Cambridge United manager Martin Ling spoke to cambridgeunited.com following his side's comfortable 4-2 win away at Bishop's Stortford. The U's boss reflected on a strong performance from his side, who surged to a three goal lead after just half an hour, before conceding two goals at the end of each half to make the scoreline more respectable for the home side.
"We were head and shoulders above them. I think it was the perfect end to our pre-season fixtures. It was a competitive game against a team from the Conference South and I think it will stand us in good stead for the Wrexham game next week," said the United manager.
The United boss believes he knows nine of his starting eleven, with only his first choice goalkeeper and central defensive unit causing the U's supremo problems.
"I think I probably now know nine, the others I'll sleep on. The two that I'm toying with are the centre half partnership and who will start in goal," said Ling.
Looking forward to next Saturday's tie against Wrexham, the United boss believes that the Welsh opponents will be one of the more challenging fixtures his side will face this season.
"They are decent. You look at their squad and I think they'll be there or thereabouts, they'll be looking for top five this year the same as a few league clubs are. It will be a tough start for us, but I think we've got enough in our dressing room to do well this season," said the U's boss.
"We will play 4-3-3, but we can switch it at any time if it isn't going well. Today I thought it allowed Miller to be a bit more free and Carden, I thought, had an excellent game."
Speaking on the fitness of Daryl Clare, the former Leyton Orient manager warned that the U's striker is a long way from fitness despite a brief appearance today.
"He trained yesterday and he looked good, so I asked the physio if there was any physical reason why he couldn't play. He said "no". There's no way he was ready to start and he was a little bit rusty, but I think mentally for the supporters, for us, for him I think it was important that he had a bit of a cameo," said Ling.
"The chances of him being involved at Wrexham are very, very low. But, if you want to go and nick a goal near the end of the game he isn't a bad one to have on your bench. It's the same as Marriott is that's the way we choose to go."
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