Not since 2017 have Cambridge appeared in the second round, and on Saturday they will aim to go one better as they look to reach their third round of the competition for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
They have been eliminated at the first round stage in their last three campaigns, but they managed to win in the FA Cup for the first time in four years when they emerged victorious in the replay with Northampton Town.
After drawing 2-2 at Sixfields Stadium, Cambridge won 3-1 in the replay with the trio of Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith and Ben Worman all getting on the scoresheet.
Cup competitions have been a welcome distraction for the U’s in recent weeks, having gone four League One games without a victory.
In midweek, Mark Bonner’s side progressed in the EFL Trophy, with goals from Smith and Shilow Tracey helping Cambridge to a 2-0 victory over Walsall, and they will be hoping for another cup victory on Saturday.
Exeter sealed their place in the second round in slightly bizarre circumstances as their replay with Bradford City had to be played once again after the Grecians used too many substitutes in the initial replay.
Matt Taylor’s side welcomed Bradford back to St. James Park in midweek and responded after going behind, with Timothee Dieng and George Ray scoring in the second half to clinch a 2-1 victory.
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The result set up the weekend encounter with Cambridge, and the Grecians will be aiming to reach the third round for successive seasons.
There is every chance that they will manage that feat with Exeter in fine form, having won seven of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Saturday’s visitors do enter the encounter winless in their last three away matches, but one defeat in their last 11 away fixtures in all competitions gives the Grecians reason to be confident ahead of the second round meeting
