Kidderminster Result Leaves U's In Strong Midseason Position

Cambridge United’s point at Kidderminster at the weekend provides The U’s with a springboard for the coming games. While there was drama over the opposition goalkeeper escaping a red card for an early hand ball, and his subsequent save from Ashley Carew’s penalty, this was still a match from which United could have returned empty-handed.

While they perhaps should have won, it was certainly a match they could have lost. Despite opportunities falling for Josh Coulson and Jordan Patrick among others in addition to Carew’s spotkick, there have been only few signs of discouragement from the 298 fans who made the trip to Worcestershire.

The hosts hit post and bar and failed to hit to target twice in quick succession, hence Jez George’s correct assertion that both sides will reflect on the game as one which they could have won. Given the fact that the point came against one of the division’s stronger sides away from home and only a matter of days after the disappointment of the FA Cup exit at Wrexham, over the course of the season as a whole the result might be better seen as a point gained rather than two lost.

Taking out the three Cup fixtures which culminated in defeat in Wales, United are now undefeated in eight league outings since their loss at fellow surprise high-fliers Southport at the start of October. The next two matches are a break from the recent run of contests against sides challenging at the top. Having gained five points from the visit of Luton and trips to Mansfield and Kidderminster, matches against Bath and at Ebbsfleet will both be seen as winnable by the United hierarchy.

If maximum points are gained from those games then United will reach the halfway stage of the season with 44 points. If Jez George is to lead his side into the top five then this is a fantastic total to reach: if it was to be matched in the second period of the campaign then a playoff place would be assured. To reach their current fourth place berth The U’s have already sparred twice with Luton and Kidderminster as well as making appearances at Wrexham, York, Gateshead, Southport and Mansfield.

Of the other sides in the top nine in the table, Fleetwood are the only side yet to have hosted United. Of those seven away games played, only Southport have emerged victorious.

Jez George will insist that his side do not think as far ahead as the start of the season: Tuesday’s home fixture with Bath is the priority. Despite their position at the foot of the table with only one win all season, few will forget the epic contest between the sides earlier in the season when United were 4-3 winners. The U’s will again have to ensure they are on their game of they are to maintain the upward climb of their points total.

Matt Ramsay

posted on 28 November 2011 17:42 byMatt Ramsay - Cambridge United supporter

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