Matchday Guide: Cambridge United vs Shrewsbury Town

A father and daughter at the game

Ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One game against Shrewsbury, take a read of our Matchday Guide...

Tickets...

Buy your tickets for Saturday's game online, over the phone on 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Cledara Abbey Stadium Ticket Office during our opening hours.

With this weekend's game being arguably our biggest match of the season to date, make sure you secure your spot before Matchday and save on the price of your ticket.

Opening Times...

  • Club Shop & Ticket Office: 10am
  • Hospitality: 12pm
  • Kids' Zone: Closed due to Storm Darragh
  • Turnstiles: 1:30pm
  • BrewBoard Fan Zones: 1:30pm

With another big crowd expected, fans are requested to arrive at the ground as early as possible to help alleviate any delays in getting into the stadium.

Storm Darragh...

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for parts of East Anglia this weekend as Storm Darragh arrives. We expect rain and high winds at the Cledara Abbey Stadium on Saturday and therefore, aspects of our Matchday operation will not be running.

It is with regret that the Junior U’s Kids’ Zone on Newmarket Road will not be open, and there will be no live music in the Fan Zones on Saturday.

Junior U’s who wish to collect their Matchday Passport stamps or First Time Certificates should visit the Ticket Office Accessibility Window. This will also be the location to donate any items as part of the Club’s ‘Giving Day’ initiative.

Match Sponsors...

Thanks to this weekend's Match Sponsor, Coel and Match Ball Sponsor, Greater Anglia.

Giving Day...

This weekend’s match against Shrewsbury is the Club's 'Giving Day', as we aim to use our reach and profile to help vulnerable members of our local community.

East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) is the Club's designated Charity Partner for the 2024/25 season and we will be throwing the full weight of our support behind their incredible cause.

United’s First Team players will wear shirts with the EACH logo for the game, after BrewBoard kindly allowed their sponsorship to be foregone for the day. All shirts will be signed and auctioned off following the game, in aid of the charity.

How can you help? There is one of three ways:

  • Donate to EACH via our Just Giving page 
  • Donate via our Bucket Collectors on Matchday
  • Bring good condition/new toys to the Ticket Office Accessibility Window
  • Bid for a match-worn shirt
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Giving Day graphic

EACH relies on voluntary donations to run its vital services, so anything you can give will make a difference.

We are also working together with The Besom in Cambridge to help deliver Christmas hampers to needy families over the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to bring any of the following to our Ticket Office collection point before kick-off:

  • Christmas Food - Yule Log, Christmas Sweets/Chocolate, Mince Pies, Christmas Pudding, Stuffing Mix, Custard, Crackers, Spiced Tea etc
  • Tinned and Dry Foods - Pasta, Soup, Noodles etc
  • Fruit Squash
  • Biscuits
  • Tea, Coffee and Drinking Chocolate
  • Toiletries products such as Shower Gel, Shampoo, Deodorant

Please ensure that all items are alcohol-free and where possible, please consider buying from fairtrade or luxury ranges. Many of the recipients have often experienced second best throughout their lives.

Minute's Applause for John Docherty, Roly Horrey and Jack Merritt...

Before kick-off on Saturday there will be a minute's applause in the memory of former Manager John Docherty, former player, Roly Horrey and supporter, Jack Merritt.

John Docherty managed the Club between 1978-1983 and led the team to the Second Division, where the U's stayed for six seasons, before he departed for Millwall. Arguably one of the Club's greatest ever managers, John sadly passed away during the week at the age of 84. 

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John Docherty, Roly Horrey and Jack Merritt tribute graphic

A second United legend sadly died on Wednesday, as Hall of Famer Roly Horrey passed away following a short illness at the age of 81. Nicknamed the Galloping Major by the local press, Horrey was at the Abbey Stadium between 1968 and 1972, and was a highly effective and popular part of the squad that won election to the Football League in 1970.

Jack Merritt was a local lad who was tragically killed in the Fishmongers' Hall terrorist attack on 29 November 2019. A large group of his family and friends will be at the game on Saturday, to mark the five year anniversary of his death.

Please arrive at the ground in good time to join us for a minute's applause, as we pay tribute to both.

Mascots and Ball Crew...

On Saturday we welcome Oscar Briggs, Jake Milburn, Reggie Talbot and Oliver Wallis as our Mascots for the day! 

We are also excited to have Haverhill Town U12s, Sawston United U10s and Priory Parkside U9s as our Matchday Experience teams.

Finally, a big thank you to Cambridge United U12 Girls ETC - our Ball Crew for the afternoon.

Click here for more information on our Matchday Mascot packages.

Abbey Helpers...

If you have any questions or queries on the day of the game, please speak to our Abbey Helpers who are wearing high-viz jacket and will be located around the ground.

A close up an Abbey Helper's hi-viz jacket

Away Fans...

Cambridge United looks forward to welcoming Shrewsbury's travelling supporters to the Cledara Abbey Stadium. Away tickets for the South Habbin can be purchased from the Ticket Office ahead of kick-off.

For Away Fan Information including how to find the ground, catering options and travel information, please click here.

Cashless Venue...

The Cledara Abbey Stadium will remain a cashless policy this season, affecting all outlets inside the ground. Cash will still be accepted outside the stadium - in the Shop, Ticket Office and by roaming Programme and 50/50 sellers outside the ground.

Club Shop & Ticket Office…

The new Club Shop and Ticket Office on Newmarket Road will be open from 10am on Saturday.

Located on the old Thrifty site on Newmarket Road, the new Club Shop and Ticket Office provides up to four times more retail space, as well as improved ticket purchase and collection points. 

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Inside the Cambridge United Club Shop

Come and visit us before the game, or up until 30 minutes after the final whistle! 

Purchase the full range of replica shirts, including the new long-sleeve home jersey, as well as bucket hats, retro drill tops and first team training and travel wear. 

Also in-stock are BrewBoard's special edition cans of Abbey Gold (18+), inspired by our 2024/25 kit designs. Click here for more information.

BrewBoard Fan Zones and Food/Drink...

BrewBoard Fan Zones in the Newmarket Road End, Petrest Main Stand and North Habbin are open from 1:30pm, offering supporters a place to get together and enjoy a range of culinary and beverage options before kick-off. 

Make sure to buy BrewBoard's beer from around the ground - Abbey Gold and Camstar are available at all bars, whilst a wider range of drinks can be bought from either Beer Bus, located in the NRE and Habbin Fan Zones.

Family South Stand...

Duue to Storm Darragh, there will be less activities for supporters to enjoy in the Family South Stand, as we are unable to operate our Kids' Zone and other mobile units. There will however, still be great refreshment options and a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere on offer!

Also, in place is Marvin’s Post Box – which offers young fans the opportunity to send post to the players! Drop your mail and we'll make sure that it gets across to the lads!

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Marvin's Mail Box

Junior U's Kids’ Zone...

The Junior U's Kids' Zone on Newmarket Road will be closed this weekend due to the expected inclement weather. Matchday Passport stamps and First Time Certificates can be collected from the Ticket Office Accessibility Window.

Matchday Passports...

All Junior U's members can bring their new Matchday Passports to the Ticket Office Accessibility Window to receive their latest opposition stamp.

If you haven't picked up your Passport yet, simply visit the Kiosk to pick one up.

If your little one isn't yet a member, visit the Club Shop on Matchday or sign up online.

Marvin the Moose...

Our resident mascot, Marvin the Moose will be strutting his stuff in the Kids' Zone and around the Abbey in the build up to kick-off, so make sure to say hello, give him a wave or stop for a photo if you see him out and about!

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Marvin with a young fan

Scoreboard announcements...

If somebody you know has a big day coming up soon, send an email to announcements@cambridgeunited.com with all the relevant details to receive a scoreboard shout-out!

All scoreboard requests must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 5 November 2024.

Please note, due to the large number of requests, birthday announcements will no longer be read out on the PA system.

Multi Faith Prayer Room...

Located by the Main Stand turnstiles and available to anyone in the ground, a new Multi Faith Prayer Room will be open again on Saturday.

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The front door of the Multi Faith Prayer Room

The development is an important addition to our facilities at the Cledara Abbey Stadium as we aim to remove barriers that may exist and encourage communities of all faiths and backgrounds to engage with the Club.  

Supporters who would like to use the room should speak to a nearby steward.

First Time Visits...

If you are bringing an Under 12 to a game for the very first time, please let us know their name/s to receive a free "My First Visit" certificate to help commemorate the special occasion.

For more information on everything we have to offer young fans and families, please click here.

Live Music presented by BrewBoard...

Get in the ground early and enjoy some live music whilst building up to the game, as we welcome Patrick Craig and Simon Cragg to the NRE and Main Stand Fan Zones.

If you are interested in performing at an upcoming home Matchday, get in-touch!

Matchday Programmes…

Issue 9 of the 2024/25 Matchday Programme is available from around the ground on Saturday for just £4.

If you can't make the match, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out - place your order online through the Curtis Sport website.

Sticker Books…

Fans can also pick up their latest set of 2024/25 stickers, which come complete with every Programme order.

If you haven’t already, make sure you also buy the 2024/25 Sticker Album, which is on sale now and comes complete with a starter pack of eight stickers.

A photo of the 2024/25 Sticker Album

Pick up your Album from the Club Shop ahead of kick-off, available for just £5.

BrewBoard Zorb Half-Time Battle

Back by popular demand, the BrewBoard Zorb Half-Time Battle returns to half-time, as a home and away fan will face each other in a two-minute match of football to win a very special beery prize.

Please note, contestants must be 18+.

50/50 tickets...

50/50 tickets can be purchased for £1 from our Programme and 50/50 Kiosks around the ground. A winner will be picked at half-time with the winning number declared across the stadium PA system.

Travel…

There is no on-site car parking available at the Abbey Stadium and supporters are advised to use alternative modes of transport or the Cambridge Matchday Return Park & Ride service.

Home and away supporters can take advantage of the Cambridge Park & Ride, with a Matchday Return ticket priced at £3 from Newmarket Road Park & Ride, CB5 8AA.

Go green to the game! As of this Saturday, we will have an increased number of cycle and Voi racks, situated by the Kids’ Zone on Newmarket Road.

If you are coming by car, please be considerate if parking on local streets and always follow local guidance and parking laws.

 

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for parts of East Anglia this weekend as Storm Darragh arrives. The storm will bring heavy rain and very strong winds.

Disruption to the Greater Anglia network is possible, and passengers should plan ahead and check before they travel.

To check the status of your journey please check the Greater Anglia website.

Need a lift? A2B Taxicabs provide a taxi service to the drop off area of the Abbey Stadium on Newmarket Road. The prompt and reliable taxi firm provide a service to Cambridge, Ely, Milton, Littleport, Waterbeach, Soham, Grantchester, Stretham, Histon, Sutton and the surrounding villages.

To book a matchday taxi contact A2B Taxicabs on 01223 629 629.

If you require disabled parking, please call the Club on 01223 566500.

Supporter Accessibility...

Supporters with additional needs should visit the new Accessibility Info point by the Newmarket Road End turnstiles for access to the ground and information on the services we have available for disabled supporters.

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Accessibility Map

Cambridge United prides itself on being an inclusive football club and providing the best customer service for its disabled supporters. To contact our DSLO, please email dslo@cambridgeunited.com.

For more information on our provisions for disabled supporters, please click here.

Supporter Behaviour...

Cambridge United would like to remind its supporters that anti-social and criminal behaviours at football grounds across the country will result in serious sanctions.

Acts such as entering the pitch without permission, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects - as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.

These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere.

Report It...

Safety at the Cledara Abbey Stadium remains a key priority on a Matchday and should you witness anti-social or discriminatory behaviour, please speak to a steward, report it via the Club's anonymous reporting textline - 075224 73291 - or through our online Report an Incident page.