Cambridge United: 10 Things

Since leaving the Football League in 2005, Cambridge are yet to return following a nine year absence. During that time, the U’s have made the play-offs twice, losing both times in the finals, but winning the semi-finals on both occasions 4-3 on aggregate.
In 2009, Cambridge finished second in the Conference, ending the campaign runners-up to Burton Albion with only two points separating the sides.
The same year in 2009, Cambridge were victorious in the semi-final of the play-offs against Stevenage Borough even though they lost the first leg 3-1. The second leg saw the side win 3-0, but The U’s eventually lost in the final against Torquay United, with the score 2-0.
Cambridge also finished second in 2008, but this time Aldershot Town stormed the league, picking up total of 101 points – 15 more than The U’s.
In the 2008 play-offs, a 2-2 draw and a 2-1 victory was enough to see off Burton in the semi-final, setting up a finale against Exeter City. However, it was the latter who earned promotion after sealing a 1-0 win.
Cambridge manager, Richard Money, is no stranger to the play-offs, having guided Luton Town to the semi-finals in 2010 after finishing second in the table, 11 points behind Stevenage Borough. However, they failed to make the final, having lost both legs 1-0 against York City.
Luke Chadwick, on loan at Cambridge from MK Dons, won the play-offs in the Championship with West Ham United in 2005 – following a 1-0 victory against Preston North End in the final. Chadwick also made the play-offs in 2003 when on loan at Reading from Manchester United. However, Wolves beat Alan Pardew’s side on both legs, and soon returned to the top flight after a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Sheffield United in the final.
Cambridge’s biggest win in the Conference League is 7-0, a score-line recorded against both Weymouth and Forest Green Rovers, in 2007 and 2009 respectively.
The most league points racked up by The U’s in a single season in the Conference is 86. The record was earned in 2008, and was equalled 12 months later in 2009. That record looked as if it could have been broken this season, but the side finished second with 82 points. A remarkable achievement nonetheless.
Cambridge could become only the second team to win the FA Trophy and promotion via the play-offs in the same season. York City are currently the only side who have done so and hold the record, having won both competitions in 2012.