LOOK AHEAD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE RIVALRY
Cambridge United host Luton Town at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in what is expected to yet another classic encounter between the two sides as the exciting rivalry continues.
Having pitted themselves against the Hatters 17 times over the last six years, the contest with Luton has “grown and grown” according to U’s Manager Richard Money, with this latest chapter all set to be another thriller on home soil.
United have started the season in steady fashion, with wins against Newport County and AFC Wimbledon during the early stages kicking the campaign into life, whilst two valuable away draws with Carlisle United and Barnet currently see Cambridge sat in ninth position in Sky Bet League Two.
Meanwhile without a win so far this season in League action, Luton Town will arrive at the Abbey Stadium hungry for three points to get the ball rolling.
The Hatters did push Premier League Stoke City close in their Second Round Capital One clash two weeks’ ago, before a 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory on Tuesday night against high flying Leyton Orient delivered their first win of the season.
Both fixtures are signs that the Hatters may be beginning to find their form, whilst defeats to Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers and Yeovil Town in the League say them currently sat in 22nd position.
The U’s will be going in search of their first League against the Hatters since Jez George’s United outfit toppled the Bedfordshire side at Kenilworth Road back in 2011, thanks to a solitary goal from Rory McAuley.
However, the Amber Army will harbour plenty of fond memories from January’s 2-1 FA Cup triumph at the Abbey Stadium, in which Ryan Donaldson inspired Richard Money’s men on to a now famous win, given that it led to Cambridge’s fourth round encounters with Manchester United.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s clash, Donaldson described it as an unbeatable fixture to be involved in, commenting: “The game is the best League game to be involved with by a mile!
“With both sets of fans filling their sections of the ground it makes the atmosphere to competitive. In fact it is the best type of atmosphere to play in.
“That game in January was unbelievable and one of the best I have been involved since being at the club, and I’m sure the game on Saturday will have the same sort of atmosphere.”
Meanwhile, Manager Richard Money explained the reasoning behind the selection of his side so far this season, as well as revealing for the first time during the 2015/16 Football League campaign, he may have a fully fit squad at his disposal.
“People will look at what we have done in the first few games and wonder at what has been happening, but there has been method in what might appear to be madness.
“We have taken the opportunity to look at some partnerships so that we have clearer idea going forward. When you bring so many new players to a football club, you recruit them because you perceive them to have what is required to take the club forward.
“Given that we had to nurse so many players back to fitness during the earlier games, we took the opportunity to look at as much as we could, so that we don’t make mistakes later in the season.
“You want an environment when the 11 players that have got the shirt are fighting like mad to keep it, and those without a shirt are fighting like mad to get it.
“The main part of the process has been nursing those players back from illness and injury, but I think fingers crossed everyone will be available for Saturday.”
Tickets for the game are available to buy until 8pm tonight online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500. As always tickets for the match are in high demand, with the Newmarket Road End and North Habbin Stand almost at capacity.
The club would like to remind supporters that tickets will not be available anywhere on Saturday, so therefore must be purchased before tonight’s deadline if they wish to attend the game and help create three walls of noise for the U’s.