Cambridge United travel to Telford knowing they will face an in-form side in tonight's Setanta Shield third round tie.
United are currently unbeaten in seven games and two points behind the leaders in the Blue Square Premier, while last season's losing play-off finalists AFC Telford United are fourth in the Blue Square North and unbeaten at home this season.
Team News
Gary Brabin is forced into making changes to the side that drew at home to Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, including a first call-up of the season for Darren Quinton and second appearances for Josh Coulson and Jordan Collins.
Striker Mark Beesley misses out after having stitches in his face following a clash of heads early in Saturday's game, while defender Dan Gleeson suffered a knock in the same game and he will not be risked.
Leading scorer Lee McEvilly returns after completing a three-match suspension following his dismissal in last month's 1-0 home win over Weymouth, and Brabin will also involve some of the players whose first team opportunities have been limited so far.
"I'm not risking Bees or Glees because of their injuries, but it's a chance to give a few of the lads who have been on the fringes a game," confirmed the U's boss.
"We're going into this game wanting to win it, and with no reserve side it means there are chances for the likes of Josh Coulson, Jordan Collins and Darren Quinton to play.
"I'll name a mixture of players who have been playing regularly in the first team and those who haven't played many. They all know what we expect, they've been training with us every day, their fitness levels are good and we're going there wanting to win this game."
The prize money for the winners of Third Round ties is £3,500.
The Opposition
After the heartbreak of losing in the Blue Square North play-off final last season to Barrow, Telford have continued the form that took them to second place behind Kettering. Sitting fourth in the table, five points behind Tamworth, they boast a proud unbeaten record at The New Bucks Head and they have only lost twice on their travels.
Their side tonight is likely to include two players who have worn the black and amber - Australian left-back James Meredith, who made one appearance whilst on loan from Derby in 2006, and striker Danny Carey-Bertram who scored three times for United in 18 appearances in the 2006/07 season (below).
Having managed Southport to the Blue Square North play-offs last season, Brabin is well aware that Telford must not be underestimated but he is confident that he has the quality in his squad to progress to the next round.
"We'll be taking it very seriously and I would be devastated if we lose tonight because the players I'm bringing in are players who are pushing for first team places. We're going there to win," he stated.
More Information
You can learn much more about the Bucks in Doug Shulman's 'The Other Side' article here, you can find admission and away travel details here, and if you fancy a bet on our match or any other event this week please follow this link to visit our official betting partners bet365 - the place where your online betting makes money for the U's. Up to £200 in free bets for new customers!
You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.
AT081104
