RANDALL BUTT reports as Cambridge United continue their march up the table with a crushing win

WHEN you're hot you're hot. Cambridge United are steaming along while Hull City are sinking like a stone, and this result was the one real bookie's banker on a weekend of upsets in Division Three.

It hardly reflected a much closer match, but frustrated manager Mark Hateley was as wide of the mark as his strikers when he blamed "sheer bad luck" for his team's eighth defeat in nine games.

The big difference between United, now only three points behind the leaders, and a Hull side who slumped to rock bottom for the first time in their 93-year history, was confidence.

Three previous away wins this season, plus the huge boost of victory over Premiership Sheffield Wed-nesday, gave Roy McFarland's men a sure touch most of the time when the goal was in sight. And it enabled them to absorb two newcomers, rookie full-back Larry McAvoy and loanee striker Wayne Andrews, into the side with hardly any disruption.

Hull on the other hand look like a bunch of players who expect things to go wrong, which was precisely what happened whenever a clear-cut scoring chance stared them in the face.

United's two goals in seven minutes during the first half piled more misery on a home side shot through with self-doubt, transforming the Tigers into pussycats in the penalty area.

Ex-England striker Hateley threw himself into the fray after the break, inspiring a revival which created the chances to put Hull 3-2 in front by the 72nd minute.

United skipper Paul Wanless was right when he said his team also missed opportunities, but there was only one miss by Martin Butler which was in any way comparable with the comic capers in the other goalmouth. Bearing in mind a goal is wider than most barn doors, hopeless Hull were unable to hit it three times from inside the six-yard box.

Manchester United loanee David Brown, who blazed wide of an open goal in the fourth minute of the game, did it again in the 48th, as did Richard Peacock in the 50th, both after surging runs into the box by Neil Mann. But the miss-of-the-match award went to Andy Saville, who managed to hook the ball over the crossbar in the 72nd minute from five feet out after Warren Joyce's cross found him unmarked.

The contrast in finishing could hardly have been more pronounced eight minutes later when Jamie Campell and Trevor Benjamin combined cleverly in the box to kill the game off.

United played very well in patches whenever midfielders Neil Mustoe and Alex Russell gained control. The defence was vulnerable however, particularly when Hateley, despite looking a bit like legendary music hall comedian Max Wall these days, displayed some of his old skill by winning headers on the edge of the box.

Eighteen-year-old McAvoy had an encouraging debut though, at right-back in place of the injured Ben Chenery. His positioning was understandably shaky at times, but he tackled strongly and showed admirable coolness when trying to find a team- mate while clearing under pressure, instead of booting the ball downfield.

Andrews made little impression, but he rarely got a good enough pass to be able to demonstrate his speed and skill, most of the play being funnelled to the other side of the attack through Benjamin.

One turn which sent his full-back on a walkabout augered well however. And, it has to be said, he falls beautifully. An example which won a free kick in a dangerous position had those imaginary judges leaping up at the touchline, their boards showing 5.8, 5.9, 5.8 etc.

United made it up to their travelling fans for last season's buffoonery at Boothferry Park, and the home supporters, having won their battle to get rid of chairman David Lloyd, behaved themselves.

Apart from the man who, referring to a warning about "anyone running on to the pitch being arrested," shouted: "What about those 11 "*****" out there. You can do them for impersonating a football team."

ON the day chairman David Lloyd signalled his intentions to quit Hull City, this proud club sank to the lowest ebb in its 94-year history.

The Tigers were in a critical situation when Lloyd came to East Yorkshire 15 months ago but now, as he looks to sell up and leave, their future is more endangered than ever. City sank to their eighth defeat of the season against Cambridge and promptly hit rock-bottom of the Football League.

They've been 92nd in the league before but only once, and only for 24 hours. City were bottom for a day before they earned a point at Chester City on a Sunday in August.

It's often said things don't go your way when you're at the bottom and who could have predicted Saturday's events? City battled hard against confident Cambridge and, as the match statistics show, matched them in almost all aspects apart from the important one - the scoreline. Yet again, the Tigers looked vulnerable whenever crosses were hurled into the box. They conceded two soft first-half goals then found another gear after half-time.

Four golden chances were wasted and the visitors struck on the break to kill off the game. To make matters worse, Shrewsbury ended their run of five straight away defeats with an unlikely victory at in-form Rotherham. It seemed anything that could possibly go wrong for the Tigers would go wrong.

Ill-fortune played it's part but the upshot of it all is that City are bottom of Nationwide Division Three and seriously contemplating a fierce relegation battle in the bleak winter months ahead.

Hull has long been labelled the biggest city never to have seen top-flight football. If things don't turn round the city is destined to become the biggest without a league club, or even the biggest without a club.

Fans have levelled most of the blame at chairman Lloyd. It's no secret that he thinks this is unfair because he was the man who saved City when they were hours from liquidation in 1997. But Lloyd has won himself few friends among the black-and-amber faithful with his absenteeism and his apparent reluctance to finance team strengthening.

The chairman, of course, refutes this allegation too as anyone who heard his bizarre radio interview on Saturday will realise. The players' wage bill at City is £1.2m, he has said, and this is probably the highest in the division. Therefore, he doesn't expect them to be bottom of the table.

Lloyd left no-one in any doubt who takes up the bulk of that budget. Player-manager Mark Hateley was paid £250,000, he announced. Hateley denied this. So, the chairman and manager are at loggerheads and the team are in real trouble. It's another sad episode in the history of Hull City.

But the ever-hopeful fans cheered and roared their team on against Cambridge. They were encouraged by the news that Lloyd had decided it was time to cut his losses and leave Boothferry Park. No-one knows if anyone will cough up the £1.8m required to buy the Tigers but at least no-one is in the dark now about Lloyd's intentions.

The news of the sale persuaded fans' spokeswoman Angie Rowe to call-off the pitch demonstrations planned for before the Cambridge game. Instead, supporters stayed on the terraces and watched as City failed to make a bright start pay dividends. Roy McFarland's team settled down and soon had a firm grip on the game.

The Tigers failed to clear a cross properly and defender Andy Duncan fired a crisp half-volley through a crowded goalmouth and in from the edge of the box. Keeper Steve Wilson got a finger-tip to the shot which diverted it past Steve Hawes on the line and into the corner of the net in the 33rd minute.

Seven minutes later City were two down. This time it came from a corner on Cambridge's left-wing. Skipper Paul Wanless leapt high and unchallenged in the heart of the penalty area to head home.

Hateley made a bold tactical switch at half-time. He brought himself into action instead of right-back Hawes and adopted a 3-4-3 formation. The Tigers responded well and threw men forward with such pace and energy that the visitors were clearly rocked.

Only City's dreadful finishing meant their good attacking play didn't have any effect on the scoreline. Striker David Brown planted a shot wide after Neil Mann had sprung the offside trap three minutes after the break and teed up the chance for the teenager. It was a glaring miss but was nothing compared with the misses which followed.

Mann gave Cambridge full-back Larry McAvoy a torrid debut with some inspired play. It was Mann's run down the left which almost set up his manager a goal. Mann bounced a one-two off Andy Saville and slid a low cross into the goalmouth. Hateley looked set to force it home but failed from close range and the ball spun out into the path of Richard Peacock. Peacock only had to tap the ball home from a narrow angle with keeper Arjan van Heusden stranded but the winger side-footed the ball into the side-netting.

Worse was to follow. A right-wing cross from fit-again player-coach Warren Joyce somehow found Saville stood almost on the goal-line at the far post. The striker, on loan from Cardiff, tried to sweep the ball home with his right foot but it spun high off his instep and over the bar.

Mann produced a breath-taking solo run which carried him past four players from deep inside his own half to the Cambridge goal but he was thwarted at the last by Duncan's block.

The Tigers couldn't have hoped for any better chances and soon lost the momentum. McFarland responded to Hateley's tactical changes by replacing one of his three strikers with experienced midfielder David Preece. The visitors composed themselves again after the early second-half onslaught and, as the Tigers took more risks to get back in the game, they hit a third through Trevor Benjamin on the break.

It was a poor result for City despite certain encouraging signs. Hateley had almost a full squad to pick from and the side was more experienced than any team he has fielded all season. Joyce was back in midfield. Saville and Brown both shrugged off niggling injuries to play allowing captain David D'Auria to settle into his preferred midfield role.

Cambridge United went into the wounded tigers den, and emerged with all the points in an entertaining match against rock bottom Hull City.

The scoreline flatters United however, as for long spells in the first half and early part of the second it was only due to fine goalkeeping and wayward shooting that Hull didn't score a hatful.

Hull started the brighter and more inventive of the two teams, passing the ball behind the United defence and rising to the occasion. Andy Saville broke clear on 27mins and had an angled one on one with Van Heusden. The goalkeeper narrowed the angle superbly and blocked a fierce shot, which went out for a corner. This was perhaps Hull's best opportunity in the first half as despite neat passing and build up play the tigers were ultimately toothless.

Indeed it was United with all the "tooth" in attack during the first half as they capitalised on two of their rare first half attacks and went in at half time two goals to the good. A first goal for Andy Duncan, a fine strike from just inside the area, capped a magnificent all round performance. Paul Wanless rose majestically from a corner to power the ball in to the back of the net to complete the flattering 2-0 half time score line on 40mins.

Hull emerged for the second half ready for the fight, as they tore at United at every opportunity and were unlucky not to at least pull one back. David Brown, Richard Peacock and Saville again all had gilt-edged opportunities to narrow the margin, but were unable to trouble anyone other than the few Hull supporters huddled in the terrace behind the goal.

Peacock went down in the area after a heavy challenge by Duncan on 64mins but the young star emerged with the ball and like the referee ignored the fans appeals for a penalty.

Ben Chenery was absent with a suspected hair line fracture he sustained in training and was replaced by Larry McAvoy who despite looking a bit vulnerable at times had a fine debut performance and can be proud with his efforts to keep Hull at bay.

However, Wayne Andrews had a rather disappointing first game for United and looked like he lacked practice in a match situation. He looked quite nippy yet failed to create or take advantage of any opportunities. He was taken off by McFarland and replaced by veteran David Preece and from this point on there was no turning back.

He offered the experience and stability necessary to calm the tide of pressure, and put United firmly back on track. Indeed, from this point on it was United who looked the most creative and energetic team and set about making sure the trip to Hull and back would be a worth while one for the 200 or so hardy travelling supporters.

Martin Butler was back to his very best, impressing with his non-stop running and stunning work rate. He was most deserving of a goal and on 83mins as he slid in at the near post it was only the width of a stud which denied him. It was three minutes earlier though that the United fans nerves had been settled, when Jamie Campbell backheeled the ball inside the area to Trevor Benjamin who in one fluid movement turned, shot and scored to put the result beyond any reasonable doubt.

Trevor's fourth goal in six games, but his all round performance today was not of the high standard he has been setting himself. He was slow to close down and twice failed to capitalise on excellent opportunities to put the game beyond doubt before his 81st minute clincher.

In midfield the inspirational Neil Mustoe was bossing the whole show, and alongside Paul Wanless got to grips with, overpowered and ultimately outclassed the weak and inert Hull middle men. Alex Russell had a good game as ever, and it seems to go without saying that the two centre backs Joseph and Duncan had exceptional matches.

A fine result and another three points in a match which perhaps highlighted the differences in luck when you are at the top and bottom respectively. Hull will look back on the match and wonder how they lost it 3-0, and based on the 90 minutes I suspect most Cambridge fans will wonder as well.

Cambridge were not at their best for long spells in the game, but showed the belief and character to defend stoutly and break with lightning pace and the killer instinct that is associated with all promotion chasers.

It used to be United who would, when analysing defeats, look back in anger and point to missed chances, wasted opportunities and poor finishing. Now thankfully it looks as though that is a trait for the past and for the opposition, with United left to ponder the next match in the Roy McFarland masterplan.

So our fine away form continues. Another excellent three points from a patchy but satisfying display with the 3-0 scoreline somewhat flattering United as Hull could, and should have had three goals themselves after twice hitting the post and then missing an open goal from 3 yards out.

United themselves could have easily have at least doubled their goals tally with Martin Butler twice being within a whisker of converting excellent chances following flowing moves involving Mustoe, Wanless and the ever excellent Alex Russell. The first chance just grazed a post when Butler connected with a pin point cross from Wanless on the penalty spot, and the second went just over from an almost identical move, this time the cross was supplied by Russell. On top of that the Hull keeper saved brilliantly following a Russell scorcher and John Taylor hit the outside of a post following another sweeping move involving Mustoe and Butler.

The match started with United taking their now customary 20 mins to settle into their game, as opposed to last season when the first 20 mins were usually our best. This allowed Hull to take the initiative from the off and whilst the U's were totally dominant in the air at the back, they were decidedly shaky when Hull played neat short passing football across the United area and several time almost broke through, particularly down the right side where Chenery's absence meant a chance for MacAvoy, who aquitted himself well but was given a torrid time by the Hull left winger.

After a couple of early scares, that were dealt with by the impressive Van Heusden, United started to get their own game going and began to play some neat football with again, the enormously promising duo of Mustoe and Russell backed up by the power and determination of Wanless gained control of midfield and set up some good moves from United. Up front Benjamin showed neat skill and terrific pace at times and showed why he is getting the attention of several scouts from other clubs. Martin Butler was again shadowed by two defenders for the whole game thus making more room for Trevor Benjamin and the marauding Mustoe and Russell.

The first goal came after a swift move down the United left resulted in a Benjamin shot being deflected for a coner, the initial kick was cleared but fell to Butler who cleverly slipped his man and passed to Andy Duncan who blasted in a low hard shot past the startled Hull keeper.

The second goal came five minutes before half time following a five minute spell of excellent pressure from United, this time Wanless heading home.

The second half started off at a furious pace as Hull had no option but to go for it and try to get back into the match. They should have done as they wasted three clear cut chances and several half chances before Roy MacFarland brought on David Preece for MacAvoy in an attempt to stem the constant flow of attacks down United's right flank. Preece went into midfield and Mustoe slotted in at right back and the ploy worked perfectly as Preece slowed the game down to a pace that suited the U's style and took some of the sting out of Hulls pressure.

To their credit Hull City plugged away at the United defence and played some neat, attractive football which illustrated the fact that although they are bottom of the league, there is little difference in the teams again in Div 3 again this year.

Taylor came on for Andrews who looked quite useful and took up the unusual position of right wing. Butler missed two great chances and the Hull keeper saved acrobatically from Russell before Benjamin wrapped up the game ten minutes from time when Taylor fed the ball into him just inside the Hull area, he turned smartly and took the ball on a couple of strides before hitting a shot that was deflected and wrong footed the keeper, even so the goal was deserved for the great skill exhibited by Benjamin.

United played out the final ten minutes in style and looked a classy outfit as they passed the ball neatly around the pitch, there was a further chance at either end as first Hull contrived to miss again from no more than three yards out, although this time Van Heusden looked to have the shot covered, and Taylor grazed the post and hit the side netting with a rasping shot from the left hand corner of the Hull penalty area.

I suppose that the 3-0 scoreline could be seen as a little flattering, but if both sides had taken their chances the game could have ended up 7-3 in United's favour, but as ever it is difficult to go anywhere and gain three points whilst scoring 3 goals and keeping a clean sheet, especially at places like Hull where the home side will always be scrapping desperately for points.

Again United showed that they have a good balanced side capable of taking on anybody in this league and beating them, with once again Mustoe, Russell and Benjamin standing out.

There were two changes to the side that drew with Exeter last weekend. Loanee striker Wayne Andrews made his debut in place of John Taylor as anticipated, but Ben Chenery was a surprise absentee in defence. The right-back has been in the form of his life in recent games but he has a shin injury. His place was taken by 19-year-old former YTS trainee Larry McAvoy, making his United debut.

McAvoy got off to a slightly nervous start, as might be expected, and with United looking generally quite muted Hull City had the best of the opening 20 minutes. Hull striker David Brown was well-placed to shoot after just five minutes but fired across the goal and wasted a chance that might have put a different complexion on the game.

Hull's attack were benefitting from some dodgy-looking offside decisions and after ten minutes Brown again broke though. He was allowed to proceed despite looking miles offside, but Jamie Campbell did well to stand up to him and cleared the danger. United eventually found their feet and started to press, but just before we took the lead Greg Rioch burst clear in yet another offside position and Van Heusden raced out to block his attempt.

In the 33rd minute Andy Duncan put United ahead with his first goal for the club. Alex Russell's corner kick was only half-cleared and fell to Duncan 25 yards out, and the defender struck a low shot through the crowded area and into the net.

Seven minutes later United profited from another Russell corner and some lax defending as skipper Paul Wanless was left completely unmarked to head home United's second from ten yards out. United had a spring in their step as the half wound down, bringing some sunshine to the travelling fans who were watching the game under a grey and misty sky.

Wayne Andrews caught the eye with his pace and one blinding turn, but mainly for a few spectacular dives. Alex Russell was booked for time-wasting and Hull's David D'Auria was booked for a nasty foul on McAvoy before the half-time whistle. (Half-time 2-0)

Hull player-manager replaced Steve Hawes at half-time as his side changed to a 4-3-3 formation and immediately gave United more problems. Four minutes into the half Neil Mann was one of three Hull players who looked offside as tehy broke, he found Brown who missed a sitter in the box. A minute later Mann again broke clear and his cross found Hateley six yards out. Van Heusden blocked the shot, the rebound fell to Peacock with the goal at his mercy but he panicked and fired the ball into the side-netting.

As an example of the ebb and flow of the early part of the half, in the 52nd minute Martin Butler fed the ball to Neil Mustoe, but the midfielder's shot was beaten away. Then in the 53rd Mann ran about 60 yards, beating McAvoy and Mustoe before Marc Joseph made a vital block. David Preece replaced Andrews a minute later, probably in an attempt to get control of the midfield and counter the improvement in Hull after Hateley's introduction.

Alex Russell forced a full-stretch save from Steve Wilson after 57 minutes, after Martin Butler set him up for a shot from 20 yards out, but then the game hit a lull with only the odd dubious offside or lack of a decision to comment upon. The next noteworthy action occurred after 74 minutes when the lively Mann crossed to Andy Saville who somehow scooped the ball over the bar from just two yards.

Benjamin and Russell combined well to find Butler ten yards out, but he was leaning backwards and his shot was over the bar. With ten minutes left John Taylor replaced debutant McAvoy and a minute later United scored the third. Once again a United corner was not properly cleared after Russell and Butler worked a short corner, the ball was heading for the goal line but it was rescued by Jamie Campbell who backheeled the ball to Trevor Benjamin and the in-form teenager turned on the spot and scored from a tight angle.

The game petered out after that, although a John Taylor shot grazed the post, and although it was not a classic against a troubled side it was an important win nonetheless. The three points leap-frog United up to eighth in the table and above Peterborough again after they lost to Brentford and slipped to ninth. Larry McAvoy overcame his uncertain start to impress with some solid tackling and cool thinking, while Wayne Andrews may well have needed this game to get to know his new team-mates.

Roy McFarland said, commented, "Even when we were two up we had to hang on. The ball did not go Hull's way."