A new era beckons for Cambridge United this weekend as they take on a Sky Bet League One promotion-chaser in Stockport County at the Cledara Abbey Stadium…
How to Watch
Demand is growing for Saturday afternoon’s encounter in CB5, with the first match under the tutelage of the returning Neil Harris and Mark Bonner getting underway at 3pm.
Buy your tickets online at cufctickets.com, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Ticket Office. All prices increase by £2 when buying in-person on the day.
Unable to attend? Be sure to back the boys from home via your CUFC TV account. Overseas supporters can stream the game live, whereas UK U’s can tune into audio commentary.
Opposition Focus
Guided by beloved manager Dave Challinor, the Hatters have enjoyed two title-winning seasons from the past three and have well and truly put behind them the testing days in the sixth tier of England that haunted them as recently as 2019. When you’re confident, you’re dangerous, and Stockport have every right to believe the best is yet to come in the final furlong. Thanks to a squad heaving with exuberance and potential still to grow, the newcomers have embraced League One with a front-footed style and their fans will be thrilled that there’s so much to play for.
Starting as they meant to go on, the visitors kickstarted the season with three consecutive victories and overall clocked just the solitary defeat from their opening 11, albeit recording six draws from eight heading into late October. A trio of wins the following month kept the side in the running, but they embarked on a brief win-loss streak which culminated in a four-game winless run heading into the new year. Vastly improved since, Stockport make the journey in fine fettle courtesy of six victories from seven to firmly establish themselves in the play-off picture.
Setting up in a 3-4-3 formation, Challinor has an array of choice on Saturday, but it may be an enforced one between the sticks with ball-playing Corey Addai replacing injured veteran Ben Hinchliffe last time out. A back three of Ethan Pye, Callum Connolly and former U Kyle Knoyle – recently back from injury – are settled and have coverage from the energy of Ibou Touray and Jack Diamond on the wings. A robust midfield consists of the experienced Oliver Norwood, former Portsmouth man Owen Moxon or Callum Camps, who all can help progress for forward options in Kyle Wootton, Isaac Olaofe and Will Collar. Despite the recalling of wonderkid and top scorer Louie Barry last month, there’s more than enough in the tank for the in-form Hatters.
Form Guide
- 28/01/2025 – Stockport County 1-0 Shrewsbury Town - Sky Bet League One
- 01/02/2025 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Stockport County - Sky Bet League One
- 08/02/2025 – Stockport County 2-1 Barnsley - Sky Bet League One
- 11/02/2025 - Bristol Rovers 1-1 Stockport County – Sky Bet League One
- 15/02/2025 - Wigan Athletic 0-2 Stockport County – Sky Bet League One
The Amber Angle
A week is a long time in football, with instilled belief around CB5 that success is around the corner for the U’s, who know the importance of bouncing back from last weekend’s narrow 0-1 defeat to Exeter City.
Requiring time to build up speed and find their feet, a slow introduction ensued at the Cledara Abbey, with United starting to tally up some chances as the second half progressed. Ultimately, they couldn’t find that clinical edge to their game as the Grecians made it count at the other end through Josh Magennis’ header 20 minutes from time.
Leaving the side eight adrift from safety, it signalled a change as Garry Monk departed following 12 months in charge, with the very familiar Harris returning as Head Coach and Bonner becoming the new Director of Football. A mighty task awaits, one they know well, with the hope that this fresh energy can breathe life into a testing season ahead of 15 cup finals – starting Saturday.
Form Guide
- 28/01/2025 - Rotherham United 2-1 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
- 01/02/2025 - Cambridge United 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers – Sky Bet League One
- 08/02/2025 - Lincoln City 1-1 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
- 11/02/2025 - Birmingham City 4-0 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
- 15/02/2025 - Cambridge United 0-1 Exeter City – Sky Bet League One
Head-to-Head
- Cambridge United Wins: 11
- Stockport County Wins: 12
- Draws: 8
Last Time We Met
Saturday 10th August 2024 – Stockport County 2-0 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
The 2024/25 campaign got underway at a warm Edgeley Park back in August when the first meeting between the sides in 11 years resulted in defeat for the U’s, as newcomers Stockport County proved good value for their 2-0 victory. On an afternoon packed with chances, the hosts came out of the blocks firing and took an early lead through Louie Barry’s clever attempt. From here, United kept the door shut against a fluid attack and had their chances to level matters, but Kyle Wooton put the game to bed at an important time to secure the points. The line-up on that day: Reyes, Okedina, Ibsen Rossi, Watts, Smith, Gibbons, Brophy, Kaikai, Andrew, Kachunga, Lavery.
Officials
- Referee: Scott Oldham
- Assistant Referee: Daniel Bonneywell
- Assistant Referee: Leigh Crowhurst
- Fourth Official: Stuart Butler