New contributor George Kotschy writes:
As another Blue Square Premier season draws to a close, the race for the play-off places could scarcely be tighter.
Despite Cambridge United's relatively secure footing, having amassed 82 points to sit at second place in the league, the U's could still slip out of the play-off picture.
Despite that frightening possibility, there is also a chance that United could forego the anguish of the play-offs and secure automatic promotion.
Burton are six points clear in first place, but should they lose their remaining fixtures, United could pounce to claim a miraculous league title.
Despite that glorious possibility, there are just seven points separating Cambridge and local rivals Histon, who are currently just outside the play-offs in sixth place, though The Stutes have two games in hand.
Even Oxford United, in seventh place, could still be in the hunt come April 26, when the final round of fixtures takes place.
With so much still to play for, Cambridge could be paired up with any of five teams.
If things stay the way they are, United would meet Stevenage Borough in the play-off semi-final, but that would surely be too predictable in a season of many twists and turns.
Borough have a pretty tricky run-in, hosting two fellow play-off hopefuls in Torquay and Kidderminster, before making the journey to Mansfield for the last game of the season.
Stevenage do have momentum though, as they displayed against Cambridge recently, and look capable of not just making the play-offs but finishing third or fourth.
Cambridge United fans may be hoping Stevenage do just that, as Graham Westley's side have been stubborn opponents in both league encounters this year.
Should Stevenage finish the season strongly, Cambridge could be paired with Kidderminster for the play-offs.
The Harriers face a horrible run-in, the most difficult of all the play-off teams. They must travel to Histon and Stevenage before hosting Kettering for their finale.
In truth, Kiddy would be one of the more desirable play-off opponents for Gary Brabin's men. The U's have beaten them twice already this season, and thoroughly outclassed them to win 3-1 at Aggborough Stadium. Unfortunately, it looks likely that they might drop out of the picture all together.
Should that happen, the old enemy, Histon, could take their place. They have been stuttering lately, only winning three of their last eight matches and face a hectic schedule after having so many home games postponed this season.
Steve Fallon's small squad will be pushed to the limit as they play four games in ten days, entertaining Ebbsfleet, Kidderminster, and Weymouth and visiting Crawley.
Having recently dropped out of the play-offs for the first time in months, there is a real chance they might not muster the strength to make it back in.
While a play-off semi-final between Cambridge and Histon would be a phenomenal event for the city, it's certainly not desirable.
Histon have had a hex over Cambridge in recent years and can be formidable at the Glassworld Stadium. Plus a Histon-Cambridge final at Wembley would be phenomenal.
An outside bet for the play-offs is Oxford United. After a ropey first half of the season, Oxford have been on an excellent run of form in the last three months and are unbeaten in their last eight games, winning six and drawing two.
They are relying on the teams above them to stumble in the remaining games, but with several play-off teams facing one or another, that is certainly possible.
Their potential to make the play-offs is good news for Cambridge's slim hopes of winning the league. Oxford travel to Burton on Friday night and will be desperate to come away with all three points, to have any hope of breaking into the top five.
Should they do that, Cambridge could cut the gap at the top to three points, with Burton travelling to Torquay for their final game.
Burton's hosts for that potentially crucial last game, Torquay, are the final team in the play-off picture. At present they do not look likely to meet Cambridge in the play-off semi-finals, holding on to third place, with a game in hand over United.
The South coast outfit should hold on to finish in at least fourth place despite having to meet Stevenage and Burton in their remaining three games.
Torquay have looked strong all season and are unlikely to squander enough points to drop into fifth place, setting up a clash with the U's.
Having analysed the run-ins and ramifications of the Blue Square play-offs, there is no doubt that Cambridge have the least stressful week and a half of all the contenders.
They have points in the bag, which any manager will tell you is much preferred, and face two teams residing in the bottom half of the table to wrap up the season. Neither Salisbury nor Altrincham are in any danger of getting relegated, so they are unlikely to offer huge levels of resistance.
It is also significant that Cambridge will not have the flurry of fixtures that some of their rivals face. Their game at Salisbury on Saturday will be followed by an eight day break before Altrincham come to the Abbey on April 26.
After a long and, at times, stressful season, it is nice to be in a position of relative comfort. One win out of the final two games will ensure a play-off presence, and the league title is still mathematically possible.
George Kotschy
For information, the play-off first leg semi-final dates are 30th April and 1st May, the second legs are 4th and 5th May, and the final is on Sunday 17th May. The planned schedule is for second-placed team v fifth on the 30th April and 4th May, while third plays fourth on 1st May and 5th May.
Make Your Click Count For The U's - talk about it on the Message Board!
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.
AT090416
