Rushden and Cambridge prepare to lock horns for the 3rd time this season, with with a win already having gone to each side. United won the first meeting, in October, thanks to an 80th minute strike in front of Setanta cameras, while the second meeting went the way of the Diamonds, with Tom Shaw scoring a wonder-strike to send Rushden through to the next round of the SS (above). Tomorrow’s meeting will be the first this term at Nene Park.
Despite occupying 3rd in the table, CU have not enjoyed their football of late, winning just twice in their last 6 games, and putting a play-off position, that once looked certain, very much at risk. Burton Albion, currently occupying 6th place, are just 3 points behind Cambridge, and with superior goal difference. They also have a game in hand.
Cambridge will have every incentive for beating Rushden, andkeeping their play-off dream alive.
In recent days it has emerged that United manager Jimmy Quinn has brought in a phychologist, in an attempt to turn around the sides recent run of poor results. “I haven’t been disappointed with performances but we haven’t been putting the ball in the net,” said Quinn. “I’ve brought in a mate of mine who’s a sport psychologist to help us get over the finishing line.”
The program got off to a good start as United put two past Droylsden to win their first game in five on Saturday.
A large enough crowd is expected on Tuesday, as Cambridge are expected to bring 350+ travelling fans for the relatively local clash. The incredible game against Aldershot on Thursday should also potentially draw in some drifting Rushden fans. With the news that Kettering have gained promotion to the BSP, the Diamonds will have to finish their season with a bang, hoping that some of the more through-thin fans don’t make their way down the road to the A-Line.
With Garry Hill recently responding to claims that the club is going part-time by saying “We must stop this rumour now. It is definite we will continue FULL TIME and we will push on” hopefully now Diamonds fans will be able to concentrate what is going on on the pitch, and re-enact scenes like at the Rec. Ground.
United ae the bookies favourites for the game, going into the tie with odds of 11/8 on snatching a win. Rushden are slight outsiders on 8/5.
Photos will be uploaded on Wednesday afternoon, rather than during the game as per usual, apologies for the delay
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