Crawley are looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat on Saturday when they make the Boxing Day trip to Cambridge United. Kick off is at 1pm.
Cambridge are winless in seven games in League Two but will be at home for the first time under Colin Calderwood, who took charge of the Us last week. The Reds have won just once in eight league games, are yet to pick up a point on the road under Gabriele Cioffi.
The Reds will be without Ollie Palmer, who will serve the third match of his extended five game ban, while Filipe Morais, Jimmy Smith and Lewis Young are all sidelined by injury.
HEAD TO HEAD
Our Football League record against Cambridge has dipped after we won our first two against the U’s in the 2015/16 season. Back in our non-league days, games between the two sides were often close affairs, but in the 20 meetings in our history there have been just four draws.
Our first meeting as a Football League club came in the Checkatrade Trophy at the Broadfield Stadium, when an own goal from Ryan Tait and Charles Banya's strike sealed a 2-0 win in 2014.
The first league meeting was a match that Crawley fans will have etched in their memory. Under Mark Yates, and looking for our first win of the 2015/16 season, the Reds travelled to the Abbey Stadium with a healthy travelling support. A goal either side of half time from Roarie Deacon had the Reds in control and despite a red card for full back Liam Donnelly, Gwion Edwards added a third to seal a memorable win.
The return fixture the following January saw Matt Harrold score the only goal as the Reds completed the double with a 1-0 win.
That was our last win against the U’s until this season, as Cambridge won the next four meetings. The first of those four came in November 2016, as Cambridge picked up a 3-1 win at the Broadfield. James Collins had given us the lead inside the opening ten minutes but, before the half hour, United scored twice from Uche Ikpeazu and Greg Taylor. In the second half Luke Berry added a third.
Berry was on the scoresheet again alongside Scott Wharton as the hosts sealed a 2-0 win. Josh Payne was sent off in the final minute to compound Town’s misery.
Last season it was another double for the U’s as they nicked a 1-0 win at the Broadfield thanks to Jabo Ibehre’s second-half strike. Inside 25 minutes at the Abbey Stadium, Cambridge were 2-0 up with goals from George Maris and Ibehre. Payne pulled a goal back from the penalty just minutes after the second half break but Jevani Brown restored the home side’s two-goal advantage minutes later to seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.
This season we have already beaten Cambridge as we recorded a 2-0 win at The People’s Pension Stadium thanks to second-half goals from Luke Gambin (pictured) and Ollie Palmer.
ONE TO WATCH
Midfielder Reggie Lambe scored his first two goals for Cambridge in their 4-2 defeat at Newport County earlier in the season. The Bermuda international joined the U’s from Carlisle United in the summer, where he scored 14 times in 80 appearances at Brunton Park.
As a youngster, Lambe came through the ranks at Ipswich Town before joining Bristol Rovers on loan. He also played with Toronto FC in the MLS before joining Swedish side Nykopings BIS prior to signing for Carlisle via a spell at Mansfield Town.
TICKETS & TRAVEL
We have received an allocation of 462 South Stand seats. Advance sales close at 12 noon on Christmas Eve.
Prices - Adults £20; Concessions (64+, student with valid NUS card, 18-23 years) £15; Under-18 £10; Under-12 £5; Under-5 free.
All tickets carry a £2 increase on matchday.
Wheelchair users pay £15, carer goes free. Book on 01223 566500.
G&H Coaches still have space left for the game – call 07771 792346 to book.
COVERAGE
The game will be available to listen to via iFollow Crawley for those who are already subscribed. There will be live coverage from 12.55pm with BBC Sussex’s Gary Smith.
Check out the official Crawley Town Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all the latest throughout the afternoon.
Pictured: Luke Gambin celebrates his goal in the 2-0 win over Cambridge earlier in the season
