v United July 29 Options

[mikemodano]

I've never previously been to a pre-season friendly in England so it was about time to change that: I can't wait to see our slightly new-look side compete against the U's at Milton Road. I am not going to be daft enough to ask "anyone else going?" as I take for granted that every Lilywhite who's not away on holiday will be present.

It'll certainly be a tough test against a side that should be challenging for at least a play-off spot in the Blue Square Bet Premier but also one that should give us an indication as to how we'll fare in the League this year. Didn't City actually beat United in a summer friendly some six or seven years ago?

Look forward to seeing you good people there!

[Barnsey]

Blimey Mike, you never cease to amaze me. At this rate we'll see you at Great Shelford this time next year!

The last three pre-season games with United have all finished in score draws, 3-3, 1-1 and 2-2. What price a 4-4 classic this time?
The last City victory in this fixture was back in 2002-03, but in recent years these friendlies have always been close and a good test for both sides.

Unfortunately I'm on my travels and can't make the game this season but I am really looking forward to seeing our boys entertain Luton this Tuesday.

[mikemodano]

At this rate we'll see you at Great Shelford this time next year!

Having visited Long Melford for a Step 6 game last season, I wouldn't mind going to Great Shelford next year Not so sure if it is an annually planned pre-season fixture though.

The Luton game should be good. The town itself might not be highly thought of but I've had a couple of very decent stays there over the past year and though I didn't meet any Hatters fans (I did run into an avid Hitchin Town supporter!), I'm sure they're not all bad boys. Will they bring a full strength side? If so, it'll be one heck of a difficult game for our boys to get a good result from...considering they are perhaps the biggest promotion favourites from the Conference National.

Pity you can't make the United game Barnsey - but I'm sure we'll meet within the first couple of months of the new season anyway.

[foffmate]

Cant wait for this one and let's hope for a good turnout (5/600) . United are not the force they used to be but Ling has had time to get his own players together and I think he has a reputation for producing footballing teams so it could be good to watch . The pitch will encourage both teams to play the passing game. Hope Kolodynski is back and City can field an almost full strength side with less triallists .

[Citigroup]

City down to bare bones apparently. Shame Utd only deem us worthy enough to play their youth team.

[mikemodano]

City down to bare bones apparently. Shame Utd only deem us worthy enough to play their youth team.

So tonight will basically be City facing CRC?

[foffmate]

A very entertaining game with some great goals and goalkeeping errors to add a bit of spice. City played some good football and deserved a 3 1 half time lead . A young United staged a comeback and managed to salvage a draw with a late , fortunate equaliser after Zak's rare mistake. 3 3 and no one could complain at the result or the standard of play. Dalton O'Brien was soon limping as City's injury list mounts . Hopefully Nightingale and Sands will be fit for Saturday's derby at Bridge Road as City go into the unknown against Beck's new Histon. People who have seen both sides are tipping City to win but it will be tough against the Histon style of play.

[MI6]

My first game of pre-season and it was a good game to watch. A shame only 451 turned up but considering Utd only sent a youth side and it was £10 to get in, I wasn't surprised. I can't help thinking the entry price was too high. A lower price would have brought in more fans without doubt, sold more 50/50s, food etc, etc.

Anyway, City are shaping up well from what I saw and Utd have one or two exciting youngsters who will no doubt make an impact in the 1st team some day. All these injuries City are getting is a bit worrying but I think most are minor and not unusual as players get back to playing after a break. I was impressed with Hammond and he should have had a contract put in front of him after the game (maybe he did) because I think he can make a major contribution to our cause next season. I can see Kolodynski (quick, skillfull) and Hammond (strong, rampaging centre-forward who can play a bit) causing defences a good deal of grief if they are paired up next term.

[den & jonny ...]

Me & J are really P...d off. We were looking forward to this game but not against CRC.
If we wanted to watch Ridgeons league football, we could go to Newmarket or somewhere, not pay to see Jes Georges ego teams.
Lack of respect from Uniteds new manager. This nearly happened last year until someone told, the then manager, that this was a traditional game and must be taken seriously and not take the proverbial.
City should have played their reserves last night so that J.G didn't get the chance train against superior opposition.
Is that all we are now to local football, a training exercise.
Grrr.

[clive hillier]

Yes I agree. A bit of an insult on Ling's part. No repect for the football fans, partisan & neutral, of Cambridge.
The man clearly thinks he's a bit superior, or was he worried the U's might lose??? And maybe jeopardise his job!! After all, drawing at Mildenhall and losing at Lowestoft will not please the U's fans.

[mikemodano]

I was impressed with Hammond

So was I - I thought he looked quite good. Slightly resembling Steve Gentle in the way he plays, perhaps just a tad more mobile. And I happen to rate Stevie G (as opposed to Tony Pryor's mate!). Hammond would be a very good acquisition so let's hope we get him on board.

It was fairly disappointing to lose the final goal at the death as it would've been nice to have put one over Jez George but the way City were panning out, with all those trialists taking to the field, you could see the equalizer coming. Theo had a fantastic goal-line block just minutes before the 3-3 goal and despite City shipping three goals I thought our acting captain had a good game.

If Liam Nicell manages to stay clear of injuries, he could be the solution to the right back 'problem'. He had a steady game yesterday and he looks very much at home there. John Kennedy is far too important to the midfield to be playing as a full back.

And who let that U's foghorn into the Shed? Pity Mike wasn't there as it surely would've made for some interesting (and loud!) banter.

PS - not that it matters as far as City and United relations in Cambridge are concerned but I see tonight's City v United friendly in Oxford (1-0 win for our Southern League compatriots) contained another United far from being at full strength. Well done Oxford City, though, for beating their more illustrious neighbours for the second summer running.

[Jim The Tyreman]

Yes I agree. A bit of an insult on Ling's part. No repect for the football fans, partisan & neutral, of Cambridge.
The man clearly thinks he's a bit superior, or was he worried the U's might lose??? And maybe jeopardise his job!! After all, drawing at Mildenhall and losing at Lowestoft will not please the U's fans.

Crikey! I've found something from Clive I can stand up and agree with!!

It would've been a great occasion for both sides to field there stongest side and go for it. Surely a much better way of judging where your preperations are going!

Spot on Clive!