By Owen Mizon - writer for YABA
Form Guide
The Grecians and the U's both go into this weekends match optimistic following their recent form. For Cambridge United, they have lost just one in five. 3 of these games have been 1-1 draws, where they were trailing, against strong opposition in Carlisle United, Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town. Their only loss was when they went down to a strong counter-attacking team in Phil Brown's Swindon Town 3 weeks ago. The win, however, was the last match they played. A resounding and comprehensive 3-1 win over fellow mid-table side Crawley Town. Monday's scheduled fixture away at Morecambe was, of course, postponed. The 24th of April is when the sides will lock horns instead. All in all, United can go into this tough match with no pressure on them, similar to when the sides met at the Abbey last season. Paul Tisdale's men have been grabbing resolute wins over their past five games, most recently a 2-1 win at St James Park on Easter Monday, running out 2-1 winners against a decent outfit in Cheltenham Town. The Friday before they stuttered at Sincil Bank, Lincoln City going down 3-2 winners in what was an enjoyable spectacle for both sides. Goals haven't been a problem though, the red and whites scoring 8 goals in 3 games, including 3 against the previously mentioned Robins, Swindon Town. It was a convincing win against a playoff hopeful. Games before that, they took 3 points home from Port Vale along with a clean sheet in a 1-0 win, bringing back some confidence after a 2-1 loss at the Globe Arena just 3 days before. Always good to know their pitch was fine at that time. A win in this fixture would be pivotal for the Grecians who, with a game in hand, are only 5 points behind Wycombe Wanderers in 3rd. Currently 6 points in front of Mansfield Town in 8th, they will hope that the minimum of a playoff spot is secured sooner rather than later. The furthest they could drop is 6th. For Cambridge United, they do have a game in hand over a couple of teams around them, currently occupying 14th position. A win could send them to 12th spot, but their goal difference of -10 doesn't help. It's the same feat as what Morecambe currently have. Nevertheless, a good game awaits.
Injury News
Joe Dunne has indeed stated that for several weeks now, the treatment room has been empty. This is a big boost for United going into their final six games. The only real questions on everyone's lips is when we could see an appearance of Barry Corr and Piero Mingoia. Many, myself included, believed they would have made the 18 man squad against Crawley Town, but it came too soon. It was unclear whether they travelled to Morecambe on Monday however. What Dunne has stated though is that, once again, the weather has not permitted the players to have a full week of training. Although, you'd have to assume their returns are imminent so there's a chance they could feature. For Exeter City, great news all-round. The only time a headache is good is now for Paul Tisdale where the side will see numerous returns to action for some of his players. Ryan Harley and Lee Holmes, both midfielders, will give Exeter extra options. Both are set to return to the matchday squad. Former Cheltenham Town defender Troy Brown is making good progress too, Tisdale believes he will travel.Reverse Fixture
5th August 2017Exeter City 1-0 Cambridge United
Cambridge United kicked off their 2017/18 campaign with one of their longest away trips of the season, at St James Park. A certain tricky test for United against an Exeter side who lost to Blackpool in the previous seasons Play-Off Final after a stunning two-legged tie against Carlisle United in the semi-finals. Starman from that season, Ollie Watkins, left for pastures news at Championship side Brentford. We saw 3 debutants in the side for Cambridge United that day, Shaun Derry's selection was as follows: Forde, Davies, Legge, Taylor, Carroll, Deegan, O'Neil, Mingoia, Berry, Maris, Ibehre. Uche Ikpeazu settling for the bench which was not expected, as was Greg Taylor being employed as a centre-back. That, however, is a tactic that has turned out rather well. 4282 fans crammed into the stadium which only had 2 stands open, Trevor Kettle, the man with the whistle. A Jake Carroll handball in the box gave Exeter City a 5th-minute penalty, which the prolific Reuben Reid (now at Forest Green Rovers) converted from a rebound which David Forde originally saved. The dangerous David Wheeler was agonisingly close to increasing the deficit, his header tapping the post. It wasn't long after that however when Luke Berry nearly capitalised on a Christy Pym mistake, the young goalkeeper eventually saw off danger. Liam McAlinden should have made it 2, a 6-yard header not converted. At half-time, Cambridge unleashed a raring Uche Ikpeazu who did everything but grab a goal all half, bruising a resilient Exeter City defence and teeing up Luke Berry well. Both sides went for it but the early penalty remained the only goal. The U's giving it a good go but Exeter City proving why they were one of the pre-season favourites for promotion.
Ones To Watch
Jayden Stockley - The imposing 6ft 3in striker is a nuisance for defenders due to his sheer physicality. Still 24, he has played for a lot of clubs in his career thus far, being prolific wherever he's played. He was at AFC Bournemouth between 2009 to 2016, where he joined 9 clubs on loan. Including Luton Town, Portsmouth, Exeter City and Cambridge United. His brief spell at the U's saw him grab 2 goals in the 2014./2015 season, making only 3 appearances. After 7 years at the Cherries, he ventured to Scotland, appearing for Aberdeen 27 times, scoring 5 goals. His 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan at Exeter City in 2016 was convincing enough for them to sign Stockley permanently for a club record fee in last summers transfer deadline day. He's bulged the onion bag 9 times this season, just 2 goals away now from 50 career goals. He can hold the ball up well and will provide United's centre-backs with a tough test.
Jordan Storey - Jordan is a young and hungry defender who has recently been drafted into the first team squad. It was only last year when he was gaining vital experience at Tiverton Town and Dorchester Town, but Paul Tisdale seems potential in him and he seems to be learning by the game alongside Dean Moxey. Already, he has grabbed 2 goals in just 8 appearances for the Grecians, one being a strikers volley against Port Vale and most recently, the winner against Cheltenham Town on Monday. He performed exceptionally well in keeping out Mohamed Eisa too. It will be interesting to see how he deals with the physicality of United's front men.
Robbie Simpson - Robbie Simpson needs no introduction to United fans old and young, the 33-year-old striker having two stints at the club. His first spell was 12 years ago where an exceptional second half of the season finished his season off with 17 goals, earning him a move to Coventry City. He had previously been at neighbours Cambridge City. Grabbing roughly 1 goal every 4 games in 118 appearances. Further years in the Football League followed for Robbie where he then re-joined the club when they gained promotion back to League Two, penning a 2-year contract. He hit the net 12 times in his stay at the club, his most prolific spell since leaving. A move to Exeter City beckoned where a nasty injury last season ensured him a long spell on the sidelines. He gave his best performance in a City shirt on Monday, scoring as they dispatched Cheltenham Town, linking with Stockley very well. United can be accustomed to a Robbie Simpson who knows where the net is and is dangerous in the box.
Managers View
Paul Tisdale will be in the away dugout of the Abbey Stadium for this game. The second longest serving manager in the top 4 tiers of English football, just behind Arsene Wenger. He says that the Grecians have "a lot to play for," he's not wrong! "We are in a good place." They certainly are, it's crucial to get yourself a bit of a run going at this stage of the season. It's all about mentality, especially if they end up in the playoffs. It's happened before and it will happen again, the form team will win the playoffs. AFC Wimbledon and Blackpool did it, progressing against destined for promotion teams in Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool. "From my point of view, it's picking a team that can deliver the skill sets that I need mentally and physically for the game in hand." It's clear how vital that game will be, which is against Chesterfield Town at St James Park. The Spireites will be the more determined of the teams, however, desperate to pick up something to see them pull off a great escape. For Joe Dunne, he asks for more of the same from his team, the levels we have seen against the other promotion-chasing teams like Luton Town and Accrington Stanley. He was full of praise for our opponents. "Paul has done exceptionally well with Exeter. They do well every year and they either get promoted or get close to it; again, this year is the same. They have an identity.. a brand which is well respected in the game." A nice man is our Joe Dunne. Right he is too, Exeter are always a tough League Two side. "We want to make it a difficult game for them. I wouldn't call it pressure, they have dealt with it for many years." Once again, he requires "energy, enthusiasm, willingness and quality." He finished off his pre-match press conference with excitement that it will be a really good game, it's got potential, it's what we all want.
Stray Observations
Within his press conference, Joe Dunne stated that Leon Legge was originally going to play against Morecambe, could this mean a start for him against Exeter City? I'd like to think so. He's more than capable of going out there and dealing with the likes of Jayden Stockley well so it would be nice to see Leon return to action after 3 months without a start. Like I stated in my article too, he is out of contract in the summer so now is his time to impress to see if an extension is going to happen. Dunne expressed the need for experience within a side to succeed, so I can see him starting. In terms of whose place he will take could be anyone. There's a chance Taylor could be drafted to a full-back position again, but all will be revealed.
Paul Tisdale really is the most stylish manager in football. Other men could no doubt take some inspiration. Shaun Derry dressed rather smartly too I may say. As did Richard Money who occasionally wore a suit, as well as the usual Cambridge jumper he'd model at Old Trafford. But then again, Joe Dunne does suit that bobble hat rather well!
He did hint at some changes for the remainder of the season, I do believe that is coming very soon in terms of team selection. Who I would like to see starting again is definitely David Amoo, I feel Harrison Dunk on the wing is needed as well. In terms of fringe players, Jake Carroll could very well be given more of an opportunity after a sturdy performance against Crawley Town. Paul Lewis, you'd expect, will get more minutes soon, potentially coming off the bench. Other than that, Dimitar Mitov could be given a chance to shine before May, possibly Morecambe I believe. As could prospect Leon Davies. Roll on 2pm!
Match Betting
Courtesy of Sky Bet, you can get odds of a Cambridge United win at 23/20. For the draw, 23/10. And the favourites for the game, Exeter City, are at 12/5. With Coral, my tip of the day would be Jevani Brown anytime goalscorer, which is at a reasonable 11/5. For him to grab a brace or more, 14/1. Please bet responsibly.
Match Officials
The referee for the afternoon's match is Martin Coy. He will be joined by his assistants Daniel Cook and George Warren. The fourth official role is taken up by Paul Kelly.Trivia
Former U Jayden Stockley scored two goals in the black and amber shirt whilst on loan in the 2014/15 season. Both goals came in the same game. But who was United's opponents that day when he found the net? Bonus point if you can name the player who opened the scoring in that specific game.
On This Date
7th April 2001
Cambridge United 1-1 Reading
Oh, how times have changed. The Royals travelled to the Abbey Stadium in what was a League Division 2 tie, that's League One for younger readers. It was a similar attendance as to what we have succumbed to today, 4745. Our opponents took the lead 10 minutes before half-time, Jamie Cureton firing them ahead. In 108 appearances, he racked up 50 goals for the club. Now 42, he still plays, currently at Bishops Stortford, scoring 5 goals in his tenure. The U's huffed and puffed second half, Omer Riza and John Taylor couldn't quite convert opportunities. Midfielder Paul Wanless struck Cambridge United on level terms on 83, that was to be that for this game, both teams sharing the spoils. The line-up that day was: Marshall, Joseph, Duncan, Hanson, Cowan, Ashbee, Fleming, Wanless, Riza, Taylor, Youngs. Cambridge went on to finish 19th that season, two points ahead of the relegation zone, Reading 3rd.
Up the U's!
Owen Mizon
Mizonowen@gmail.com
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