Having not won on the opening day since 2015\/16, Cambridge United were finally able to start off a season with three points after an emphatic win over Carlisle United at The Abbey.<\/h2>\n

With both sides heading into their seventh consecutive League Two season, the U\u2019s and the Cumbrians looked equally matched going into their opening day clash – many tipping the away side to come away with the three points. But those who did would\u2019ve been shocked to see Cambridge run rampant and expose a lacklustre Carlisle defence.<\/p>\n

Just under ten minutes in, Carlisle were punished for their high defensive line and caught completely cold. A long ball from the back found the head of striker Joe Ironside, who was able to flick the ball on to an unmarked Luke Hannant. The winger was free to race down the exposed left flank and dink the ball over Paul Farman to give Cambridge the lead.<\/p>\n

It took just over five minutes for the U\u2019s to make Carlisle pay again. Paul Digby was able to send Kyle Knoyle racing down the right flank, where unmarked he was able to bend in a superb cross to new signing Paul Mullin. The former Tranmere Rovers forward powered a bullet header past Farman, who was once again furious with the position his defence had left him in.<\/p>\n

A first half injury to Liam O\u2019Neil saw him replaced by Adam May, who joined the U\u2019s last week following a successful trial period. The balance of the game subsequently shifted, allowing Carlisle to come right back into the game. Cambridge lost their structure and organisation as the Cumbrians piled on the pressure. The ball landed on the left flank at the feet of Gime Tour\u00e9, who cut inside and breezed past Paul Digby, before curving his shot inches past Dimitar Mitov\u2019s goal.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>