Cambridge V Torquay United 13th September 2008

Cant see anything but a comfortable win for Cambridge for this one.

I would love to see us "do an England" - but I just dont think we've got the personnel to do that. I would love to see our central midfielders pressing them back in their own half, but I suspect they are more likely to be sitting in front of our back four again - inviting pressure on us. Given the capabilities of the Cambridge strike force, I expect them to beat us by at least two clear goals. I cant see us scoring either as I cant see our strikers seeing enough of the ball in the areas where it matters to be able to hurt them.

We live in hope that action is going on behind the scenes, as hinted at by Dave R - although there is no evidence of it coming out of the club. The only "news" being that two of our players have been made available for loan, which could hopefully lead to a couple of replacements coming in - although again, it must be said there is absolutely no talk of that on an official basis, merely "speculation" by fans that we are looking at players - in other words the sort of stuff that is always going on anyway!

If he is looking to add to the squad, then in all probability , it may well be that Paul Buckle will have to move these guys out, before he can even think about bringing players in - and as things stand, it doesnt seem as though other clubs are clamouring for their (Brough and Dsane's) services at the moment, so I'm not holding my breath!

I predict a 2-0 defeat. The team will I imagine be pretty much as you were for Northwich, with Todd coming in for (the injured) Woods and Sills starting ahead of Green.

As for Paul Buckle's position, I dont think too many fans are expecting us to get too much from this game in all honesty, and so barring a really heavy defeat, I dont expect a narrow loss to lead to any decisions being made as far as his tenure at the club is concerned. The "big" game for him is probably going to be the home game v Eastbourne next Saturday, where I doubt the crowd will be much more than 1500 in all honesty, unless we get something against Cambridge of course! If the unthinkable (at least it was before the season started) should happen and we were to lose against them, it would surely put PB's position under serious threat?

Interesting you say about a time limit though Dave - because in the worst case scenario I have outlined above (a run of two defeats) - we would have taken just 8 points from our opening 10 games and would almost certainly be in one of the relegation places should that happen.

Not only that, but we would have taken just 4 points from our last 8 games .

Now, I know I'm probably being overly pessimistic here but surely in that scenario it would be difficult for a Manager, any Manager come to that, to survive that sort of run, but to be Manager of a club with such high expectations of promotion it is of course several times worse.

I just feel that it's all very well being given time to sort things out, but surely if results go against us in the next two games -time may already have run out for Paul Buckle. Like you say, it doesnt look as though we are going to be bringing in any new players before Saturday now (Cambridge have made an excellent signing in Danny Crow by the way) and I have to say that I had hoped we might have acted by now. By Sunday of next week - time could be up - and it may be too late for PB to save his job. Not that the board would want to take action perhaps, but the falling gates may force their hand I fear.

I think that morale boosting pep talk from Crispy really highlights how important this next game is but as Dave says, we need to take one match at a time and then react accordingly.

We have played well as a team for short periods such as during most of the second half against York and if things click then anything can happen and no result is a foregone conclusion. I just want to see us win!!

In respect of the starting eleven I see that Adams is back in training and wonder if he will be recalled to the side with Mansell back at RB? Surely there will be a recall for Todd? Not sure about the strikers but would go for the workrate of Sills and Benyon

The selections are certainly more interesting this season!

Dartgull, didn't see much of Green last week as sat in the family stand - only saw the off-side flag going up! Like to think he can rediscover his scoring touch after his pre-season reviews. (One Oxford supporter thought he would be the conference top scorer.)

Can't criticise your side but wondered if we need someone in midfield who can find that killer pass - particularly if we play two quick forwards? Whatever the side, it is going to be really tough today.

Does seem a bit strange, we will have to see If It works, If It does not, then you can be sure this decision will be questioned.

I fully agree Andy, dare I say it looks like just clutching at straws, they did say on the radio, he played there against us and did well, still it does make anyone question the signings.