The Abbey Stadium - Cambridge United F.C

The Abbey Stadium - Cambridge United F.C - 2012

I moved to Cambridge on 9th January 2012 to start a new job. A few weekends later (28th to be exact) I had a free weekend so took myself down to see Cambridge United play Tamworth in a Conference fixture - or Blue Square Premier as it is now known.

Cambridge moved here in the 1930's having previously played on Parker's Piece (famous for the 'Cambridge Rules' used by the FA as a basis for the modern game rules).

This is a division K's found themselves in not so long ago but on the basis of the football I saw I would say that this level has improved significantly. When K's played in the conference, only Rushden and Diamonds were full-time professionals (ironically they no longer exist). Now you would be hard pressed to find a majority of conference teams being semi-professional. I have no idea how they can afford it!

The game ended 1-1 and two things stood out aside from the quality of the game:

1. Half the stadium was empty. It was Saturday and Cambridge isn't a small city. It also has a massive student population!

2. Tamworth brought about 5 fans. They celebrated what was a well taken goal like they had won the World Cup.

Cambridge could have won 5-1 but Tamworth's keeper played the game of his life and Cambridge clearly need a decent striker, something that seems to make all the difference at this level!