The increases bring prices into line with the average price of watching football at Second Division level. However, in an effort to continue to attract a fan base for the future, the Club is again offering a Children's Special Season Ticket for just £40, providing the ticket is bought before the early purchase deadline of 12 noon on June 5th 1999.

Pincher commented, "This represents excellent value for money. There aren't too many leisure activities for children which they can enjoy for less than £1.75 a time. And while there have been increases for the other ticket prices, these are inevitable especially considering the fact that there has only been one increase since 1994."

The most expensive normal seat available for adults on match days will be £13 next season whilst the price on the terraces will be £9, both prices having increased by a £1 on this season's prices. Adults buying a Season Ticket in the Main Stand can save £69 against normal admission prices, whereas adults on the Terrace can save £52. OAPs and students can save either £36 or £43 by buying a Season Ticket.

The average attendance at The Abbey Stadium has risen this season to over 4,300, a marked increase on 2,898 which was the figure for the 1997-98 season.

Existing Season Ticket holders will receive their renewal forms within the next fortnight and they have until 12 noon on Saturday June 5th 1999 to renew their existing seats. Anyone else interested in becoming a Season Ticket holder should contact the Club's Ticket Office on (01223) 566500 for further details.

Season ticket prices for 1999/2000 (until 5th June):

Match day admissions for 1998/99 will be:-

ALL TERRACE
Adults	£9.00
Concessions	£6.00
FAMILY ENCLOSURE
Adults	£10.00
Concessions	£6.00
MAIN STAND
Adults	£13.00
Concessions	£7.00

The reserves beat West Ham reserves 2-1 last night in front of 410 spectators at the Abbey. Michael Kyd struck twice in the second half, putting United ahead and then scoring the winner after Lee Boylan had equalised for the Hammers.

"It was Michael back to his best in the second half," said Roy McFarland in today's Cambridge Evening News, "and there were also good performances from Paul Bruce, Sam McMahon and our young keeper, James Mercer."

United Reserves: James Mercer, Larry McAvoy, Jamie Scales, Matthew Haniver, Darren Howe, Adam Tann, Dean Armstrong, Sam McMahon, Tom Youngs, Michael Kyd, Paul Bruce.
Subs: James McKenzie, Keith Newby, Mark Gibson.

West Ham Reserves: Alex O'Reilly, Steven Purches, Joe Ketch, Scott Mean, Anthony Henry (Ashley Cooper), Sagi Burton, Jimmy Bullard (Anwar Uddin), Craig Etherington (Steven Omonua), Gary Alexander, Lee Boylan, Francis Birch.

In today's Cambridge Evening News captain Paul Wanless adds, "It's great to get it wrapped up with three games still to go, but we aren't going to let our season peter out. We want that title. People are looking at us now and saying, 'they are a good side,' and we want to finish the season as the best side. We've only lost two matches in the last 23, and that's a credit to the players and the whole club.

"We are still a very young side, and a lot of people with not much experience have reacted brilliantly to the pressure of being favourites for quite a while. I've got to mention the fans as well. They were magnificent tonight. They really helped us, as they have all through the season. They deserve promotion as much as the players."

Roy McFarland, delighted to become the fifth manager in United's 29-year League history to lead a team to promotion, said it ranked high in his personal list of honours as a Derby County and England player and manager at Bradford, Derby and Bolton.

"We had to build the team with scarce resources," he said, "and what we've seen this season is a young side grow up. It wasn't an easy game tonight, and they were men out there. And it was great to see the old man, John Taylor, get the goals. It looked as though somebody had written a script for the game with the club's "legend" going on as substitute and scoring from the penalty spot with almost his first kick.

"Shaun Marshall kept us in it at the start, but we were on top after the break, and their keeper had to make some exceptional saves. I was aware of the tension building in the team during the run of drawn games, but they couldn't have coped better in this match."

Chairman Reg Smart ranked last night up there with other big days in the club's history: "Going to Wembley and winning promotion will always stay in you mind, but this feels as good as that because we've been down in the doldrums too long. When you think what a young squad we have, this season as been a great achievement. Now we want to carry it on and get back to that first division."

For the hero of the night, however, last night was much sweeter than Wembley. Two goal super-sub John Taylor said, "It was great to play at Wembley, but this was better because as well as getting the goals, I was out there when the final whistle went.

"John Beck brought me off at Wembley 25 minutes from the end, and somehow I didn't feel fully part of it when we won."

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Walker (Taylor 82'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Kyd, Mustoe.
Booked: Campbell (65' foul)

Rochdale: Edwards, Farrell, Barlow, Hill, Monington, Lydiate, Holt, Painter, Morris, Peake, Bryson.
Subs not used: Bayliss, Stoker, Sparrow.
Booked: Farrell (66' foul)

Ref: G Frankland (Middlesbrough).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 6, Rochdale 5
Corners: Cambridge 5, Rochdale 5

John Taylor came off the bench with eight minutes left to score both goals and ensure promotion for Cambridge United, in a story that Roy of the Rovers would struggle to top.

[Match reports and pictures on-line here]

Thanks to the sterling efforts of James Mitchell, the goal mpgs are already on the site here. Thanks James!

Richard Walker looks likely to replace John Taylor in the starting eleven and according to today's Cambridge Evening News Roy McFarland has hinted at one further chance to the side that played on Saturday, which could mean Ian Ashbee replacing Neil Mustoe in midfield. Mustoe was replaced by David Preece in the second half against Peterborough and Ashbee's power could be just what is required on Rochdale's heavy pitch.

"We know what to expect," said McFarland. "At least we've had the experience lately of playing on a poor pitch at Darlington, and I'd much prefer Rochdale having a real go at us because we are at our best in matches like that.

"We had a very good training session yesterday, and after the disappointment of not beating Peterborough when we should have, everybody is raring to go tonight."

On the calculations about clinching promotion he commented, "We have to concentrate 100 per cent on our match. We can win promotion this season without help from anybody else. That's the best way to look at it."

Roy McFarland has discounted the speculation linking him with the manager's post at Nottingham Forest. Ron Atkinson is expected to stand down in the summer and McFarland is one of the names to be linked with the post, along with Roy Evans, Steve Bruce and former United player David Moyes, now manager of Preston North End.

The full Division Three team is:
1 Jon Hallworth (Cardiff), 2 Mark Delaney (Cardiff), 3 Paul Gibbs (Plymouth), 4 Jason Fowler (Cardiff), 5 Chris Hope (Scunthorpe), 6 Herman Hreidarsson (Brentford), 7 Jeff Minton (Brighton), 8 Jamie Forrester (Scunthorpe), 9 Martin Butler (Cambridge), 10 Paul Evans (Shrewsbury), 11 Simon Davies (Peterborough), 11 Matt Etherington (Peterborough).

Peterborough's Etherington and Davies each received the same number of votes.

Manager Roy McFarland commented, "It's a great honour for Martin to be recognised like that by the other players," he said. "I thought he had another tremendous game against Peterborough, and his strength is one of the key factors I see leading us to promotion in these last couple of weeks of the season.

"Alex Russell showed he is back to his best after injury, and I was very surprised he wasn't voted into the Division Three team. He went close a couple of times to winning Saturday's match for us. We had much more of the game than Peterborough, but we have to keep on working on that final pass, and we must get back to shooting on sight rather than trying to work the perfect goal all the time."

"Other results didn't go for us," he added in the Cambridge Evening News, "and we failed to get the win we should have got against Peterborough. We had Posh pinned in their own half for almost all of the last half an hour, but they defended well and we didn't make the most of some good chances.

"But we are still in a very good position. With our extra games over all the other sides it is in our hands. We don't have to rely on other results. We'll be going to Rochdale tomorrow hungry for a win because everybody was so disappointed by the draw on Saturday. It felt as though we'd lost."

A report in today's Independent linked Roy McFarland with the post as Nottingham Forest manager. However other reports suggest that former Liverpool boss Roy Evans is the favourite for the post and Evans has indicated that he would be interested in discussions.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe (Preece 76'), Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (Walker 55'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Sub not used: Ashbee.
Booked: Russell (foul 76'), Eustace (foul 90').

Peterborough: Tyler, Drury, Hooper, Shields, Wicks, Edwards, Davies, Scott, Etherington (Broughton 71'), Grazioli, Farrell.
Subs not used: Gill, Green.
Booked: Grazioli (foul 54').
Sent Off: Edwards (foul 67')

Ref: Mr P. S. Danson (Leicester).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 9, Peterborough 4
Corners: Cambridge 8, Peterborough 5

A battling local derby in pouring rain ended with both sides collecting a point that will do their respective campaigns little good. A typical gutsy captain's performance from Paul Wanless produced the equalising goal in today's exciting derby game, but despite 'Boro being reduced to ten minute halfway through the second half, the woodwork and inspired goalkeeping from Mark Tyler denied United a late winner.

[Match reports on line here]

[Goal mpeg on line here]

United maintained the six month unbeaten record at the Abbey, but were knocked off the top of the Division Three table today as the four clubs below all registered wins. After three straight draws the Us travel to Rochdale on Tuesday night seeking a win at a ground where the last win was in 1974 and the last point came in the 1976-77 season!

McFarland has nearly a full squad to choose from, with defender Marc Joseph unlikely to be risked with replacement Scott Eustace playing so well, and senior goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden said to be about a week away from a full recovery from his broken hand.

Tomorrow's game is a sell-out. The last available tickets for home areas of the ground were sold early this afternoon and Peterborough also claim to have sold their full allocation.

Last night's game at The Vetch Field was eventually called off at 3.30pm after three pitch inspections, but United's and Swansea's respective fixtures mean that the U's may have to repeat the long trip to Wales less than 48 hours before they face Brentford.

McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News: "Swansea have offered us next Thursday, or the Thursday after. They are the only possible dates before the end of the season.

"We already have a midweek match next week, at Rochdale on the Tuesday, and Swansea have a game the following Tuesday. Neither date is very good, but the second one looks the only option at this stage, even though it's so close to the Brentford game."

Even if United chose to play the match next week it would mean three trips to fixtures at Rochdale, Swansea and Plymouth within five days.

On the late cancellation McFarland commented, "You can complain about the timing of pitch inspections as much as you want to but it never seems to make any difference. It's just one of those things you have to put up with. I feel sorry for those supporters who have made two wasted trips now."

A very young reserve side were in action at Wycombe Wanderers this afternoon and came away with a good 3-0 win. John Taylor handed over the reins to youth team coach Dale Brooks ahead of Saturday's derby game, and Brooks watched Tom Youngs grab a brace and Sam McMahon score his third goal for United's reserves. Teenage goalkeeper James Mercer saved a penalty to ensure the clean sheet.

In view of United's already busy schedule and Swansea's existing fixtures, Secretary Andrew Pincher indicated that the game might have to be played on a Thursday night. "It's a bit of a nightmare," he said.

However the last time United had a frantic run in to the end of the season, we finished as champions!

Cambridge United have issued the following statement to U's Net:

Cambridge United have had many messages in recent days about the actions of an individual supporter and yesterday, after due consultation with the police, this person was banned from attending any matches at the Abbey Stadium for the remainder of this season and for the following three seasons.

A club spokesman said "We will not tolerate the behaviour many of our fans have reported and we will take action to remove offenders from our stands and terraces. There may be others but please be assured both the club and the police will be watching and listening. We are also circulating details to all other football clubs in the hope that they can also watch and listen (and hopefully take similar action) at their grounds."

Tonight's Cambridge Evening News reports General Manager Colin Davies saying, "We felt we had no option. We take pride in being a club where all the family can enjoy watching football and this person, who we are not naming, was threatening that reputation we have worked hard to achieve.

"There have been many complaints over several years about his language and threatening behaviour, and it has built up to the point recently where we have had to exclude him from our ground. There were complaints that he upset and embarrassed some of our supporters during last weekend's match at Darlington. And it is a regular occurance.

"He was informed by registered post today he is banned from the Abbey for the rest of this season and the next three. We have the full backing of the police who are aware of his behaviour, and they will also circulate his identity to all the clubs we will be visiting in an attempt to prevent him attending any of our matches."

Roy McFarland was pleased with the point which extended United's unbeaten run to seven games.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Walker, Butler, Benjamin (Taylor 77'), Russell (Ashbee 90').
Sub not used: Preece.
Booked: Wanless (foul 63').

Darlington: Preece, Liddle, Heckingbottom, Bennett, Tutill, Brumwell, Himsworth (Barnard 52'), Campbell (Dorner 74'), Carruthers (Naylor 89'), Ellison, Atkinson.
Booked: Campbell (foul 65').

Ref: Mr M.S. Pike (Barrow).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 0, Darlington 2
Corners: Cambridge 4, Darlington 7

United ground out a draw this afternoon in a game of few chances, in which Richard Walker had the best just before half-time. Then as Darlington chased a last gasp winner only a last gasp save from Shaun Marshall ensured Cambridge would leave with a share of the spoils.

[Match reports online here]

Elsewhere, Scunthorpe closed the gap a little with their 3-1 win at Hull but Brentford and Leyton Orient could only manage a 0-0 draw which did neither of their hopes much good. Cardiff play Swansea tomorrow with the incentive of going top if they win.

This comes in the wake of recent articles in the national Press speculating that he would welcome a move back to Premiership or first division football, but he stressed yesterday that he would be happy to stay at Cambridge, on the right terms, for two more years after the one he has left on his contract.

But McFarland added that he was "disappointed" the new contract had still not been agreed by all parties more than three months after it was made public that a deal was virtually completed.

"There were one or two little things which I didn't think would affect the deal after I shook hands with the chairman in December," he said. "I spoke to Reg (Smart) the week before last, but there is still a hold up, which I find a bit surprising.

"Like the players at the club, I want to operate at as high a level as possible, and the chairman has always said he wouldn't stand in my way if an offer came in. I've said that before and I repeated it to a reporter after the Halifax match. But it had no connection with the delay over getting the contract signed with United, which I hope will happen sooner rather than later."

Mr Smart responded by telling the CEN he was surprised the subject of the contract had been 'aired in the public arena' at this stage of the promotion campaign.

"'We are hoping to get things settled soon," he said. "'We have an excellent team on and off the pitch, and we want to keep them at the club. When Roy and I shook hands on a deal for an additional 2½ years for him before Christmas there seemed no real obstacle to the contract being signed after a couple of small amendments were made. We thought we had cleared those up.

He told assistant secretary Mark Johnson that he went on an angled run and thinks the linesman didn't see him.

The reserves beat Brentford reserves 3-0 this afternoon in their Avon Insurance Combination fixture. The goals came from Tom Youngs and second half substitute James McKenzie, the youth team striker, who bagged a brace. Marc Joseph and Alex Russell both continued their comebacks from injury and played part of the game.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe (Russell 77'), Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin (Walker 71'), Bruce.
Sub not used: Ashbee.

Rochdale: Edwards, Cardon, Bayliss, Hill, Monington, Farrell, Stoker, Lydiate, Morris, Peake (Barlow 83'), Bryson.
Subs not used: Holt, Painter.
Booked: Farrell (ungentlemanly conduct 25'), Bayliss (time-wasting 84')

Ref: Mr A. P. D'Urso (Billericay).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 3, Rochdale 2
Corners: Cambridge 12, Rochdale 3

United's six month unbeaten record at the Abbey remained intact tonight, but only after a late equaliser in a dire game and disappointing U's performance.

[Match reports are on-line here]

Reporter Mark Johnson's man of the match was captain Paul Wanless: "He rolled his sleeves up and tried to inspire everyone, despite what was going on around him."

"I'm obviously delighted, and pleased not only for myself but for all the other players as well. They all attained this and their good play gave me the chance to break the record."

Fans' favourite 'Shaggy' added, "I'd like to thank everyone connected with the club and all the supporters who have stuck by the club through the good times and the bad times.

"I'm just the person who has got all the credit but it should go to all the players, all the people who work here and everyone who enjoys coming to the games. I'm delighted for everyone."

I asked him if he thought that with a total of 91 goals for the club he had a chance of hitting the century, and he laughed, "Well, never say never. Let's see how things go for the rest of this season and next season, but I'm a big believer in saying 'never say never'!"

On-loan Neil MacKenzie will definitely miss tomorrow's visit by Rochdale. The Stoke City midfielder, who turns 23 on Thursday, was stretchered off on Saturday and his badly twisted ankle will rule him out of action for at least two weeks. It is bad luck for MacKenzie who had caught the eye in recent games, however United have a ready-made replacement with first team regular Alex Russell set to return after two months on the sidelines. He made a goal-scoring comeback for the reserves at Barnet last week and is eager to face the club that released him on a free transfer last summer.

In today's Daily Mail Roy McFarland is quoted for the third time in recent weeks saying that he would would welcome another chance to manage at the top level.

"There's a lot to be said for managing in the lower divisions," he said. "I'm very happy here, but everyone likes to get to the top. I'm no different and I'm sure that, if a big club came in for me, Cambridge wouldn't stand in my way."

In last week's Sport First he said, "If a club in a higher division came in then the chairman wouldn't stand in my way, and the same goes for the players here. The move would have to be right for me and the club. But I don't want to pre-empt anything because I'm happy at Cambridge.

"Cambridge gave me another chance in management and I want to repay that by producing a team to be proud of ... It has taken me 18 months to turn this club around and now we are good enough to go up. Fans' tolerance level is low and they expect and demand too much. These days supporters have to be more patient."

Club secretary Andy Pincher has pointed out to U's Net that the 'Sold Out' notices went up on the Main Stand just before kick-off on Saturday. Tomorrow night's game is the last 'pay-on-the-turnstile' game of the season, and he has repeated the club's request that all supporters should arrive early to avoid delays at the turnstiles and possible disappointment if your preferred area of the ground is full.

Tickets for the final home games against Peterborough and Brentford have been on sale for some time and are continuing to sell well, but none will be sold on the day of the games.

In today's Sport First newspaper McFarland admitted, "It was a laboured display in the first half, we weren't quite with it, and that was summed up by Martin Butler missing a penalty.

"I had a few words to say at the break and we soon got it together."

Halifax caretaker boss Dave Worthington, the former Cambridge City manager, said, "There are 18 points to play for and we need the kind of spirit we showed against Cambridge in the first half."

Cambridge United: Marshall, Ashbee, Mustoe (Bruce 78'), Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, MacKenzie (Joseph 80'), Butler, Benjamin, Walker (Taylor 78').

Halifax: Martin, Brown (Patterson 70'), Bradshaw, Lucas, Stansfield, Stoneman, Newton, Murphy, Jackson, Hanson, Butler.
Subs not used: Ayscough, Thackery.

Ref: Mr J. Kirkby (Sheffield).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 9, Halifax 1
Corners: Cambridge 10, Halifax 1

John Taylor stepped off the bench to set up one goal and score another this afternoon, in the process breaking Alan Biley's league goals record in front of an ecstatic home crowd. United hit Halifax for four after a first half that promised much but provided nothing, and results elsewhere saw United move two points clear at the top with games in hand.

[Match reports on line here]

Reporter Mark Johnson had no hesitation in naming his Man of the Match, despite the fact that the man was only on the pitch for 12 minutes! "John Taylor", he said, "it's got to be. He scored one and made one; it's his day."

The icing on the cake was the result at Brisbane Road where a Jeff Eckhardt own goal ensured that Leyton Orient drew 1-1 with Cardiff, and at Scunthorpe where the Iron and Brentford fought out a 0-0 draw.

Director Gary Harwood commented, "Cambridge United has really moved into the electronic age with the launch of an electronic shop on the internet. This could not have been achieved without the help of Andrea Thrussell, the author and independent owner of U's Net, and I would like to personally thank Andrea for her hard work and dedication in bringing the United e.shop to market.

"We have many 'remote' fans, both in the UK and throughout the world, who will now be able to order replica kits and other Cambridge United merchandise with ease from their homes or offices."

Harwood added, "This latest move is one of many that the club has undertaken, and continues to undertake, to bring all aspects of the club closer to its fan base - both at home and abroad. We are all very excited about this new venture and we look forward to its success and continued development in the future."

The new web site can be found at http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk

The reserves were in action at Barnet last night and drew 1-1. Both goals came in the first half with Barnet's Barnes scoring from distance on 28 minutes and comeback man Alex Russell equalising on 35 minutes. Russell was replaced at half-time by youth team striker James McKenzie but he has staked his claim for a return against Halifax on Saturday or his former club Rochdale next Tuesday.

Reserve team manager John Taylor said that Russell need not be rushed back in view of the team's performance against Brighton, although the player himself is known to be keen to face his old club. Taylor added that overall it was not an impressive performance and only Dean Armstrong, Darren Howe and Paul Bruce emerged with any real credit.

Episode six of the cable TV show "Amber and Black" on Red airs tomorrow, and the show will include a player profile of Alex Russell and footage from the Cardiff City game. United's PR manager Graham Eales will share the latest gossip and there is an interview with new general manager Colin Davies. Veteran striker John Taylor is in conversation with prolific youth team striker Daniel Chillingworth, and palmist John Manning reads the future from the hands of Roy McFarland and the players.

Amber and Black are running a competition to win two tickets to the Rochdale game on Tuesday night. The question is: "Who was the last United player to sign from Rochdale?" Answers need to arrive at Red on Tuesday morning at the very latest, and the address is: Amber and Black, Red TV, PO Box 492, Cambridge, CB1 2UW

Goals from Paul Wanless, Jamie Campbell and loanee Neil MacKenzie ensured an eventually comfortable win, and McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "We were expected to beat Brighton and we did it convincingly after a bit of a struggle early on when we were bedding in a couple of players after making changes.

"Brighton had a go at us for a while early in the second half, but I always felt we controlled the game, and we could have had a goal or two more. Even Jamie Campbell produced a bit of magic in the box, and if the move with him and Richard Walker had come off, it would probably have been the goal of the season."

Skipper Wanless is confident that the U's are going up, saying, "Nothing's going to stop us now. We are top again with more goals than Cardiff and two games in hand over them, and we have this chance to take off all the promotion pressure with these two home matches coming up.

"If we can win those the championship will be the target and we'll enjoy playing for that during the last month."

McFarland has urged fans to come along in their numbers for the next two home games, which are lower profile that last Saturday's clash with Cardiff and the much-anticipated visits by Peterborough and Brentford: "Wins in our home games against Halifax on Saturday, and Rochdale next Tuesday, should just about do it, and our supporters can help us by packing the Abbey and creating the atmosphere we need.

"I know the two fixtures don't rank as glamour games, but we have made them very big matches by putting ourselves in this position. We won't be taking anything for granted. There will probably be points to get after these games, and once promoted we'll be aiming for the championship, but six points would almost certainly mean second division football for us next season."

Saturday's opponents Halifax have sacked manager Keiran O'Regan, the man who managed them to the Conference title last season, in "the best interests" of the 11th-placed club.

Cambridge United returned to the top of Division 3 last night after their away victory over Brighton and today learned that Stadium Manager Ian Darler is also top of the League when he was named Nationwide Groundsman of the Year for Division Three in this season's survey.

Ian, who already knew he was nominated among the top three Groundsmen alongside Cardiff City and Leyton Orient, was thrilled to be confirmed as outright winner for the first time. He was quick to acknowledge the crucial role played by his groundstaff as well as the great support lie has received from Manager Roy McFarland and coaching staff David Preece and John Taylor.

Ian also commented, "I would certainly not have won the Award without assistance from various local people who allow the club the use of their training facilities as well as the tremendous help of local companies Ernest Doe, who supply machinery and Rigby Taylor who supply pitch materials and advice."

Appropriately former international referee Jack Taylor, who has already been to the Abbey Stadium twice this season to present Awards for on the pitch performances, is returning to present this prestigious Award to Ian before the forthcoming local derby against Peterborough United on Saturday April 24th.

As a Divisional winner Ian is in some very good company as the other Divisional winners were Arsenal, Oxford United and York City.

United's plans for ground redevelopment appeared to take a significant step forward when yesterday's Cambridge Evening News reported that holders of the allotments behind the South Stand have been given notice to quit. The report states:

The allotment society which rents plots of land on a site where Cambridge United would like to expand its stadium have been given notice to quit. Cambridge City Council has issued formal notices to every allotment society in the city as part of the process of renegotiating leases which are due to expire.

But it has told Whitehill Allotment Society its intention is to grant it a new lease which would NOT include 18 to 20 plots on the Elfleda Road site, which lie to the south of the football club's Abbey Stadium. John Cowin, head of property services at the city council, said: "The council has said it is happy to grant a new lease of a reduced area, excluding the bit that is potentially earmarked for Cambridge United Football Club."

John Taylor's reserve side play at Barnet tonight (7.30pm) and the good news is that Alex Russell should make his come-back. Sam McMahon is also named on the provisional teamsheet, as are Paul Bruce and Michael Kyd. Darren Howe, a young defender from Luton, plays another trial game.

Team: James Mercer, Larry McAvoy, Jamie Scales, Sam McMahon, Darren Howe, Dean Armstrong, Keith Newby, Alex Russell, Michael Kyd, Tom Youngs, Paul Bruce.
Subs: Adam Wilde, James McKenzie, Adam Tann.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, MacKenzie, Butler, Benjamin, Walker.
Subs not used: Taylor, Ashbee, Bruce.

Brighton: Ormerod, Culverhouse (Barker 82'), King, Minton, Johnson, McPherson, Mayo, Bennett, Hart, Moralee, Smith.
Subs not used: Davies, Browne.
Booked: Minton (foul 58')

Ref: Mr M. Halsey (Welwyn Garden City).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Brighton 6
Corners: Cambridge 3, Brighton 4

Neil MacKenzie kept his place after an encouraging home debut against Cardiff, but in his more usual central midfield position tonight. Trevor Benjamin returned from suspension at the expense of Ian Ashbee, while John Taylor was rested allowing Aston Villa loanee Richard Walker to make a rare start.

Full match reports are on-line here.

Mark Johnson's man of the match: Neil Mustoe - "He was everywhere and covered every blade of grass ... seven or eight times! He was even winning headers on the edge of his own area."

He added, "They've improved since we beat them at Ninian Park earlier in the season and look a very good side now. It was always going to be a tight game against them, and I think a draw was a fair result. Cardiff probably should have scored 10 minutes from time when they slipped a man into the box, but we could have snatched it at the death when Paul Wanless headed wide.

"We showed a lot of character throughout a very tense match, but we didn't use the ball well enough in attack. There were opportunities to stretch Cardiff but we hit too many hopeful balls towards Martin Butler who did an enormous amount of running without any reward."

The picture will be clearer after United's trip to face Brighton (at Gillingham) tomorrow night, but Cardiff did themselves no favours with a 1-1 home draw against Hull this evening. Brentford won 3-0 at Hartlepool on Saturday and 3-1 at home to Plymouth today, to close the gap to United to four points having played the same number of games (37). Third placed Scunthorpe won 1-0 at Southend tonight to close the gap to three points, but they have played the same 39 games as Cardiff.

McFarland, who does not usually respond to the crowd, delighted the Moosenet contingent in the sponsors box on Saturday by waving in response to a chant of "Roy McFarland's Amber Army" at kick-off. The United boss, 51 today, is quoted on Teletext saying that he will consider the Championship only after promotion is achieved:

"Let's get promotion first and then we'll talk about the championship, we need promotion at all costs."

The squad could be boosted by the return of several regulars over the next few days. Striker Trevor Benjamin returns from a one match suspension and could step straight back into the side tomorrow, while injured pair Marc Joseph and Alex Russell are close to fitness.

"We have a hectic and very important April with another seven games to play," said McFarland, "so it's good to see Alex and Jerry (Joseph) on the verge of fitness again. They could, at a pinch, be ready for tomorrow's game, and certainly for Saturday's home match against Halifax."

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (Walker 80'), Butler, MacKenzie, Ashbee.
Subs not used: Preece, Bruce.
Booked: Eustace (foul 76')

Cardiff: Hallworth, O'Sullivan, Legg, Mitchell, Eckhardt, Carpenter, Fowler, Ford, Bowen (Williams 80'), Nugent, Hill (Middleton 75').
Sub not used: Jarman.
Booked: Fowler (foul 23')

Ref: Mr M. L. Dean (Eastham).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 1, Cardiff 2
Corners: Cambridge 4, Cardiff 8

This keenly anticipated top of the table clash disappointed as a spectacle, as such games often do, in front of United's biggest League crowd for seven years.

Recent loan signing Neil MacKenzie was chosen to replace Trevor Benjamin in a forward lying left-sided midfield role, while Ian Ashbee replaced Paul Bruce to add some bite to midfield. John Taylor played in a withdrawn role on the right, leaving the ever-willing Martin Butler to plough a lone furrow up front.

MacKenzie made a bright start and showed some neat touches throughout, linking well with the likes of Ian Ashbee, but on balance Cardiff probably had just the better of the game with some neat passing. Cambridge on the other hand clearly missed the presence of Trevor Benjamin and the outlet his strength and pace gives the attack, and despite their best efforts there was no one in midfield to replace the thoughtful creativity of the sorely missed Alex Russell.

Both sides seemed reluctant to commit to attack in a finely balanced game and with United playing a 4-5-1 formation the nearest either side came to scoring was from a slip by the other team. Scott Eustace rescued Shaun Marshall with a last ditch tackle on Jason Bowen ten minutes from time, and at the other end captain Paul Wanless placed a header narrowly wide in stoppage time.

My man of the match: Scott Eustace for a solid, mature display in defence and that vital challenge.

I won't be able to bring you the usual updates before, during and after the match today, but fear not, here are some links that should keep you informed throughout.

The team line-ups, latest score and results will be available from the Soccernet web site at http://www.soccernet.com/english/soccer-file/results/third-division.html, or check the Sporting Life vidi printer for latest scores.

After the game the first match reports should be available from the "Div 3 News" section of the Sporting Life site and the Matchfacts site at http://www.matchfacts.com/mfdres/cambridge.htm.

Trevor Benjamin misses out through suspension but Roy McFarland has several options for replacing the big forward, with QPR winger Paul Bruce, Aston Villa striker Richard Walker and Stoke midfielder Neil MacKenzie - who played well for the reserves in midweek - all in the squad.

Meanwhile skipper Paul Wanless is expected to play after recovering from the calf injury that saw him limp off in the second half at Shrewsbury. Earlier this week he told the Cambridge Evening News, "It's feeling a lot better. A kick on the leg in the Mansfield match started the trouble, and I didn't have quite long enough to get fully fit again before the Shrewsbury game.

"I had to come off in that one otherwise I might have been out for weeks, but I'm determined to be there on Saturday. It's a big game. Almost everybody I've seen this week has said they are coming along so there should be a great atmosphere, and I think those big cup matches we had earlier in the season against Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest will have prepared us for this kind of game.

"We have two matches in hand over Cardiff, so I think it's probably more important for them to win it. That should make it an open game which will suit us. We have some players out, but I still think if we produce our best we shouldn't have any worries about anybody in this division."

The attendance for tomorrow's all-ticket game is expected to be the biggest League gate at the Abbey for seven years. Ticket sales ceased at 12.30pm today and the figures suggest an 8,000 plus crowd which would be the best in the League since 9,492 watched the game against Portsmouth in the old second division on April 17, 1992.

The official site reports that their chief scout Richie Barker is keeping tabs on United's top scorer with a view to a summer move to The Hawthorns, and he was been watched several times this season after grabbing 20 goals in United's bid for promotion.

The report claims that 24-year-old, who left Walsall for just £22,000 less than two years ago, is now valued at around £700,000 by Roy McFarland.

Baggies boss Denis Smith is quoted saying, "I know all about Martin Butler. As a manager, it's my job to know about every player in the League. But what I've got to do is evaluate what money I've got. We are trying to improve all the way along and there's no point in waiting until the season is over before we decide which players we should be going for."

Butler could well be viewed as a replacement for WBA striker Lee Hughes who has hit 31 goals this season and is sure to attract attention during the summer transfer roundabout.

But although Smith is already planning for the summer, he insists Butler is not a specific target, saying, "If I brought in every player that the fans wanted me to, I'd have 50,000 here."

News has leaked from the Abbey that could anger U's fans more than the sale of any star player.

The reports are unconfirmed but it appears that the club is close to a decision to ALTER the club kit colours of black and amber ready for the beginning of next season. The team may well take the field for next season's first game in a new HOME strip of predominantly light blue.

Nobody at the Abbey Stadium was available for comment on these reports, but it is understood that there are several reasons behind the switch. The popularity of this season's away strip of dark and light blue halves has taken the club by surprise - and it is believed that the playing staff prefer that kit to the traditional black and amber colours.

The club is also keen to strengthen its identity in Cambridge and playing in the colours traditionally linked with the University may help in this aim, as well as underlining the already close relationship enjoyed with the University.

It is thought that black and amber would still be the predominant colours of next season's change strip in the event of colour clashes, so fans will still be able to buy and wear the black and amber colours with pride.

There are precedents for clubs changing their colours; Scarborough FC have recently altered their strip from mainly red to predominantly white, and United's neighbours Cambridge City switched from black and white to light blue and then back again in the 1980's. Perhaps more importantly - and something the United board are sure to point out - the U's themselves used to play in all white only thirty years ago, until then-manager Bill Leivers decided that the black and amber change colours were proving luckier.