now face Norwich City and Hull City in home friendlies at the Abbey over the coming week.

Chances were at a premium in the opening stages of the first match, with Smith intercepting loose passes on a couple of occasions but the forward was unable to take advantage.

George Williams had the first chance of note in the contest, with the right-back having a shot blocked. Kairo Mitchell also had an effort snuffed out by Mamadou Jobe at the other end.

Ed Francis had a good chance for the visitors just before the half hour mark as the midfielder’s free-kick hit the right-hand stanchion.

The U’s almost went into the interval ahead as Smith headed home from Lewis Simper’s free-kick on the stroke of half-time, but the flag was raised for offside.

The striker did give United the lead three minutes after the restart as the pair combined once again, with Smith drilling a low effort into the bottom right-hand corner from the edge of the box.

Dimi Mitov was out quickly to deny Mitchell soon after, whilst Williams headed wide from Harrison Dunk’s cross at the other end.

James Brophy was picked out in a good position but didn’t pull the trigger, whilst