Cambridge United host Kidderminster on Saturday (3pm) in the first of three consecutive weekends of first team action at The R-Costings Abbey Stadium, after four away games in the past five fixtures.
The U's responded to their miserable 3-0 loss at Hayes and Yeading by seeing off Unibond First Division side Lincoln United on Sunday afternoon to reach the First Round proper of the FA Cup. Cup action returns on Saturday 7 November, but for now The U's are back in league action.
The hosts are tenth in the Blue Square Premier with twenty-four points from seventeen games, three places and three points behind visiting Kidderminster. Despite league position, The U's are ranked as Evens favourites, Mark Yates' side and 9/4 and the draw 12/5 with our online betting partners Bet365.
Looking back
Reflecting on last weekend's win at Lincoln United, U's boss Martin Ling was pleased to get through the test of facing lower league opposition. "It was an important game for us. With a Cup run, the finances is what we're in it for, but it also gives us confidence leading into Saturday. Winning was a relief without a doubt. After about four minutes it was an even more slippery banana skin! Now it's back to focussing on the pack that seems to be pulling away."
Ling is keen to get his side onto a run such as the one seen earlier in the season, and emphasised the work being done in training to achieve this. "We've seen the good that's been in the side, but the bad's been there also. The word consistency keeps coming up again. Kidderminster have had an extra game and they've got three suspensions, but it's about us putting in a performance.
"We're always looking for victory, but it makes the training ground a better place to be. The Cup's exciting for everyone, but it's back to league action this week."
Team News
Regarding injuries, Ling will definitely be without Courtney Pitt on Saturday due to a hamstring injury. Jai Reason also missed training earlier in the week but is fit enough to be considered for selection.
"We've had a full week off without a game but there have been a couple of injuries during the week. Jai Reason's OK and trained on Thursday, but Courtney Pitt missed out and he won't make the weekend. We've been lucky in that respect so we have to take it on the chin. I've spoken to Greg (Reid) about it and we're talking about a week to ten days with a slight hamstring pull. He may have to miss the Cup match as well but we're not sure at this moment in time."
Andy Parkinson looks set to be recalled to the starting line-up in place of the injured winger, and Ling was keen to stress the importance of such players. "Andy was in the side before the bad run started, and sometimes he balances the side a bit. He'll get an opportunity and its up to him to take it with both hands. At his defensive responsibilities he's better than Courtney or Robbie (Willmott), I'm sure they'd both be the first to admit that. Playing with two flying wingers can sometimes cause problems to the structure of the side in terms of leaving yourself a bit open."
Ling has Dan Gleeson available again after serving a one match suspension after collecting five bookings. He will challenge Rory McAuley, who scored his first goal in professional football in an impressive display at Lincoln, and Ling admitted to a good selection headache facing him ahead of the fixture.
"I'd be happy to throw him (McAuley) in again if required. You look at Coakley, McAuley, Ives, those we've seen as cover players have all done well and taken their opportunities. You've also got Jordan Patrick and Adam Marriott. They've all looked good and held their own, so knowing we have them able to do the job gives you confidence in what you've got.
"I've got to choose between Dan Gleeson, who has played regularly, and McAuley who played well in one game. For that position I'll sleep on it and decide nearer the time."
The Opposition
Kidderminster were knocked out of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Fleetwood Town following a goalless draw at Aggborough on Saturday. They had a player sent off in both fixtures as they missed the chance to visit Northampton Town in the First Round.
"We've had them watched twice before and they played the same system both times and we expect them to do the same, but their suspensions doesn't guarantee that. They play 4-3-3, they're a good footballing team who look to pass the ball" commented Ling. "They've had an extra game and they've got three suspensions, but it's about us putting in a performance."
Concluding with his thoughts ahead of Saturday and a forthcoming tricky run of fixtures, Ling finished "If we want to be amongst the top five, we've got to push on and win. Tuesday won't have helped them and they have three suspensions. If we had three out it was affect us, we've got to focus on our own game, it's about what we do. If we focus about ourself first and worry about the opposition second then we should be OK.
"We've done well at home recently and we've got to make it a hard place for people to come and play"
Matt Ramsay
