The U’s make the trip up to Lancashire on Saturday looking to make it four wins in four League One games…
Form
Having made an unbeaten start to 2022, including wins over Newcastle, Portsmouth, Lincoln, Doncaster and Crewe, a much-depleted United team once again impressed on Tuesday night – despite eventually being knocked out of the Papa John’s Trophy on penalties against Rotherham.
Cambridge United form: WWWWL
The host’s early pressure was rewarded after just nine minutes when Wes Harding fired past Dimi Mitov from the edge of the area. However, after starting on the backfoot, the U’s grew into the game and just three minutes before to the half-time whistle, Paul Digby latched onto a fine free-flowing United counter attack to slot home an equaliser.
Mark Bonner’s men did well to hold out for the second 45, following a barrage of Rotherham attacks before the game was ultimately decided from the spot, with the hosts converting all seven of the spot-kicks before Adam May was denied by Viktor Johansson.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, the U’s made it three League One wins on the bounce after seeing off Crewe Alexandra at the Abbey Stadium. Adam May’s brilliantly dipping shot from the edge of the area ensured all three points would stay in Cambridgeshire.
Fleetwood Town, rejuvenated under the stewardship of Stephen Crainey, have picked up points in three of their last four League One outings. Most impressively winning 1-0 against promotion chasing Rotherham United a fortnight ago, condemning the Millers to just their fifth league defeat of the season.
Fleetwood Town form: LWWLD
U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner mentioned the Cod Army’s impressive record at coming back in games as well as scoring late goals, which proved to be the case on Tuesday night.
Plymouth seemed to have the points sewn up with 88 minutes on the clock after Neil Ennis had given the Pilgrims a 3-1 lead just ten minutes prior, however an 89th minute goal from January signing Ellis Harrison, as well as Antony Pilkington’s dramatic injury-time equaliser salvaged a deserved point for Stephen Crainey’s side – having dominated for large portions of the game before going behind.
Down Memory Lane
Fleetwood’s impressive rise throughout the 21st century means the U’s have only clashed with the Cod Army on just six occasions, with neither side being able to boast a better record – winning two games apiece.
Memories of September’s reverse clash may be fresh in fans’ memories going into Saturday’s game, with both sides playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Abbey Stadium.
The U’s last win against Fleetwood came in the 2014/15 FA Cup – a run in which Richard Money’s side would eventually be knocked out by Manchester United in a Fourth Round replay. Kwesi Appiah’s strike, ten minutes from the final whistle was enough to set up a Second Round tie against Mansfield Town.
U’s fans may also remember United ending the Cod Army’s 29-game unbeaten run in the Conference Premier in April 2012. With Rory McAuley’s double enough for victory over the already crowned champions Fleetwood Town.
Quick Quotes
Cambridge United Head Coach Mark Bonner on Fleetwood Town, “They were tough opposition when we drew with them at home earlier in the season. They certainly have a good record of scoring late goals and coming from behind in games.
“I remember thinking at the time that they were in a position that they wouldn't stay in, but they’ve had some difficult times in the early part of the season.
“They've changed their manager and they've been on a good run in recent weeks. They’ve also recruited well this window, having lost James Hill.”
Stephen Crainey speaking before Saturday’s clash said, “I’ve watched their last couple of games, and they’ve got a lot about them; they’ve got a bit of physicality, the like to get the ball down and play when you let them, so we are looking forward to the game. We have started planning for it so hopefully, we can get the game plan right and end up on the right side of the result.”
Officials
Rebecca Walsh has been appointed as referee for Saturday afternoon’s Sky Bet League One clash between The U’s and Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium.
She will be assisted by Christopher Ward and Mark Cunliffe. The fourth official will be Andy Haines.
How to Watch
Kick-off at Highbury is at 3:00pm, with advanced tickets no longer available to be purchased, however tickets will be available on the door on the day at Highbury. Priced at the following:
Adult: £24
65+: £19
Under 25: £19
Under 16: £8
Under 5: FREE
International U’s will be able stream the action live with an iFollow Match Pass. Match Passes cost £10 and are available to purchase by clicking here.
The best way to stream the match is by doing so via the EFL iFollow App but please note, the App is only for streaming and supporters can't purchase their Match Passes through the application.
