With his squad affected by illness and injuries, Jimmy Quinn looks set to hand new signing Danny Brown an immediate home debut against Gravesend & Northfleet on Saturday.
Looking Back
Quinn was encouraged by the performance in the 1-1 draw at high-flying Grays last weekend, but has identified weaknesses in our play that he wants to cut out.
"I thought last week was a fine performance at Grays but we switched off once or twice at thrown-ins and free kicks, especially for the goal, and we've had to do some work on that.
"It's really important that when the ball changes hands or goes out of the play that we really do need to concentrate and make sure we're all doing our job. To be honest, the lack of that is probably what cost us two points last week," he added.
"There were a couple of problems before the free kick; we switched off and turned our backs once or twice, and at the free kick their lad was very bright and knocked it into the box early, and we were still dawdling back so there's work to do there.
"But the last performance was very encouraging, the effort and commitment was there for all to see, and hopefully we can take that into Saturday."
Team News
With Rob Gier and Josh Simpson both ruled out by hamstring injuries, Rob Wolleaston suffering with a virus for the last week, and Jon Brady under treatment for an Achilles problem, new man Danny Brown [article], who signed on Thursday, could make an immediate debut.
Andy Duncan returns from suspension and although he has also been ill with a chest infection, he is expected to be fit to return to the centre of defence, with Matt Bloomer likely to switch from the middle to right back in place of Gier.
"With Rob out for a few weeks I have looked around to see if there is someone we could bring in on loan," revealed Quinn, "but it's a specialised position and at the moment it seems as though everyone is looking to borrow full-backs and there aren't too many out there.
"But we've got Matt Bloomer (above) and with Andy coming back this week Matt can play in that position so I'm not too concerned."
Up front, Quinn hinted that he will keep faith with young pair Robbie Simpson and Michael Gash, who combined for United's goal last weekend.
"It's been a step up for them from the Conference South last season and I think they've done very well on some things and they've been very raw on others, but you expect that with young players because they're still learning the game.
"But I also think it's important that they get a run in the team of three or four games.
"Robbie scored last week and it's all about goal scoring in that position. The hard work and closing down and working together, that comes with the job, but you're judged solely by how many times you put the ball in the net and that will determine whether you stay in the team.
"We have four or five strikers here and those two have the shirts at the moment. They're two young, eager lads and I like their enthusiasm; they're very raw in certain aspects but we're trying to round off the edges in training."
The Opposition
It is only a month since our last meeting with tomorrow's opponents, a 2-0 away defeat that saw Trevor Robinson dismissed for deliberate handball and Charlie MacDonald put the home side ahead from the penalty spot, Onome Sodje netting later to complete the scoring.
Quinn believes the sides were quite evenly-matched on the day but pointed to MacDonald as the difference between the sides.
"Apart from him we were very evenly balanced but he was the one in their team making runs and creating space and he looked a constant threat. He scored the penalty and his movement and his work-rate was there for all too see and you can see why he's joint-top goal scorer in our league."
Quinn hopes the improved showing from his side in the last two away games can be carried into tomorrow's game against what he expects to be another tough test from Liam Daish's side.
"They're a decent side and they're just outside the play-offs, which speaks for itself, but I don't think we performed to a level against them on the day - even though the game was pretty evenly balanced - but if we show the amount of commitment we have in the last couple of games I'll be pleased because that will mean we have a chance to win, but we do need to keep Mr MacDonald quiet.
"I'm really looking forward to the game. Apart from Charlie MacDonald I don't think there's a great difference between the sides but it's about proving that on Saturday."
More Information
Read the news from the Gravesend camp and details about their squad and season to date in Chris Vessey's "The Other Side" preview, and if you fancy a bet on our match or any other event this weekend we have all the odds at AbbeyBet, where your betting makes money for the U's.
If you can't be at the match, listen to every kick of the game courtesy of Radio Cambridgeshire and see the live stats from our game and goal flashes from around the country via the our fantastic MatchLive Console on U's World.
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