By Owen Mizon - writer for YABA
Form Guide
In terms of the past six games, the U's and the Reds have very similar results. Crawley Town are currently one place and two points above Joe Dunne's men. Their goal difference is superior by 7. The play-offs are now unlikely for both sides, as is relegation, therefore the building for next season and potential experiments will be well underway in the remaining 7 matches. A win could put Crawley 11th and Cambridge 12th. Our opponents started the season with inconsistency, 4 losses in a row was not the start former Liverpool striker Harry Kewell wanted. But they grabbed wins and draws tinkered with losses too. Their worst spell of the season to date occurred in October when they went 6 games without a win. People were calling for Kewell's head and the relegation zone was not far off whatsoever. The Red Devils had more of the same until the game before Christmas where they went on to win 8 games in 10 matches. Included in that is the double over leaders Accrington Stanley and 3 points against Kevin Nolan's Notts County. This moved them to an outside chance of a play-off place. They've struggled of late though, their last win was a confidence-boosting 3-1 defeat of Lincoln City. They haven't won in 5 now, conceding 8 in their last two games. Last Saturday, they lost 5-3 to Cheltenham Town at the Checkatrade.com Stadium. Harry Kewell, heavily linked with the vacant job at Charlton Town, needs to overcome this rut and will be eager to start an unbeaten run today. For the U's, no win in 5, yet they can take confidence from sharing the spoils against Luton, Wycombe and Carlisle. It sets up what is an important game for both sides in returning to winning ways.
Injury News
After being suspended from the Wycombe Wanderers match, Mark Connolly will go straight into the afternoons match. The only other real concern is striker Thomas Verheydt who is still in the recovery stage of his knee injury. For Cambridge United, the two injuries that have been a reoccurring theme for the past few months have been Piero Mingoia and Barry Corr. Who both featured in Monday's friendly against Peterborough United. There's a chance that they could both be in the match-day squad and come off the bench. Other than that, no other concerns for United.
After being suspended from the Wycombe Wanderers match, Mark Connolly will go straight into the afternoons match. The only other real concern is striker Thomas Verheydt who is still in the recovery stage of his knee injury. For Cambridge United, the two injuries that have been a reoccurring theme for the past few months have been Piero Mingoia and Barry Corr. Who both featured in Monday's friendly against Peterborough United. There's a chance that they could both be in the match-day squad and come off the bench. Other than that, no other concerns for United.
Reverse Fixture
19th August 2017
Crawley Town 0-1 Cambridge United
Cambridge United came away from a warm summers day at the Checkatrade.com Stadium with their first win of the season, consigning their opponents to their 4th loss in a row. Jabo Ibehre converted in the second-half to get him off the mark for the season. The line-up that day was: Forde, Davies, Legge, Taylor, Carroll, O'Neil, Deegan, Mingoia, Elito, Berry, Ikpeazu. This was Luke Berry's last game in the, what was the case that day, black and luminous yellow shirt. The attendance was 2059 and a creditable 388 United fans made the trip. Mark Randall's shot grazed the crossbar for the hosts early on, as did Enzio Boldewijn. United's imposing number 9 Uche Ikpeazu grew into the game and forced a Glenn Morris save late on. In the second half, David Forde was tested numerous times from first former-U Matt Harrold and then Dutch striker Thomas Verheydt. An Ikpeazu shot on the 63rd minute was parried by Morris and set up on a plate for Jabo Ibehre who capitalised and then forced off through injury to a warm applause. United were up and running.
Ones To Watch
Karlan Ahearne-Grant: Karlan has settled to life at the Checkatrade Stadium fantastically, proving himself against the big teams. U's fans will not need too much introduction as the 20-year-old striker made 3 appearances for the club whilst on loan in 2016, not hitting the net in any of the occasions. However, he did show signs of potential with his athleticism and hunger for the ball. Joining the Red Devils from his home team Charlton Athletic until the end of the season, he already has an impressive 8 goals in 9 games and if he scores in this afternoons game, it will be his 5th match in a row where he's scored. Another stat is that out of all the players in the Football League, no player has scored more than Karlan in March, 5. He will have to be carefully monitored.
Enzio Boldewijn: The 25-year-old Dutchman has been at the club ever since 2016 and seems to be flourishing more and more by the year. The attacking style Harry Kewell has implemented is really suiting his play and his partnership with Ahearne-Grant is uplifting. In 41 appearances this season, he has bulged the onion bag 9 times, a strong record. With pace to burn and many tricks up his sleeve, Harrison Dunk will be tested throughout the game.
Managers View
Harry Kewell has been doing rounds in the rumour room recently. Being linked with the Charlton Athletic. He stated that he "knows what speculation is" and he is "flattered." But there's a task on his hand, one which seems formidable. He has said that he wants to take Crawley Town to the Premier League. Yes, that's right. Comparing them to the Bournemouth rise. You can't fault his optimism. With Joe Dunne, he has hinted that the U's may start to "experiment" now that there are 7 games of the season left. Whether this is changing the shape of the team from the usual diamond to an England-style 5 at the back with Dunk and Halliday wing-backs allowing Legge to come back into the team or Marvin the Moose having a stint up top, we'll soon find out.
Stray Observations
First and foremost, it's great to hear that Mingoia and Corr are ever so close to gracing the hallowed turf again. And what an impact they will surely make. Piero has not started a game since the 9th of December, therefore it's going to take a while to get up to scratch. Nevertheless, here's hoping he can reignite his form he showed last season. It's safe to say it's been a frustrating season thus far for the diminutive midfielder. Under Joe Dunne, we're going to see a different approach no doubt. He will encourage Piero to beat the full-back more and continue to deliver exceptional crosses into the box. With Barry Corr back, a proper talisman and a threat in the box, this small partnership could be something special. His link-up play with Brad Halliday too is exceptional and with the likes of David Amoo who tends to come on to make a huge impact, there are reasons to be positive within this right side of United's team. With arguably one of the best deliveries in the division, it's great to see his return is imminent. As with Barry Corr, we know small niggles affect him, but if he can take it easy and get a few more games, and hopefully goals, under his belt, it's a good way to end the season. We saw stray moments from the Grimsby Town game that Barry alongside Waters and Ikpeazu could link up well together, all having different and effective attributes. I have to point out how fantastic Greg Taylor and George Taft have been all season. To force Leon Legge, an experienced and quality League Two defender, out of the side is evidence of how well they're doing. It would, of course, be nice to see Leon back in the 11 soon, but the only way I see this materialising is if Harrison Dunk is pushed onto the wing again, allowing Taylor to go back to his full-back role. But then again, Harrison has to been brilliant of late! So a real decision for Joe Dunne to make!
Karlan Ahearne-Grant: Karlan has settled to life at the Checkatrade Stadium fantastically, proving himself against the big teams. U's fans will not need too much introduction as the 20-year-old striker made 3 appearances for the club whilst on loan in 2016, not hitting the net in any of the occasions. However, he did show signs of potential with his athleticism and hunger for the ball. Joining the Red Devils from his home team Charlton Athletic until the end of the season, he already has an impressive 8 goals in 9 games and if he scores in this afternoons game, it will be his 5th match in a row where he's scored. Another stat is that out of all the players in the Football League, no player has scored more than Karlan in March, 5. He will have to be carefully monitored.
Enzio Boldewijn: The 25-year-old Dutchman has been at the club ever since 2016 and seems to be flourishing more and more by the year. The attacking style Harry Kewell has implemented is really suiting his play and his partnership with Ahearne-Grant is uplifting. In 41 appearances this season, he has bulged the onion bag 9 times, a strong record. With pace to burn and many tricks up his sleeve, Harrison Dunk will be tested throughout the game.
Managers View
Harry Kewell has been doing rounds in the rumour room recently. Being linked with the Charlton Athletic. He stated that he "knows what speculation is" and he is "flattered." But there's a task on his hand, one which seems formidable. He has said that he wants to take Crawley Town to the Premier League. Yes, that's right. Comparing them to the Bournemouth rise. You can't fault his optimism. With Joe Dunne, he has hinted that the U's may start to "experiment" now that there are 7 games of the season left. Whether this is changing the shape of the team from the usual diamond to an England-style 5 at the back with Dunk and Halliday wing-backs allowing Legge to come back into the team or Marvin the Moose having a stint up top, we'll soon find out.
Stray Observations
First and foremost, it's great to hear that Mingoia and Corr are ever so close to gracing the hallowed turf again. And what an impact they will surely make. Piero has not started a game since the 9th of December, therefore it's going to take a while to get up to scratch. Nevertheless, here's hoping he can reignite his form he showed last season. It's safe to say it's been a frustrating season thus far for the diminutive midfielder. Under Joe Dunne, we're going to see a different approach no doubt. He will encourage Piero to beat the full-back more and continue to deliver exceptional crosses into the box. With Barry Corr back, a proper talisman and a threat in the box, this small partnership could be something special. His link-up play with Brad Halliday too is exceptional and with the likes of David Amoo who tends to come on to make a huge impact, there are reasons to be positive within this right side of United's team. With arguably one of the best deliveries in the division, it's great to see his return is imminent. As with Barry Corr, we know small niggles affect him, but if he can take it easy and get a few more games, and hopefully goals, under his belt, it's a good way to end the season. We saw stray moments from the Grimsby Town game that Barry alongside Waters and Ikpeazu could link up well together, all having different and effective attributes. I have to point out how fantastic Greg Taylor and George Taft have been all season. To force Leon Legge, an experienced and quality League Two defender, out of the side is evidence of how well they're doing. It would, of course, be nice to see Leon back in the 11 soon, but the only way I see this materialising is if Harrison Dunk is pushed onto the wing again, allowing Taylor to go back to his full-back role. But then again, Harrison has to been brilliant of late! So a real decision for Joe Dunne to make!
Match Betting
Courtesy of Sky Bet, odds for a Cambridge United win is 1/1, an away win for Crawley is at 15/4 and you can get a draw at a decent 12/5. And with Coral, my tip of the day for the gambling men out there is both teams to score, at a reasonable 20/23.
Match Officials
The referee for this Easter fixture is Craig Hicks, it is his debut season in the Football League. He is joined by his assistants Paul Yates and Andrew Aylott. The fourth official is Rob Smith.
Trivia
United's worst result of recent time against the Red Devils came in August 2015. A 3-0 loss that day. Striker Roarie Deacon scored a brace and you may know him well for his exploits in the Emirates FA Cup with Sutton United last season. But who does he play for now?
On This Date
30th March 2013
Cambridge United 2:2 Luton Town
On this day five years ago, the U's took on the Hatters. They had indeed already matched twice that season. At Kenilworth Road, they narrowly lost 3-2 despite Ricky Wellard giving Cambridge United the lead as well as a Rory McAuley consolation. And of course, they matched in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round where it was played at The Abbey. A familiar opposition for Cambridge, they went down 2-0 in front of 2321 fans. Andre Gray on the score sheet that day. After dispatching Cambridge, they went on to reach the 5th Round, dispatching the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and then top-flight Norwich City courtesy of a Scott Rendell strike. Arguably one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of recent times. They fell short to Millwall in the last 16 3-0. 2 months later and they were back in Cambridgeshire to finish off the season in a strong manner, likewise were the U's under Richard Money. 3217 fans attended this game and were treated to four goals, a 2-2 draw where Luton showed resilience to come back from behind not once, but twice. Tom Shaw opened the scoring with an exquisite volley from outside the box, the U's going into the dressing room at half-time satisfied. The ever-reliable Jon Shaw, who the year before had joined the Hatters after a successful spell with Gateshead, levelled the scorings. At the ripe age of 34, he is now at on-the-up South Shields. Kidderminster Harriers loanee Nathan Blissett's 6ft 5in frame came in handy as he coolly dispatched his header, the U's back in front. In 7 appearances for the club, this was his one of two goals, now on loan at Macclesfield Town from League One Plymouth Argyle. However, 4 minutes passed and a calm penalty from Solomon Taiwo ensured a share of the spoils. He is now plying his trade at Bishops Stortford. That draw for Richard Money's side left them 12th, 7 points ahead of the relegation zone in what was a tight division. Opposition manager John Still felt his side had a "lack of quality" and that "there is no need to smash teacups yet." In goal for Cambridge United that day, a certain Nick Pope.
On this day five years ago, the U's took on the Hatters. They had indeed already matched twice that season. At Kenilworth Road, they narrowly lost 3-2 despite Ricky Wellard giving Cambridge United the lead as well as a Rory McAuley consolation. And of course, they matched in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round where it was played at The Abbey. A familiar opposition for Cambridge, they went down 2-0 in front of 2321 fans. Andre Gray on the score sheet that day. After dispatching Cambridge, they went on to reach the 5th Round, dispatching the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and then top-flight Norwich City courtesy of a Scott Rendell strike. Arguably one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of recent times. They fell short to Millwall in the last 16 3-0. 2 months later and they were back in Cambridgeshire to finish off the season in a strong manner, likewise were the U's under Richard Money. 3217 fans attended this game and were treated to four goals, a 2-2 draw where Luton showed resilience to come back from behind not once, but twice. Tom Shaw opened the scoring with an exquisite volley from outside the box, the U's going into the dressing room at half-time satisfied. The ever-reliable Jon Shaw, who the year before had joined the Hatters after a successful spell with Gateshead, levelled the scorings. At the ripe age of 34, he is now at on-the-up South Shields. Kidderminster Harriers loanee Nathan Blissett's 6ft 5in frame came in handy as he coolly dispatched his header, the U's back in front. In 7 appearances for the club, this was his one of two goals, now on loan at Macclesfield Town from League One Plymouth Argyle. However, 4 minutes passed and a calm penalty from Solomon Taiwo ensured a share of the spoils. He is now plying his trade at Bishops Stortford. That draw for Richard Money's side left them 12th, 7 points ahead of the relegation zone in what was a tight division. Opposition manager John Still felt his side had a "lack of quality" and that "there is no need to smash teacups yet." In goal for Cambridge United that day, a certain Nick Pope.
Happy Easter to all.
Up the U's!
Owen Mizon
Mizonowen@gmail.com
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