So, onto game 13 of the season – unlucky for some, no doubt, but one that’ll hopefully go our way. Isn’t it about time that we won a game of soccerball, though? We so nearly cracked that nut down over the New Lawn last time out didn’t we? Just those 16 shots to their seven, with their ‘keeper toddling off with the man of the match gong. It’s just enough to make you weep bitterly into your pint of Best. And then you find out that Cambridge United are in town…
Never mind. We’ll ease your mind.
Stevenage v Cambridge United: The Preview…
Who are Cambridge United?
For much too long now, the Us have given us a real problem. Not since Kenners put the ball in the back of their net on Boxing Day 2016 have we scored against ’em. And we didn’t get anything out of that match either. It means nearly 500 minutes have gone by with no Boro’ attacker finding a way through. We’ve taken one point the last 18 on offer – and eight from the 30 up for grabs overall since they joined us in the League. That simply has to change.
But, sure, we probably said that last time. And the time before that…
Our Record vs Cambridge United: P 24 — W 9 — D 4 — L 11 — F 32– A 30 — Pts 24
Last time out: Cambridge United 2-0 Stevenage, 05 January 2019
What’s their current form?
From their first 10 matches of the season, the Us are still yet to record a result in isolation. There are mini runs of form all over the shop: two draws, two wins, three defeats, another couple of wins and then one more defeat into the mix last time out. If that’s their thing, we can therefore take a Boro’ win as a given. Clutching at straws much?
We’ll need to be at it for the full 90 against this Cambridge side, however. Just two of their 13 goals so far this term have come before the half time interval. Meanwhile, 31% of them went in during the final 15. So, it looks like we’ll need to have our wits about us until the bitter end on Saturday afternoon. If not, the Us might be having the last laugh on us. Again.
Got a fun Cambridge United fact?
Wilf Mannion is the only player to turn out for Cambridge United and be inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. Mind you, that’s more for his exploits as inside forward for Middlesbrough and England – not the time he ran around a bit for the Us during the twilight of his career. But what you gonna do about it? Revoke his pass? We very much doubt it…
Where is my mind?
Not sure. Do you remember where you last had it?
What are the bookies saying?
This game seems like it’s quite a close one to call. The best odds we’re seeing on us to win is 41/25 (Marathon), while 9/5 (Betfred) gets you the most returns on an away win. Over 2.5 Goals isn’t a horrendous shout in this fixture (11/10, Betfred), while Jason Cowley to net a first goal in Boro’ colours is up on the board at 11/5 (multiple).
Which Cambridge United player should we watch out for?
Us midfielder Paul Lewis is one of three lads to have started all 10 League Two games this season. Unlike the other two, he’s bagged some goals under his belt too. With three goals and three assists, Lewis has been having quite an impact and is a bone fide threat from the middle that Boro’ will need to keep tabs on. Or not. But we might pay for it if we don’t.
Who is reffing this?
It was supposed to be Trevor Kettle, but it turns out that Will Finnie is stepping in to take charge of this one instead. The Bedfordshire boy is starting out as a Football League ref this season after promotion from the Conference. Seven games in and he’s doled out 30 yellows so far. No reds yet, but we’ve no issue if he wants to change that by sending off one, two or three of Cambridge lads.
Our Record: P 0 — W 0 — D 0 — L 0 — F 0 — A 0
And, finally, what do you reckon?
It feels like we did everything but find the back of the net last weekend at Forest Green. That should give us enough to be getting on with against the Us. At the risk of being left with eggs on our faces, things are maybe moving in the right direction at long last. But there’s no more time for excuses. It’s time to put a win on the board and stop this nonsense.
Stevenage v Cambridge United scorecast: 2-0 – oh, because it’s about bloody time…
Missed a trick with Wilf Mannion, He later ran the The Pied Piper pub in Stevenage !!