Match ends, Port Vale 0, Cambridge United 0.
Cambridge secured their League One safety with a goalless draw at relegated Port Vale on the final day of the regular season.
Garry Monk's side went into the game at Vale Park knowing a point would be enough to ensure they avoided the dreaded drop and started brightly when Gassan Ahadme fired wide early on.
Alex Iacovitti missed a chance for Vale as he headed over from Ethan Chislett's free-kick before goalkeeper Connor Ripley produced a good save to keep out Ryan Bennett's header for Cambridge after he was found by Jubril Okedina at the back post.
Uche Ikpeazu squandered a glorious chance as he missed the target from close range after the break.
At the other end, Scottish defender Iacovitti could only curl his strike straight at Will Mannion.
Ripley produced another good low save to deny Danny Andrew's effort from across the box.
Both sides huffed and puffed as they settled for a point which protected Cambridge's spot in the third tier, having only stayed up last season by winning their final game.
"There's a mix of joy and relief," said Monk. "I think you could see from the game there was a team playing with pressure and a team playing without.
"We did what we needed to do. The aim was to get the point and finish it on our own terms regardless of what anyone else did.
"I'm delighted for everyone at the club. We were tentative and I think that's quite normal given the situation."
Vale boss Darren Moore said there would now be a rebuild to prepare the team for League Two.
"We need to chat with the players individually and collectively....those chats have to take place and then we will go from there," he added.
"The work is already ongoing for the summer. We'll all on the same page in wanting Port Vale to move forward."
Report supplied by PA Media.
Line-ups
Port Vale
Formation 3-4-1-2
- 1Ripley
- 27Debrah
- 6SmithBooked at 74mins
- 17Iacovitti
- 20WeirBooked at 35minsSubstituted forClarkat 84'minutes
- 24WaltersSubstituted forOjoat 22'minutes
- 8Garrity
- 23Shorrock
- 10ChislettSubstituted forBuahat 84'minutes
- 12IkpeazuSubstituted forLoweat 70'minutes
- 25Dipepa
Substitutes
- 5Lopata
- 7Clark
- 13Leutwiler
- 14Ojo
- 16Lowe
- 28Buah
- 34Agnero
Cambridge
Formation 3-1-4-2
- 25Mannion
- 15OkedinaBooked at 86mins
- 6Bennett
- 3Andrew
- 4Digby
- 2BennettBooked at 37mins
- 21KachungaSubstituted forHoddleat 90+3'minutes
- 7BrophySubstituted forMayat 90'minutes
- 26GibbonsBooked at 29mins
- 27BonneSubstituted forKaikaiat 45'minutes
- 23AhadmeBooked at 39mins
Substitutes
- 9Okenabirhie
- 10Lankester
- 14Kaikai
- 19May
- 24Cousins
- 31Chadwick
- 38Hoddle
- Referee:
- Ross Joyce
- Attendance:
- 6,378
Match Stats
- Possession
- Home56%
- Away44%
- Shots
- Home8
- Away8
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away2
- Corners
- Home4
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home8
- Away16
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Port Vale 0, Cambridge United 0.
Substitution
Substitution, Cambridge United. George Hoddle replaces Elias Kachunga.
Post update
Foul by Andrew Buah (Port Vale).
Post update
Liam Bennett (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Cambridge United. Adam May replaces James Brophy.
Post update
Attempt saved. Alex Iacovitti (Port Vale) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jack Shorrock with a cross.
Booking
Jubril Okedina (Cambridge United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Andrew Buah (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Jubril Okedina (Cambridge United).
Post update
Foul by Funso Ojo (Port Vale).
Post update
Elias Kachunga (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Port Vale. Andrew Buah replaces Ethan Chislett.
Substitution
Substitution, Port Vale. Mitchell Clark replaces Jensen Weir.
Post update
Corner, Port Vale. Conceded by Paul Digby.
Post update
Attempt missed. Jack Shorrock (Port Vale) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Jason Lowe with a cross.
Post update
Attempt saved. Danny Andrew (Cambridge United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Booking
Nathan Smith (Port Vale) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Foul by Nathan Smith (Port Vale).
Post update
James Brophy (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Comments
Join the conversation
Being a cambridge fan I wish vale and the supporters the best of luck for next season. And thanks for a great day.
How many cats lives have the U's got left.
Let's look on the bright side and hope botch tosh Posh get clobbered in the play offs.
MONK I personally think leaving alot to be desired.
I've been watching Cambridge United for 20 year's since meeting my wife and moving south, originally from Sheffield, and to boot a Wednesdayite, I've seen conference football, and been to Old Trafford watching the U's. Time to spend a few quid. CUFC
Significant rebuild required in the summer but finances will dictate how much can be done.
With no money to strengthen I think Cambridge, Shrewsbury & Burton are pencilled in for L1 relegation already.
Adiós.. enjoy tier 4 😂😂😂👏