Cambridge United

E-mail Article Print this story

The Abbey Stadium

Related Links

• Teams
• Cambridge United
• Gateshead

Cambridge v Gateshead

Cambridge United welcome Gateshead to the Abbey Stadium on Saturday afternoon with the hosts in search of a third successive league victory.

The U's, 10th in the standings, currently trail their weekend opponents by two points, although victories over Barrow and Stockport in their previous two outings have Jez George's men flying high.

The Tynesiders, meanwhile, have suffered indifferent results of late and have picked up just six points out of a possible 21, leaving The Heed seven points off the final play-off spot with just 10 games remaining in the season.

In team news, United boss George will have to choose between Michael Gash and Mustafa Tiryaki to partner Andy Pugh up front at Abbey Stadium, while Jonathon Thorpe and Josh Dawkin will both be pushing for a starting role out wide.

Captain Michael Wylde only returned to training this week following a hip injury and is unlikely to feature, while Jordan Patrick is out after suffering a broken nose.

Gateshead manager Ian Bogie last week suggested his side's chances of making the play-offs were all but over.

However, he has since had the chance to reflect on their situation and has experienced a change of heart.

He told Chronicle Live: "When you get back on the training ground, you look at the big picture and reflect on what we're trying to achieve.

"Rome wasn't built in a day, but we are making strides and progressing year by year.

"One or two people expect instant success and promotion.

"But we haven't any right to get promoted out of this league, there are some really good sides in there.

"So we're somewhat frustrated, me as manager and the players as well, the coaches and the chairman, because we were in such a great position at the beginning of the season.

"We've let things slip away a bit over the last few weeks, though not for the want of trying. But we've still got 10 games remaining, so we've got a chance.

"It'll be a tough game at Cambridge on Saturday and we'll have to be at our very best.

"I would expect our lads to be really fired up after the disappointments of last Saturday.

"They're a place below us so will think they can jump above us, with a game in hand, so it's important we keep them below us.

"It's a club steeped in history, ex-Football League.

"We're above them at this moment in time, but it's a difficult game."