U’s Boss looks ahead to the clash with Portsmouth
Richard Money says that playing against the best should produce the best from the U’s for this weekend’s clash against Portsmouth at the Abbey Stadium.
United are set to go toe-to-toe with Paul Cook’s side on Saturday afternoon, and Money is confident that playing against high quality opponents in front of a bumper crowd will inspire a strong performance from his side.
He said: “At the minute I feel it is the type of game that the club and the football team needs because we are all still waiting but are confident that our full potential will come. Playing against the best means that you have to play your best and if both teams can do that, then it will be a cracking game.
“When you look at the fixture list, you look for certain games and simply because they are the biggest club in the division, Portsmouth always attracts the eye.
“This home game and the one next week against Northampton are the types of games that can really get you going, rebuild belief and confidence and then gain momentum. We know we have to play well this weekend and I’m sure that will lift the players to the performance we need and give the crowd something to admire and cheer about.”
The U’s received the news earlier this week that goalkeeper Chris Dunn faces a 4-6 week spell on the side lines having picked up a significant groin injury in last Tuesday’s clash with Wycombe at Adams Park.
Although Money is disappointed to have lost his number one goalkeeper, he takes a positive outlook on the situation given it provides Sam Beasant with an opportunity to display his capabilities.
“With this particular situation for me it is a case of one door closes and another one opens. It is difficult for goalkeepers because every team needs two and maybe even three sometimes, and if you are not that first choice then it can be a difficult environment.
“We made it perfectly clear to both Chris and Sam that they were both going to be given the chance to cement the number one shirt. Sam was very good in pre-season when Chris got injured but when Chris was fit, I felt it was right to put him back in the team.
“Now there is another opportunity for Sam to show us what he is all about, and he has the attributes within him to do very well again but it is up to him to produce.
“In football you want an environment where every spot is competitive and those that come into the team can stay in the team.”
Tickets for the clash are still available online by clicking here.