JAKE CARROLL ON “HAPPIER CAMP” AHEAD OF CLASH WITH GRIMSBY TOWN

Jake Carroll has highlighted the positive vibe amongst the U’s this week, as they prepare to face Grimsby Town and aim to make it three consecutive wins in Sky Bet League Two.

The U’s defender has featured in both of the last two fixtures in which United have picked up maximum points, and he says that has created a great working environment throughout this week.

He said: “The camp has been a lot different than previous weeks, we have been dying for the run of games like we had last week and we’ve come in this week eager to build on that.

“The camp has been a lot happier, although we always had belief through those weeks where it wasn’t going so well.

“The highs and lows in football are so big. When we were going though that tough patch, we were trying to stay as positive as possible and the performances actually helped that because we knew that it was only small breaks and moments in the games letting us down.

“We have certainly tidied up on those in the last few weeks, and keeping the clean sheets was brilliant for us as well. The whole team contributed to that.

“Add to that a win both away and at home which is something we really wanted to do, it’s been a lot happier and we look forward to the next match with Grimsby.”

The full back admits he found his time out of the side through suspension a difficult period, especially being unable to have an impact on a series of frustrating fixtures but is thrilled to be back firing on all cylinders.

“I have never been sent off in my career before, and at the time of the particular tackle I was a bit confused because I thought I had won the ball. But afterwards when I saw it back, I didn’t look great and could understand why it was a red.

“It was frustrating being sat on the side lines in the weeks after that. It was tough, I went away to Crawley where I thought we were brilliant and couldn’t really get my head around how we lost that game.

“Likewise seeing a few of the other results it was hard to watch so I was so keen to get back.

“To step back into the side and get that win away at Swindon was really good for the team and me personally and has started our momentum. We need to build on that now.”

Tickets for tomorrow’s game are available online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500.