Former Carlisle United goalkeeper Gabe Breeze made his competitive debut for Cambridge United in a 4-1 EFL Trophy victory over Gillingham on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old, who left Brunton Park last month, played the full 90 minutes as his new side progressed in the competition.
Breeze was protected by an experienced back line, a decision manager Neil Harris said was made to support the young keeper. "That's why we went with [a more experienced back line], just to give Gabe that support," Harris explained after the match. He described the evening as a successful one for Breeze and other young players involved.
Cambridge took the lead through Zak Bradshaw in the 34th minute, only for Louie Dayal to equalise for Gillingham moments later. The League One side then pulled away with second-half goals from Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Louis Appere and a penalty from Isaae Heath. Breeze, who had been on the bench for Cambridge's last three league games following a pre-season injury sustained while at Carlisle, was an understudy to first-choice Jake Eastwood.
His former Carlisle teammate Owen Moxon was also included in the Cambridge lineup for the tie. Breeze's departure from Carlisle came as the club sits 16th in the National League, having taken 10 points from their opening nine games. Their recent form reads one win, two draws and two defeats from the last five outings.
Paul Simpson's side were beaten 1-0 by Eastleigh last time out and now prepare to host Woking this Saturday. The Blues will be looking to improve on a record that has seen them score 16 goals but concede 14 so far this campaign.
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