United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Wilson, Preece, Craddock, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde, Taylor, Kyd (Barnwell 78), Foster.
Subs not used: Ashbee, Williamson.
Booked: Kyd 59 (foul)

Ben Mynott's match report:
The first 10 minutes or so was real end to end stuff, with both sides showing they wanted to play attacking football. Cambridge had the better chances, and after the opening rush a pattern developed that saw Cambridge dominate the match, creating better chances and keeping possession much better than their hosts.

Michael Kyd was recalled to the starting line-up ahead of Barnwell, and took his chance with both hands. His running was superb up-front, always giving the Cambridge midfield options and often carving open the ‘pool defence. Early chances came and went, with Kyd, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde and Shaggy all trying their luck but generally failing to hit the target.

The inevitable did eventually come when Kyd received the ball about 40 yards out after a nice build-up. He took on a defender and just as he was being closed down by another he unleashed a shot from 20 yards that went low to the ‘keeper’s right and into the net, despite the ‘keeper seeming to get a touch. Kyd tried to start an elephant celebration but it didn’t really catch on and instead he was simply mobbed by his teammates.

Further chances came and went - they were too numerous to mention. Shaggy was probably the biggest culprit of missing chances, but others could be criticised (or deemed unlucky?) too. Foster probably went closest when a right wing corner was hit to the far post where he rose well to head the ball goalwards, only for a ‘pool player to head clear off the line. Another corner resulted in a similar effort on target, but this time it was Shaggy (I think) that "saved" the effort; in trying to glance the ball wide of the ‘keeper he managed to divert the ball over the bar. At one point we hit the post - I think it was either a Raynor or Kyd effort - but chances were so plentiful I lost track of them (and forgot to watch "Kick Off!" today on Anglia!). Half-time came quite quickly (so it seemed), with the Cambridge players walking off to a standing ovation from the traveling fans. I’m not exaggerating when I say it could have been 6 or 7 by the break.

Even half-time brought it’s entertainment; after pulling a mooney at the home fans, Popey was escorted out of the ground by the stewards. Perhaps they were a bit harsh, but at least they did their job without any fuss and simply asked Popey to go with them because he’d exposed himself! This was in stark contrast to the disgraceful (I am told) behaviour of a few Cardiff stewards the previous Saturday, which resulted in Will Jones getting punched and thrown down some stairs and another U’s fan Colin coming out with a black eye and some cuts. This was all without any hint of violence from any Cambridge fans.

At the restart we started thinking that having wasted so many chances, it was inevitable we were going to throw away a vital win. But fortunately this didn’t happen. The game continued in much the same vein as the first half, with Cambridge totally dominating. Shaggy wasted a couple of good chances, as did Wanless, but almost every Cambridge player found themselves with a reasonable chance at some stage in the game.

By the time Hartlepool creating their best chance of the game the result should have been well beyond doubt. It wasn’t, and the home side still managed to create a scare when a player found himself clean through, for once having eluded the superb Matty Joseph, only to find Barrett up to the task of making a first-class diving save. He’d had little to do all game and he must be praised for keeping alert and being up to the task when called on.

Finally Cambridge did get a second; a patient build-up on the right wing between Barnwell (who had replaced Kyd after his tireless display) and Raynor paid off when Raynor found Craddock charging into the area (and screaming for the ball) with a pin-point cross and Jody duly obliged with a pin-point powerful downward header into the near corner. The ‘keeper did well to get down to it and make some contact, but the header was just too powerful for him. Craddock went mad, clearly delighted with his first of the season (in the right end anyway!), and finally we looked safe.

There was still time for the odd scare, but Cambridge continued to look the more likely to score. They came closest when a 3 on 3 breakaway with Hyde, Shaggy and Barnwell resulted in a shot from wide by Shaggy being charged down after he had received a return pass from Jamie. Had only Barnwell left the ball for Hyde, who was running clean through unmarked, we could have scored another goal that could prove vital come the end of the season.

The final whistle came after a minute or two of injury time and Cambridge were deservedly given a great send-off by the fans. Walking out of the ground several ‘pool stewards were overheard singing Cambridge’s praises, saying they were the best team to visit the Victoria ground this season by a mile. I’d have to agree that it was one of, if not the best performance I’ve seen this season, ranking alongside the first half at Orient and the home win over Swansea. If only we had taken our chances we could have had a record away win on our hands.

Grateful thanks to Ben Mynott for his match report and ratings.

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