Match Preview: Cambridge Utd vs Doncaster Rovers

The U’s host Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday (18th January) looking to make it four wins in four games…

Form

Following his goal that secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Premier League Newcastle in the FA Cup Third Round last weekend, striker Joe Ironside once again provided the goods after nodding in Wes Hoolahan’s free kick in the first minute of stoppage time against Lincoln City on Saturday.

After weathering somewhat of a Lincoln City storm towards the back end of the first-half, United and Mark Bonner, managing his 100^th U’s game, regrouped and returned looking a far more threatening outfit in the second 45, with United’s endeavours being eventually rewarded after Adam May’s initial header was saved, seeing the ball deflect into the path of Joe Ironside to head in from close range.

Cambridge United form: LDWWW

Prior to Saturday’s win, Harvey Knibbs’ second half brace set up a final eight Papa John’s Trophy tie against Rotherham United on the 25th January (7pm), after knocking out Portsmouth.

The forward slotted into the bottom corner from the edge of the Pompey area five minutes after the restart before Wes Hoolahan excellently picked out the former Villain in the six-yard-box to double the U’s lead just nine minutes after. Michael Jacobs did pull a goal back for the visitors, setting up a tense finish, however United were able to hold out to preserve their 100% cup record while playing at the Abbey Stadium this season.

Despite only winning one of their last 11 games in all competitions, there has been a notable upturn in performances for Doncaster Rovers since Gary McSheffrey was given the nod for the manager’s job towards the end of December. Most recently, Omar Bogle’s second-half goal was unable to spark a comeback against Wigan – having found themselves two-goals down to the promotion chasing Latics after 54 minutes.

Doncaster Rovers form: WLLLL

Prior to Saturday’s defeat against Wigan, Ellis Harrison’s debut goal for Fleetwood Town condemned Donny to their third successive defeat, after the forward poked in Paddy Lane’s low cross five minutes after the restart.

Key Player: Ethan Galbraith

The Manchester United loanee scored his one and only goal this season against the U’s when both sides met at the Keepmoat Stadium in October. The midfielder, who has been deployed in a more defensive role following the absence of John Bostock, assisted Omar Bogle’s goal against Wigan on Saturday via a free kick.

Down Memory Lane

Memories of the two sides 1-1 draw at the Keepmoat Stadium will be fresh in fans’ minds having only met in the league at the end of October. Following some excellent work by Shilow Tracey down the U’s left, the winger’s cross was turned into his own net by defender Dan Gardener just seven minutes into the game. However, after 68 minutes, Doncaster Rovers’ endeavours were rewarded as Ethan Galbraith excellently fired in from 25-yards.

Tuesday’s visitors Doncaster boast the historical advantage when it comes to head-to-head fixtures between the two sides over the past 50 years, with Donny winning on 10 of the 30 occasions, and the U’s only prevailing on eight occasions, and not since November 2005 – with Cambridge United running out 3-2 winners in the LDV Vans Trophy at the Abbey Stadium.

Prior to October’s meeting, Doncaster sealed a come-back win in February 2017, with Donny, en route to eventual League Two promotion, winning 3-2 in front of 4,236 at the Abbey Stadium. Tommy Rowe, Mathieu Baudry and John Marquis all striking to seal Rovers’ first league win in six.

Quick Quotes

U’s head Coach Mark Bonner appreciates the quality Doncaster Rovers possess, despite their current league position, “They have got some good players in their team, especially in central midfield. Ethan Galbraith and Matt Smith are both very good options, they have signed Kieran Agard, and they have got Omar Bogle back in and around the team. [Joe] Dodoo’s been causing big problems and they have probably had a little bit more direct playing them in recent games.”

Gary McSheffrey was pleased with the fight his side showed after going 2-0 down to Wigan on Saturday, “It was a big improvement in terms of our work rate and the levels we reached to compete.

“The game is won and lost in both boxes, and we switched off on two occasions which resulted in goals.

“I felt we gained in confidence before half-time and matched them, but we missed that bit of composure when we got into good areas.”

Officials

Christopher Sarginson has been appointed as referee for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One match between Rovers and Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium.

He will be assisted by Nicholas Dunn and Adrian Tranter. The fourth official will be Declan Ford.

How To Watch

Tuesday night’s Sky Bet League One clash kicks-off at 7pm, with tickets still available for fans to buy.

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

Supporters are to be made aware that COVID Certification checks will once again be carried out at the Abbey Stadium. For more information, please click here.

If you can't make it to the game, stream the clash live on iFollow. Match Passes cost just £10 and are available to buy now. The simplest way to do so is by clicking here and selecting the Doncaster fixture.

If you encounter any issues, please contact the customer support team by emailing ifollow@efl.com.