After a couple of cup excursions, United return to league action as new boys Barrow come to the Abbey.
Injuries still continue to plague the U’s, with striking pair Paul Mullin & Joe Ironside doubts alongside Jack Iredale and Luke Hannant, as well as confirmed absences for The Digger & Liam O’Neil. After hardworking appearances against B*ro in the EFL Trophy the possibility of a Dallas-Knibbs front two raises its head. Bonner has a (mild) headache in choosing between penalty hero Callum Burton or regular keeper Dimi Mitov in goal, we suspect he’ll stick with Mitov.
Barrow are enjoying their first season in the Football League since 1972 – and you thought our Conference spell was long.
Expected U’s Line-Up: Mitov, Knoyle, Cundy, Taylor, Dunk, Davies, May, Boateng, Hoolahan, Knibbs, Dallas
With the injuries in the squad we think things might look a little different this week. Davies in for Hannant is a straight swap, and we could see Wes pushed out to the wing on the other side but El-Mizouni is also a shout despite some rusty performances as he comes back from an injury over the summer. Of course, Bonner has form with mind games having told us Mullin wouldn’t start previously, so we wouldn’t be massively surprised to see him or Ironside back in the 11.
Who’s Their Player to Watch? Dior Angus
The very epitome of a journeyman, Angus has a club history to rival that of Trevor Benjamin despite only being 26. Having had a previous taste of league football with Port Vale, he was promptly loaned back to the Conference before ending up at Barrow where he has been ever-present this season, scoring four goals.
Who’s In The Dugout? David Dunn
Perhaps better known for his time as a player with Blackburn and Birmingham in the Premier League than his short-lived spell as Oldham manager in 2015-16, Dunn has been manager since July taking over after Ian Evatt left for Bolton.
What’s Their Recent Form Like? Played 5, Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 1. Scored 10, Conceded 8
Any Ex-United Players?
Nope.
Last Time Out: Cambridge 2-1 Barrow, 13 April 2013
Future England goalkeeper Nick Pope was on top form to prevent Barrow gaining the points they needed to stay up as goals from Sam Smith and Tom Elliott condemned them to relegation from the Conference.
From The Archive: Barrow 1-4 Cambridge, 29 September 2012
Earlier that season we registered our first away win of the campaign with goals from Michael Gash (pen), a deflected effort from Tom Shaw and a brace from Andy Pugh taking advantage of Barrow being a man down, and reduced to playing an outfield player in goal. Enjoy.
UTAS Moosenet Tip: United 4-1, Hoolahan
Under The Abbey Stand 
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