Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Duncan, Eustace, Wilson; Ashbee, Wanless, Russell; Kyd (Taylor 86'), Butler, Benjamin.
Reading: Howie, Gurney, Hunter, Polston (Casper 61'), Gray, Bernal (Hodges 72'), Brebner, Crawford, McIntyre, Scott, Williams (Brayson 54').
Referee: Steve Baines (Chesterfield) |
Roy
McFarland wrote prophetically in his programme notes today, "We've had a loss, we've now had a draw; now we're ready for a win". We were ready, and against a much-fancied Reading side our bargain basement team showed passion and skill in equal measure to mark the first home League game of the season with a convincing win that will make the rest of the division sit up and take notice.
There was just one change to the eleven that started against Bristol City on Tuesday, as skipper Paul Wanless returned in place of Neil Mustoe. Jamie Cassidy returned from injury to sit on the bench as Roy McFarland kept faith with the exciting 4-3-3 formation that allows Kyd, Butler and Benjamin to play up front.
Reading included in their expensive line-up former Manchester United midfielder Grant Brebner, who became Scotland under-21 captain after his impressive loan spell at the Abbey in early 1998.
The game kicked-off under cloudy skies on a mild day, and Reading had marginally the better of the scrappy opening exchanges without really giving the Us much cause for concern. United had the best of the early exchanges, producing the first scoring opportunity after 13 minutes. Trevor Benjamin put Alex Russell in, Russell's cross just missed Benjamin and Michael Kyd's lunging foot just failed to make contact with the ball. Three minutes later Russell put another cross on the head of Benjamin but he flashed his header just wide. Trev had looked very lively in the first half, giving Gurney lots of problems, and having his shirt tugged repeatedly while tackles were flying in in a very competitive midfield battle.
In the 28th minute Reading had their best chance when Keith Scott's header from a corner was tipped into the bar and over by Arjan van Heusden, but four minutes later a great United move saw Butler and Kyd combine to find Paul Wanless. He flicked the ball to Benjamin inside the box and the big striker hit the ground in the vicinity of the ball, but the referee saw no infringement. Then in the 35th minute Butler turned Hunter inside out before finding Benjamin whose shirt was almost pulled off his back before he fired in a shot that was well saved at the near post.
Following last season, when his appearances were restricted by injury and the form of his fellow strikers, it was Moosenet-sponsored Kyddie's first goal since April 1998 when he scored a brace in the 4-1 home win over Swansea.
Reading could have equalised in the 40th minute when a good ball from Gurney beat the defence and put McIntyre in on goal, but van Heusden did well to save the shot with his legs. Then in stoppage time, Scott wrapped his arms around Benjamin as a free kick was floated in, but the referee adjudged Benjamin was backing into him and awarded a free kick to Reading. The first half was a good contest between two passing sides and Trevor Benjamin stood out as player 'on fire', benefitting again from the newly-formed link with left back Clive Wilson. (Half-time 1-0)
United started the second half attacking their favoured Newmarket Road End but looked a little uncertain. After just 33 seconds Jimmy McIntyre was through on goal, but Arjan "sweeper" van Heusden won the ball ten yards outside the box with a great challenge. However three minutes later Benjamin spread the play from left to right to find Kyd, whose curling 25 yard shot flew just wide. United were playing some very good football by this stage and putting Reading under a lot of pressure, and the Us extended the lead on 59 minutes when Russell's free kick found the unmarked Trevor Benjamin and the big striker had no problem diving to head home his first goal of the season.
After a brief fight back from Reading, United re-asserted themselves and after several corners Andy Duncan added the third in the 58th minute. It was Russell again who crossed onto Duncan's head for the former Manchester United man to head home only the second senior goal of his career. Moments earlier referee Mr Baines had shown good judgement when booking Ben Chenery for a foul that took place a couple of minutes beforehand, waiting for a suitable break in play before showing the yellow card.
Reading scored a bizarre late consolation with seven minutes left when a great cross found Scott, his shot rattled off both posts back to McIntyre whose shot went in, also off a post. However the goal was scant consolation for the 962 away fans, especially the ones who were getting soaked on the away terrace as the game ended in a thunderstorm. John Taylor got a warm welcome when he replaced Kyd with four minutes left.
United won the match and recorded their first points in Division Two thanks to a brilliant show of passion, power and skill.
Reporter Mark Johnson's man of the match: Trevor Benjamin - "Revitalised and back to his best, he scared the life out of Reading."
Michael Kyd said after the game he is "delighted" to be back and added that Roy McFarland is "going to find it hard to leave me out"! There is an interview with Kyddie on United's ClubCall line on the new telephone number of 09068 555885.
DIVISION TWO RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 14/08/99
Brentford 2-0 Oldham Athletic 5,074
Bristol City 3-1 AFC Bournemouth 11,315
Burnley 2-1 Chesterfield 10,615
Cambridge United 3-1 Reading 4,630
Colchester United 0-3 Notts County 3,986
Gillingham 0-1 Bristol Rovers 6,234
Luton Town 3-2 Blackpool 5,176
Millwall 3-3 Wigan Athletic 8,165
Oxford United 2-3 Cardiff City 6,423
Preston North End 2-1 Stoke City 11,465
Scunthorpe United 0-1 Wycombe Wanderers 4,092
Wrexham 1-0 Bury 4,185
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After the Bristol City team of giants it was nice to play a team whose average height was similar to ours, although they did have a big centre forward.
In the first minute a good move between Benjamin, Kyd, Benjamin gave Butler a chance, but his shot was blocked. Russell had a weak shot easily saved on 13 minutes, then the ball went down the other end and it required a good tackle from Chenery after a knock-on. Russell got in a good cross which Benjamin headed on, unfortunately just out of reach of the incoming Kyd. Soon after Kyd headed another Russell cross just past the post.
Reading looked dangerous at times, and a header from a corner required Van Heusden to tip the ball over the bar. Benjamin was continuing his recent good form, powering past his defender whenever possible although often being fouled to stop him, and brought out a good save from a resulting shot. We took the lead on 35 minutes, some good interpassing freed Russell whose powerful shot was palmed away by the 'keeper only to land at the feet of Kyd a couple of yards out for an easy tap-in.
We worried that we might concede a quick equaliser, and 5 minutes later Van Heusden had to be out smartly to save with his feet as a forward found a bit of space. Then it was us back on the attack, another fingertip save for a corner required from their 'keeper. Just before half tiome their #10 (Nicky Forster) was booked for holding back Benjamin after being beaten. 1-0 at half time, and we looked good value for the lead.
In the first few seconds of the second half they got through the defence and we were thankful that Van Heusden was quickly out to again save with his legs. Kyd seemed to grow in confidence with his goal, and a 20 yard angled shot went just past the far post with the 'keeper well beaten. a cross from the same player was headed away for a corner, from which Eustace headed over from the near post.
Butler got booked for jumping with his arm high, a little surprising considering the number of times he had been fouled! Soon after the #2 was booked after yet another foul on Butler. From the resulting free kick Russell's cross found the head of Benjamin about 6 yards out and the ball flew into the net for 2-0.
Reading had a period of pressure and Van Heusden had to make a couple of saves. Chenery got booked for a late tackle, although the referee played the advantage and booked him when the ball next went out of play. 22 minutes into the second half and we scored again on the third of three consecutive corners. Russell put the corner into the middle where Duncan headed in from around 10 yards.
Butler set up Kyd nicely, but he missed his kick from a good position. Reading pulled a goal back on 37 minutes, some slack defending allowed a cross/shot which hit the far post, then the bar, then the other post before coming out to their player who scored easily. Taylor came on for Kyd for the last few minutes, but it was Benjamin who looked most likely to score, trying his luck with a long shot when he saw the 'keeper off his line but it didn't have enough power to beat the 'keeper.
A well deserved 3-1 win. Being picky we shouldn't have conceded a goal, but then we had to thank Van Heusden for having to make a number of important saves. We made a number of chances, and it's good to see goals coming from different players, including Andy Duncan. (His former teammate Grant Brebner did not look anything like the player he was when he played for us, although he is playing deeper midfield instead of just behind the forwards).
We looked fairly strong all round, indeed our worst periods were when we had a rest, or gave the ball away. As in the previous games when we pass the ball around to feet we are very impressive. Ashbee had another good game in midfield, I think at last he is getting some consistancy to his game.
When you look at the money Reading have spent recently (£650,000 for Forster in June, £420,000 for McIntyre and £100,000 for McLaren last March), I think it puts into perspective the financial gulf between the teams. Reading fans shout of "shit ground, no fans" was countered with "shit team, good ground", as £40 million has been spent on their new stadium. It shows the great value we have got with Roy MacFarland and his behind the scenes team, so that we can compete on the pitch and beat much richer clubs. I wonder what will happen to Reading if their rich Chairman decides to leave the club?
Terry Wilby
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Roy McFarland kept faith with the ambitious 4-3-3 formation which had produced a defeat and a draw in the opening two fixtures, and there was a welcome return in midfield for Captain Paul Wanless.
Reading started the game passing the ball very well, as did United, and early chances were evenly spread. Trevor Benjamin was finding some space on the left-hand side of the pitch, whilst Kyd was looking sharp around the edge of the box. Just before the quarter hour mark it looked as though United had taken the lead, but Michael Kyd was left wishing he had put extra long studs in his boots as he failed by a whisker to connect with an Alex Russell cross.
The game was being played at a steady pace, with passing and movement off the ball at very high standards. The space in midfield was becoming more restricted as the game drew on. It was vital for United to take control of the game through this area of the field, and they did so in some style.
Paul Wanless and Ian Ashbee started to win every challenge in the middle of the park, whilst Alex Russell and Clive Wilson were peppering the forwards with quality balls at seemingly timeless intervals. Martin Butler was beginning to weave his magic, turning defenders inside out and once again combining well with Michael Kyd. It was these two players who carved out a fine opportunity for Trevor Benjamin on the half-hour mark, as neat interplay between the two set him free on the left. The large striker hit the deck after a strong challenge, but referee Steve Baines was having none of it and waved play on.
United were taking control of the game, passing the ball around with the quality and vision needed to get behind a well organised Reading defence. It almost seemed inevitable that sooner or later one of United's attacks would find the right combination to unlock the visitors defence, and it did. The inspired Trevor Benjamin set Alex Russell free inside the box, and his thunderbolt of a drive was only palmed out by Scott Howie in the Reading goal. The ball fell invitingly at the feet of Michael Kyd who stabbed it over the line to score his first league goal for almost 500 injury-ridden days…the last being the winner against local rivals Peterborough in April 1998.
On Tuesday United could only hold their lead against Bristol City for 31 seconds, and it looked as though history was going to repeat itself. About a minute after Kyd had given the U's the lead, McIntyre found himself bearing down on Ajran Van Huesden in the Cambridge goal. Thankfully the huge Dutchman blocked the former Kilmarnock strikers attempt and cleared the danger much to the relief of the bumper home crowd.
Moments before the half time interval United should have been given the opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot. Following an Alex Russell free kick, Keith Scott hauled Trevor Benjamin to the ground but amazingly the free kick was awarded to Reading. Roy McFarland had to be restrained by David Preece, as he was left outraged by the incident. Overall though a two goal lead would have been flattering as Reading did their best to match United, but simply found Van Huesden in breathtaking form.
The second half saw a rather ruthless display from United, who mauled Reading with glorious attacking football of the very highest order. Michael Kyd, Trevor Benjamin and Martin Butler are an attacking dream-team, offering variation, creation, control and skill capable of dismantling the best defences this division has to offer.
On 48 minutes Trevor Benjamin found Kyd who twisted Keith Scott inside out before drilling in a shot which grazed the foot of the far post and went behind for a goal kick. This seemed to spark a spell of relentless pressure, and United were simply waiting for the second goal to materialise. It took until the 59th minute for it to do so, but when it came it was worth waiting for. Michael Kyd was hauled to the ground near the bye-line and Russell placed the resulting free kick onto the head of Trevor Benjamin, who from 8 yards nearly broke the back of the Reading net.
United very nearly extended their lead seconds later, but Michael Kyd fell over the ball when he was clear through on goal. Shortly after this incident, it became alarmingly apparent that the game was not over as a contest. Reading began to storm forward at every available opportunity, and United could not get hold of the ball, and when they did began to give it away cheaply.
Martin Williams, who had disgraced himself with some pathetic gamesmanship in the first half, was looking a dangerous force and alongside McImtyre and Scott forced a few corners in quick succession. Ajran Van Huesden continued his fine form, as he claimed the ball convincingly and made one fine save from a long range Scott shot.
The visitor's spell of pressure ended on 68 minutes as Cambridge United wrapped up the game with the clinching goal. Alex Russell, who despite putting many second half passes astray, displayed he has the knack to produce the killer ball as it was his corner kick which found the head of Andy Duncan who rattled home only his second goal for Cambridge United.
This goal looked as though it might open up the floodgates, as the home fans began the chants of "easy!, easy!" much to the annoyance of the Reading faithful who were already flocking towards the exits. Those who chose to leave the game early would have missed their team score a bizarre consolation goal five minutes before the final whistle. Scott unleashed a shot from 12 yards that he watched strike both posts (one of them twice) before McIntyre tapped home from a yard out.
Michael Kyd tired considerably towards the end, and wasted two glorious chances in the last 10 minuets before being replaced by John Taylor. It didn't matter though…the job had been done and the game had been won. The final whistle blew and the first league win for United since they clinched promotion from Division Three at Rochdale last season was in the bag.
It was another electric performance, only this time the team managed to sustain it for more than a single half. Clive Wilson gave another master class of competence, confidence and ability on the ball as once again the passing and movement from the whole United team was second to none.
Roy McFarland is sticking with a 4-3-3 formation which is always going to create goals, but until today always looked likely as conceding nearly as many. United looked to be the finished article today however, as the defence frustrated the highly fancied Reading team. Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin were getting back to help out and with Wanless and Ashbee winning everything in midfield the creative channels open to our opponents appear considerably narrow.
It is nice to get some points on the board, but what was most satisfying was the team against which they were earned. I doubt we will face many teams in the division who are considerably better than Reading were today. We may face one or two, but most will be of a similar standard of worse. This is very heartening when you consider we not only defeated, but also outclassed and outplayed the Reading side.
"I don't know much about Cambridge United" was the slightly cocky pre-match comment from Reading boss Tommy Burns…I suppose you learn something new everyday. I wonder how many other Division Two managers "don't know much" about us? I am sure the U's will be more than willing to dish out various other 90-minute lessons on the subject ...
Ajran Van Heusden - 82% (8)
Ben Chenerey - 67% (7)
Ian Ashbee - 78% (8)
Andy Duncan - 79% (8)
Scot Eustace - 82% (8)
Clive Wilson - 81% (8)
Paul Wanless - 80% (8)
Michael Kyd - 82% (8)
Martin Butler - 78% (8)
Trevor Benjamin - 86% (9) *mom
Alex Russell - 67% (7)
Subs used:
John Taylor - 65% (7)
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Big-spending Reading, one of the bookmakers' promotion favourites, were rocked, then wrecked, overpowered and outgunned by a tougher midfield and a much sharper, stronger attack. Royals manager Tommy Burns almost sounded like a schoolboy running home to cry to his mum. "They bullied us out of it," he said, "especially at the set-pieces. I thought we played a lot of good football, and had the better of the first half. It was very disappointing." His assistant Paddy Bonner had attempted to warn the defence about one particular United threat, but it looked as though he only succeeded in instilling fear in them. "Trevor Benjamin can be awesome," he said. "He's a beast of a player." So they spent most of the first half-an-hour cutting him down in and out of the box, and were so obsessed in getting two men close to the teenage winger they failed to notice Alex Russell racing down the left on to a Benjamin pass in the 35th minute move which set United on the way to a thoroughly deserved victory. Benjamin, Martin Butler and Michael Kyd ran Reading ragged, their strength and pace stretching a usually competent defence to the limits. And Ian Ashbee, with Paul Wanless, made sure Grant Brebner was nowhere near as effective in midfield as he was at the Abbey during an impressive loan spell from Manchester United the season before last. There was also a much sounder all-round display by United's defence, albeit against an attack built around £650,000 striker Nick Forster, who was out injured. While goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden played so well, he was even praised by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire reporter Trevor Peer, who has been a teensy bit critical of the big Dutchman at times. It was right-back Clive Wilson's words, however, as much as the team's actions, which should send a shiver through the second division. "That was probably the worst we've played in the three games so far," said the former Tottenham player. "I didn't think we played as much football. But we finished well, and some of the crosses into the box were excellent. "As George Graham was saying this week, at the start of a season you need results, and this was an important one for us." Reading started as though they were going to live up to their rating as one of the division's fancied sides, and there was a vital save from Van Heusden in the 27th minute when he finger-tipped a Keith Scott header over the crossbar. But the visitors were beginning to have big problems at the back by this time, as Benjamin and Kyd probed down the flanks. By the half-hour mark referee Steve Baines had blown for 10 fouls, all committed against United's attackers. And as Reading's desperation increased, it was a mystery why the official failed to award penalties when Benjamin almost had his shirt ripped off in the 34th minute by Andy Gurney, then was rugby tackled just before the break by Scott. But Benjamin, who forced a good save from goalkeeper Scott Howie in the 34th minute, initiated the breakthrough 60 seconds later, then broke Reading's heart when he headed United's second 14 minutes into the second half. The rocky Royals did have a couple of chances to get back into it before that, but were foiled by Van Heusden. He made a reflex save when Jimmy McIntyre broke through in the 40th minute, then beat the midfielder in a race for a through ball seconds after the interval. Reading were finally punished for their persistent foul play when former Norwich defender John Polston dumped Martin Butler on the deck, giving away the free kick which Russell directed skilfully to Benjamin's head. Another laser-guided Russell centre, to Andy Duncan, put the match way beyond Reading's reach with 24 minutes still to play. And Howie had to be alert to stop quick-thinking Russell beating him with a 35-yard free kick from the wing in the 73rd minute. The only concern for manager Roy McFarland was his team relaxing a little too comfortably on their three-goal cushion. He ranted at them for giving the ball away too often in the final quarter of an hour, and was justified in his complaint when casual play allowed Reading a scrap of consolation five minutes from time. The fixture list continues to be unkind to United, pitting them against two of the early pacemakers, Notts County and Wigan this month, but the three performances so far against fancied sides suggest, as Clive Wilson observed: "there's nothing to be very frightened about in this division." Report © Cambridge Newspapers Ltd |
United took a deserved lead a minute later when the busy Benjamin put Russell in, and although goalkeeper Howie got a hand to Russell's thunderous angled shot from the left Michael Kyd was following in and tapped the ball home.
A delightful display of football enabled Cambridge United to notch up their first league points of the season as with alarming ease they swept aside Tommy Burns' expensively constructed Reading.
Man of the match: Trevor Benjamin continued his fine early season form, as he terrorised a Reading side who must have wondered what he was doing in the Second Division. His goal was just reward for his determination and commitment, and stunning performances such as this make you wonder how much longer he will be at the club.