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Match Previews

OPPOSITION GUIDE: CAMBRIDGE UNITED

22 January 2021

Match Previews

OPPOSITION GUIDE: CAMBRIDGE UNITED

22 January 2021

The Bantams are on the road for the first time in 2021 on Saturday - travelling to Cambridge United in Sky Bet League Two.

The U’s are the division's second-top goalscorers with 38 goals so far this season. They currently sit first in the table and are unbeaten in their last four league matches. 

We have compiled all the key information you need to know about Saturday’s hosts - in this Opposition Guide.

TRANSFER ACTIVITY

Cambridge have made one addition to their squad in the January transfer window, with one player departing the Abbey Stadium this month. 

INS (since summer): Paul Digby (Stevenage), Paul Mullin (Tranmere Rovers), Wes Hoolahan (Newcastle Jets), Joe Ironside (Macclesfield Town), Robbie Cundy (Bristol City, loan), Jack Iredale (Carlisle United), Adam May (Portsmouth), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Liverpool), Hiram Boateng (Milton Keynes Dons, loan), Jubril Okedina (Tottenham Hotspur, loan).

OUTS (since summer): Samir Carruthers (released), George Taft (Bolton Wanderers), Sam Bennett (Yaxley), Dan Jones (Hereford), Paul Lewis (Tranmere Rovers), Jordan Norville-Williams (Hayes & Yeading), Finley Iron (Yaxley), George Maris (Mansfield Town), Tom Knowles (Yeovil Town), Reggie Lambe (released), Jabo Ibehre (retired) Idris El Mizouni (Ipswich Town, recalled from loan).

ONES TO WATCH

Paul Mullin

Mullin is Sky Bet League Two’s leading goal-scorer - with 18 goals to his name this season. He signed a loan deal with Cambridge in January, where he scored two in six matches, before penning a permanent contract with the club in the summer. 

The 26-year old striker had his most prolific scoring spell with Morecambe between 2014 and 2017, where he bagged 28 goals in 140 appearances for the Shrimps. Mullin has also represented Vauxhall Motors, Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers.

Wes Hoolahan

The 38-year old signed for the U’s last summer on a one-year deal and has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three and assisting four.

Hoolahan has represented the Republic of Ireland over 40 times and scored the opener in their Euro 2016 match against Sweden. The midfielder has enjoyed spells with Livingston, Blackpool, West Brom and Norwich City.

Paul Digby

The 25-year-old is a product of the Barnsley academy and made over 25 first-team appearances for the club. Throughout his career so far, he has turned out for Ipswich Town, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers and Stevenage.

The Sheffield-born defensive midfielder penned a one-year deal at the Abbey Stadium the summer. He has made 25 appearances in all competitions since joining. Digby has also turned out for England at youth level.

Joe Ironside

Ironside came through the academy at Sheffield United and made 23 appearances for the Blades - including two appearances in the Sky Bet League One Play-Offs, where they lost out Yeovil Town, during the 2012/13 season.

The Middlesbrough-born striker made the move to the U’s after spending a season at Macclesfield Town. Ironside currently has nine goals from 21 league matches this term.

THE CAPTAIN

Greg Taylor has been with the U’s since 2013 and has clocked up over 300 appearances for the Cambridgeshire-based outfit.

He helped the side into Sky Bet League Two in 2014 with a 2-1 victory against Gateshead in the National League Play-Off Final.

The 31-year-old defender is one of the longest-serving players at the club, and has also enjoyed spells at Kettering Town, Darlington and Luton Town.

THE MANAGER

Mark Bonner was appointed manager of Cambridge United in March 2020, following the departure of Colin Calderwood in January.

The 43-year-old stood in as caretaker after Calderwood left - and oversaw four wins from his first four matches. 

He was handed a two-year deal with the club after an impressive start, and has guided his side to the summit of Sky Bet League Two during his first full season of first-team management.

Bonner has been with the U’s since 2011 and has filled a variety of different positions within the club - including academy roles, first-team coach and assistant manager.

LAST TIME OUT

Cambridge United came from behind to beat Southend United at Roots Hall. The three points moved Mark Bonner’s side up from fourth to first in the table.

Southend United 1 (Akinola 27’)

Cambridge United 2 (Iredale 46’, Ironside 68’)

Tuesday January 19

Cambridge: Mitov, Knoyle, Darling, Taylor, Dunk, Davies, May, Digby, Iredale, Mullin (O'Neil 90+5'), Ironside.


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