LUKE BERRY has been to Wembley twice with Cambridge United – and this time he wants that winning feeling.
Berry was coming through United’s youth ranks the last two times the club played on the hallowed turf.
Both times it ended in agony for the U’s as they missed out on ending their Football League exile – something the promotion chasers hope to put right this season.
In 2008 they lost under the arch to Exeter City and a year later to Torquay. And Berry can’t wait to step out onto the Wembley pitch and make it third time lucky for the U’s.
“We’ve got so many big league games before the Trophy final so we’ll be trying to get as many points as we can,” said Berry, who scored England C‘s winner in Jordan in midweek.
“But, when it comes, it will be great to walk out at Wembley with Cambridge United. I’ve watched them twice at Wembley in the play-offs.
“I was only young, sitting in the stands. I’ve obviously supported Cambridge and you always want to see them do well but unfortunately they didn’t get promoted.”
Not that the 21-year-old has always been cheering on the Amber Army.
“I was more Cambridge City when I was younger if I’m honest,” he said. “I used to get in there for free because that’s where I was with Jez George before coming to United.
“I was so young I didn’t really even know the players I was watching. I was more like, ‘He’s good on the ball’ and then I wanted to copy them.”
As one of the Skrill Premier’s brightest young talents, Berry has continued to come of age this season.
He has scored 12 times so far this campaign – his best return yet – despite playing in a less advanced role than before.
“I’ve been getting a few goals which has been nice,” he said. “I love playing with Tom Champion. He sits there in midfield for me and helps me out.
“Previously I’ve played in the hole so this season has been different to that. But I like the way I’m playing more now because I’m more of a box to box midfielder. I like to get back and forwards and Champion lets me to do that.
“Hopefully we can push on. We’ve got to try and get in the play-offs first. We’re not guaranteed to get in there because we’ve still got quite a few games left.”
*This article first appeared in The NLP on Sunday, March 9
