Match Preview: Cambridge Utd vs AFC Wimbledon

The U's will look to build on Tuesday night's draw as they face AFC Wimbledon at the Abbey Stadium this weekend...

Form 

Despite having a limited arsenal at his disposal on Tuesday night – following the unavailability of suspended pair Adam May and Paul Digby, as well as goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov having to sit out – Mark Bonner and his side earned a point on the road against Doncaster Rovers.

Cambridge United Form: DDDLD

Prior to Tuesday’s draw in South Yorkshire, the U’s were comfortably beaten by Shrewsbury Town in what was an afternoon to forget for Mark Bonner’s side. Ever-present ‘keeper Dimi Mitov was forced off after just 37 minutes with the U’s already a goal down, and despite a wonder-strike from Jack Iredale bringing the two sides level in the second half, the dismissal of Adam May as well as a Ryan Bowman hat-trick condemned the U’s to a 4-1 defeat in Shropshire.

United are proving hard to beat though, having drawn four of their last five games, but will be eager to make it a winning afternoon on Saturday to get moving back up the League One table.

Saturday’s visitors head to the Abbey off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace Under 21’s in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday night, after goals from Rob Street and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi for the Eagles.

AFC Wimbledon Form: DDWLL

Just one defeat from their opening seven games in League One this season had the Dons sitting fourth following an entertaining 4-3 victory over newly promoted Morecambe midway through September. However, defeats against Plymouth and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup sparked a run in which has seen the Wombles win just one of their last nine outings in all competitions.

The Dons’ last League One match saw Mark Robinson’s side slip to a 2-0 defeat against promotion chasing Wigan Athletic at Plough Lane last Saturday. 

Club Details

Name: AFC Wimbledon
Year founded: 2002 (1889 as Wimbledon FC)
Stadium: Plough Lane
Stadium capacity: 9,215

Key Player: Jack Rudoni

One off the Dons’ impressive academy production line is 20-year-old Jack Rudoni, who progressed through the Wimbledon youth ranks after joining from Crystal Palace as a 10-year-old. The natural midfielder, who has spent the majority of this season playing down the right wing has scored four goals in eight League One starts this season, topping the scoring charts for Mark Robinson’s side this season.

Down Memory Lane 

The two clubs have only faced off against each other on eight occassions since the newly founded AFC Wimbledon came into existence, with Saturday’s visitors holding the slight edge over United – winning on three occasions, compared to the U’s two.

The last encounter between the two side came back in 2016 and was certainly one to forget for Shaun Derry’s Cambridge United. Goals from Paul Robinson, Lyle Taylor, John Meades and Ade Azeez earned AFC Wimbledon a 4-1 win at the Abbey and in the process ended a six-match unbeaten run for the U's.

United did taste success over the Dons back in 2015, with Kwesi Appiah and Liam Hughes earning the U’s a 2-1 comeback win at the Kingsmeadow Stadium after Matt Tubbs had given the hosts an early lead on the day.

Quick Quotes

U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner is expecting a tough match-up against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday: “Mark Robinson has been at the club a long time and understands the inside of the football club as well as the culture of the club. They have got a real spirit about them in the way in which they play, similar to ourselves, and have got a real resilience and work ethic.

“They have had some excellent results this season and have got some real threats in the team that we will need to be aware of. I think it builds itself to be a really good game. We have had some good battles with them over the years and I am looking forward to this one at the weekend.”

After serving his suspension, midfielder Paul Digby will be available for Saturday’s clash: “Another good challenge, but a challenge that we can win as well. Wimbledon are a very good team, very young, energetic, and enthusiastic. They have got a really good press on them and some really good players in there as well, so we have got to be at our absolute best.”

Officials

Tom Reeves has been appointed as referee for the game at the Abbey Stadium, with Michael Chard and Ryan Whitaker coming in as his assistants. Darren Drysdale will oversee the game as fourth official.

Tickets

The clash kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 30th October with tickets available online, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Matchdays.

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