Cambridge United v Harrogate Town: Boss Neil Harris wants ‘even better’ reaction from players following recent League Two defeat to Swindon Town

He got the reaction that he wanted on Tuesday night, but Neil Harris has demanded even more from his Cambridge United players ahead of tomorrow’s League Two clash against Harrogate Town at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.

Harris left his squad in no uncertain terms of what he made of certain elements of their performance during last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Swindon Town.

He called for a vast improvement and the U’s responded in positive fashion during the week by recording a 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers to set up a second-round Carabao Cup tie at home against Championship outfit Charlton Athletic.

However, Harris has insisted that the group still has work to do to make up for their Swindon shortfalls.

“We know we’re in for a tough game but the reaction of the players on Tuesday was excellent and I expect and even better one on Saturday,” he said.

“Whatever team I pick, I expect an even better reaction. I expect to see us play with real determination, desire, a clean sheet mentality – a real desire about putting the wrong from Swindon right.”

Harris is also anticipating that this weekend’s clash with Harrogate will follow a similar pattern to the opening day encounter with Cheltenham Town.

United dominated the majority of the statistics, but they had to remain patient before debutant Louis Appere scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half to seal all three points.

“We’re coming up against a Harrogate side that is really aggressive in their approach. They’re really well organised and well drilled from an experienced manager now in Simon (Weaver),” added the Cambridge boss, who has revealed that Mamadou Jobe could be in line to make his first league start for the club since April 2024.

“It’s going to be a real test for us. It’s going to be more Cheltenham-like than Bristol-like, where we’re going to have be really good with the ball but also really good on the physical aspects of League Two.

“They’ve done brilliant. Simon is a class guy and I can’t praise the football club enough for what they have at their disposal and how they eek every bit of value and quality out of that.”