FA Cup fourth round - Saturday 8th January, 2000
Cambridge
United (4-4-2): Marshall, Kavanagh, Eustace (c), McNeil, Wilson;
Mackenzie, Ashbee, Mustoe, Russell (Wanless 88'); Butler, Benjamin (Guinan
73'). Wrexham: Dearden, McGregor,
Hardy, Carey (Spink 35'), Russell, Connelly, Ridler, Roberts, Williams
(Barrett 20'), Stevens (Faulconbridge 60'), Ferguson. Shots on target: Wrexham 8 Cambridge 3 Referee: R. Olivier (Sutton Coldfield)
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Despite
the best efforts of a spirited Wrexham and the match referee, Cambridge
United recorded their first away win since last April at Rochdale and
progressed to the last 16 of the FA Cup.
There were no changes to the starting eleven today,
with the same men on duty who so nearly upset third-placed Bristol Rovers
on Monday. Paul Wanless made a welcome return to the squad to sit on the
bench alongside player-coaches Preece and Taylor, Arjan Van Heusden and
recent signing Steve Guinan.
(I keep asking you to write match reports and so I suppose I'd better
take advantage of this chance to write one myself! - Andrea)
There was a feeling among the travelling fans that this game represented
a golden opportunity to escape from the stresses of a relegation battle,
build on the recent improvements on the pitch and progress to the fifth
round and a potentially money-spinning draw. Those feelings were shaken
somewhat when match referee Ray Olivier denied United two clear corners
in the first few minutes while at the other end Wrexham put United under
severe early pressure. But Darren Ferguson's shot hit the underside of
the bar, another shot hit the post and Shaun Marshall brilliantly saved
another before a swift counter-attack in the 15th minute saw the U's break
towards the noisy travelling supporters.
Martin Butler's cross from the right wing was perfectly placed to allow
Trevor Benjamin to dive in and create maximum panic at the far
post, panic that saw a Wrexham defender glance the ball into his own net
due to Benjamin's close proximity although the goal has been credited
to the United striker. An own goal after surviving that early pressure
- had our luck changed?
The rest of the first half was a fairly even affair in terms of goal-scoring
chances, although Wrexham's midfield dominated despite Neil Mustoe's efforts
and Kevin Russell saw enough of the ball to cause the odd flurry in our
defence. The turning point of the match came in the 44th minute when Trevor
Benjamin powered into the box from the right and was clearly, obviously,
blatantly hauled down a yard inside.
United's players and fans shouted for the penalty but Mr Olivier waved
play on, much to Roy McFarland's disbelief as he danced furiously at the
side of - and briefly on - the pitch, and from the counter-attack Wrexham
predictably equalised. United's supporters were still howling in disbelief
at the non-penalty when we watched a long, looping header from Karl Connelly
dip over Shaun Marshall and just inside the far post as if in slow motion.
United pressed forward and Neil Mackenzie saw a shot saved shortly before the half-time whistle. Mr Olivier left the pitch flanked
by his assistants to a furious chorus of "Can we have a referee?"
and worse, while Neil Mustoe had to be persuaded not to confront the referee
by McFarland, who was himself waiting at the touchline to have a word
or two with the official. (Half-time 1-1)
The away end still buzzed with conversation about the double whammy we
had just witnessed as the players came out for the second half. Mr Olivier,
described in the programme as a licenced FA Referee Instructor, received
another noisy reminder of his job description and was asked if he knew
the rules before play re-commenced.
A goal just before half-time would normally have set the home side up
for a rousing start to the second half but it was United who were clearly
more fired up. Ian Ashbee, who had been disappointing in the first half,
looked a different player as he got stuck into the midfield, and that
was despite having four stitches in a head wound at half-time, as was
later revealed.
Wrexham made some early attacks but in the main their crosses were dealt
with comfortably by McNeil and Eustace while Jason Kavanagh showed the
experience and character he brings to the side by defending solidly, being
aware and organising the defence when required. It's the first time I've
seen the player and I was impressed. We deservedly took the lead in the
52nd minute when Benjamin was brought down just outside the box. Ashbee
rolled the free kick a short distance to Martin Butler who fired
it through the wall, giving Kevin Dearden no chance.
After that there were scares for both sides but Shaun Marshall barely
had a serious save to make - most of Wrexham's shots flew high or wide
or were directly at him. As the home side pushed forward in search of
the equaliser United had to defend stoutly, but proved just about equal
to the task while still managing to produce the odd scare when exploiting
the spaces left behind. Neil Mustoe in particular got the ball down and
ran into space several times, causing a few flutters for Wrexham.
Steve Guinan replaced Trevor Benjamin with about 20 minutes left but
found it difficult to pick up the pace of the game, then three minutes
from time Neil Mackenzie, who demonstrated a fine range of passing throughout
the game and tackled back well on occasions, tested Dearden with a rasping
shot. Alex Russell, who faded badly in the second half, was replaced by
Paul Wanless for the last few minutes as United withstood Wrexham's late
barrage that saw Kevin Russell go close with a shot on the turn that whistled
just wide. Then the whistle went and the "Wem-ber-lee" songs
could start in ernest while the players came to our end to demonstrate
a strange new celebration dance, skipping and windmilling their arms!
My Man of the Match: There were good performances from Neil Mustoe, Shaun
Marshall and, particularly in the second half, Ashbee and Eustace, but
Jason Kavanagh epitomised the performance for me with some solid
defending, good team work, a vital covering tackle on the rare occasion
Eustace was caught out, and one or two forays to support the attack with
a pass or cross..
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A brilliant 52nd minute free-kick by Martin Butler put United into the
fifth round of the FA Cup.
United chalked up their first away win of the season after overcoming an early storm and in the end they deserved their victory. A beaming manager Roy McFarland said: "Lady Luck smiled on us today for the first time. We managed to survive Wrexham's early barrage and once we scored our first goal we started to play." United survived an early flourish from the home side with Darren Ferguson, Neil Roberts and Ian Stevens all hitting the woodwork, and it took a brilliant save by keeper Shaun Marshall to stop a 20-yard shot from Mark McGregor. The home fans were stunned when United took a shock lead in the 15th minute, Trevor Benjamin putting a glancing header into the corner of the net from a pinpoint Butler cross. Wrexham hit back but suddenly found United moving their game up a gear and with Neil Mustoe outstanding in midfield and the back four in impeccable form, they found it hard going. United were denied a penalty just before half-time when Benjamin was clearly brought down in the area and to make matters worse right from the next attack Karl Connolly equalised with a superb looping header. Wrexham tried to get their noses in front in the second half and both Ferguson and Roberts went close. It was a brilliant Butler free-kick in the 52nd minute that proved to be the winner. Dave Ridler brought down Benjamin and from the free kick Butler drove his shot through the wall low past Kevin Dearden. Kevin Russell (twice), Roberts and Craig Faulconbridge all went close as Wrexham desperately tried to get back on terms but it took a brave save by Dearden three minutes from time to stop Neil MacKenzie from putting United further in front. After the game about 70 fans demonstrated,
calling for the head of Wrexham's manager Brian Flynn. Asked how safe
he thought his job was, he said: "You'd better ask the chairman."
He added: "It's back to the league for us and it's going to be a
hard slog."
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Wrexham, headline-makers over the years, tumbled out of the FA Cup in the most subdued manner. Long after the match fans were calling for the head of manager Brian Flynn - the same supporters who, a month ago, were delirious after beating Premiership side Middlesbrough. It all might have been so different because Wrexham hit the woodwork three times in the opening minutes. Cambridge, fellow strugglers in Division Two, weathered the storm and only a neat save late-on by Kevin Dearden stopped Neil MacKenzie increasing the lead. But it looked as though it was going to be a one-horse race when Darren Ferguson hit the underside of United's bar. Then the midfielder slung over the corner from which Neil Roberts hit a post. Mark McGregor's 20-yard shot was brilliantly tipped over by Shaun Marshall and Clive Wilson was on the line to keep out a Dave Ridler header out with the help of the post. But United took the lead against the run of play in the 15th minute, Martin Butler crossing from the left and Trevor Benjamin putting away a superb glancing header. The home side suffered a blow when Danny Williams was carried off with a knee injury but then his side hit the woodwork yet again, this time through Ian Stevens. Wrexham survived a penalty appeal when sub Dean Spink brought down Benjamin. Ironically, Karl Connolly equalised immediately with a brilliant looping header from Paul Barrett right-wing cross. United players were furious that spot-kick appeals were turned down and manager Roy McFarland had to console his players. Perhaps they were still angry in the 52nd minute as the hardworking Martin Butler scored what proved to be the winner. Ridler brought down the lively Benjamin just outside the box and Butler buried his free-kick through the wall, leaving Dearden little more than a spectator. Kevin Russell hit the bar, Roberts saw his shot deflected wide and both Craig Faulconbridge and Russell shot wide. McFarland said: "We were lucky to survive the early barrage. Our worry is now hanging on to Butler and Benjamin. We've had offers but they stay until the right money comes." Flynn said: "It's back to the league for us and it's going to be a hard slog." When asked how safe his job was, he said: "You'll have to ask the chairman." |
Butler First Class ServiceMARTIN BUTLER served up a tasty winner to fire Cambridge into the fifth round at the expense of giant-killers Wrexham. The striker drilled home a fierce 52nd-minute free-kick from the edge of the area to hand Roy McFarland's team victory over the Welsh side, who beat Middlesbrough in the last round. Wrexham hit the woodwork three times and could have been two goals up after less than six minutes. Darren Ferguson saw his shot cannon down off the crossbar and seconds later striker Neil Roberts hit the post. Then full-back Clive Wilson had to hack Dave Ridler's 15th-minute shot off the line. But moments later Cambridge stormed into a shock lead. They worked the ball out to Butler on the left and his near-post centre was headed home by Trevor Benjamin. Cambridge continued to live dangerously with Robins striker Ian Stevens rattling the woodwork from the tightest of angles. But the visitors were left fuming as the game started to slide away from them just before half-time. Firstly, Benjamin was hauled down in the box by Dean Spink as he raced on to Neil Mackenzie's neat ball - but play was waved on. Wrexham broke up-field and Paul Barrett floated a ball into the box for Karl Connolly to loop a header over keeper Shaun Marshall for the equaliser. After Butler's great strike Wrexham poured forward in a desperate search for goals - but the Cambridge defence stood firm to complete a memorable win.
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TREVOR BENJAMIN and Martin Butler punished Wrexham as Cambridge claimed a place in the last 16 with a classic FA Cup smash and grab at the Racecourse. Wrexham dominated from start to finish but had no answer as Benjamin headed home Butler's cross in the 16th minute, before Butler himself fired home a scorching 20-yard free-kick in the 52nd minute. Karl Connolly's looping 45th-minute header earned Wrexham parity at the interval but - despite a procession of chances - they were unable to fashion the goal which would have kept their cup hopes alive. Wrexham started the game at a frantic pace and threatened to overrun the visitors in the opening minutes. In the sixth minute Darren Ferguson, the hero of the Welsh side's third round win over Middlesbrough, half-volleyed Neil Roberts' cross against the crossbar. From the ensuing pressure Cambridge were lucky to hold on. Welsh international striker Roberts fired Ferguson's corner into the side-netting and was then inches away from converting Ian Stevens' cross. Cambridge were unable to clear their line and full-back McGregor forced an acrobatic save from Shaun Marshall and, from the ensuing corner, Clive Wilson hooked Dave Ridler's header off the line. A goal seemed inevitable, but it came completely against the run of play, as Cambridge took the lead in the 16th minute. Their highly-rated strike partnership of Butler and Benjamin did the damage as Butler found space on the left to deliver a perfect cross onto the head of Benjamin, who finished from close range. The goal knocked the confidence out of Wrexham and it took several minutes for them to regain their composure. But once they did it was one-way traffic. Wrexham boss Brian Flynn was dealt a double injury blow as he lost young midfielder Danny Williams and influential skipper Brian Carey through injury - but normal service was resumed after their substitutions. Stevens went close, firing into the side-netting from a tight angle and substitute Dean Spink headed Ferguson's free-kick narrowly wide. The pressure finally told in injury-time as Connolly sent a perfect looping header over Marshall from substitute Paul Barrett's cross. Within two minutes of the restart Wrexham were nearly ahead as Roberts ran onto Ferguson's free-kick but Marshall forced his shot over the bar. The Wrexham pressure was relentless as they stretched the United defence from all angles. But again Cambridge scored with their first attack of the half. Ridler fouled Benjamin on the edge of the box and Ian Ashbee touched the free-kick to Butler, who sent a low drive into the bottom corner. In the 53rd minute, Cambridge almost extended their lead as Russell caught Dearden off his line and his efforts from wide on the left cannoned off the crossbar. Wrexham's confidence was hit hard by Cambridge's second goal but they battled on valiantly. Ferguson's promptings in midfield offered hope for the Robins but they lacked a cutting edge. At the other end of the field, the physical presence of Benjamin was proving a real handful without him ever having a clear sight of goal. The Robins' back four took a collective sigh of relief as Benjamin was substituted for Steve Guinan in the 75th minute. But all the action was at the other end. Substitute Craig Faulconbridge and Kevin Russell both fired inches past the angle as Cambridge held on. Kevin Dearden was called into action to save from Martin McNeil in a rare Cambridge attack in the 88th minute and the visitors were able to play out the remaining minutes and claim their place in the fifth round. |
CAMBRIDGE United's name is probably not "written on the FA Cup," but there must have been a feeling among players and fans during an action-packed opening that it was already on one of the balls in the fifth round draw. In a fast and furious opening 15 minutes Wrexham hit the woodwork twice, forced a top-class save from Shaun Marshall, and saw Scott Eustace make a goal-line clearance. "It could have been all over by then," said Wrexham boss Brian Flynn, his rueful words almost drowned by the chants of a crowd outside the changing rooms calling for his head. But United rode their luck, and one minute after that first queasy quarter-of-an-hour snatched the breakaway goal which gave them the confidence to produce a determined, disciplined display. "We deserved to go through," said scorer Trevor Benjamin. "Wrexham got off to a good start, but once we were in front again in the second half, I always thought we were going to win it. We had more of the play then. "And we could have gone in at 2-0 instead of 1-1, because it was a definite penalty when I was brought down, their player had an arm right around me." That happened in injury time at the end of the first half when the luck in the match was dramatically evened out. Amazingly referee Ray Oliver, who was close to the incident, waved play on after Benjamin turned a defender, but was bundled down a yard inside the box. The ball was quickly cleared upfield and within seconds the Welsh club had equalised, leaving the furious United players to argue with the official after he blew the half-time whistle. Manager Roy McFarland had to go on to the pitch to wave his players away from the referee. And significantly during the interval, most of the home supporters within earshot were admitting the penalty should have been awarded. The big question was, would the double blow just before the break rock United and inspire Wrexham, conquerors of Premiership Middlesbrough in the previous round, to produce the football of the first 15 minutes? Alex Ferguson's son Darren, hero of the giant-killing victory, had rattled United's crossbar in the sixth minute, Neil Roberts hit a post after a seventh minute corner, and after Marshall tipped a Mark McGregor blaster over the bar, the corner led to a Dave Ridler shot which Eustace blocked on the goal line. Benjamin's goal calmed things down, and United's four-man midfield began to win and hold much more of the ball, although there was another let off in the 37th minute when Ian Stevens' angled drive bounced off the top of the right-hand post. Any boost Wrexham might have received from the equaliser, however, was more than matched by the effects of United's fury over the penalty incident. They were just as psyched up as the home side at the restart, and in Butler and Benjamin had the stronger and sharper strikers. The partnership produced a vital early goal after the break, a stunning setback from which the Welshmen never really recovered. There could have been more goals a few minutes later when Alex Russell's intended cross bounced off the bar, before Wrexham's Roberts fired wide from an excellent position. But that 58th minute chance was Wrexham's last, as United's defence bolstered by great encouragement from around 400 travelling fans behind that goal, began to dominate. Between the cool and experience of Clive Wilson and Jason Kavanagh, there was a captain's performance from Eustace, wearing the armband in place of Paul Wanless, and a brave display from McNeil. Several times it looked as though McFarland was set to substitute the limping youngster, but he played his way through a painful injury. "Somebody stamped on my knee, it seemed deliberate, at a corner kick in the first half," he said. "It felt like a bad injury at first, but it eased, and I thought we were more and more in control as the match went on." Wrexham scored a late equaliser against United in the League six weeks earlier, and hit back to beat Middlesbrough, but all they managed this time was increasing desperation as United stood firm, and the home fans headed for the exits well before the final whistle. Indeed it was United who went closest to another goal, Butler skying a shot after Steve Guninan set him up, and Neil Mackenzie, for the second time in the match, forcing a diving save from Dearden. Ecstatic United celebrated with their fans at the final whistle, displaying what looked like some extremely dodgy disco dancing. While Wrexham were left dejectedly to wrap up and return to Cambridge the caps and gowns from their lucky charm "We'll be the graduates" photo which embarrassingly adorned a double page spread in the match programme.
Report © Cambridge Newspapers
Ltd
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Wrexham loss puts pressure on FlynnWrexham went behind to Trevor Benjamin's 15th-minute diving header before Karl Connolly headed in a deserved equaliser just before the break. But Martin Butler's winner early in the second half gave Cambridge United their first away win since April. The goal from Benjamin gave the visitors an unexpected lead. Wrexham dominated the match, but were left to rue poor finishing, good goalkeeping and the woodwork. Wrexham were inches from taking a sixth-minute lead. A right-wing cross from Wales international Neil Roberts found third-round hero Darren Ferguson just inside the box and he half-volleyed against the underside of the cross bar. But Wrexham were caught out by the visitors' first dangerous attack, with the goal-scoring partnership of Butler and Benjamin combining. Butler's left-wing cross was headed in by a diving Benjamin. Wrexham were camped in the Cambridge half but their task was made more difficult when they lost midfielder Danny Williams and Brian Carey, their captain, through injury. Their pressure, though, finally paid off deep into the time added on at the end of the first half as Connelly sent a perfect looping header over Shaun Marshall from substitute Paul Barrett's cross. Wrexham almost went ahead immediately after the restart. Neil Roberts ran on to Ferguson's free-kick but Marshall forced his shot over the bar. Again Cambridge came back to score with their first attack of the half. Dave Ridler fouled Benjamin on the edge of the box and Ian Ashbee touched the free-kick to Butler, who sent in a low drive from 20 yards. After the game about 70 supporters demonstrated, calling for the dismissal of Brian Flynn, the Wrexham manager. Asked how safe he thought his job was, he said: "You'd better ask the chairman." He added: "It's back to the league for us and it's going to be a hard slog." |
Butler serves up treatBoth sides reached the fourth round courtesy of giantkilling feats. Wrexham's upset of Middlesbrough understandably drew the most attention, but the visitors' disposal of Crystal Palace was similarly impressive against equally bleak League form. In reaching this stage, Cambridge had won as many games in the FA Cup as in the League. Wrexham remained locked in their worst run of League results in their history, having gone 16 games without a result. But they must have fancied their chances of advancing at the expense of Cambridge, the only Nationwide League team not to have recorded an away victory this season. Wrexham began brightly and had four clear goalscoring chances within the first 15 minutes. The third-round hero, Darren Ferguson, hit the bar with a fierce half-volley from the edge of the area after five minutes and, a minute later, Neil Roberts' shot hit the outside of the post. After 13 minutes full-back Mark McGregor saw his powerful shot tipped over the bar by Cambridge goalkeeper Shaun Marshall and, from the resulting corner, Dave Ridler's header was cleared off the line. So it was against the run of play that the visitors took a 15th-minute lead with their first and virtually only attack of the first half. It was finished off by Trevor Benjamin, who met Martin Butler's cross from the left with a diving header. Wrexham's already fragile confidence was clearly shaken and it took them another 15 minutes to regather their composure and renew their pressure on United's goal. The visitors' defence survived more through good fortune than decisive clearances but, after Ian Stevens' shot had hit a post, Karl Connolly headed home an injury-time equaliser from substitute Paul Barrett's cross. Just before half-time is said to be a good time to score, but Wrexham did not enjoy the benefits for long. Seven minutes into the second period after a needless foul by Ridler on Benjamin, Butler firmly struck the free-kick past Kevin Dearden and inside the post. It proved to be the match-winner; Wrexham spent the rest of the half in control of possession but unable to create clear chances, restricted largely to shots from long range by a dogged Cambridge defence unrecognisable from their shaky opening half. |
AWAYDAY PROVIDES A WALES OF A TIMEThey are now just one step from the quarter-finals, which they reached in 1990 and 91 under John Beck with Dion Dublin stealing the headlines. This time they have a strike force just as potent - and they both came up with the goods despite being under the cosh at the time. Benjamin, 20, took his tally to eight while Butler, 25, made it 19 goals in all competitions. And in the end there could be no complaints from plucky Wrexham, who beat Middlesbrough in the last round and have seen off the likes of Arsenal and West Ham. The woodwork and determined defending kept Cambridge in it in the opening minutes. First Ferguson saw his shot from the edge of the area canon to safety off the underside of the bar - and then Neil Roberts ghosted in at the far post only for his effort to clip the outside of the upright. Wrexham, were clearly psyched up for this one. McGregor's piledriver from 20 yards was palmed away by keeper Marshall, and from the corner Ridler's header was blocked on the line by Wilson. While Wrexham were wondering how they failed to score, Roy McFarland's marvels raced up field and showed them how. Ever-dangerous Butler sent the ball in from the left and striker Benjamin met it with a header. The pendulum swung back to Wrexham, but sub Spink looked to have given away a penalty as he went in on Benjamin as the young striker powered into the box. The ref clearly saw it as a 50-50 incident, but to add insult to injury Wrexham immediately went upfield and equalised. They broke quickly from the back with Barrett crossing from the left for Connolly to head in. Roberts and Russell both had great chances for Wrexham before Cambridge sewed it up. And they got there thanks to a needless foul on Benjamin eight yards out of the area. Butler raced in to lash the ball through a bemused defence and give Cambridge the result they just about deserved.
WREXHAM: Dearden 6 - McGregor 7, Carey (inj) 6, Ridler 7, Hardy 6 - Russell 6, Williams (inj) 6, Ferguson 6, Connolly 7 - Stevens (wdrn) 7, *N ROBERTS 8.
CAMBRIDGE: Marshall 7 - Kavanagh 7, Eustace 6, McNeil 6, Wilson 6 - MacKenzie 7, Ashbee 7, Mustoe 6, Russell (wdrn) 6 - *BUTLER 8, Benjamin (wdrn) 7.
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As you'd expect, the home team made all the early running, Wrexham had a shot from 20 yards hit the top of the bar on 5 minutes, soon after a corner went through every one to the back post where their forward hit the outside of the post. Our first real chance came on 8 minutes, a long throw was headed on by Benjamin to Butler, who controlled the ball before laying it back to Russell, but his shot from around 10 yards ended as a throw in it was so wide!
On 14 minutes from a Wrexham corner Wilson headed off the line by the post. Almost immediately a good ball out by McNeil found Butler in space wide on our left, his curling cross towards the near post was headed in by Benjamin as he got to the ball just before the defender from about 6 yards to give us the lead. We continued to look for another goal, Mustoe having a good shot from 20 yards blocked. Wrexham had their#12 (Ridler) booked for bringing down Benjamin as he turned.
Wrexham still looked dangerous, and a shot hit the side netting on 37 minutes. A minute later Eustace was booked for blocking their player out near the wing as both players went to head a bouncing ball. On 39 minutes Wrexham headed wide of our goal, a few minutes later more defending was required and Eustace had to clear for a corner. On 47 minutes the ball was played into Benjamin just inside Wrexham penalty area, the defender right behind him was pulling him back, then as Benjamin turned past him he was pulled down. We expected a penalty, but none was given. The ball went down the other end, and from a cross there came a looping headed which went over Marshall and dropped just inside the goal off the post for the equaliser. Further into the 4 minutes of injury time Mackenzie had a shot well saved, and another from Ashbee was blocked.
In the first minute of the second half Wrexham won a free kick a few yards outside our penalty area, took it quickly with a short pass into the area, but Marshall was out quickly to block the shot. 7 minutes into the half Benjamin was pushed from behind as he controlled the ball on his chest for a free kick about 20 yards out. The well practised free kick of tap the ball a yard where it is stopped and Butler runs in to shoot worked well as his shot couldn't be stopped by the keeper and into the net it went to give us the lead again. A minute later Marshall had to make a save, then down the other end to where a Russell long cross landed on the top of their bar.
Benjamin went off after 28 minutes to be replaced by Guinan. On 40 minutes they had #8 (Kevin Russell) booked for a late tackle on Mustoe. A minute later Mackenzie forced another save from their keeper with a shot. Wanless came on 2 minutes from the end in place of Russell, and despite a lot of pressure in the final moments we retained the lead for a well deserved victory.
It was a very good and exciting game of football. Wrexham looked good going forward, but lacked the killer touch, and we defended well with both Russell and Mackenzie getting back quickly to mark their wingers. Very few of the Wrexham crosses caused much problem to Eustace and McNeil, mainly (like Cardiff against us the other week) we didn't allow the wingers to get to the goal line to put in dangerous crosses. There were times of last ditch defending, but that applied to both teams. Mustoe and Ashbee looked strong in the middle, well supported by Russell and Mackenzie.
At the front Butler and Benjamin were always a handful for the defenders, and there were a number of good passing moves between them both and our midfielders. We did get a bit of luck early on, but we didn't get too much bad luck as we have done in recent matches.
The referee did his best to make wrong decisions, early in the game on two occasions he gave goal kicks when they should have been corners to us, and he repeated that in the second half by giving us a goal kick when it should have been a corner to Wrexham, but he didn't get much help from his linesmen though, and I suspect just erred on the side of the defending team when in doubt! It's easy to make decisions from a position on high at the back of the stand!
We can now look forward to the next round, money spinning trips to Tranmere or Bolton away I'd guess!
Terry
Wilby |
I was in two minds about this trip.. but no regrets! What a magnificent match and a battling performance by the U's. Our support outsung a home crowd depressed by not scoring for the past three matches (unlike us of course!). Wrexham hit the bar and post and had 2 shots blocked on the line.. but that apart the U's deserved this one. Our first attack produced the first goal, a cross from Butler on the right was deftly headed into the net by Benjamin, ducking into the ball under pressure.
The U's fans at that end had a superb view of this and the celebration (anyone know the meaning of that?). A looping header by Wrexham at the end of the first half seemed to catch Marshall off guard. In the second half the U's were attacking away from the amber army, but on virtually our first attack, we had a free kick. My mate from Liverpool (attending his first game) asked me: "do you have a free-kick specialist?" "No" says I ... sidefooted to Butler.. 'GOAL!' "We do now!".
The rest was a blur of tension for me till the sweet relief of the final whistle.. My man of the match.. the whole team, but especially Eustace and Ashbee. Solid as a rock. Roll on Bolton!!
Man of the match: Scott Eustace |
I'm not a Cambridge fan, but my mate is. We live in Stoke, and I drive, so we drove to Wrexham for this game. Let me say that Scott Eustace had a good game, winning every header. J.Kavanagh also had a good game. A.Russell seemed to be being carried for most of the game, and was generally poor, but your front two looked good, pity the passing was on average very poor, and you seemed to be kicking the ball far to long, but you got the result and that is what counts, the two goals were worked well, and finished well, thought though that Dearden should have stopped the free kick from But's. The travelling fans offered great support for side, and help the team gain the victory. After the firsy 15 minutes, in which the woodwork was hit 3 times, I thought that was gonna be it, a trashing, but you battled well, and good luck to you in the 5th Round, and hope you beat Bolton. Man of the match: Scott Eustace |
My normal away buddies were unable to go, so I scrounged a lift with Jon and Julie Mansfield and were parked right next to the ground just after 1:30. For a change on an away trip we actually saw other U's fans travelling in their cars!