It’s FA Cup weekend and City travel to Cambridge with a place in the hat for the Fourth Round up for grabs.
Ahead of the game, here are three U’s looking to make it a difficult afternoon for the Grecians.
Sam Smith
With the daunting task of trying to emulate Paul Mullin’s record breaking season for the U’s, Sam Smith has slowly settled into the new role up top for his new club. The 23-year-old signed from Reading in the summer and has bagged eight goals so far for the amber and blacks.
A product of the Royals’ youth set up, Smith has impressed in loan spells for Cheltenham, Tranmere and Cambridge before signing permanently for the latter. With 38 goals in just 151 games, his efficiency in front of goal is what inspired Bonner to sign him upon his release from Berkshire and he will be looking to extend his form on Saturday.
Wes Hoolahan
The veteran midfielder showed all his grace and quality last season in guiding the U’s into League One. His ex-Premier League experience was there for all to see as he spearheaded Cambridge to the title.
The 39-year-old has 43 Republic of Ireland caps to his name in a career which saw him become a Norwich City legend. Last season, Hoolahan was named League Two player of the month for January and named in the Team of the Season too. This campaign his playmaking prowess has seen him grab six assists already and City need to be on their guard if they’re going to keep the Irishman.
Joe Ironside
Cambridge’s main threat this weekend though comes from Joe Ironside. The U’s top man has the most goal involvements so far this campaign and will be looking to take that into Saturday.
The journeyman began at Sheffield United before spells at Alfreton, Hartlepool, Kidderminster and Macclesfield before settling at the Abbey Stadium last term. Twenty-two goals in 63 games for the Amber and Blacks means he’ll be tough opposition for the City defence.