Cambridge United have brought in Preston North End goalkeeper Jack Walton on an emergency loan.
Their main keeper Jake Eastwood is banned for Wednesday’s match against League Two leaders Bromley after he was sent off during their 4-0 win over Notts County for handling the ball outside his box.
Ben Hughes came on to make his league debut as a sub, having only played in four Vertu Trophy matches before.
“Jake’s sending off wasn’t ideal for anyone, but these things happen in the heat of the moment. We get it, especially this late in the season when emotions run high and you’ve got to make split-second calls,” manager Neil Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
“Ben did really well when he came on, but expecting him to start such an important game straight away would have been a big ask and quite risky. So we looked at what other options we had.”
Walton, who is 27, has appeared five times for Preston since joining last summer but hasn’t played since January.
He started out at Barnsley and spent two seasons on loan at Dundee United, racking up over 70 games in Scotland.
“We’ve heard great things about him and he was really keen and excited to come here and play. He’s got the right attitude and mindset, which is a solid base,” Harris added.
Right now Cambridge sit third with four matches left as they push for a quick return to League One after being relegated last season.
