FOOTBALL fans are largely superstitious, pessimistic and secretly obsessed with omens, which were ominous before a ball was kicked in this promotion clash. The gut feeling among many Abbey Stadium supporters as they considered Cambridge United's task against Scunthorpe would probably have been expressed as "oh dear."

United on a nine-match winning home run, going for a club record, plus a possible place at the top of the table, in front of their biggest home League crowd of the season were taking on a team ravaged by injuries to key players. It was too good to be true, something surely would go wrong, worries which wound themselves into a tension which seemed to transmit itself to the players.

United manager Roy McFarland admitted: "We were edgy, nervous, and only played our best in patches."

Those came early on and midway through the second half when his team managed to apply enough pressure to force "The Iron" to live up to their nickname and defend with dogged determination.

It was a match that produced a Roy of the Rovers story, but Scunthorpe were the ones who took on the identity of the legendary Melchester. Veteran defender Tony Witter a 33-year-old former Millwall defender was plucked out of part-time football with non-League Welling less than 48 hours before the match.

He answered an SOS from Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws, who had three key players out injured, and of course played a blinder to snuff out United's 39 goals strike force. Owning up to doing nothing more than "a bit of gardening," the previous weekend he dug in on the other side of the allotments wall on Saturday to help Scunthorpe earn the draw which prevented their falling eight points behind United.

"Tony wasn't on a contract," said Laws. "But he is now. He did a terrific job and we've taken him on."

That was something United were unable to do often or effectively enough as they failed to score for only the second time in 18 matches. There were excuses however, which McFarland, to his credit, chose not to offer. Scunthorpe were without what Laws called "our spine," Richard Logan, Alex Calvo-Garcia, and John Gayle. But for much of an absorbing if only rarely exciting tussle, United's attack was robbed of the use of its bludgeon and rapier.

Giant striker Trevor Benjamin limped out of the action with a "dead leg" three minutes before half time, then playmaker Alex Russell had to give up on the hour due to a thigh injury. And both men were struggling some time before their substitutions.

An up-tempo opening pinned Scunthorpe into their own penalty area, their backs to a packed Corona Kop chanting "Going up! Going up!" But the finishing was frail, a 20-yarder from John Taylor in the 26th minute straight at goalkeeper Tom Evans, and a Paul Wanless header nine minutes later with precision but no power.

United went in after playing their favourite way, knowing they were saved from being a goal down by the reflexes of their goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden. Scunthorpe were no more impressive than United in attack, but they had the best chance of the half when Paul Harsley's miscued 22nd minute shot fell in front of Jamie Forrester. His eight-yard drive was blocked by the Dutchman, then almost 5,000 people gasped their relief as the third division's top scorer, with 17 goals, sliced the rebound over the crossbar.

Scunthorpe reshaped their side in a bid to make the shackles on United even tighter after the break by smothering the midfield. Martin Butler's right-wing raid in the 64th minute was a rare breakaway producing a Taylor header which forced a full length save from Evans. And there was only one moment at which United could look back and say they missed a real chance to snatch victory.

Jamie Campbell's free kick from near the left touchline floated to Richard Walker at the far post, but the substitute striker fired inches wide. "Richard's our best finisher in training," said McFarland. "I would have bet on him putting that one in."

Admitted the Aston Villa loanee: "I should have scored. At first it didn't seem as though the ball was going to get through to me, then I didn't strike it well enough."

He hit another shot straight at the keeper in the closing minutes, before the icing was knocked off Witter's cake by a second booking for a late tackle which earned him a red card in stoppage time.

Disappointment hung heavy as the United fans shuffled out, but at this stage of the season other results affect the mood, which must have lightened considerably as the news came through of defeats for top-of-the-table Cardiff, plus other main rivals, Mansfield and Rotherham.

Cambridge United moved a small step nearer promotion as they ground out a point from a hard-fought encounter. Scunthorpe came for, and left with a point. The way their fans celebrated the goal-less draw is a clear indication of what the Abbey Stadium has come to signify to visiting teams as the season has drawn on. Taking a point from Cambridge United is no longer viewed as two dropped, this is flattering as well as worrying.

United's starting line up included Alex Russell who returned after suspension, with Ian Ashbee the goal hero of last week being left frustrated on the bench. The early exchanges were all United, and the baying crowd of nearly 6,000 were anticipating the breakthrough, and the tenth consecutive home triumph.

It would not materialise however, as United found dismantling the Scunthorpe defence, which was inspirationally lead by Tony Witter, a seemingly impossible task. This, along with Alex Russell playing as if he was on a different pitch let alone wavelength from his team-mates meant United were going to have to take any opportunities presented to them. Despite the concerted spell of possession play in the opening 15 minutes, there were no real clear cut opportunities for United to take the lead, more a belief that as time went on the opening goal would surely come. Alex Russell fired two shots wide of the goal on 16 and 21 minutes respectively, and both John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin had shots well saved by Evans in the Scunthorpe goal.

Perhaps the most worrying thing during the first half was the performance of Andy Duncan in the centre of the United defence, as he struggled to impose his presence on the game. He gave away possession, and gifted the Scunthorpe attackers with opportunities to take the ball into the area. He gave possession away inside the United half on 24 minutes, which lead to a clear cut chance for Scunthorpe to take the lead. Forester drilled in a shot from just outside the area, and the ball deflected into the path of Paul Harsley who was clear through on goal. Arjan Van Heusden spread himself well to make a fine save, and watched in relief as the rebound flew over the bar and over for a goal kick.

This scare appeared to frighten United back into life, and John Taylor led the team into the attacking third of the pitch. He went on a surging run through the middle on 26 minutes and cracked in a shot which the goalkeeper took two attempts to get under control. The best chance however came towards the end of the half, as Paul Wanless rose inside the six yard box to meet an Alex Russell corner kick. Unfortunately his attempt went into the hands of the 'keeper and ensured a blank score sheet at the interval.

The second period of the match was, by no stretch of the imagination, an inspiring 45 minutes of football. It was a nervous and tentative affair during which both teams seemed more concerned at keeping a clean sheet than scoring the winning goal. United however showed slightly more ambition, and they certainly had more opportunities to create the openings, mainly due to their ability to keep the ball better than Scunthorpe. When it actually came to creating the openings however, Alex Russell and Neil Mustoe were both left wanting. I assume Russell was suffering from some kind of injury, as it was his most ineffective performance since joining the club. He showed none of the class or ability we have come to know and love, and was replaced by Ian Ashbee on the hour mark.

Shortly after the exit of Russell, Cambridge United had their best opportunity of the match. Martin Butler was found on the right wing, and delivered an accurate cross to John Taylor unmarked at the near post. His header was acrobatically saved, but the ball broke free across the six yard box and seemingly for a Mustoe tap-in. Ashley Fickling threw himself to the ground and denied the former Manchester United player his third goal of the season.

Just two minutes later it looked as though another error from Duncan would gift the visitors victory. He misjudged a high ball and allowed Forrester in behind him for a clean run on goal. Arjan Van Huesden once again spread himself superbly and saved with his feet, before Joseph latched onto the rebound and cleared the danger. I remember saying that we couldn't afford lapses in concentration such as this when we play the sides near the top of the division, but ultimately even the best in the division are apparently mediocre at finishing.

The last 15 minutes of the encounter saw United continue to dominate possession, but saw only one more opportunity to secure all three points. Jamie Campbell found Richard Walker on the right hand side on the penalty area. The Aston Villa Striker took one touch, but struck his final shot into the arms of the grateful 'keeper.

In the first minute of injury time Tony Witter, who had been a rock in the middle of the Scunthorpe defence, was shown his second yellow card of the match, and ordered from the field of play by referee Mr Jordan. He was not even guaranteed first use of the shower gel, as the final whistle was blown just 15 seconds later. It is only the second goal-less draw Cambridge United have produced all season, and on the overall balance of play could easily substantiate a case for all three. It was though a point of immense value, as once again our promotion rivals with the exception of Brentford all failed to win.

The game served once again to show perhaps why this season might be ours. Despite the likes of Andy Duncan and Alex Russell having poor games, as well as losing Trevor Benjamin before half time with an injury, we still looked the most likely winners of the match. The point we gained has strengthened our promotion bid, and also served as a sobering reminder that you can't win them all.

Man of the match: Man of the match: Arjan Van Heusden failed to put a foot wrong for the entire game, commanding his area and finding some welcome accuracy and reliability with his kicks. Two fine point blank saves topped a performance reminiscent of his early season form.

No wins for any of us in the Supporters Club, it must have been because Peter arrived too late to buy some tickets, which must also be another reason for us failing to get all 3 points in the game. Another "lucky" thing to add to the ritual pint, cheese burger and chips, and wearing the fleecy jacket, Peter!

I think we all knew this would be a hard game, and that is exactly what it turned out to be. We attacked the Abbey in the first half, I'm not sure if we lost the toss, or if it was a decision by us to make their 'keeper play with the sun in his eyes first and hope the sun had gone down by the second half, which didn't happen!

We gained our first corner after 4 minutes, but nothing came of it. On 10 minutes Benjamin chested down a cross into the path of Russell, but his shot went wide. After 15 minutes Butler recovered possession in the middle and set up Mustoe out wide but his cross was charged down. Soon after a free kick a few yards outside their penalty area was headed wide of the far post by Taylor.

We almost managed to gift Scunthorpe the lead after 20 minutes, from a promising attacking move the ball came back to Duncan on the half way line, uncharacteristically he delayed his pass which was intercepted, from the cross they had a player free in our penalty area but Van Heusden saved at point blank range, the rebound being put over the bar by another forward.

Almost immediately Mustoe had a chance to lob the 'keeper, who had to come out of his area to head clear from the advancing Butler, but Mustoe put just a little too much power into the lob and it went over the bar. A couple of minutes later Taylor had a good shot saved at the second attempt by their 'keeper. Later from a corner a Wanless near post header went straight into the 'keepers arms. A few minutes from the end of the first half Benjamin who seemed to be struggling with an injury was replaced by Walker.

In the second half Taylor again headed straight into the 'keepers arms, then soon after another Russell shot went wide. After 13 minutes Wanless got up a head of steam and took the ball forward past a couple of players and was only stopped by a very late tackle which resulted in a booking for their #9. At the same time Russell came off for Ashbee.

A few minutes later a poor clearance by Joseph gave them a half chance which went straight to Van Heusden. At the other end a good angled header from Taylor was well saved at full stretch by the 'keeper, Mustoe couldn't quite get to the rebound quick enough to tap in though. Scunthorpe had another good chance, a long ball went over the defence for their forward to run on to, but again Van Heusden spread himself well to make the save.

Ashbee got booked for a poor tackle, soon after their #6 was booked for one of many tackles from behind on Butler. Duncan had a shot deflected for a corner, Mustoe went on a run across the penalty area before having a shot which was saved, and a Walker shot went straight at the 'keeper, as did a header late on. The last action was the sending off of the #6 for a second bookable offence.

Despite having a lot of possession we never really hit our good form. I think the problem is when we play "battling" teams, who chase everything and close players down, we have to play at too fast a pace, and passes go astray. When we play "footballing" teams such as at a higher level, our style of play works better. Hopefully Walsall are a footballing side!

Apart from our defensive gifts, Scunthorpe's main play was the long high ball, which often found their forwards offside. We got little joy playing the ball into the middle as their #6 seemed to win everything in the air, although much of his success was due to the poor quality of crosses from both wings. All too often our players didn't seem to be on the same wavelength, and good passes into space were not anticipated.

Benjamin's injury meant he wasn't his normal self, getting few chances to run at his defender, and offered no aerial threat. Walker showed a couple of good turns, Butler as usual ran all over the front trying to get some quality ball, and Taylor was unlucky not to score.

In the middle I don't know why Russell went off, perhaps his suspension affected his fitness. He had 3 or 4 shots, all off target, so perhaps it was a tactical ploy to bring on Ashbee who had scored twice the week before. Ashbee did well getting quickly into the pace of the game. Wanless was the usual Wanless, running around midfield and getting stuck in as required, as did Mustoe. However Mustoe was able to get forward, and be a little more creative.

None of the back 4 really shone today, the central pair both making more mistakes than normal, both full backs did OK defensively, but could have done better in attacking play. My MOM is Van Heusden, for making a couple of superb point blank saves, and did anything else he had to do without a problem.

Ratings: Van Heusden 8, Chenery 6, Mustoe 7, Duncan 6, Joseph 6, Campbell 6, Wanless 7, Taylor 7, Butler 7, Benjamin 6 (Walker 6), Russell 6 (Ashbee 6)

The stage was set for a rip-roaring, high-scoring, top of the table clash this afternoon in front of the biggest home league crowd of the season, but defences were on top as five of the division's leading scorers were kept at bay. Instead the fans saw a game higher on workrate and passion than silky passing and goalscoring chances, as United's run of home wins came to an end.

United made just one change with the unlucky Ian Ashbee standing down for Alex Russell who returned from suspension. Injury-hit Scunthorpe gave a debut to new signing 33-year-old defender Tony Witter. United attacked the North Terrace in the first half, and the game kicked off in sunny, spring-like conditions on an immaculate pitch.

The first half was a tense affair with both teams closing down fast, and United's chances were limited due to some excellent, and at times inspired, defending. In the 8th minute Alex Russell put a ball through for Martin Butler to chase, but goalkeeper Tom Evans was out quickly to hoof the ball into the stand. Then in the 16th minute Butler brilliantly robbed Justin Walker in midfield and sent Neil Mustoe away down the right, but the little midfielder was unable to get the cross in. After 19 minutes Darren Stamp was about to break clear but Marc Joseph got a vital boot in, and three minutes later Scunthorpe had a great chance to take the lead after Paul Harsley broke clear. He beat the offside trap but his shot was saved at point-blank range by Arjan Van Heusden, and Jamie Forrester scooped the rebound over the bar from eight yards.

In the 26th minute John Taylor jinked inside the defender and fired in a shot that spun away off Evans, and the goalkeeper reacted quickly to collect the spinning ball. On the half-hour Brian Laws could be seen having words with referee Bill Jordan on the touchline and the Iron manager seemed to be offering the referee his glasses! The final real chance of the half came in the 35th minute when Paul Wanless met an Alex Russell corner at the near post, but he had to turn too much and directed a tame effort straight at the 'keeper.

Roy McFarland was forced into a change in the 42nd minute when Richard Walker replaced Trevor Benjamin. Early reports suggest that the striker pulled something in a challenge with the Scunthorpe keeper and failed to run it off. (Half-time 0-0)

The second half was just as tense and close as the first, with the Us creating some nice build-up play but failing to create chances up front. Notable chances came in the 55th minute when Ben Chenery crossed for John Taylor but he failed to connect with the ball and it bounced through to the 'keeper, and a minute later Alex Russell scuffed a 20 yard free kick wide. That was to be just about Russell's final contribution as on the hour he was replaced by Ian Ashbee, although there was no clue at the time as to whether Russell had suffered a knock or not.

Scunthorpe countered with a chance in the 63rd minute when Justin Walker's free kick was cleared as far as Chris Hope on the edge of the box, but Hope's volley was tame and straight at Van Heusden. A minute later Mustoe found Butler wide on the right, Butler's cross was met with a diving header by John Taylor but Evans parried the ball at full-stretch, and although Mustoe followed up his shot was blocked by Ashley Fickling. Two minutes later it was Scunthorpe at the other end when a slip by Andy Duncan let in Forrester one-on-one with Van Heusden, but the Dutchman stood up well and blocked the shot.

United exerted a period of pressure with about twenty minutes left, forcing four corners in four minutes, then Richard Walker was pulled down outside the area. Jamie Campbell took the 75th minute freekick and Walker slid in at the far post but put the chance just wide. Two minutes later Dawson's deep freekick found Hope at the far post but the defender headed wide. United had two chances in quick succession after 84 minutes - first Joseph's long throw went through everyone in the crowded box and landed at the feet of Martin Butler, much to the striker's surprise, and the ball skidded off his boot straight at Evans. Then Mustoe burst through but his shot was held by the 'keeper as it threatened to flash across the goalmouth.

United's final chance, and the best pass of the game, came in the 86th minute when John Taylor's pinpoint pass set up Walker, but the on-loan striker's first time shot was straight at the 'keeper. The final incident of the game came in the 92nd minute when Tony Witter, who had made an impressive debut for Scunthorpe, collected his second booking for arguing heatedly with Mr Jordan after United were awarded a freekick.

Reporter Mark Johnson's thoughts were that this was an exciting game for the neutral, but it was just too darn nerve-wracking for the committed fans! Mark's Man of the match was Neil Mustoe - "a non-stop dynamo in midfield"

Leaders Cardiff lost today, as did Mansfield Town, allowing United to close the gap to Cardiff to two points with a game in hand, while maintaining a five point gap back to Scunthorpe and Brentford.