Friday Night Football at the Abbey Stadium
The U’s play host to Bristol Rovers this evening in Sky Bet League Two, with an electric atmosphere expected under the Friday Night Lights of the Abbey Stadium.
Richard Money’s men return home after two long trips to the West Country last week, in which they bounced back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Exeter City by securing a 3-2 win against Yeovil Town at Huish Park last Saturday.
George Taft unfortunately suffered a season ending anterior cruciate ligament injury and has since returned to parent club Burton Albion to receive the necessary rehabilitation. However, captain Mark Roberts has returned from his suspension and Josh Coulson has also been involved in training earlier this week, which means he could be in contention for a place.
Leon Legge will hope to be back training next week but Chris Dunn remains on the sidelines.
This evening’s visitors, Bristol Rovers head into the match off the back of a disappointing 4-1 loss last time out against lowly Newport County that ended a four game unbeaten run. The Gas certainly have an away record to be envied having only lost one game of seven on the road this season. Rovers sit level on points with the U’s in table with both teams looking to climb the table and take advantage of the earlier Friday night kick-off.
The two sides have not met in a competitive fixture since 2005 with Cambridge unbeaten against the Pirates since 2003. The overall record sits in the South West side’s favour though with Rovers having won 15 of the encounters to the U’s seven.
Richard Money wants the U’s to build on their recent good form and said: “It was a tough week of fixtures. To beat Northampton here was a good effort as they have won two games since we played them.
“Going to Exeter is never easy and we probably deserved something from the game. To top it off with three points from Yeovil makes it six points from nine which keeps us up to pace with what is happening ahead of us.”
Money is wary of Bristol Rovers away record and added: “They have a terrific away record and are set up to be very dangerous away from home.
“They are well-organised, play good football and have got some pace upfront. We are going to be wary of their threat tonight.”
Meanwhile, Cambridge United defender Danny Burns has been given another opportunity to gain valuable game time with a one month loan spell at Bishop Stortford. The young centre back has already enjoyed successful loan spells with Cambridge City and Lowestoft Town so far this season, and will look to continue his exciting development at the Hertfordshire club.
Cambridge United supporters are still able to secure tickets online for this evening’s clash at the Abbey Stadium at the following link. Whilst tickets will also be on sale at the ticket office right up until kick-off.