RANDALL BUTT reports as United take their time to gain control against Torquay

THIS was a bit like one of those kickabouts on the local rec. The team with someone's dad in goal looked like forcing a frustrating draw until the other side went and fetched a big brother.

A breathtaking reflex save from 40-year-old former Wales and Everton hero Neville Southall midway through the first half suggested United's high-scoring attack would struggle to find a way through. But after an hour's stalemate which appeared to have set the pattern, 34-year-old player/coach John Taylor used all his experience to break clear of a tough, tight three centre-backs system and arrived unmarked at the far post.

His side-footed shot, which Southall could only admire from a distance after failing to cut out Trevor Benjamin's cross, burst Torquay's balloon as surely as it pierced their defence.

The confidence accumulated during a six-match unbeaten run drained out of them so rapidly they were slammed by manager Wes Saunders for "lying down for Cambridge to walk over them."

United, second best when it came to possession and territorial advantage in the uncompromising first half contest, swarmed all over the west countrymen once they got the breakthrough. The spell Southall's presence had cast over the game was broken, and it was as though his side had suddenly remembered they were at their Abbey Stadium bogey ground where Torquay had never won in 12 previous visits.

Their organised defence was ripped apart by Benjamin's power and Martin Butler's persistence, allowing United to wrap the game up with almost 20 minutes left when Neil Mustoe demonstrated his growing confidence as a goal-poaching midfielder.

There were times in the first half when it seemed manager Roy McFarland might have done better to stick with Ian Ashbee's strength as United failed to get enough of the ball. But as Torquay's ex-United midfielder Chris Leadbitter slowed down due to a back injury, United were able to make the most of their more creative line.

That was a great relief for another big Abbey crowd watching a match which, until then, was full of worthy endeavour but desperately short of thrills. Indeed, the fans in the allotments end of the grandstand were grateful for the diversion of one fan's foghorn cheering. Sally's famous restaurant simulation in the film When Harry Met Sally was made to look prim and proper whenever he erupted into "Yeeeesss!" usually without apparent reason.

It was a case of "Ye-no," in the 18th minute when Southall somehow finger-tipped Paul Wanless' close-range power header on the crossbar to snuff out the only moment of danger in either penalty area before the break.

United's efficient defence had little trouble keeping the Torquay attack at bay. And the only threat to goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden in the entire match came from himself in a bizarre 55th minute incident. The big Dutchman completely missed a gentle back pass from Marc Joseph, the ball rolling between his legs. And it was like a slow motion replay as he turned and dived full length to push it clear in the nick of time.

Fortunately, the fussy official, Paul Danson, failed to realise in making the save Van Heusden had handled a back pass almost on the goal-line. Not that the Torquay manager was interested in complaining about any lack of luck.

"We deserved nothing, we folded," Saunders stormed. "To their credit, Cambridge wanted it more than we did. We've drawn a lot of games, but we have to be more ruthless in getting out to attack. You can't come to places like this and just hope to get away with a draw."

Mustoe said he always felt confident United could win it. "It was a hard game, but they never really hurt us," he said. "As it went on, I had a feeling we were going to get the break we needed. We fully deserved it in the end."

After his goal put the result beyond doubt, United might have doubled their score, Benjamin crossing a couple of times when he might have gone for goal, and Butler forcing another blinding save from Southall with a fierce drive in the final minute.

Cambridge United huffed, puffed, then blew Torquay away. The U's stuttered their way through the first half but their loaded gun, the 33 goal front line, were just warming up for the second half demolition.

Immobile, static and seemingly leaden footed, United failed to show any creation in the final third during a half lacking in entertainment or excitement. Torquay were certainly living up to their pre match 'revenge' driven momentum as they pounced every time a United player had possession. They were first to the ball, quicker to close down and overall the better team without looking that dangerous going forward. Scott Partridge showed speed and awareness and had the best chance to give the Gulls the lead. Former U's player Chris Leadbetter slipped a neat ball behind the United defence but the lively striker could only muster a weak shot that was easily smothered by Arjan Van Heusden in the United goal. His tidy play however was not backed up by the disappointing Kevin Hill and Alan Lee, leading to very few opportunities for the visitors in the first half despite their obvious commitment and passion.

United were not doing much better at the other end, with the best chances falling seconds after the kick off, and seconds before the half time whistle. Trevor Benjamin lashed in a shot from 20 yards after United's first attacking move had presented him with the ball. Former Everton, Coventry and Welsh international goalkeeper Neville Southall plucked his attempt from the air to start what was to be a fine all round performance.

Paul Wanless was convinced he had given United the lead on 35 minutes only to see his near post header acrobatically palmed away by the 40-year old, as he began to show why his introduction to the Torquay team has seen such a turn around of fortune. He was well protected by a five man defensive unit in front of him, and was only really worried on one other occasion during the first half. John Taylor rose well in the box on 45 minutes only to see his attempt whistle inches over the bar and onto the top netting.

Overall there were some worrying first half performances from many of the United team. Wanless and Campbell both looked very tentative and gave possession away on far too many occasions. Russell was proving the catalyst for all of the United moves, but on his own and against a five man defensive was unable to muster a killer ball to make the breakthrough. Trevor Benjamin was having a torrid time, isolated on the left wing without support or movement in front of him. The half time whistle was warmly greeted by the large crowd, looking forward to the second half and the opportunity to attack the Abbey.

The second period began with United playing at a much higher tempo, but it was Torquay who were presented with the best opportunity to take the lead. Arjan Van Heusden, who struggled desperately with his kicking for most of the match, sliced a 55th minute Marc Joseph back pass towards his own goal. The ball was just about to cross the line when he managed to dive and scrape it out of play, much to the horror of the 300 Torquay fans who were already celebrating their side taking the 'lead'. Interestingly though referee P. Danson decided to ignore the fact Arjan Van Heusden has clearly handled a back pass, and denied a clear-cut goal-scoring opportunity. A red card and indirect free kick on the United six yard line should have been the result of this heart stuttering moment, yet the Premiership reject lived up to his poor reputation quite impeccably. The Torquay fans asked him if he knew the rules, I think a more accurate question would be if he knows how to implement them. He was under the impression for much of the game that we had paid money to watch him blow his whistle and seemingly his own trumpet.

Shortly after this moment of action, United should have taken the lead. John Taylor and Martin Butler combined well inside the area but despite looking dangerous a weak shot from 8 yards was the only outcome. Alex Russell had the opportunity to add to his catalogue of spectacular goals two minutes later after Taylor was crudely cut down by Robinson 27 yards from goal. His curling effort saw Southall scramble across his goal, but was relieved to watch it fly two feet wide of the post and into the crowd.

These two moments of excitement seemed to light the blue touch paper, or should that be the amber touch paper, as United exploded into life. Trevor Benjamin once again led the forces into battle. Still playing down the left, he began to take on defenders by the hat full, and just after the hour mark produced a dazzling run and cross to give United the lead. He powered his way through the Torquay defence, then slid a killer ball to the far post where John Taylor had the simple task of firing home to give United the lead.

A sustained spell of relentless United pressure then contrived to produce the clinching goal, and provide the killer blow. Just five minutes after Benjamin's brilliance put United in the lead, he rose unmarked in the box but watched his headed attempt go wide, and seemingly out of play. Martin Butler had other ideas and raced to keep it in play, before putting the ball on a plate for Neil Mustoe to fire home and complete the afternoons scoring on 71 minutes.

There would be some worrying moments during the last 20 minutes, but it was still United who looked the most likely side to score. Torquay abandoned their rather blunt time wasting policy and adopted an all out attack policy, which failed to create many real chances. The lively Partridge continued to look dangerous in the final third, but without having the support he needed to develop the possession his efforts were ultimately wasted. A fine shot from 22 yards looked as though it had pulled Torquay back into the game, but Arjan Van Heusden made up for his earlier blunder and pulled off a breathtaking save to deny Mark Foster, and crush any remaining Torquay spirit.

A fifth consecutive home victory was never really in any doubt though, as United managed to calm the pace and cruse home to victory. Martin Butler could have sealed the win in injury time but Southall made another fine save at his near post and from the resulting corner referee P. Danson indicated full time.

It was a game of two halves and the confidence and ability of Cambridge United simply overpowered Torquay in the second period. There was little if anything between the two teams for a large percentage of the game, with United looking a shadow of the team which buried Second Division Northampton just four days earlier during the first half, but certainly made up for it in style with a pulsating second half display.

Torquay certainly looked a better team than when we played them on the opening day of the season, but it was pleasing to see United rise to the challenge put in front of them and dismantle the organised Gulls defence. This victory moved United seven points clear inside the play of zone, and maintained our position in the top three. What it did most importantly though is secure that the Abbey Stadium is now the fortress Roy McFarland wanted, and not the sieve it was at the beginning of the season.

Man of the match: Andy Duncan once again proved he is one of the most consistent defenders we have at the club. His dominance in the air and commitment in the tackle cemented together the entire defence who were playing in front of a goalkeeper who seemed unable to deal with back-passes.

The sun tan marks round my ankles from standing on the terrace at Torquay at the start of the season have just about gone, the return match at the Abbey was played in not quite such warm weather! Neither Peter, Dave or myself won in the Supporters Club draw, but the chap by the door did, again!

Our team was back to the expected league team after the changes for the Northampton match. Neville Southall was in goal for Torquay, this must be the first time he has played at the Abbey. Chris Leadbitter was also in their team.

We started quickly, Benjamin shooting over after 23 seconds. On 9 minutes Butler was obstructed as he chased the ball into their penalty area but the referee gave a free kick against him.

16 minutes into the game Torquay made a chance, a bit of interplay on the edge of our area created space for a shot which was easily saved by Van Heusden. Southall showed his class in the 18th minute, pulling off a superb double save, the first from a Wanless header from a corner, the second from the follow up chance. Shaggy had a chance, but his shot troubled only the cabbages in the allotments, but in the last minute of the half he did put a heaer just over the bar.

The first half was the worst for a while, possession was not lost by either team, but given away with poor passes. No-one had enough time on the ball to do anything worthwhile. Up to then the game had all the hallmarks of a late goal giving the visitors all three points (incidentally Torquay have never won at the Abbey).

The players seemed a little livelier in the second half, Mustoe and Leadbitter being booked early on, Mustoe for a late tackle, Leadbitter for retaliating (and a bit lucky to stay on the pitch). On 8 minutes we almost conceded a goal, Van Heusden swung at and missed a back pass from Joseph, the forward running in looked to have an open goal to tap into, but Van Heusden regained ground to palm the ball off the line and away. It must have been his lucky day as there was no free kick for handling a back pass. After that epsiode there were not many back passes, kicks into touch being the safer option!

After that we finally took control of the match, and a period of pressure caused panic in their defence when firstly Butler then Shaggy tried unsuccessfully to turn on their 6 yard line. A minute later a Russell free kick from a couple of yards outside their area went inches past the far post.

The breakthrouigh came after 18 minutes, a good run from the wing with Benjamin beating the defender, his low cross evaded Southall at the near post and left Shaggy with an easy tap in from a yard at the back post. Soon after Shaggy was involved in face to face "discussion" with their #4 after a late tackle on him went unpunished, the referee played the advantage which came to nothing, but took no action against the player.

We scored again on 25 minutes, a Butler cross from our right to the far post was headed back across goal by Benjamin (possibly a mis-placed header towards goal), Taylor retrieved the ball near the goal line and laid the ball back into the path of Mustoe who scored with a low shot from around 8 yards through a group of players.

We continued pressing for more goals, a penalty appeal for handball was not given, Mustoe went close, Benjamin passed across when a shot on goal was the better option, and Butler had a low shot parried away by Southall. Torquay forced an acrobatic (but easy) save from Van Heusden late on, but that was it. The second half performance was what we have come to expect, and we easily deserved all 3 points.

My MoM is Duncan, who continues to show maturity beyond his years, and makes defending look so easy as he manages to be in the right place at the right time, and doesn't get flustered even under pressure.

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

Some may think the ratings are a little harsh, but they reflect that we did little in the first half.

After the game in the Harris Suite Luke presented Alex Russell with his Moosenet Player of the Month award for December. Alex dresses in the same way as he plays - smartly and with style.

Cambridge United recorded their sixth successive home win this afternoon, proving that the early season Abbey Stadium jinx has been laid to rest for the time being at least. Another goal from record scorer John Taylor and a second career goal for former Old Trafford trainee Neil Mustoe clinched the points for United as two second half goals warmed up the crowd and wiped away the memory of a lifeless first half.

Roy McFarland named what would probably be the first choice eleven for most supporters, although Richard Walker and Ian Ashbee can count themselves unfortunate to drop to the bench after playing their part in Tuesday's AWS win. Neil Mustoe, Paul Wanless, John Taylor and Martin Butler returned to a familiar looking line-up to start the match on a very cold afternoon. Torquay came in search of their first ever win at The Abbey and included goalkeeping legend Neville Southall - whose arrival had coincided with an unbeaten run - on-loan striker Alan Lee, and former U Chris Leadbitter.

The first half was a dull affair with very few goal-scoring chances as neither side took the game by the scruff of the neck and just cancelled each other out. The half got off to a misleading start when after just 18 seconds Trevor Benjamin's 20 yard snap shot was safely held by Neville Southall. United struggled to break down Torquay's five at the back and the next chance of note came after seventeen minutes. A neat move on the edge of the U's box saw Chris Leadbitter find Scott Partridge, and the striker's shot from the edge of the box trundled through to Arjan Van Heusden.

A minute later Alex Russell's corner was met firmly at the far post by Paul Wanless but Southall brilliantly clawed the ball away, although only as far as Wanless whose follow-up was saved more easily. The scrappy first half was summed up in United's 36th minute move when Benjamin scampered away down the left but his cross went out of play, and in the 46th minute Jamie Campbell found John Taylor but his header was just over the bar.

The 'highlights' of the numbing first half were described by Mark Johnson as the way Southall delayed each and every goalkick, and the person in the stand who shouted 'YES' at random intervals and for no apparent reason! (Half-time 0-0)

The half-time talk from Roy McFarland produced the usual increase in tempo but to little avail in the early stages. A player from each side was booked after 50 minutes when Neil Mustoe held on to the ball too long after it had gone out of play, for both Mr Danson's and Chris Leadbitter's liking. Mustoe was booked for time-wasting and Leadbitter for a little bit of argy-bargy as he tried to get the ball off Mustoe.

United suffered a heart-stopping moment after 55 minutes when Marc Joseph's back pass was mis-kicked by Van Heusden. The giant Dutchman had to race back and dive full-length to claw the ball around the post as Partridge closed in and the Torquay fans prepared to celebrate.

Three minutes later Martin Butler found John Taylor who turned on the penalty spot but his shot was blocked by Thomas, and a minute later Alex Russell's 25 yard free kick was inches wide. United were still struggling to break down Torquay as the visitors sat back and absorbed the pressure, but Trevor Benjamin proved that he is rediscovering his early season form when one of his trademark runs produced the opening goal.

In the 63rd minute the big forward out-paced Thomas as he raced down the left wing and then crossed to John Taylor at the far post, and United's record goalscorer had the time and space to side-foot the ball home from about two yards, reaching double figures for the season.

United added the second goal in the 71st minute after some good teamwork. Martin Butler found Benjamin at the far post but the teenager's header was going wide before Taylor did well to rescue the ball, played it back into the danger area and Neil Mustoe thumped the ball past Southall from about ten yards after a well-timed run from midfield.

United then ran the clock down quite well with just one more late chance for each side. In the 87th minute Gulls substitute Mark Forrester had a shot from over 20 yards pushed round the post by Van Heusden at full-stretch, and in the 92nd minute Mustoe put Butler through and his diagonal shot from about 12 yards was well saved by the veteran Southall.

The three points maintained United's hold on third place, while Mansfield's 3-1 win over second-placed Brentford kept things tight at the top of the table.

Reporter Mark Johnson's Man of the Match was Neil Mustoe: "Another hard-working game, he just pipped Alex Russell".