Under-21s suffer heavy defeat in Jersey Mike's Trophy

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Ben Barclay sent off in 6-0 loss to League One side.

Luke Nicoli

2026-11-03T21:00+00:00

George Munday is wrestled to the ground as Albion struggled against League One Cambridge United. 📸 Simon Roe.

Albion's progress in the Jersey Mike's Trophy is looking precarious following a 6-0 defeat at group winners Cambridge United.

Sitting second in the table at the start of play, the Seagulls – in their final group game – were looking to take a giant leap towards qualification, but were left facing an uphill battle following Ben Barclay's 38th minute dismissal for handball.

From looking in control of the tie prior to the sending off, Shannon Ruth's side conceded from the resulting penalty kick and again shortly before the break as the game turned completely on its head.

Four further goals in the second half compounded an already difficult evening and the defeat means that Gillingham have now moved into second place on goal difference without playing. The Gills would now need to lose heavily at bottom-placed Northampton Town next week for the Seagulls to qualify from the group.

Albion had come into the game on the back of an excellent 4-2 PL2 win at Fulham last time out and keen to add to the impressive ten goals scored in their last three outings.

That confidence saw the Seagulls start the game brightly in terms of possession, but the opening exchanges failed to produce any goalmouth action of note. Indeed, it took 26 minutes for the game's first shot on target, with Valentin Joseph failing to trouble United keeper Gabriel Breeze from 20 yards.

Valentin Joseph tries to go on the outside on a tough night for Albion's under-21s. 📸 Simon Roe.

Kofi Shaw and George Munday then had efforts at goal as the visitors started to get on top, while at the other end the hosts had rarely troubled the Seagulls' rearguard. However, that all changed when Barclay was given his marching orders for handling under pressure from Callum Stead and, from the resulting penalty, Isaac Heath sent Albion keeper Steven Hall the wrong way.

The tide had turned on the one incident and United doubled their lead two minutes before the break thanks to a fine left-footed shot from Ra'ees Bangura-Williams. George Hoddle also hit a post in the closing stages of the half, with Albion keen to hear the half-time whistle to regroup.

A loose Younes Ibrahim pass shortly after the restart sadly set the tone, resulting in Stead having a free effort at goal, but Steven Hall did well to save. However, there was little the keeper could do for United's third on 50 minutes as Daniel Ofobi guided the ball home from close range.

Cambridge made it four just four minutes later when Heath jinxed his way into the box before squaring to Stead who tapped home. To compound Albion's misery, Tate Ferdinand netted an own goal before Stead grabbed his second to complete a miserable evening for Ruth's side.

Albion: Hall, Ferdinand, Barclay, Mackley, Keogh, Nti (sub: A. Palmer 60), Shaw ( Alakiu 45), Ibrahim (Lane 60), Silsby (B. Palmer 81), Joseph (Crutchett 60), Munday. Subs not used: Dike, West.