Pre-match: Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry
Shaun Derry is hungry for the U’s to produce a performance that will enter Cambridge United into Monday evening’s exciting Emirates FA Cup third round draw.
United are set to take on higher ranked opponents in Doncaster Rovers at the Abbey Stadium on Sunday (KO 2pm), with Derry hopeful the U’s can reach the next stage to potentially set up another mouth-watering fixture on par with last season’s games against Manchester United.
The Cambridge boss said: “Playing against a higher level opposition gives us a real marker of where we are at. Our last two results were really positive so I’m now looking for another good performance against a higher level opponent to progress through to the next round.
“If we can produce the level of performance we are capable of then we’ll certainly give Doncaster a great game. We have to make sure we do ourselves justice.”
He continued: “I really want to win because everyone at the club knows the unbelievable opportunity this competition can give you if you make the third round. We saw that last year and how it can change the dynamics of the football club.
“The players have seen what joy the competition can bring and I will utilise that as part of my team talk. It’s fantastic for the players to be involved in games of that stature.”
Once again the vocal and comprehensive support of the Amber Army at the Abbey Stadium will be a big contributing factor to a successful afternoon for the U’s according to Derry, who reflected with great positivity on last Saturday’s win over Notts County.
“It is great to get a home tie and to follow on from the second half of the Notts County game, where the atmosphere at the Abbey Stadium was just unbelievable, is a big factor for us. The boys came off at the end of the game and were delighted with the reception the fans gave us.
“Let’s start this week’s game well, better than we did against Notts County anyway, and make sure it is a great afternoon for all.”
Tickets for the game are available to purchase online by clicking here. Alternatively call 01223 566 500 or buy in-store at the Cambridge United club shop.