Match Preview: U's v Rotherham United | Cambridge United F.C.
It’s a quick turnaround at the Cledara Abbey Stadium as Cambridge United take on Rotherham United in their latest Sky Bet League One fixture on Tuesday evening…
How to Watch
The United faithful have been quick to confirm their attendance for the midweek encounter under the CB5 lights, which kicks off at 7:45pm.
To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets in advance by securing your place online at cufctickets.com, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Ticket Office. All prices increase by £2 when buying in-person on the day.
As part of the Club’s partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, all students in the city have the opportunity to get behind the U’s at a discounted price of just £10. Please note, a valid Student Card will be required upon entry.
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports+ for fans in the UK who can't make it to the game, whilst overseas supporters can stream the action live on CUFC TV.
Opposition Focus
Hailed as the kings of the third tier over recent years, Rotherham United have more often than not had the ingredients to dominate League One football but couldn’t quite crack the Championship. Since 2014, they’ve achieved four promotions, but each time found themselves tumbling back, most recently last season following a two-year stay. Under savvy operator Steve Evans, the task is make the Millers more well-oiled, do the basics right and challenge with the heavyweights – they’ve certainly been here before.
It's not been the start they would have imagined, however. Rotherham currently obtain 19th position, with seven points and just the solitary victory to their name. A miserable, and goalless, opening three saw Evans suffer an opening day defeat at Exeter City, before they responded with a stalemate against Bristol Rovers by going down 2-0 at Wycombe Wanderers. The win they craved arrived at the end of August courtesy of a dramatic late 2-1 comeback win against Huddersfield Town, but they’ve since shared the spoils with Charlton Athletic and Burton Albion, fell short at home to leaders Birmingham City and then rescued a point against Shrewsbury Town at the weekend. Early days, but a response is a must.
With the calibre at their disposal, you’d expect the tide to soon turn. Operating with a back four, Cameron Dawson has recently been given the nod between the sticks, whilst an incredibly experienced set of defenders in Joe Rafferty, Cameron Humphreys, Jamie McCart and Reece James protect ahead. A midfield trio includes the trusted Alex MacDonald, dominant Christ Tiehi and Joe Powell’s creativity, with a plethora of attacking options in former Championship men Mallik Wilks and Jordan Hugill, whereas former Grecian Sam Nombe and 30-year-old Jonson Clarke-Harris know a thing or two about dominating defenders at this level.
Form Guide
31/08/2024 – Rotherham United 2-1 Huddersfield Town – Sky Bet League One07/09/2024 – Charlton Athletic 1-1 Rotherham United – Sky Bet League One14/09/2024 – Rotherham United 2-2 Burton Albion – Sky Bet League One21/09/2024 – Rotherham United 0-2 Birmingham City – Sky Bet League One28/09/2024 – Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Rotherham United – Sky Bet League OneThe Amber Angle
The U’s winless start to their League One campaign was stretched to seven matches at the weekend as Lincoln City picked up a comfortable 0-2 success.
On an afternoon where the hosts were stuck in second gear and unable to conjure up any clear-cut opportunities, it was the Imps who were the more clinical of the two as goals midway through each half from substitutes Freddie Draper and Bailey Cadamarteri ensured a disappointing showing.
Giving an honest account after the game, Garry Monk said: “When you’ve got adversity, and you’re in situations like this where you’re not winning games, you really need strong character and personality to come out the other side of it… I didn’t see enough of that personality today.
“They (the players) are a really good bunch to work with, and they do actually care about what they’re doing. No one wants to be in this situation.”
For now, they must remain United in Endeavour and continue to plug away at the busy schedule. Whether it be going back to basics or making their own luck, they’ll remain locked in on reigniting some fire and overcoming the disappointment from the opening two months.
Form Guide
03/09/2024 – Bromley 3-3 Cambridge United – EFL Trophy14/09/2024 – Mansfield Town 2-1 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One17/09/2024 – Cambridge United 1-2 Charlton Athletic – EFL Trophy21/09/2024 – Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One28/09/2024 – Cambridge United 0-2 Lincoln City – Sky Bet League OneHead-to-Head
Cambridge United Wins: 8Rotherham United Wins: 14Draws: 6Last Time We Met
Tuesday 25th January 2022 – Rotherham United 1-1 Cambridge United (7-6p) – Papa John’s Trophy Quarter-Final
In our last encounter back on a cold January evening in 2022, the U’s bowed out of the EFL Trophy just two games from Wembley following a shootout defeat at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. Wes Harding’s early strike was cancelled out by Paul Digby’s well-drilled finish – his first in United colours - on the cusp of half-time. Ultimately, the sides couldn’t be separated after a battling ninety minutes of football which concluded in the Millers advancing after holding their nerves from the penalty spot, where they would go on to win the competition.
Boot in Both Camps
A prolific goalscorer, Leo Fortune-West appeared for both Cambridge and our visitors at opposite ends of a 25-year career. Born in 1971, the no-nonsense frontman started his career in the depths of non-league with the likes of Tiptree United and Stevenage, before securing a Football League move with Gillingham in 1995. He entered the millennium with Rotherham following an excellent loan spell and was a crucial figure, finishing as top scorer as they earned promotion to the Second Division. Further success followed him at Cardiff City and Doncaster Rovers, and he then linked up with the U’s for their 2007/08 Conference season – where they tasted play-off final heartache. From here, the veteran dropped down the divisions to Alfreton Town and North Ferriby United, retiring with Armthorpe Welfare in 2013.
Officials
Referee: Darren DrysdaleAssistant Referee: Shaun FarrerAssistant Referee: Damith BandaraFourth Official: Aaron Farmer
