View from the Press Box Doug Shulman It has been a roller coaster few weeks for the U’s, with cup wins, even bigger cup draws, goals aplenty and long-standing records broken. It’s why we love the game so much, thanks to its habit of producing a head-turning moment when you least expect it! The last time we gathered at the Abbey two weeks ago, most people in the ground would have wagered, with two minutes left on the clock, that the U’s would be travelling to Exeter for an unwanted FA Cup replay. Then, up pops Harvey Knibbs in the 88th minute cue pandemonium - to secure a 2-1 win, the accompanying prize money and a place in the third round draw. Two days later, with said draw nearing its end, Newcastle are given a home draw and everyone holds their breath, to then see ball number 53 pulled from the bag and, hey presto, the U’s are off to St James Park. The trip to the North-East is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out for supporters, a superb occasion for Mark Bonner’s men and, importantly, a welcome injection of unexpected, (there’s that word again…) income for club finances. The day will also be a special one for me personally, with my Wife being from Newcastle and a big Toon fan and plenty of our family residing on the black and white side of the Tyne. We have been regular visitors to St James’ over the years and it is always a special atmosphere so, for those U’s supporters travelling up on January 8th that have perhaps not been to Newcastle before, you are set for a memorable day, hopefully amongst a capacity 50,000 plus crowd. Just 24 hours after the draw, the U’s travelled to Cheltenham and, after a four-game winless league run, most thought this might be a very tough night against a side who, under Michael Duff, are usually defensively strong and concede very few goals. We need not have worried. I thought the way Mark Bonner’s
men managed the blustery conditions, both with and without the wind at their backs, was excellent and, with every player on top of their game, the scoreline in no way flattered the U’s. Joe Ironside bagged his first hatrick for the club and could have scored more, with the U’s racking up their biggest win in the English third tier since walloping Rotherham 6-1 in September 2000. Talking of records, last Saturday’s sojourn to Charlton proved the biggest league gate the side have played in front of for many years. The 24,886 in attendance, who created a superb noise, surpassed the 27,339 who squeezed into Upton Park in May 1993 when the U’s visited West Ham. No doubt that will be beaten before the season is over! ■ www.cambridge-united.co.uk
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