Cambridge United will be looking to kick-start their 2024/25 Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign with victory in midweek as they take on Football League newcomers Bromley at Hayes Lane…
How to Watch
U’s fans who plan on making the trip to London for Tuesday’s fixture, which gets underway at 7:45pm, must purchase their tickets online via this link. A Bromley ticketing account will be required and spectators have until kick-off to secure their place. A £4 increase will be applied on the day of the game, but please note that there is no facility for in-person sales at the ground.
Unable to attend? Fans in the UK can still watch every second of the action live on Sky Sports+, which is broadcasting every single clash in the competition as part of the brand new five-year agreement. Due to international broadcasting rights, the game is not available to watch on CUFC TV.
Opposition Focus
In the summer, the Ravens recorded the greatest achievement in their 132-year history, promotion to the Football League for the very first time thanks to a memorable shootout victory over Solihull Moors at Wembley. It was a feat which had been knocking on the door for some time ever since climbing out of the Conference South in 2015, with the side losing out in the play-offs twice as well as claiming the FA Trophy just two years ago. At the helm since 2021, Andy Woodman has achieved his main goal of delivering League Two football to the faithful, who are now curious to see just how much they can kick on.
The anticipated opening day certainly delivered away at Harrogate Town, with Bromley staking their claim with a well-earned 0-2 success thanks to second-half goals from the indispensable Michael Cheek and Millwall loanee Kamarl Grant. They backed this up a week later on home soil with both defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess as they dispatched AFC Wimbledon 2-0. It hasn’t been all plain sailing recently, however, with Bradford City consigning a first defeat courtesy of a 3-1 win and on Saturday afternoon a late showing from Crewe Alexandra rescue a 1-2 comeback triumph. Nonetheless, a more than satisfactory start, with their aim now to secure some points during their EFL Trophy bow.
Lining up in a 3-5-2 setup, Grant Smith returns to this level in goal and is a safe pair of hands – he has Grant and veterans Callum Reynolds and captain Byron Webster alongside him in defence, whose know-how has been crucial in their rise. Daniel Imray and Idris Odutayo provide the energy from out wide, whilst the midfield is formed by Jude Arthurs, Lewis Leigh and another youngster in Cameron Congreve. Forming a front two is Cheek, a selfless and clinical striker in his sixth season with the Ravens who has recorded well over 100 goals, and Corey Whitely, who too is 33 and been a prominent figure over the years. Woodman and co are out to raise eyebrows once more and, judging by the characters in their squad, will relish being the underdogs.
Form Guide
- 10/08/2024 – Harrogate Town 0-2 Bromley – Sky Bet League Two
- 13/08/2024 – Bromley 1-2 AFC Wimbledon – Carabao Cup Round One
- 17/08/2024 – Bromley 2-0 AFC Wimbledon – Sky Bet League Two
- 24/08/2024 – Bradford City 3-1 Bromley – Sky Bet League Two
- 31/08/2024 – Bromley 1-2 Crewe Alexandra – Sky Bet League Two
The Amber Angle
The U’s will be adamant to head into the international break with some momentum behind them as their winless start to the campaign continued last weekend as Bristol Rovers proved good value for their 2-0 win at the Memorial Stadium.
Despite looking to dominate proceedings by playing out from the back and enjoying the majority of the possession, it was the Gas who were extremely effective where it mattered as Promise Omochere punished with a goal in each half to race his side into a comfortable lead. United’s intensity improved near the conclusion - even rattling the crossbar twice – but ultimately left it too late to salvage a consolation.
Reflecting on the defeat, Garry Monk stated: “We’ve conceded pretty much across the board poor goals which are really avoidable. If we can get them out of our game, we’ll be in great positions to take points… We’re getting punished for any mistake which we make.”
With attention switched towards the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, the Head Coach will deem it as a great opportunity to give minutes to his fringe players, who will be eager to stake a claim and force a selection headache once they return to action against Mansfield Town. For now, it’s all about showing promise and having something to build on ahead of an extended spell on the training ground where they can dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
Form Guide
- 10/08/2024 – Stockport County 2-0 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
- 13/08/2024 – Cambridge United 1-2 QPR – Carabao Cup Round One
- 17/08/2024 – Cambridge United 0-1 Crawley Town – Sky Bet League One
- 24/08/2024 – Cambridge United 4-4 Blackpool – Sky Bet League One
- 31/08/2024 – Bristol Rovers 2-0 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
Officials
- Referee: James Durkin
- Assistant Referee: Jonathon Block
- Assistant Referee: Stephen Brown
- Fourth Official: Damith Bandara
