RANDALL BUTT reports on why United deserved to beat Hull City . . . eventually!

CAMBRIDGE United's 11th home victory out of 12 was a bit like Monty Python's Spanish Inquistion. Nobody at the Abbey Stadium expected it, and an extra reason for the win popped into the head whenever you tried to list them.

There was one decisive element -- patience in breaking down a dogged defence ... and the persistence of Paul Wanless.

There were two elements then -- patience, persistence ... and the power of Trevor Benjamin.

There were definitely three elements -- patience, persistence, power ... and David Preece.

All of these multiplying qualities and characters not only began with the letter 'P' but built into an irrestistible force which produced two goals in the last 10 minutes of a match seemingly heading for a goalless draw.

Preece, the old master, brought the calm and precision missing in midfield during the first half as the young pretender Alex Russell struggled to cope with the thigh strain which led to his replacement in the 40th minute.

But something special was required to create a real chance from all the possession and territorial advantage. That was the determination of Wanless to keep the ball as he fell in the Hull box under the challenge of two defenders. And when he managed to scramble a pass into the goalmouth, Benjamin drove in a shot with such force that it flashed under the body of goalkeeper Steve Wilson.

The perfect way for the young giant to celebrate the first day of his next 31/2 years (maybe) at the club, after signing his new contract before the game.

There was no way back for Hull in the last 10 minutes. They were not set up for a fightback. The obvious intention was to hold what they started with -- one point -- and try to frustrate United into leaving a gap for them to pinch the other two.

Twice they looked close to the kind of 1-0 away win they ground out in their previous two games at Halifax and Darlington, but the not particularly cunning plan was foiled by Arjan Van Heusden ... five reasons.

Hull almost struck a stunning blow literally five seconds before the half- time whistle. Gary Brabin blasted their first shot on target from just inside the box, but the big Dutchman deflected the rocket over the crossbar.

Then in the 74th minute United were caught out by a classic counter-attack. David Brown sent David D'Auria on an unmarked run into the box where he looked sure to score until Van Heusden grabbed the ball off his toe.

"It was like a Schmeichel save," enthused United manager Roy McFarland. "Ise (Arjan) must have looked huge to their player as he was going to shoot."

Van Heusden merely shrugged his shoulders as usual. "The other player should have passed earlier," he said. "I was able to get out and I don't think their bloke fancied it too much when he got into the box.

"It was a hard game and we didn't play too well until late on, but I couldn't care less. It's three more points towards promotion."

There was one 10-minute spell midway through the first half when United looked like leaders against the lower orders. Some rapid interpassing piled pressure on the Hull defenders, who had to resort to the kind of desperate tactics that brought them three bookings in the opening 26 minutes.

But with John Taylor looking weary after the Exeter trip and Russell slowed by his thigh strain, there was no finish. Indeed, it was 37 minutes before they forced the first corner at their favourite Newmarket Road end.

The confidence built by the climb to the top of the table however (six reasons) prevents too much impatience creeping into their play in the later stages. Apart from the one lapse the keeper cancelled out, they kept on probing patiently for the one opening which is all you need when you have three strikers with 44 goals between them.

"We deserved something," grumbled Hull player-manager Warren Joyce. "You don't expect to go away losing 2-0 after a game like that."

But then, nobody expects . . . you know what.

Three wins, three clean sheets, nine points and eight goals during a trio of matches which have veiled poor and at times mindless performances. All the teams will wonder why Cambridge United do not sell tickets with 'come and see the eighth wonder of the world' printed on them. Earlier in the season Randall But declared that lady luck might be a U's fan, well now she can be seen quite clearly in the Newmarket Road end cheering, shouting and waving her scarf as she roars Cambridge United on to promotion pushing victory after victory. Apparently it is a sign of a good team if you can play below average but still pick up the points, well many more performances like this and Cambridge United will push this theory one stop too far.

Hull City looked a much-improved unit than when we demolished them earlier in the season, but should not have left the Abbey wondering how they did not get something from the game. United stuttered, gathered a little momentum then won the match with a couple of moments of brilliance. A couple of moments of brilliance - we can't rely on this for the rest of the season as they won't come about every match.

The Tigers began the match in a high tempo fashion, as many expected they might. Playing on the back of three fine away victories, their passing and movement clearly stemmed from a new found confidence in their own ability as a team. Overall though, the first half was more notable for the four booking Hull picked up as despite begin strong and confident on the ball chances were few and very far between for both sides. Alex Russell fired a free kick into the wall on 22 minutes, and struck the rebound high and wide into the Newmarket Road end. At the other end Eustace began to show signs he is adapting back into first team football, but after a promising opening 20 minutes began to give possession away cheaply and in crucial areas of the field. Chenery and Campbell both decided to join in the 'can we give you the ball' frolic as United managed to numb a bumper crown into near silence.

The game then livened up briefly, and United looked most likely to take advantage of some decidedly average defending by the visitors. Ian Ashbee and Trevor Benjamin combined well around the box, but the ball fell unkindly and was cleared from danger. United forced a succession of corners, but dire control in and around the box meant the only thing being tested was the patience of the fans.

Alex Russell looked out of sorts for yet another match, and the unconfirmed rumours that he is playing with a long-term injury appear to be worryingly accurate. Player-coach David Preece replaced him on 40 minutes, and he began to impose presence and precision to the midfield unit. The last action of the half was to be perhaps another incident which underlines the difference between this and last season. Arjan Van Heusden, who had struggled woefully with his distribution and control during the first period, produced a wonder save to keep the Tigers at bay. Following a corner in the final minute of the half Brown unleashed a shot that looked destined to ripple the United net. The giant Dutchman continued to add momentum to his reputation of an inspirational shot-stopper and he acrobatically tipped the ball over before the referee blew for half time.

The second period offered little excitement for the United fans, until the end of course. Chances were once again confined, but Hull could and should have had the game buried before United took control. The U's leading goal-scorer of all time, John Taylor, headed just over on 57 minutes then shortly afterwards Trevor Benjamin did what he was doing for fun at the beginning of the season to cap a fine all round display. He closed down a back-pass with the venom and determination his performances have been lacking of late and the ball broke across the goal where Martin Butler was robbed at the last minute.

Just after the hour mark Andy Duncan was uncharacteristically caught napping at the back and was relieved to watch his team mate Ben Chenery come over and clear the danger. Then, just moments later, United were left counting their lucky stars once again. Eustace continued to disintegrate and gave possession away on the half way line. Andy Duncan was then left to mark two players, and despite his defensive prowess was unable to do so. Brown had time and acres of space to set his teammate D'Auria free but struck a poor ball that Arjan Van Heusden was quick to pounce on and make his second vital save of the match.

This incident didn't just shock United it appeared to force them out of their shells and realise that instead of waiting for, they had to make things happen. News on the terraces that both Brentford and Cardiff were winning put added importance on the result and to be fair to them the players responded in the way you would expect a team at the top of the division to do so. David Preece and Paul Wanless began to take over in midfield, and the tireless running of Butler along with the added energy of Benjamin made the United goal seem within touching distance.

Duly it was the inspirational Paul Wanless who acted as the catalyst for the goal when it finally arrived. A mind-blowing run and cross on 80 minutes gifted Trevor Benjamin with a simple task of keeping Cambridge United top of the league from 4 yards out, as he buried the ball in the back of the net to spark wild scenes of celebration. Just ten minutes later and after a few hairy moments as Hull pushed men forward, United sealed the game with their second. Ian Ashbee drilled a deflected shot into the top of the net after neat work from Benjamin had allowed the ball to break clear across the penalty area.

It was another performance which served as a worrying reminder that Cambridge United are not a class apart in this division, and are unlikely to win matches as frequently as they are doing if they continue to play to this standard. It is more than ironic and is perhaps even tragic that playing arguably the worst standard of football for the season to date we find ourselves in the strongest position regarding our quest for automatic promotion.

'The U's are going up?' If you believe that United can turn the style on and off like a tap, as they did in the final ten minutes to win this game, then the answer is defiantly yes. The only comments I would attach a degree of certainly with reference to the last three performances would be the fact we must start playing at a consistantly higher standard, as despite being 'everything' victories like this will mean 'nothing' if come the end of the season similar performances have cost us enough points to secure automatic promotion.

Man of the match: Paul Wanless won the game for United with a moment of vision, creativity and brilliance. Add on top of this a battling and committed performance reminiscent of last season's heroics, you have the midfielder's best display for United of the season. Van Heusden was a close second and made two vital saves, but continued to struggle with his distribution. 'Wanney' is back - and its about time!

We attacked the Abbey in the first half, which usually means a poor game, and this turned out to be true! Butler almost got on the end of a through ball in the 6th minute, their keeper came out smartly though. Almost immediately we played the ball around in defence which resulted in Van Heusden getting the ball at his feet with a forward bearing down from a few yards, however he dealt with the danger by clearing into touch rather than risk hitting the forward.

Russell had a long range shot go a couple of yards wide, soon after a Russell shot from a free kick after a foul on Taylor on the edge of their penalty area hit the wall and the rebound was put wide by the same player. Their #5 was the first booking on 13 minutes for a late tackle on Butler, a few minutes later #3 was booked for a late tackle on Taylor, soon after #2 followed after tripping Benjamin.

The Hull 'keeper was not very tall, and this showed whenever we got in a decent cross as he flapped and invariably missed the ball, which caused their defence some problems. Hull got their first corner after 31 minutes, and were caught offside on 38 minutes, which shows the amount of attacking they were able to do! On 39 minutes Russell was replaced by Preece. Their #6 tripped Wanless as he went past and got himself booked, the free kick by Duncan was deflected for a corner. Hull's best chance came in the 49 minute of the first half, a rasping shot was tipped over by Van Heusden just before the referee blew for half time.

In the second half Campbell got booked after 4 minutes. Soon after their #10 had a good shot on the turn go just over our bar, then Taylor headed over from a free kick. Butler got booked in the 7th minute, the offence appeared to be trying to gain possession of the ball! Benjamin charged down a clearance from their 'keeper, the ball however fell just right for the defender to clear in front of Butler.

Preece almost had got someone's studs in his face, and he retaliated by kicking the ankles of the chap. I presume the referee didn't see it otherwise he would surely have been sent off, as it was Preece got booked presumably for something he said. Bookings for the night finished with their #7.

Eustace lost possession around the half way line which gave Hull a 2 on 1 break, but Van Heusden was out quickly to take the ball off the forwards toes as he tried to go round him. 10 minutes from the end we finally scored, Wanless battled his way to the goal line and crossed low for Benjamin to shoot in from around 6 yards. Soon after Taylor had a shot on the turn go just over the bar, then in the 48th minute an action replay of Benjamin charging down the 'keepers clearance found the ball falling to Ashbee around the edge of their penalty area, his volley ending up in the unguarded net despite a slight deflection.

Overall a poor performance despite being in control for most of the game. We seemed unable to break down their formation of 7-2-1, mainly as we seemed unable to get to the goal line and deliver any decent crosses, often they would have 4 or 5 defenders on 1 attacker. Their defenders also helped their 'keeper by constantly blocking any forwards runs towards the 'keeper.

No-one played particularly badly, Preece was the pick of the outfield players, always seems to have time and space to play a reasonable pass, however my MoM is Van Heusden for his 2 saves which stopped us going behind, and being calm in the face of opponents when receiving a poor back pass. I was surprised Kyd didn't get a chance for the last 15 minutes or so, I would have taken off Benjamin, but as it turned out he was the match winner, so it just goes to show why I am not manager!

The referee particularly in the second half was very "picky", and seemed to have forgotten about the advantage rule. The pea in his whistle must have almost been worn out by the end of the game!

Ratings:
Van Heusden 8+
Preece 8
Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin, Russell 7

In the past couple of years we've had a poor patch after Christmas when we have lost a number of games. This year our poor patch has meant poor play, but we've still won games. A chap I know hadn't seen the U's since Wembley went on Tuesday, he thought we played really well!

Being top of the league I thought we might get a crowd approaching 6,000 although I suppose doubling the home support from the start of the season is not too bad.

After the game I went into the Harris Suite to take pictures of Colin presenting the PoM to Shaggy. Ian Ashbee was there, wearing a long black shirt buttonned to the collar. It may be a fashion item, but to me it looked like a rain mac!

Andy Duncan and Jamie Campbell were handed instant recalls to the first team tonight, although Neil Mustoe missed out with a hamstring injury. Campbell returned to his normal left-back slot which allowed Ian Ashbee to move back to midfield in place of David Preece, while Duncan lined up alongside Scott Eustace in place of the injured Marc Joseph. Neil Mustoe was eligible after suspension but ruled out by a hamstring injury.

News that Trevor Benjamin has signed a new contract to 2002 was announced just before kick-off and was very well received by the crowd, but that was about as exciting as things got before half-time. A strangely subdued United and a very defensive Hull City contributed to a dire first half where chances were few and far between and indeed were outnumbered by cautions for the visitors.

Shooting towards the Newmarket Road End, in the eighth minute Alex Russell took possession 35 yards out and sent a dipping drive just wide, then a wayward Andy Duncan header in the 20th minute allowed Hull's David Brown to place a shot off target. United enjoyed a period of pressure for about ten minutes at this stage but were unable to make it tell, and not until the 37th minute was the Hull goal in danger. Ian Ashbee's long ball was deflected almost into Trevor Benjamin's path but ran out for a wasted corner.

Further disappointment followed when a clearly unfit Alex Russell limped off in the 40th minute, perhaps confirming a report on the message board that he is currently playing in pain from a hip injury. Player-coach David Preece replaced him. In the 45th minute Andy Duncan's 30 yard free kick was deflected wide for a corner, and in the third minute of stoppage time his former Old Trafford colleague Brown thundered a shot from just inside the box, which was tipped over by Arjan Van Heusden. That was the last kick of the half but in the 44th minute midfielder Gary Brabin was booked and shortly afterwards he received a long talking-to from referee Mr Bennett. (Half-time 0-0)

The second half proved to be more of the same, although Mr Bennett evened things up somewhat with three bookings for United players in the first sixteen minutes. United's first chance came in the 57th minute when Preece put a freekick onto John Taylor's head but the ball was flicked over. A minute later Trevor Benjamin chased down a backpass, Hull 'keeper Wilson's attempted clearance only hit the big striker and ran across the face of goal, but Edwards cleared the danger just before Martin Butler could pounce. Just seconds afterwards Preece found Taylor whose shot hit Whittle's hand, but referee Bennett was unimpressed by the hopeful penalty claims from Cambridge players.

In the 65th minute there was a collective intake of breath around the stadium as Alcide showed good skill to turn Duncan and create a chance, but his shot was narrowly wide. Hull again came close when Brown robbed Eustace near the halfway line and sprinted forward before releasing D'Auria to go one-on-one with Van Heusden. But the big Dutchman came out quickly to bravely smother the ball at the Hull midfielder's feet.

For the home fans it had been another below par and at times nerve-jangling performance, although defender Scott Eustace barely put a foot wrong on his full debut. But Trevor Benjamin wrote the perfect script by scoring the breakthrough goal on the night he pledged his future to Cambridge United. The goal was created by sheer grit and determination from Paul Wanless after the ball was knocked wide to him by Benjamin. United's skipper drove forward from midfield, held off two defenders and lost his footing, but jumped up to thread the ball across the face of goal where Benjamin was on hand to slide the ball under the keeper. The 20-year-old mimed the signature of his contract in his celebrations!

United were lifted by the goal and in the 88th minute Taylor's shot on the turn just whistled over the bar. Then came the icing on the cake in the fourth minute of stoppage time when the rejuvenated Benjamin charged down another clearance, the ball deflected off his behind to Ian Ashbee whose shot was deflected into the net for his fourth goal of the season.

Reporter Mark Johnson had no hesitation in naming his Man of the Match: "Arjan Van Heusden - he made two vital saves, one at the very end of the first half and one midway through the second half to keep the scores level and set up the chance to win."

Mark added that it was noticeable that at the final whistle his teammates made a point of congratulating 'Ice' and shaking his hand as they went to celebrate with the fans.