MarkHeadBonner coach
This time last year we were still just under one month away from the first competitive game of the season. The Carabao Cup was that competition and Birmingham City the challenge. In what we all know was an unusual year, we played in two cup competitions prior to the league start. Whilst this year has followed a more usual pattern from the outset, we want to use the Carabao Cup in the same way as last year. So early in the season, we are still building fitness levels, organisation and partnerships all over the pitch. We see tonight as a chance to fulfil all of that criteria with the obvious ambition of wanting to progress to the second round. Swindon Town may see the game similarly with their well-known story of a tough summer and will be delighted with their winning start on Saturday at Scunthorpe
United. We know all too well how challenging such periods can be and for supporters to see life at their club unravel. We wish them well under new ownership and management. For us tonight, we want to take another step from Saturday in what was a really positive afternoon against Oxford. The standard of the game was good and whilst we know we will improve, and we will have to improve, we deserved something from the game and we hope that may settle some tension. The atmosphere Saturday was unlike anything for some time. A real party atmosphere, supportive, loud and energetic. The best of The Abbey. It was great to see so many and to welcome everyone back. We can look forward to many more days like it and overcoming this challenge together. ■ www.cambridge-united.co.uk
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