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Match Previews

PREVIEW | Exiles welcome promotion rivals Cambridge United

16 April 2021

Match Previews

PREVIEW | Exiles welcome promotion rivals Cambridge United

16 April 2021

Newport County AFC welcome second-placed Cambridge United to Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon.

United come into the game just one point off top spot, while County are looking to build on their three-game unbeaten run in their bid to secure a top-seven finish.

Here, you can find all the facts and statistics ahead of this Sky Bet League Two fixture...

The opposition - Cambridge United

It’s no secret that this has been a great season so far for Cambridge United, currently sitting in second position in the Sky Bet League Two table with 71 points. The U’s have won 21 of their matches, drawn eight and lost 12.

United’s consistency throughout the season has been key, with just one spell in which they had a dip in form. November saw them go five matches without a win, but they recovered from this well.

Coming into the match, Cambridge have won four of their last six, but are without a win in their last - and will be looking to put it right on Saturday afternoon.

Team news

County have been dealt another injury blow at the back after Matty Dolan was withdrawn midweek with concussion. He joins Priestley Farquharson on the recovery table, although Ryan Haynes is set to be available for Michael Flynn's side.

Cambridge remain without forward Harvey Knibbs, although have been boosted by the return of on-loan West Ham defender Aji Alese.

One to watch – Paul Mullin

Striker Paul Mullin is the obvious threat in the United squad with 28 league goals to his name this season, making him the division’s top scorer by 10. His goals have been decisive for the U’s, proven by his double in the reverse fixture against the Exiles.

The 26-year-old has proven to be deadly in front of goal in a season that has seen him net two hat-tricks. His first came away at Morecambe before following it up at home to Port Vale.

The Cambridge squad also possesses quality all over the park, with veteran Wes Hoolahan and the dangerous Joe Ironside, who has 12 goals this season, both set to keep County busy.

Manager – Mark Bonner

Manager Mark Bonner has been at Cambridge United since 2011, taking up roles as academy manager, first-team coach and assistant head coach, before being given the big job last March.

Bonner oversaw four wins from his first four matches in charge, leading United to 16th place and safety in Sky Bet League Two last tearm.

In his first full season in charge, the 34-year-old has made great strides with his squad, looking to make the leap to Sky Bet League One football next season.

Last meeting between the sides

The last meeting between the sides came last October, where Cambridge came out with a 2-1 victory at the Abbey Stadium.

A goal each side of half time from Paul Mullin proved to be decisive, as County were unable to recover.

The Exiles responded through Scott Twine but could not find an equaliser as the U's held on for maxiumum points.


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