Mark Bonner’s men make the short trip to the Lamex Stadium in their final Papa John’s Trophy Group H game on Tuesday night…
Form
Having already qualified out of Group H (Southern) following Oxford United’s 3-2 over Tottenham Hotspur Under 21’s last week, Mark Bonner’s men will head into Tuesday’s clash with Stevenage with considerably less pressure on their shoulders than their counterparts on the night – who must avoid defeat against the U’s if they are to progress.
Cambridge United Form: LDWWD
Sam Smith’s brace, coupled with goals from Harvey Knibbs and Kai Yearn earned the U’s a comfortable win over Oxford United in their first outing, before Sam Smith struck again infront of the Abbey crowd against Spurs Under 21’s to leave United sitting top of the group going into Tuesday's game.
The U’s were left frustrated by Northampton Town on Saturday, with the fourth division side’s endeavour earning the Cobblers a First Round replay at the Abbey Stadium, having played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Sixfields. Goals from Kion Etete and Paul Lewis had the hosts leading twice, but Cambridge United battled back well on two occasions, thanks to goals from Sam Smith and Conor Masterson.
Prior to Saturday’s FA Cup clash, Mark Bonner’s men had been enjoying a return to winning ways, ending a seven-match winless run against AFC Wimbledon last weekend before comfortably beating fellow League One newcomers Morecambe 2-0 on Tuesday.
Boro fans would have been hoping to push on in England’s fourth tier following a respectful 14th place finish in Alex Revell’s first full season in management last season. However, just one win from their last 13 League Two outings has seen the club battling it out at the wrong end of the table, with the Hertfordshire club sitting just two points above the drop zone.
Stevenage Form: LLDLD
Stevenage’s Papa John’s Trophy fate remains firmly in their own hands thanks to their win against Oxford United in October, whereby goals from Jamie Reid and Luke Norris earned the Boro a 2-1 comeback win over Karl Robinson’s side. Even if Alex Revell’s side do fall to defeat on Tuesday – scoring two or more goals against the U’s will ensure their pathway through to the knockout stages.
Down Memory Lane
Stevenage hold a historical edge over the U’s when it comes to head-to-head clashes between both sides, with the Boro winning on 11 occasions, two better than United’s nine.
The U’s hopes of promotion at the first available opportunity were dented at the hands of Alex Revell’s side last season, with Luke Norris scoring the game’s only goal midway through the second-half. However, it was not to have a lasting effect on Mark Bonner’s side, as United were to be promoted on the final day against Grimsby Town.
Cambridge United were last victorious over Tuesday’s hosts back in 2019, where David Amoo and Jevani Brown struck in a 2-0 win for Colin Calderwood’s side.
Quick Quotes
U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner is expecting to rotate his side ahead of Tuesday’s game: “We have to rotate the pack this week. By the time we have finished this spell, we would have done eight weeks of Saturday-Tuesday games, which is busier than last year.
“We are quite looking forward to Tuesday’s game, it gives a chance for some have played less to play which is important, but by changing it up so much you never know quite what impact that will have, but we have to not get too obsessed by that; we have just got to make sure players are on the pitch that need to be.”
Officials
Referee Charles Breakspear will head-up Tuesday’s clash at the LAMEX Stadium, with Joseph Stokes and Louis Marks coming in as assistants, while Kirsty Dowle has been appointed as the game’s Fourth Official.
Tickets
Supporters can back the boys in-person or from home, with tickets and iFollow Match Passes both available.
Tickets are priced as £12 Adults, £10 Concessions and U18s whilst U12s are free of charge. Online purchases can be made from cufctickets.com and end at 9pm on Monday 8th November 2021. Tickets will also be available from the Lamex Stadium on the night of the game.
For fans who are not able to attend, the next best way to get behind the U's is by streaming the action with iFollow.
Match Passes are available to buy now for just £10. Click here, select the Stevenage fixture and either log-in to your existing iFollow account or create a free account to buy your Pass.