This article was originally published as part of UTAS’ weekly column in the Cambridge Independent. You can find it online here and in print in your nearest Cambridgeshire newsagent every Wednesday, or Coconut Tier members can read the piece below.
By Matt Caspell
We saw a new version of Cambridge United on Saturday for this season, or rather a reversion to the U’s from last season’s successful League Two campaign. Rugged, hardworking and persevering. Defensively durable, but lacking in attacking bravado.
The script for the game was flipped on its head as early as the sixth minute, when returning Blackpool captain George Honeyman inexplicably swiped at U’s skipper Dom Ball right under the referee’s nose. The officials were left with little choice but to dismiss Honeyman.
And the red card left Cambridge with a different challenge than they’d originally started the game with. As most travelling sides would when a man down, Blackpool retreated, put 10 men behind the ball, and adopted a siege mentality. It’s not exclusively a Cambridge United phenomenon that breaking down 10-man opposition is difficult, but it did potentially lay bare some attacking shortcomings. Question marks remain about United’s ability to break down resilient, defensive units that will put 10-men behind the ball.
It must be said, it’s a real testament to Neil Harris’ men that this is the grade of problems we’re experiencing, where the other three teams promoted with us from League Two last season each occupy a relegation spot.
