Richard Money Pre-Bristol Rovers
Richard Money is keen for his side to secure a win over Bristol Rovers tomorrow evening at the Abbey Stadium, in order to set an early precedent for the rest of League Two ahead of the weekend.
The U’s take on the Gas under the Friday night lights, and will be looking to achieve back-to-back wins following last weekend’s victory at Huish Park against Yeovil Town.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Money anticipated an exciting encounter and commented: “I think evening games at the Abbey Stadium, always bring a terrific atmosphere.
“Given the fact that the Rugby World Cup Final is on Saturday, I think it is a pretty sensible solution and I’m surprised not more teams have done it also. However, that gives us an opportunity to push up the table before everyone else plays on Saturday and we have to do everything we can to grasp that opportunity.”
Discussing the U’s current situation on the treatment table, Money added: “Josh Coulson trained at the beginning of the week with the group but has missed 34 days and Leon Legge we think will be back in training next week.
“Mark Roberts will also be back from his three game suspension as well, so we are getting there.”
One player who will not be available for selection is loan signing George Taft, who this week has returned to parent club Burton, having picked up a serious knee injury in last weekend’s 3-2 win over Yeovil.
Money was disappointed to see Taft’s spell with the club at an end and thanked the central defender for his contribution, he said: “It is a real tough injury for the boy as it appears he has torn his ACL so will now return to Burton.
“It is disappointing to lose George, as it probably means we will have to rush one or two of the squad back from injury, when maybe we wouldn’t have needed to.
“I will speak to him at some stage and thank him for his efforts but it is unlikely he will appear again this season I would suggest.”
Looking ahead the United boss feels tomorrow’s Sky Bet League Two fixture marks the first game of an important period in the season for the U’s, as they look to continue building on their recent form which has seen them win two of their last three games.
He said: “We have got to look at the season a little bit differently and I said last week that sometimes circumstances dictate the way you start. I certainly can’t remember a team that have had the adversity that we have faced during the first 15 games of this season.
“These things tend to even out over the season though, and I feel we have probably had our fair share now. It hasn’t been a great start but it has been okay, and this period is where we really need to push on.”
Tickets for the clash against Bristol Rovers are available to purchase online, in-store or over the phone, with the Amber Army able to make a £2 saving off match day prices when buying today.