There is no question that Cambridge were expected to dispatch Curzon Ashton relatively comfortably in the first round last week, but the League One outfit could not find a breakthrough despite their best efforts.
As a result, the U’s now have a midweek feature which they would not have wanted, especially ahead of a huge clash with Accrington Stanley in the league next weekend.
Cambridge will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, with the result leaving them in 18th position in the League One table.
Mark Bonner’s side have only scored 18 league goals this season, which has been a huge part of their problems, and they are just five points clear of the relegation zone at a key stage of the campaign.
The Yellows will certainly not view the FA Cup as a priority this season, but their confidence would surely be severely damaged if they were unable to overcome Curzon Ashton.
The visitors play their league football in the National League North, and they have also found it difficult during the 2022-23 campaign, picking up just 20 points from 16 matches to sit 19th in the table.
Curzon Ashton will enter this match off the back of a 1-0 Brackley Town on Saturday, with their last victory proving to be a 1-0 success at Boston United on October 22.
Adam Lakeland’s side have a free hit in this match, and they will then be in FA Trophy action against Southport at the weekend before taking on Blyth Spartans in the league on November 22.
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It is a very busy period of the season for the club with lots of games across different competitions, and Lakeland will therefore have to manage his squad to navigate a difficult period.
The hosts could ultimately line up with the same XI that started the reverse clash with Curzon Ashton, which would see Joe Ironside feature in the final third of the field.
James Brophy is also likely to retain his spot in an attacking area, while there should be a recall for Sam Smith, who dropped down to the bench for Saturday’s clash with Bolton.
As for Curzon Ashton, head coach Lakeland will need to assess the fitness of his players following their defeat to Brackley Town in the league at the weekend.
