Match Preview: Cambridge Utd vs Exeter City

A potential tie against one of England’s elite await the winners of Saturday’s FA Cup Second Round fixture at the Abbey Stadium…

Form

Mark Bonner’s U’s returned to winning ways throughout midweek, as Sam Smith’s sixth goal in his last seven outings, coupled with Shilow Tracey’s lobbed effort, secured Cambridge United’s spot in the Papa John’s Trophy Round of 16.

Cambridge United form: WLDLW

Prior to Tuesday’s game, the U’s were unable to salvage a point against Sunderland. Sam Smith had originally cancelled out Alex Pritchard’s opener midway through the first half, before Nathan Broadhead sealed the three points for Lee Johnson’s side with a thunderous effort from 25-yards.

Having lost only four games in their opening 24 games in all competitions, Matt Taylor’s Grecians will certainly head to the Abbey Stadium without fear. Their previous outing saw the South Coast side secure their tie against the U’s thanks to George Ray’s 81^st minute goal completing a comeback win over Bradford City.

Exeter City form: WWLDW

Ray was again on the scoresheet as Exeter and Rochdale shared the spoils in their previous League Two outing, with the former Crewe Alexandra man giving Matt Taylor’s side the lead midway through the second half, before being pegged back by Max Taylor just ten minutes later. The draw saw the Grecians remain in League Two’s automatic promotion spots.

Key Player: Jevani Brown

U’s fans are no stranger to winger Jevani Brown, having seen former Jamaica youth international don the Amber and Black colours of Cambridge United on 85 occasions prior to making the switch to East Anglian counterparts Colchester United in 2019. The former Peterborough man showed glimpses of his undoubted talent while at the Abbey and looks to have finally stepped up this season in League Two, contributing six assists in 17 games this season in the fourth tier, a stat only bettered by Jamille Matt of Forest Green.

Down Memory Lane

Saturday’s visitors Exeter City head to the Abbey on Saturday having won all four of their last four games against the U’s, with Matt Taylor’s side most recently completing a League Two double over Cambridge United last season. Despite the wins however, it was Mark Bonner’s side who would ultimately have the last laugh, finishing ten points and seven places above the Grecians, as the U’s sealed their promotion to League One.

The last fifty years has seen the sides drawn together in the FA Cup on only three occasions, with the Grecians running out as eventual winners last time out as the two were drawn together in the First Round 2019/20 FA Cup.

Then United loanee Sam Smith’s 93^rd minute effort forced the tie to be settled at St. James’ Park, after Alex Fisher had given Exeter City the lead after 11 minutes. Matt Taylor’s side would eventually progress however, with Alex Fisher again on the scoresheet as the Grecians ran out 1-0 winners in the replay.

Just a month prior to the two sides meeting in the FA Cup in 2019, United had enjoyed a 4-0 win over Exeter, with Luke Hannant, Jack Roles, George Taft and Andy Dallas all scoring in a comfortable win for Joe Dunne’s U’s.

Quick Quotes

U’s Assistant Head Coach Gary Waddock is expecting a tough test against the Grecians on Saturday: “We know how good they are you from last season; they are good outfit and obviously this year they are in good form as well. It is a tough opponent that we are up against, but we are going into the game looking to try and get through.

“Matt [Taylor] and his backroom staff have done an excellent job, they develop players along the way as well but also pick up results, so credit to them and we know we are in for a tough afternoon come Saturday.”

Matt Taylor says there’s no pressure on his Exeter side ahead of their game against Cambridge United on Saturday: "We prepared for this game a little before Tuesday, just in case. We are going to face a League One side away from home and there's no pressure on us in relation to that.

"We're going to go there and give it a really good go. I've watched as many games of theirs in the last 24 hours as I can - against Wigan, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, so we know what we're up against.

"If we put out our best, we will have a chance."

Officials

David Rock will take charge of Saturday’s clash at the Abbey Stadium, with Paul Yates and Darren Blunden being appointed as the game’s assistant referees while Fourth Official Daniel Cook will oversee the game from the touchline.

How To Watch

Tickets for the 3pm fixture are available online, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office.

Save money by purchasing your tickets in-advance of the fixture, as all prices increase by £2 when buying in-person on the day of the game. Please view advance prices below:

Ambulant Disabled supporters in receipt of higher level disability living allowance pay their relevant age category with a Carer Free of Charge, whilst the Wheelchair Disabled price also included the admission of a Free Carer Ticket, if required.

*Concessions = Seniors (64+), Young Adults (18-23), Serving or Retired Armed Forces and Full-Time Students

Please note that as with all FA Cup ties, there is no iFollow video streaming available.