Shaun Derry hopes Cambridge United can exploit Carlisle United frailties

U's aim to add to Cumbrians' form woes

Shaun Derry has set Cambridge United the task of capitalising on Carlisle United’s recent run of form when they visit Brunton Park tomorrow (Saturday, March 11).

The Cumbrians had been in the top three of the Sky Bet League Two table for most of the season, but three straight defeats and a midweek win for Portsmouth has seen them drop to fourth.

And Derry is hoping the U’s can exploit any weaknesses from the hosts.

“They’re a good team. Keith [Curle, the Carlisle manager] has got them playing to a high standard up there,” said Derry.

“They can mix their game as well. They can definitely cause problems in the final third, but as we’ve seen, every club’s got frailties.

“They’ve probably shown that more so this last six or seven games than they have done throughout the season and we have to make sure that we highlight those frailties and try to exploit them.

“They are a very physical team and they keep the ball alive in the final third. They can play direct and they can also play short and we have to make sure we’re fully aware of that this weekend.

“Keith has had his team now for the best part of two-and-a-half years and he managed to get all his players in that he’d like, and he’s managed to get them firmly enrolled into the top seven.

“I think when that happens, a little bit of expectation falls upon not just the players but the football club as well and I think that’s probably what he’s experiencing up there.

“He’s a manager that’s been around, not just as a player at the highest level, but being the assistant manager at very good football clubs and managing good clubs as well so I don’t think he’ll be too worried about that.”