The big games just keep coming for Cambridge United as we look to take our second 'top of the league' scalp in two games with the visit of in-form Aldershot Town.

The Shots arrive on the back of a thrilling 4-3 victory over Farsley Celtic - a game they almost threw away after a great start. Not often the best side on the road, things have changed for better as the Shots have recorded victories in all five of their away games this season.

The first of those came on the opening day, defeating Kidderminster 2-1 at Aggborough. A 3-0 home drubbing at the hands of Torquay stung the Shots into action, defeating Droylsden and Histon in their next two outings. A shock home loss to Steve Evans' Crawley Town proved to be another kick up the backside, the Shots winning their next six games before today. Relegation threatened Altrincham and Northwich were easily disposed of, as were Forest Green. The tougher prospects of York (2-0) and Oxford (3-2) were overcome before last weekends victory over Yorkshire side Farsley.

The Manager - Many Shots fans were wary when the announcement of Gary Waddock (pictured, above right) as their new manager was announced, his only previous spell in management an ill-fated year at QPR. The 45-year-old was a handy player in his day, spending the majority of his career at Loftus Road and Luton Town. On retiring from the playing side, Ian Holloway took Waddock onto his coaching staff at QPR Academy, only to find himself thrust into the spotlight as caretaker manager after Holloway's well publicised suspension.

When his mentor left for Plymouth Argyle, Waddock took the job full-time only to find the cut and thrust of the Championship too much, and in September 2006 he was replaced by John Gregory. He stayed to assist Gregory, but felt the lure of management too much when approached by Aldershot, who were looking for fresh impetus after the long reign by Terry Brown. Life is rosy for Waddock at the moment, having won over the more sceptical Aldershot supporters with his attacking intent and tactical nous, but it will be interesting to see how he performs should tougher times await him later this season.

The last 12 months - Expectations have always been high at the Recreation Ground after reaching the play-offs in their first two seasons in the Conference. A disappointing 13th-placed finish came before last season and the message was clear - must do better. They did, but unfortunately it wasn't quite good enough. After a season which promised much at the start, the Hampshire club limped to 9th place, some 13 points off the play-offs. The season started brightly enough, only a defeat to Weymouth the blemish in August which included beating Gravesend, St.Albans and Stafford, accumulating 12 goals in the process. Stevenage were battered 4-0 and Grays (before their decline) were defeated 2-1 at the other Rec', but it seemed the defeat to ourselves in September, with the Shots in fourth, became the catalyst for a poor season.

After leaving the Abbey pointless, a stunned Shots won only once in nine games and before they knew it, it was late November and the Shots had slipped well off the pace. Three successive victories against Rushden, Burton and FGR were spoilt with a double defeat to Stevenage and Crawley, and Aldershot were firmly camped in mid-table. Fans dissention had become the order of the day as the loyal Shots support were not about to accept a third successive season of mid-table mediocrity.

Terry Brown tried everything in his power to change the tide of despondency around the Rec' but after a five game winless streak in March, which included an awful performance at Tamworth, it was announced Terry Brown would be leaving after the next game.

It had come to light Brown (left) had suffered personal problems with his wife being ill, although many believed he would have been sacked sooner rather than later.

It is worth noting that Terry Brown was a fantastic servant for the Shots, dragging them up from the feeder leagues and without him they wouldn't be where they are now. He was given a rapturous reception for his last game against Weymouth, and a teary eyed Brown saw his side do him justice with a 1-0 win.

Martin Kuhl took the reins for the late season run-in, a chance to show he wanted the job full-time. His short tenure started well, three wins in four, but with the last four games resulting in no wins and no goals, it was clear Aldershot needed a fresh start - enter Gary Waddock.

Ins and Outs - Wholesale changes were made by Waddock for the start of this season, the manager going as far as signing six players in one day just a week before the season. The first signing Waddock made was a much sought after signature, in Altrincham's Lewis Chalmers, who had League clubs hot on his trail. Two of last seasons loanees were snapped up on a permanent basis, Ben Harding and Anthony Charles joining from MK Dons and Barnet respectively. Anthony Straker left the comfort of Crystal Palace's youth academy for the hubbub of non-league football, the 19-year-old able to play in both full back positions. Former Cambridge full back Rob Gier was snapped up from neighbours Woking after impressing Waddock in a pre-season friendly. The elder statesman such as Darren Barnard, Andy Edwards and Marcus Gayle were all told they were no longer needed, Waddock opting for a more youthful outlook. Promising midfielder Mark Molesley was offered a new deal but turned it down and joined Stevenage Borough instead.

The Squad - No Cambridge fan will forget Shots 'keeper Nikki Bull, whose heroics at the Rec' last season almost scuppered the U's survival bid [report]. Despite transfer speculation, Bull confirmed his allegiance to the Shots' cause by penning a two year deal in the summer. Joining new signings Gier and Straker in the defence are the young and old combination of Mark Winfield and Rhys Day. Winfield is a product of Shots' youth system whilst Day joined from Mansfield two seasons ago, and was once sent off at the Abbey while playing for the Stags. Lewis Soares is a tricky customer on his better days on the wing, and he has hit consistent form this season.

New loanee Scott Davies has been wowing the crowds with his inventive attacking prowess in the centre of midfield, usually complemented by the calm, experienced head of Ricky Newman. Ben Harding and Lewis Chalmers are also in competition for the midfield crown, and Newman would probably like to forget his comical own goal at the Abbey last season. Up front the combination of John Grant and Rob Elvins seems to be working a treat, whilst Joel Grant (no relation) is just as capable of stepping in when needed. John Grant has been a revelation this season, the club's top scorer with nine goals.

One to Watch - Scott Davies - This 19-year-old Reading youth product is on a season-long loan from his parent club and loving every minute of it. He has hit six goals from midfield this season and is firmly in the camp of 'fans favourite'. Not many had heard of this youngster before his debut at Kidderminster, when a goal and a man of the match award alerted scouts to his presence, but he shall remain at the Rec' for the whole of this campaign. Slight in build, Davies has a deceptive change of pace and is adept at making late, attacking runs into the box, accounting for his sextet of goals this season.

Facts, stats and connections - Aldershot Town formed in 1992 after the closure of debt-ridden Aldershot FC, the first team in 30 years since Accrington Stanley to fold during the season. They reformed in the Isthmian League, and in just over ten years rose five divisions to their current status in the Blue Square Premier.

Tonight will be our fifth Blue Square Premier meeting, with Cambridge leading so far with three victories to one. The Shots' singular victory came at the Abbey in 2005, a Brian Tinnion free-kick and Tim Sills header consigning Cambridge to a 2-0 defeat. Last season United reversed the scores with a superb turn and shot from Liam Marum some ten minutes after Ricky Newman headed into his own goal from a Tommy Jaszczun cross [report].

Aldershot are currently on their best winning run since entering the pinnacle of non-league, the Farsley Celtic victory making it six on the bounce. They have also won all five away games this season, scoring 12 goals in the process conceding only seven.

Rob Gier (right) is the only current Shots player with a Cambridge connection - making 17 appearances just last season.

He won the hearts of the United fans with his wholehearted commitment and excellent tackling skills.

Cambridge's Scott Rendell began his career as a 16-year-old at Aldershot before being snapped up by Reading. The Royals sent Scott back on loan to the Rec' but his spell of seven appearances (six from the bench) yielded no goals.

Current Form -

Cambridge United - DDWDWW (4th)
Aldershot Town - WWWWWW (1st)

Chris Vessey

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The views expressed on this page are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cambridge United Football Club or the webmaster.

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