RANDALL BUTT reports as United battle to a Worthington Cup win against Sheffield Wednesday
A SENSATIONAL start, backed by a clever and courageous holding operation, earned Cambridge United one of the greatest results in their 28-year League history.

The third division men stunned Sheffield Wednesday by snatching a goal after just three minutes and 34 seconds, then defied the multi-million pound Premiership side for 90 heroic minutes.

When Trevor Benjamin's quick thinking punished a casual back pass from Juan Cobian to fill awesome Hillsborough with the chants and cheers of 600 United fans, coach David Preece said to manager Roy McFarland: "I just wish it was three minutes from the end, rather than the start."

But, as those last minutes clicked over on the giant electronic scoreboard, the scoreline next to it was the same. The difference was that cocky, strolling Wednesday were now scurrying and scrambling in a vain bid to salvage something from one of the most embarrassing nights even in their accident-prone history.

United have beaten teams from the top flight before. They once defeated the League Cup holders Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. But that team was in the second division (what is now the Nationwide first division). No United team has bridged a gap like the one between the Premiership and Division Three.

A £42,000 collection of players trawled from the likes of Walsall, Rochdale, Lincoln and Luton had too much grit, determination, spirit and discipline for the £22m men who have played in football's palaces at AC and Inter Milan, Benfica and Ajax.

It was true, as McFarland admitted, they rode their luck at times. But there were scarcely any glaring misses from Wednesday. They were hitting the target, but finding either the hands of goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden or the heads and bodies of his defenders in the way.

Full-back Jamie Campbell scored the winner against Leyton Orient on Saturday, and last night his knack of being in the right place at the right time was crucial in his own goalmouth. He blocked an Andy Booth header on the goal line in the 57th minute then got in the way of a Peter Atherton header which was on it's way in after 73 minutes.

Van Heusden, his wobbly spell a few games ago forgotten, stopped a point-blank drive by tricky Benito Carbone in the 15th minute, dived to clutch the ball at the feet of even more expensive Italian Paulo Di Canio in the 50th, and plucked a shot out of the air in the 72nd from Dutchman and World Cup star Wim Jonk.

Wednesday boss Danny Wilson, blazing with anger, was big enough to take a break from lambasting his under-achievers to praise their unlikely conquerors.

"Cambridge showed us how to play as a team," he said. "If we'd have had their commitment and work ethic we'd have won. We gave away a sloppy goal, and we didn't show Cambridge anything like enough respect. We thought we could stroll it, we were self-indulgent, and you saw what happened.

"I warned them until I was blue in the face that it wasn't going to be an easy game, but even in the second half they didn't seem to realise what was happening."

McFarland, calling on his own experience in the big time, told his men Wednesday might be too relaxed in the early stages, and he was proved dramatically correct as United grabbed the lead and kept their opponents on the back foot for a quarter of an hour.

What the United boss could only have hoped and prayed for was that the Premiership side might carry on believing skill alone would bring them victory. There was one spell midway through the first half when it seemed that might be the case as Carbone darted, Di Canio glided, and United saw the ball pinging around them.

But the Italians always wanted that one touch too many and their extravagance was their undoing. It gave United precious seconds to recover if beaten and get another defender behind the ball.

Centre-backs Marc Joseph and Andy Duncan won the battle in the air, and made a series of vital tackles, while Ben Chenery had one of the best games of his life, as he refused to be mesmerised by Carbone's craft.

Jonk was the big danger, directing things from midfield, but Paul Wanless, then Alex Russell closed him down and cut off his supply of passes in the second half. John Taylor, dropping back from the front line, was an invaluable help to them, but it was not a night for United's strikers in attack.

Martin Butler found the vast experience of Des Walker too much for him, and he and Benjamin were not able to take advantage of the gaps at the back in the final 15 minutes as Wednesday drove forward in desperation.

Even then, when they must have wanted to do no more than chew their fingernails, United's magnificent amber army roared their team on, easily outshouting more than 8,000 shell-shocked and grumbling home fans. United responded by denying Wednesday a real chance after the 73rd minute as they stripped away some of the myth and hype of the glitzy Premiership.

Hillsborough has the facilities of a five-star hotel, complete with a horde of smart, uniformed staff. But when the cost of the teams was compared it was fairly clear that out on the pitch Sheffield Wednesday were not quite 550,000 times better than Cambridge United.

The decision was made to wear the Black & Amber "Bar code" shirt, which had been lucky at the weekend. What a good choice that turned out to be! We left Girton about 4:15, almost immediately a paperboy on his bike ran into the back of the car. No damage to the car, possibly to his ego though.

Over took the supporters coaches on the A14, didn't see any more U's fans until we reached Sheffield. Parked for £2 not far from the ground, had a slow walk round the ground with a portion of chips before taking our places behind the goal. Programmes were £1.50, not particularly good value though, with University Challenge on the front. We were in the upper tier of the stand, I wonder why they don't use the lower tier of the stand?

The team was the same as Saturday. The game started and we took the play to them whenever possible. A number of our players seemed to have problems keeping on their feet, it was mentioned that the pitch had been well watered before. On 3 minutes we scored, just in case anyone hasn't seen the goal, or has forgotten, Benjamin chased down a back pass to Pressman, blocked the kick, got up quickest to walk the ball into the net. Marvellous!

I've decided that Van Heusden has to have one heart stopping moment every game, recently they have cost a goal. This time it was to allow the ball to be knocked out of his hands, but instead of grabbing it quickly he started shouting at the referee, leaving a defender to clear the ball. After this however he was superb.

The main Wednesday tactic was to dink the ball over the defenders for the wingers to run on to, a ploy that worked reasonably well for them as firstly Van Heusden made a block, another time a shot went across our goal and out. They did manage a looping shot on target, but was easily held by Van Heusden. Their best chances were usually when we gave the ball away trying to play our passing game around our penalty area. Chenery did this once, but the rest of the defence covered and the danger was cleared.

Our attacks were limited, Butler and Benjamin both finding that Premiership defenders are a little better than 3rd Division! They both gave Des Walker a run for his money at times though. Any back passes to Pressman were cleared very quickly, I wonder why! On one of our rare corners, Russell had a good shot from a weak clearance which flew just over. At half time the Wednesday fans (not that there were that many of them) were not happy!

As expected the second half started with an onslaught of attacks, Duncan blocking a shot, then Van Heusden saved us again. We did have a few moments, Butler beat his man and crossed to Benjamin who tried to head across Pressman but put the ball wide.

11 minutes into the second half they missed their best chance, the player blasting the ball towards goal from 3 yards but managed to hit Campbell and it was cleared. A bit of thought and a tap in would have been easier from their point of view. They managed a few half chances which were well defended or saved by Van Heusden, a double substitution didn't help them. In the last 5 minutes Shaggy managed one of his stumbling runs to the edge of their penalty area making enough space for a shot, unfortunately it was well over, as was a shot by Benjamin.

At the final whistle there were scenes of great joy. The Wednesday fans couldn't have cleared their parts of the ground quicker if there had been an evacuation alarm!

MoM is very difficult, they all did very well. Least deserving was Shaggy, who struggled to get to the pace of the game, but was able to use his experience to help the youngsters. Butler and Benjamin were not able to hold the ball up long enough for support to arrive, so the pressure was soon back on the rest of the team. The midfield ran and ran and ran. Mustoe in particular never gave up, chasing back and making tackles when all seemed lost. The back 4 played ever so well as a unit and individually, and covered for each other. Van Heusden made a number of good saves, and looked solid. I'll go for Ben Chenery by a whisker, whenever he was beaten he quickly got back to make a challenge or block a cross.

Lets hope this form continues on Saturday, and we make a game of it next Tuesday. I'll be happy with a draw in both games.

Ratings: Van Heusden 9, Chenery 9+, Mustoe 9, Duncan 9, Joseph 9, Campbell 9, Wanless 9, Benjamin 9, Butler 9, Taylor 9-, Russell 9.

Come on you can't expect all 10's, after all, we only won by a single goal!

Journey back was fine, home soon after midnight.

Cambridge United, after claiming one biggest scalps of the first round, have continued their giant-killing exploits and produced on of the biggest upsets in the competition's history. The shoe-string United team, consisting mainly of youths and free transfers, combined to produce a performance and result that will turn heads across the nation, and will live long in the memory of all United fans.

In the first leg of a two-legged tie, Cambridge went straight into the lions den, playing Premiership Sheffield Wednesday on their own ground, and emerged with a clean sheet, an away goal and ultimately victory.

United started the match as they meant to go on, tirelessly and superbly closing down every movement of the ball. Then, after only 3 minutes, Kevin Pressman miscontrolled a back pass, and Trevor Benjamin threw himself at the feet of the keeper and emerged with the ball. He then coolly took the ball to the goal, and stroked it home to send the United fans into dream world.

It's so often you see smaller teams take the lead at bigger clubs, then run out eventual heavy losers. Cambridge United though do not fall into such a category and illustrated for the next 86 minutes that our back four and goalkeeper are developing and forming the understanding we have all been hoping they would. This produced one of the most effective and remarkable defensive displays I can ever remember being produced by a United team. Jamie Campbell was superb and Ben Chennery when he overcame his initial nerves was a joy to behold. In the centre of defence Andy Duncan and Marc Joseph combined together to make the Sheffield Wednesday players feel as if they were playing against a brick wall, and showed once again that we have one of the best central defensive partnerships in the Nationwide League.

After the United goal, Sheffield showed that their defence is pure quality with pace and power meaning any other United chances for the remainder of the match are barely worth a mention. The skills and ability of Di Canio and Carbone however, carved more than a few chances to get Sheffield level.

On the occasions that this did occur, and Sheffield Wednesday found themselves with a sight of goal, Van Heusden produced a string of sensational saves to keep United in the lead. His performance was superb, and now he appears to have developed an understanding with the back four I believe that he is a class keeper.

Neil Mustoe in midfield was a revelation, as I suspected he might be. He was quite possibly the man of the match as he rose to the occasion and showed his pedigree, holding up the ball and spotting the free man on countless occasions. Paul Wanless was as ever a tireless workhorse of a figure in midfield, whose leadership qualities are there for all to see.

The three pronged attack force of Taylor, Butler and Benjamin found it hard to get into the game, as the speed of the Sheffield defenders was very impressive. Butler didn't have a good time with the ref either and was allowed to be manhandled off the ball on numerous occasions, but Taylor played with his heart on his sleeve for the full 90 minutes and on 82 minutes carved his way through the Wednesday defence and fired a shot at Pressman.

The final whistle was greeted by howls of delight from the long suffering United fans. There must have been approaching 1,000 but it sounded like 10,000. Another night, two already this season, when the fans of Cambridge United can hold their heads up high. A fantastic result but I do feel Sheffield Wednesday showed glimpses of what they are capable of doing, and we will have to be on our toes at the Abbey next week to make sure this wonderful and dazzling performance and result is not in vain. It's very much a case of being half way there, with United living on a prayer.

What an excellent night, for all you exiles that didn't get to the game, you missed a blinder. I know the thought of playing a Premiership team made a lot of people think we were in for a slaughtering, but we always play well against good teams.

When we got into the ground there were quite a few U's fans there already. We all managed to hang our flags at the back of the stand and found a good place to watch the game. After blowing up around 60 balloons, with the help of Rob and his mates (cheers Rob) we were ready for the kick-off.

The teams emerged to a brilliant reception from the fans, the noise was deafening. We couldn't believe that Trev had intercepted a bad back pass, and as Pressman fumbled about with the ball, Trev was in there and the ball was soon in the net. I'm only grateful that we were in seats as there would have been one hell of a bundle. The whole crowd went mental, we were cheering and jumping about like a load of loonies. The team all went together which was good to see again and we were still "going mental" when they restarted.

As you would think Sheffield Wednesday tried hard to get one back, but as the defence really worked hard together, they were having to take long range shots at us, and never really troubled Ice. They had a couple of good chances in the second half, but with good saves from Ice and good defending we managed to battle the storm. I think it was a good display all round,and Neil Mustoe had (IMHO) his best game for United so far.

At the end all the players came over to applaud the fans and we cheered and sung them off the pitch. Even Mark McCammon was excited and he didn't even get a game. The team spirit looks as though it is coming together again nicely. The only thing that spoiled the game really was the fact that Roy Mc Farland still can't bring himself to come and acknowledge the fans. I know that if he did this he would make a lot of people happy, including myself. I don't expect him to do it all the time but at a game like this it would have been nice to see and would have finished the night off nicely!!!!!!!

Mike in Australia: "The U's have made my week - they have even made headlines on Reuters........This is without the best result I have experienced since I started supporting them seriously in mid 1991.................. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Martin in Sutton, Cambs: JUST GOT BACK. IN YEARS TO COME I CAN SAY "I WUS THERE!!". Martin, Sutton Moose

(Very hoarse from shouting, singing and booing Carbone for his attack on Joseph's ear that none of the officials saw!!)

Will in Cambs: By far the greatest team - What a night! What a result. Fantastic support from UNITED fans, shame Wednesday fans didn't think the same but never mind coz that result will add a couple of thou onto the home attendence, and surely we will be visited once again from Sky, and if we arnt then it's scandelous.

Yes, bloody bloody YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps Dear god i have got a thumping headache!!!!!!

Louise in Nottingham: What a crowd! And what a team! A suberb defensive performance, especially by Campbell and Joseph, and Ice made some great saves. Di Canio looked like he had the wrong size boots on - kept losing it, firing it wide. And how cool was Big Trev, walking that goal in - has anyone seen a TV reply of it yet on the regional news? And..and.. and.. the block on the goal-line by someone (Campbell according to reports) - my heart jumped out of my mouth at that point. Shaggy was great at the end of the match when he came over, expressed all the passion of the evening.

Oh, the excitement ... I need to go and lay down for a while.

Mark in Stevenage: What a great, great evening ... it's got to be up there with Wembley, Maidstone and even 3rd Jan 1989 !! Probably our best away victory since Leaddy's goal at Wolves. My MOM would be Marc Joseph .. he was awesome in defence but there were also outstanding displays from Ice, Andy Duncan, Neil Mustoe, Wanny and Campbell. And of course Big Trev for the cool finish ... this time last year he would have tried to burst the net given a chance like that. And what a brilliant atmosphere ... roll on next Tuesday !

It seems ironic that after the defensive mistakes that handed six goals to Scarborough and Scunthorpe last week, the story of tonight was a heroic defensive performance. In the shock result of the second round first leg matches, United travelled to Sheffield Wednesday with a squad that cost £42,500 - probably not much more than a month's wages for some of Wednesday's stars - and came away with an unlikely win.

United were unchanged for tonight's big match, with 19-year-old youth team products Adam Wilde and goalkeeper Shaun Marshall joining Tom Youngs (19) and Mark McCammon (20 last month!) plus veteran player-coach David Preece on the five man bench. The gulf between the two sides tonight could be seen in the personnel on the Sheffield Wednesday bench, where former England international Earl Barrett sat alongside experienced players like Guy Whittingham and Graham Hyde and Italian youth international Francesco Sanetti.

United got off to a brilliant start and stunned the Premiership side with a goal after three and a half minutes. Owls 'keeper Kevin Pressman made a mess of controlling Juan Cobian's poor backpass, the ever-willing Trevor Benjamin slid in to win the loose ball, Pressman decided against challenging the big teenager and 'Fash' took it round the 'keeper and walked it into the empty net, sending more than 800 travelling U's into unforeseen and early ecstasy.

For the first fifteen minutes it was all United as they attempted to build on their lead, although Van Heusden had to make a good save from Benito Carbone. Paolo Di Canio, Andy Booth and Carbone all fired wide as the Owls started to get to grips with the game and United had to defend stoutly for the rest of the half. Marc Joseph impressed in defence against the tricky Di Canio, standing up to him and taking the ball more than once. The Italian was not enjoying the experience and had the odd niggle at the young defender behind the referee's back, and Wednesday as a team looked uncomfortable against United's chasing, harrying game.

In midfield Neil Mustoe was having an excellent game, probably winning more of the ball than skipper Paul Wanless, United's offside trap was working well and Jamie Campbell was another to catch the eye with a solid first half performance. United's delighted fans could be clearly heard singing "Cheer up Barry Fry" in the huge Hillsborough stadium, and there was more music for U's ears as the Owls were boo-ed off at half-time by their own fans, no doubt to receive a roasting from manager Danny Wilson. (Half-time 0-1)

As anticipated the second half saw more of the same as Wednesday pressed forward in numbers while United had to continue to defend solidly against almost one-way traffic. It was tense stuff as both Andy Duncan and Jamie Campbell cleared shots from Andy Booth off the line, and Van Heusden was called on for several good saves, including one from former England defender Des Walker. United's sole slight chance at this stage came when Trevor Benjamin raced clear and put the ball across the face of goal.

In the 56th minute Wednesday came close to equalising when Di Canio broke clear on the left and fed Andy Booth, but the big striker's shot from three yards out was blocked on the line by Jamie Campbell.

Wednesday were clearly feeling the pressure from their own fans and started to get tetchy as the half went on. Young Italian striker Francesco Sanetti and Guy Whittingham replaced Rudi and Booth after 67 minutes as Wednesday continued to pin United in their own half. Another brief respite came from a long ball out of defence from Andy Duncan, and Kevin Pressman had to be smartly out to beat Martin Butler to the ball.

The pressure continued as Wednesday forced several corners, Van Heusden did well to block a shot from Vonk and from the subsequent corner Duncan hacked Di Canio's effort off the line. Late in the game Wednesday won a series of contentious free-kicks as their players got more and more rattled, but they ran out of time and ideas during the last ten minutes while United managed to break out for two half-chances. With about three minutes left Benjamin raced clear only to shoot tamely at Pressman and a minute later Butler broke through but fired wide.

The game ended with wild celebrations from the travelling U's and the Hillsborough crowd rose to generously applaud United's eleven heroes from the field. We must wait to see, but surely this is the result of the first leg and deserves a visit from Sky TV's cameras for the second leg at the Abbey next Tuesday.

Roy McFarland was delighted with the result but stressed that the tie was "far from over". Speaking to PA News he said, "I think that's the best we've defended as a group since I've been here because they put us under a lot of pressure.

"It's nice to come away with a win over a Premiership team but without doubt the tie is not over. This is like a romance for us, we've enjoyed it tonight and we certainly know next Tuesday won't be easy."

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Wilson did not mince his words as he assessed the game: "It was a performance that was bordering on complacency. It was disrespectful to Cambridge because we thought we were going to go out and win that at a stroll.

"Full credit to Cambridge because they came and they worked their tails off. Their work-rate and team spirit has got them through that game tonight and that is what, to a certain degree, cost us the game. We didn't function as a team and we tried to play as individuals.