Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris calls for ‘one-game mentality’ in Cambridgeshire derby against Peterborough United

Head coach Neil Harris has encouraged his Cambridge United players to put aside what has been a very tough season when they lock horns with bitter rivals Peterborough United on Saturday lunchtime.

The U’s go into the Cambridgeshire derby at the Cledara Abbey Stadium on a run of three straight defeats – form that has put a significant dent into their League One survival prospects.

However, Harris believes that adopting a ‘one-game mentality’ will give his team the best opportunity of claiming the ‘bragging rights’ – as well as giving something back to a fanbase that had to endure a harrowing 6-1 defeat at Peterborough earlier in the campaign.

“I have to get some decisions right first and foremost when it comes to the tactical side of it and also team selection wise,” said Harris, who will be in the U’s dugout for the sixth time since his return to the club last month.

“For the players, mentality is a big one. You can’t forget what has happened the rest of the season for either team, but it’s a good opportunity for a clean slate and for a one-game mentality.

“Whatever has happened at their place earlier in the season, league positions for both clubs – it’s all irrelevant in this.

“It’s about bragging rights, it’s about giving pride back to our fanbase and an opportunity for us to do that individually and collectively. It’s about making sure our mentality is correct.

“Whichever way the two teams choose to play, there’s always a competitive nature to the game. You have to make sure you come out on top of that competitive nature.

Peterborough, meanwhile, are the side currently looking nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone in 20th place.

They go into the derby unbeaten in their last five league games, although three of those have ended in draws.

“They’ve just found a bit of form again after a sticky spell,” added Harris.

“Obviously they’ve got very talented players as always. You’ve got some really good individual players and some real pace at the top end of the pitch.

“They’ve scored a lot of goals this season but they’ve conceded a lot as well.

“I saw Peterborough lose a couple of times before I came into Cambridge United, but then obviously from watching the last three games, I’ve seen things improving in them.

“We know what to expect and I’m coming up against an old ally of mine (Darren Ferguson) and a very experienced manager. It will be nice to have a drink with him afterwards but I want to be a winning manager at the end and that’s the most important thing.”

A late check will be made on the fitness of United striker Ryan Loft, who has missed the last two matches with a back/hamstring problem.