3 main talking points from Cambridge United 3-1 Cambridge City

Pre season has officially started with a 3-1 win against Cambridge City. With 22 players playing in amber today what have we learnt?

Dom Ball

Dom Ball is going to be vital for us. Wearing the number 4 and having the captain's armband says a lot about the character of Dom. Signing a player and weeks later giving them the captains armband speaks volumes of his leadership and quality that he has been given and earnt over his illustrious career. He looked up for the friendly and his 2 efforts on goal were good. He kept the ball well and helped his young players around him. He led by example and by the looks of it, is a good replacement for Digby following his departure to the Dundee.

Ben Knight

A raw talent with the world at his feet at one stage debuted in today's fixture and looked sharp, explosive and direct. Knight won multiple free kicks, drove with the ball at the City backline and caused problems throughout the first half. A former 1 million pound player showed why he was valued so high at times with his amazing dribbling and knack for creating chances. Following a tough past few years for the youngster, being back at home is looking to be a huge benefit for him after earning life changing money in Manchester. Knight could be a great player for the U's with the added incentive to earn a contract for next season. Could Knight be the spark we need to ensure promotion into League One?

Formation

Harris led with what looked to be a 3 at the back in possession, Gibbons pushed to the right on the back 3 with Bennet playing higher the Brophy at times. Knight looked to drop in between Lavery and Bennet to cause problems for the defenders. Bradshaw was pushed to the left with Morrison through the middle. Loft seemed to drop just in front of Lavery so the U's can build through Loft opposed to playing up to him, which he struggled with a lot last season. The second half saw a more traditional and simple formation from the U's but I would put this down to the majority of the players being youth players. How do you want the U's to play this season?