League Two’s promotion underdogs clash at The Abbey to kickstart a crucial Easter weekend

It’s fair to say that nobody expected Cambridge United and Morecambe to be vying for promotion from League Two this season.

But as we head into the run-in, both sides remain in contention for a top three finish despite being tipped to struggle.

Fans and pundits alike predicted that Cambridge would stumble to a mid-table finish, perhaps finishing in or around the playoff places at best. But the U’s have climbed to the summit of League Two after midfielder Adam May scored a stoppage time winner away at Carlisle last weekend.

Mark Bonner’s side have been in the automatic promotion places for much of this season, partially due to having played many more games than the majority of their opponents. But other teams have failed to capitalise on this, and now face a difficult challenge to overhaul the league leaders, who have just eight games left to play.

Morecambe, on the other hand, were tipped to be fighting relegation, as they have done for the last five seasons, where they’ve finished no higher than 18th in League Two. The departure of long-serving manager Jim Bentley in 2019 was originally seen as a huge blow, but Derek Adams has stepped in and guided the Shrimpers into the playoff places after seeing off title favourites Cheltenham in their last game.

Of course, facing high-flying Cambridge is an incredibly tough task. They have the tied best home record in the division and have won four of their last five matches, including a superb win against promotion rivals Forest Green.

Paul Mullin’s goal against Carlisle last weekend takes his total to 25 for the season, which is the same amount of goals that he scored in 122 appearances for Morecambe in three years at the club. He’s now surpassed David Crown’s record of 24 goals for Cambridge in a single league campaign, and as a result, the club have even decided to re-name The Abbey’s South Stand after the 26-year-old until the end of the season.

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South Stand renamed ? ???-???? ? by sponsors @MEADPLANT_GRAB in recognition of @PMullin7 breaking the Club’s Goals in a League Season record!#CamUTD pic.twitter.com/tR7DLuS8Vk

— Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) March 27, 2021

Wes Hoolahan also deserves significant recognition for the U’s success this campaign. The Norwich City legend has chipped in with seven assists and five goals in just 27 games so far this season, but is unlikely to feature in both of the club’s games over the Easter weekend.

With two huge games against promotion rivals in the space of just four days, Bonner will likely have to decide whether to play the 38-year-old against Morecambe on Good Friday or away at Tranmere on Easter Monday. Jack Iredale would be the most likely candidate to step in for him, but he doesn’t offer the same creative spark as the former Republic of Ireland international.

Cambridge can’t underestimate the Shrimpers’ strength, despite having strolled to a 5-0 win at the Mazuma Stadium back in September. They’ll be facing a very different Morecambe side, and their recent success against some of the division’s top sides acts as substantial proof.

On top of their aforementioned victory against Cheltenham, the Lancashire outfit have also recorded wins against Exeter, Salford and Carlisle since the start of the year, while also earning draws from away games at Bolton and Forest Green in the last couple of months.

Spanish winger Carlos Mendes Gomes stands out as their main attacking threat, having scored 12 goals in 35 league games this season.

Former Cambridge loanee Adam Phillips is still their second top goalscorer, despite having been recalled from his spell with the Shrimpers by parent club Burnley in January and subsequently sent out to League One rivals Accrington Stanley. While many tipped Adams’ side to struggle without the 23-year-old, they’ve managed to flourish and continue their unlikely promotion charge.

It’s no surprise that Cambridge head into this clash as slight favourites to extend their winning run to four games. It’ll be crucial for the U’s to continue their good form ahead of a tough trip to Prenton Park next Monday, a game which could play a huge part in deciding which team earns a place in the top three at the end of the season.

Perhaps Morecambe are defying even more expectations than Cambridge are at the moment. Nobody would’ve predicted them to come anywhere near the promotion places. They have nothing to lose, and as a result, that might make them even more dangerous.

They’ll set out to win the game and nail down their position in this season’s playoffs, while potentially keeping an eye out on what’s going on above them as well. After all, a win against the U’s would take them just two points off the league leaders with a game in hand.

Ultimately, both sides have fought against the odds to challenge at the top end of the table. Cambridge’s promotion dreams feel a bit more realistic, despite their incredibly difficult run-in. But too many people have written off Morecambe in the past, and if the U’s underestimate them on Friday, they’re likely to pay the price and surrender their lead at the top of the League Two table.

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