Cambridge United boss Mark Bonner took aim at the atmosphere created by Posh fans at the Weston Homes Stadium ahead of the Cambridgeshire Derby on Saturday October 28.
Bonner will bring his Cambridge side, who won for the first time in six league matches on Tuesday night, to Posh on Saturday for the first league derby between the sides since 2001.
You have to go all the way back to April 1990 for the last time Posh was beaten by the rivals on their home turf in the league.
In preparation, Bonner watched Posh and was unimpressed with what he heard from the stands.
Cambridge is expected to be supported by a sold-out allowance of 2,248 fans that day.
He told Cambridgeshire Live: “We would have had more if we could have done it.
“Hopefully we’ll have a really good voice and energy behind the team. It’ll be a much bigger atmosphere than other atmospheres that have been in Peterborough. I’ve been there a few times recently, and it’s n there really wasn’t.
“It will certainly be a lot bigger this time around from the home supporters, and our lot will give as well as they get in that sense, so hopefully that will drive our players to a very high level.”
Like Grant McCann, Bonner has challenged his players to play the game, not the occasion, but he’s confident his team can give Posh trouble.
The U’s entered the game in 16th place, nine points behind Posh.
Bonner added: “They are one of the favorites for the promotion. You can’t live without it, they’ve talked enough about it themselves.
“They’ve invested a lot of money in their team and it’s been 21 years since we’ve played them and our journeys couldn’t have been further apart.
“They’ve been a high-scoring team, which will test our defensive organization, but we think we have threats that can hurt them as well.
“I don’t know how important it is for the club and the fans, I just know what it is for us. It’s worth three points, but it’s a bit more than that.
“People talk about playing games not occasions, I’m saying playing occasionally, that’s why we’re in it.
“You want to play in big games, games that matter, good atmospheres, and you want that to bring out the best in you. Let’s go and see what we can do.
“That would mean three points, that’s the only fact. All emotional squit is for everyone. We just have to go play the game, and hopefully we can get the result, and if we do, I’ll tell you what it means later.
“Until then, we know what a tough game it will be, and we have to be ready for a good fight and a good game.”
Read more
Peterborough United players ordered to play the game, not the occasion when Cambr…
#havent #Cambridge #boss #sets #mood #Posh