Cambridge United beat Barnet 2:1 in the League Cup Round of 128 on Friday evening at the Abbey Stadium. The hosts survived a nervous period after the interval before Isaac Heath's third goal settled the contest. Both sides had chances but Cambridge's efficiency proved the difference.
Kabongo Tshimanga opened the scoring in the forty-ninth minute, capitalising on a defensive error. Barnet responded quickly with Benjamin Knight equalising three minutes later. By then the momentum had swung, and Cambridge looked vulnerable at the back.
Isaac Heath restored the lead in the fifty-seventh minute with a well-taken finish. The visitors pressed for an equaliser but Cambridge's back four held firm. Heath's late substitution in stoppage time was a safe option to see out the game.
Four yellow cards arrived in the closing stages, with Kanu and Watts both booked for Barnet in the eighty-sixth minute. Eastwood and Williams joined them shortly after. The tension showed as the game wore on.
Cambridge dominated possession at 51 per cent but Barnet created more attacking threat. The visitors registered 1.87 expected goals compared to 1.55 for the hosts. Shots on target told a different story, with seven for Cambridge against six for Barnet.
The result extends Cambridge's unbeaten run to five matches, including two recent draws. Barnet's away form remains inconsistent after their 1:1 draw with Bromli earlier this month. The hosts advance to the next round of the competition.