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| Saturday 30th August 1997 : Seven goal thriller goes United's way |
| Cambridge United | 4-3 | Shrewsbury Town |
| Wanless 10', 61' | Evans 19' | |
| Butler 57' | Scott 52' | |
| Kyd 71' | Dempsey 88' | |
| Att: 2,585 | Naylor s.o. 75 |
United and relegated Shrewsbury served up a seven goal thriller for the supporters, but it was more a case of inept defending than anything else.
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| Paul Wanless |
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Roy McFarland replaced David Williamson with John Taylor just before half-time and his introduction seemed to make all the difference after the break. After 52 minutes Shrewsbury's Naylor set up the unmarked Richard Scott to put the Shrews ahead, but 'Shaggy' nearly levelled things just a minutes later. Then on 57 minutes he picked out Martin Butler on the left and the ex-Walsall striker produced his second goal in two games for the equaliser.
Taylor set up another goal four minutes later when he robbed a Shrews defender and put Wanless away on the right to restore the lead. Both defences were slack this afternoon and it was no surprise when Michael Kyd made it 4-2 in the 71st minute. His chance came when Jamie Campbell robbed Naylor and ran half the length of the pitch, only to see his shot rebound to Kyd for the final touch.
The game was far from over though. Four minutes later Naylor received his marching orders from referee Mr Fletcher after a wild lunge at Kyd, and a frantic finish saw Shrewsbury substitute Mark Dempsey score their third in the 88th minute. Moments later Scott Barrett made a vital save from Michael Brown's point-blank header and then it was nail-biting time as the clock ran down with 21 players camped in United's area as the visitors desperately sought the equaliser. However sheer tenacity and good fortune saw United save the three points to send Shrewsbury to their fourth consecutive defeat and the U's up to seventh in the table.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery (Matt Joseph 87), Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Rees (Preece 71), Kyd, Butler, Williamson (Taylor 40)
| Friday 29th August 1997 : Team news |
Roy McFarland has recalled midfielder David Preece to the squad after resting him in the midweek Coca Cola Cup trip to WBA, but he has not revealed who will drop out of the 14 to make way for the player-coach. Davey Williamson was the man to make way last time Preece returned but McFarland has confirmed that the young Northern Irishman will be involved on Saturday.
Williamson was withdrawn from the action early in the second half at the Hawthorns, but McFarland praised his performance. He told the C.E.N. today: "David had a very good first half, but he's new to League football and tired quickly after the break, which was why we brought him off. He can add something to the side."
After the team came so close to a First Division 'giant-killing' on Wednesday night, McFarland regards tomorrow's home match against Shrewsbury as the biggest test of character for his team since he took charge nine months ago: "It's vital we react the right way after the Coca-Cola Cup match at West Brom. I don't want what I call the sympathy vote affecting us when we get back to League football.
"We played well at West Brom, but in the end we weren't good enough to win. The players have to remember that and go out and beat Shrewsbury. They were relegated and haven't had a very good start to the season. They'll be fighting and we have to be prepared to counter that."
Shrewsbury boss Jake King has been trying to bring in a big striker after his side's three straight defeats, and he is understood to have had talks with 36-year-old Kerry Dixon. The ex-Chelsea and England striker walked out of the manager's job at Doncaster last week.
United squad for tomorrow: Barrett, Chenery, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wilson, Rees, Williamson, Preece, Wanless, Butler, Kyd, Taylor, Matt Joseph, Benjamin.
| Thursday 28th August 1997 : Cup match reactions |
As United's players try to get over the disappointment of giving everything for 120 minutes last night, only to come away empty-handed, the general concensus of opinion appears to be that West Bromwich Albion are fortunate to to be in the next round. The Baggies fans boo-ed their team off at half-time (rather like on Saturday at Chester!) and they were starting to leave the Hawthorns with a few minutes left, convinced their First Division high-fliers were facing a first round exit.
The U's are described as 'plucky' in today's reports and Baggies manager Ray Harford was a relieved man after last night's late thriller, praising our team: "It was no surprise at all to me that Cambridge made it so hard for us. They did it down there as well in the first leg, and when they scored first tonight I knew we had a game on our hands. They are very well organised by Roy McFarland and David Preece. They defend well, and have dangerous players who can hurt you on the break. This was a tough two hours for us."
WBA face Luton Town in the next round while United can 'concentrate on the League' until the FA Cup first round, but Roy McFarland called the team "magnificent" after the disputed extra-time penalty finally put West Brom in front.
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| McFarland |
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He said: "Albion sneaked an equaliser just before the end of normal time when we were on our way to a win I believe we would have deserved. They were given two penalties which I couldn't agree with, and should have had a player sent off in extra time. I have to be careful what I say, but we hardly got the run of the green in this one. What we have to do now is use this experience positively for our benefit in the League.
"West Brom are top of the first division after three wins out of three at that level. Yet we drew 1-1 with them at the Abbey, and we did it again over 90 minutes on their own pitch. We still have work to do on the team, but the character and commitment was marvellous in this match, and we created better chances than Albion. Their goalkeeper Nigel Spink kept them in the competition with his saves in the second part of extra time."
The penalty decision was given two minutes before half time of the extra period when Sneekes fell over Campbell's leg and referee Alan Butler decided the clash was a foul. McFarland commented,"I had Sneekes as a player at Bolton and he used to do that in training."
Sneekes buried the penalty but WBA could easily have been reduced to ten men when the referee, who will probably be glad to forget his performance in this match, chose to ignore the already-booked Ian Hamilton when kicked the ball away.
Veteran striker John Taylor said the display ranked alongside some of the great matches he played in during the early 90s while United chairman Reg Smart called it "a brilliant performance" by United's players and added, "We were up against it in more ways than one. I think we were the better side."
Our players can be proud that over two legs they matched a WBA side who currently boast a 100% record in the First Division and hopefully they can take that level of performance into Saturday's home match against Shrewsbury Town.
| Wednesday 27th August 1997 : Late heartbreak against West Brom |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2-1 (AET) | Cambridge United |
| Hunt 86' | Butler 13' | |
| Sneekes 103' | ||
| Att: 10,264 |
An exhausted and dejected United side left the Hawthorns pitch to a standing ovation from the Baggies fans tonight, after defending an early lead to within four minutes of the next round.
As anticipated, Roy McFarland made just one change to the weekend's starting line-up with Davey Williamson replacing David Preece and Trevor Benjamin taking a place on the bench. United went ahead after 13 minutes courtesy of Martin Butler's first goal for the club. Michael Kyd's effort was parried and bounced loose, and in the confusion Kyd fed the ball back into the box with an overhead kick and Butler was on hand to nod the ball home - his first goal for United. We then had to defend for long periods of the game but even a scandalous penalty decision after 26 minutes failed to change the scoreline. Mr Butler, who had a poor game as referee, decided Marc Joseph's header in the area was a handball and gave a penalty, but justice was done when West Brom's prolific frontman Andy Hunt wasted the chance completely and United could breathe again.
John Taylor replaced Williamson after 55 minutes, bringing some experience and an aerial threat to our game. We seemed to be getting away with defending the one goal lead but the heartbreak began just four minutes from time when Hunt made amends with an equalising goal, his powerful shot just evading the diving Scott Barrett. Michael Kyd was withdrawn eight minutes into extra time after running himself into the ground for the cause, allowing his replacement Matt Joseph to make his first appearance of the season.
After 103 minutes Jamie Campbell tackled Richard Sneekes from behind in the area as the impressive Dutchman was dribbling the ball to the bye-line. Sneekes could be said to have to gone looking for the penalty but that was the risk Campbell took. Sneekes himself stepped up, and although Scott Barrett dived the right way the Baggies were ahead. With the final throw of the dice McFarland sent Trevor Benjamin on for Paul Wilson after 105 minutes and the young striker was outstanding. Just three minutes after coming on he had a shot tipped wide and United managed to exert some real late pressure on the nervous Baggies. John Taylor had a free-kick saved, Jamie Campbell set up Benjamin for a great turn and shot and on 121 minutes Paul Wanless shot at the goalkeeper as the home fans bayed for the final whistle.
United will have won some friends with their performances over the two legs but everyone associated with the U's will be gutted to have been within four minutes of a potentially lucrative second round tie.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson (Benjamin 105), Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Rees, Kyd (Matt Joseph 98), Butler, Williamson (Taylor 55).
Booked: Wilson 55 (foul).
Roy McFarland is set to make at least one change to the team for tonight's Coca Cola Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion, joint leaders of Division One. David Williamson could be the man to step up as he did for the first leg at the Abbey two weeks ago, when United deserved far more than the 1-1 draw.
Williamson will probably replace David Preece again, as the player-coach has admitted that two matches a week are too much for him these days, but a more popular choice for a seat on the bench might be Jason Rees after his unimpressive outing at Chester. McFarland said the midfield was short on pace and strength on Saturday and Williamson could certainly provide the pace. He endured a frustrating year in the reserves last season when he was mainly used as a defender, but towards the end of last season he was switched to midfield where he started scoring and creating goals, and he seems to have finally made the breakthrough to the first team squad this season.
United will start the match as rank outsiders against West Brom, who have the valuable away goal from the first leg and a 100 per cent record so far in Division One, but Roy McFarland told the C.E.N.: "Everybody knows what a tough task we face, but we are under no real pressure, and we'll be going there to have a go."
Even if we fail to progress to the second round tonight, United can look forward to a share of the Hawthorns gate which could be more than 12,000.
| Monday 25th August 1997 : Another midfielder on trial |
Roy McFarland has taken Brighton midfielder Jason Peake on trial. The former England youth international will join United for a week's training after the manager decided he needs more strength in midfield.
25-year-old Peake started his career with Leicester City, and had three years at Rochdale before joining Brighton for £90,000 last season. He was left out of the squad for the Seagulls' last game and TEAMtalk claim he has not fitted in at the club after his decision not to move down to Sussex. Described as a hard-working midfield playmaker, Peake is currently living in Leicester and Albion circulated his name to clubs that they believe may be interested. They are reported to want their money back for the talented midfielder, who can also fill in at left-back.
McFarland said: "He won't be involved in any matches initially. I want to see how he shapes in training, but he could be the kind of player we are looking for. There was some nice play from Jason Rees at times at Chester, but we never really managed to get a grip in midfield. We couldn't keep the ball long enough, and that put us under the second half pressure which produced their equaliser. Michael Kyd scored a great goal, and I was pleased with the overall performance of our back five, plus the goalkeeper, but we were kept on the back foot far too much. The quality of the balls up to the front pair wasn't good enough."
McFarland indicated that there will be changes to the team for Wednesday's Coca-Cola Cup tie at first division West Bromwich Albion. Davey Williamson could feature again in midfield, where he deputised for David Preece in the first leg, and weekend substitutes Matt Joseph (unused) and John Taylor could also step up from the bench.
"I think we'll need some fresh legs for that one," said the boss. "It's going to be a difficult game, but I was encouraged by the way we handled them in the first match."
| Saturday 23rd August 1997 : United earn a point at Chester |
| Chester City | 1-1 | Cambridge United |
| Bennett 68' | Kyd 7' | |
| Att: 2,167 |
Neither side really deserved to win this scrappy match but United will probably be happier with their point than Chester City, who have not beaten United since the 1970-71 season. Roy McFarland named an unchanged team for today's match and the only change to the fourteen on duty was the welcome return of Matt Joseph, who replaced Jamie Murphy on the bench.
United got off to the perfect start at the Deva Stadium against their fancied rivals when Michael Kyd notched his third goal in four games. With just seven minutes on the clock he turned Julian Alsford before firing home past Ronnie Sinclair. Chester's Flitcroft came close to levelling the score but his 25-yard shot was just wide and the home side were booed off the pitch after a poor first half performance.
Kevin Ratcliffe had obviously roasted his men at half-time and the second half was more of a contest as the home side pressed United back into their own half, leaving the front two isolated. Chester substitute Rod McDonald set up the equaliser with an excellent cross for the veteran Gary Bennett to head home in the 68th minute. Both sides could then have gone to win the match - with fifteen minutes left Sub John Taylor made a good run and cross for Ben Chenery. The right-back forced an excellent block from Sinclair who recovered to collect the ball ahead of three on-rushing United players, then a few minutes later McDonald's curling shot hit the bar. However a draw was probably a fair result for a match that neither side really deserved to win.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless (Taylor 71), Rees, Kyd, Butler, Preece.
Subs not used: Williamson, Matthew Joseph.
| Friday 22nd August 1997 : Barrett and Thompson close to recalls ... veterans speak |
Defenders Dave Thompson and Matt Joseph are both close to full fitness and a first team recall, but Roy McFarland will not be changing a winning team for what he calls "a real test" at Chester tomorrow: "Chester got to the play-offs last season and it was largely due to their home form," he told the C.E.N..
"They've added a couple of players which should strengthen them, so we've got to make sure we maintain the form of our last couple of games. More than that we've got to start picking up away points. It's no good playing well and coming away with nothing, like we did at Scarborough. That's what was happening to us last season. We need that extra bit of toughness in our game. Not that we'll approach the match like Rotherham did at the Abbey last Saturday. We'll be going to Chester to play our usual way, looking to win."
After a gruelling coach trip on the day of the match at Scarborough, United made one important change to the travelling arrangements for tomorrow's match by travelling today to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic.
Cambridge United squad: Barrett, Chenery, Foster, Marc Joseph, Campbell, Wilson, Preece, Wanless, Rees, Butler, Kyd, Taylor, Williamson, Matt Joseph, Murphy, Thompson.
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| John Taylor |
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Taylor explained, "The other two lads have been playing well since the friendlies, so you don't expect a change when that's happening. And considering these hot conditions, I'm probably more effective going on a bit later as sub. Defenders are getting tired and sending on an extra forward shakes things up a bit. I've felt good in all three games and I've managed to get into them quickly. I'm not saying I'd be happy to spend the season on the bench, but I'm not going to rock the boat when the side is going well. This is a squad game now, and you know you are going to get your chances because all players lose form at some stage, and there are going to be injuries."
Roy McFarland joked: "I tell John after every game I'm going to start him next time, but at the moment he is a bit of a secret weapon for us. I have been a bit wary of putting him in the starting line-up because I remember how the heat affected him at Barnet last season."
The manager also stressed the vital part played by Taylor off the field and he believes the Abbey hero could have a future in the sport after he hangs up his boots: "John's great to have in the changing room." he said. "He's always willing to help the young players. He's a good communicator, really understands the game, and I believe he should think seriously about taking his coaching badge."
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| Colin Foster |
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"The move to Hong Kong fell through for reasons I can't go into at the moment," he said, "but the conditions were unbearable. Somehow I did a fortnight's training, but I don't know how I would have got on in matches. It may be hot here now by our standards, but it doesn't begin to compare with what it's like out there. The temperature went into the 100s and humidity was 80 per cent. The training was weird as well. One day we had to get to the top of this mountain. It was too steep to run up and it took me 40 minutes, often with my hands on my knees."
But the 32-year-old admits to losing half a stone in the sauna conditions and says he is feeling fitter than he has for years: "When I played on loan for Cambridge at the end of last season I was struggling a bit for fitness," he admitted. "I'd been out for six months due to injury, and it's hard coming back at that stage of a season. It was a sudden call-up this time. I arrived home from Hong Kong on Sunday, and was playing at Scarborough the next Saturday. That was my first game since Rochdale at the end of April, but I felt OK. And I was able to play a few days later against West Brom."
Foster lives in London and rather than driving in for training every day, Roy McFarland allows the veteran defender to do his own fitness training, Foster explained, "I wouldn't gain much by going to the Abbey Stadium every day in these conditions. Any advantage I might get from the training would probably be lost because of the tiring drive."
The former West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Watford stopper is currently on a short-term contract with United, but he has not ruled out a more permanent arrangement, commenting, "If it worked out I wouldn't mind staying. It's a good side to play in. There have been quite a few changes, but I think the way we've started off shows how the manager has sorted things out. In the two League games and the cup tie the goals have been from isolated attacks, we haven't been in too much trouble at the back."
On the contrary, Foster has caused the odd panic in the opposing defences with his occasional forays forward. He hit the crossbar at Scarborough and almost created something with a charge against Rotherham. "I think it's called a rush of blood," he said. "I believe I'm going to score a really extraordinary goal one day, beating three or four players and working a one-two in the box. Throughout my career I've got a goal about every eight games, so I'm probably due one now for Cambridge. I just hope it's in the right net."
Tomorrow would be a good time to get off the mark, Colin!
| Wednesday 20th August 1997 : Butler fee settled, and young duo sign new deals |
The club received a triple boost yesterday when a fee was decided with Walsall for striker Martin Butler, avoiding a transfer tribunal, and two young stars signed new extended contracts.
A transfer tribunal due for tomorrow would have set the price for 22-year-old Butler, who signed a two-year deal with United earlier this month, but the clubs have agreed a fee which could rise to £22,500. This is the first fee paid by United for a player since Cambridge City's Colin Vowden joined United over two years ago.
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| Michael Kyd |
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"It's good news for the players and the club," said United manager Roy McFarland. "It provides a time frame in which they can develop, while protecting the club's position. They both have the potential to become very good players if they continue to work at their game as I'm sure they will. And I have assured them that if and when there is interest from bigger clubs they will be fully informed. Putting them on longer contracts doesn't mean tying them down.
"The real incentive for them now is to work to stay in the first team, in the face of what should be growing competition. I said last season I thought Michael Kyd was the best finisher in our squad. Marc didn't catch the eye so much when I first came to the club last November, but he made good progress in the reserves and deserved his selection at the start of this season."
| Tuesday 19th August 1997 : Walsall still keen to avoid tribunal |
Second Division Walsall are still hopeful of avoiding Thursday's transfer tribunal to decide a fee for Martin Butler. The out-of-contract striker signed for United just before the new season kicked-off and the clubs have so far failed to agree a fee. However, the Saddlers' general manager Paul Taylor said today, "There is still a chance we can settle this before then. We're not very far off and we'll see what develops."
| Monday 18th August 1997 : Shaggy eyes promotion - United miss out on midfield target |
In today's Daily Mail John Taylor states his belief that United can overcome the loss of star youngsters Jody Craddock and Micah Hyde and gain promotion this season. The 32-year-old, who hit the winner in the 2-1 home win over Rotherham, said, "The squad has more experience this season with the likes of Colin Foster, Jason Rees, David Preece and myself."
Manager Roy McFarland told the C.E.N.: "Our quality was poor at times in the face of that kind of defensive set-up, but we improved and certainly got the win we deserved. Rotherham came to frustrate and just try to snatch something. It was important to get the victory after playing well without a win in our first two games."
He also revealed that Yugoslavian goalkeeper Sasa Ilic joined the club on trial today, after he received reports that the player has the potential to be a top keeper. He said, "He's had a spell at Aston Villa, but they can't fit him onto their squad so we are going to take a look at him. His family moved to Australia, so that could help with any problem about his eligibility."
He also confirmed that contract negotiations are on-going with Player of the Year Matt Joseph. The club have made a fresh offer to the out-of-contract defender and McFarland commented, "The ball is in Matt's court now. He let us know what kind of terms he was after and we have responded. Matt is back in the first team squad after his groin injury, but I didn't think he was quite ready to bring into the 14 for the Rotherham game on Saturday."
Walsall defender Chris Marsh is still training with United after turning down a move to F.A. Cup semi-finalists Chesterfield during the summer, but McFarland warns that he is still a couple of weeks away from first team football after missing most of the pre-season training with an injury. His former Walsall colleague Martin Butler has already signed a permanent deal at the Abbey Stadium but we have missed out on another target. McFarland was keen to sign Rochdale's Alex Russell: "the kind of strong young midfielder I feel we need," the manager explained. "But Rochdale reacted to our interest by offering him an improved new contract, so that's put the block on it."
The youth team got off to a good start at their new Simoco home with a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday. The visitors took the lead after 20 minutes, when a free kick was deflected into the United goal by a home defender, but the highly-regarded Tom Youngs got the equaliser for United five minutes later.
Youth team manager David Batch commented, "We drew with the champions Norwich last week and with Arsenal today, and on the strength of our performances we could have won both games. But I am not complaining about the results, because the performances have been so good. In the first half today we played well enough to score four or five. In the second half they changed their system and did dominate the possession, but they really didn't reate much and, if anything, we had the better chances."
David was also pleased with the prospect of a permanent home at the former Pye ground: "There was a good atmosphere and quite a few people were coming along to watch for the first time. I would like to think they will come back because they saw some good football out there."
| Saturday 16th August 1997 : |
| Cambridge United | 2-1 | Rotherham United |
| Kyd 46' | Bos 51' | |
| Taylor 82' | ||
| Att: 2,725 |
The only change to the side after Tuesday's impressive performance against WBA was the return to the starting line-up of player-coach David Preece, and his deputy Davey Williamson reverted to the bench. Rotherham's aim was clear from the kick-off - they defended in numbers and probably surprised themselves when they scored! United stuck admirably at the task and deserved the three points after a throroughly frustrating afternoon.
The game kicked off in unrelenting heat and the first half was a largely unexciting affair, with Rotherham packing their defence and obviously content to defend. Two goals in the first five minutes of the second half came somewhat out of the blue. First, new signing Martin Butler flicked the ball into Michael Kyd's path and the youngster made no mistake with the precious opportunity. But then from Rotherham's first shot on target their giant Dutchman Gijsbert Bos equalised just five minutes later.
The visitors sat back to defend again and the game threatened to wind down to a draw, with United unable to pierce the massed defence despite constant pressure and effort. Ten minutes from time a goalmouth scramble led to a shot from United defender Jamie Campbell but the ball was cleared off the line. However, just two minutes later the quick reactions of substitute John Taylor secured the winner. Taylor met Jason Rees's corner with a firm header that was palmed onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Bobby Mimms, but Shaggy was on hand to nod home the rebound.
Rotherham finally made some attempt at salvaging the points and broke out of defence, but Scott Barrett secured the points for United when he saved David Bass' last minute effort.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless (Taylor 68), Rees, Kyd, Butler, Preece (Williamson 73).
Sub not used: Murphy.
| Friday 15th August 1997 : Matt's back |
Player of the Year Matt Joseph has been added to the squad to face Rotherham United. He has recovered from the groin injury that forced him to miss most of the pre-season action, although he will probably start his comeback from the bench. Teenager Ben Chenery, who joined on a free transfer from Luton in the summer, has been impressive in Joseph's usual right-back slot. Roy McFarland has no injury worries after Tuesday's Coca-Cola Cup match against West Brom and he has the option to bring back player-coach David Preece after resting him on Tuesday.
He said about Rotherham: "We don't know a great deal about them but they're looking to kick-start their season, just like we are."
United's youth team finally have a permanent home after years of using college grounds and Coldham's Common. They will play their home games at Simoco site of the old Philips and Pye grounds.
| Wednesday 13th August 1997 : Roy's reaction |
Roy McFarland told the C.E.N. that after last night's superb showing against Division One side WBA he will have to bring the players down to earth in time for Saturday's league game. Rotherham are the visitors to the Abbey Stadium for the first home league game of the season.
"We have to put the Coca Cola Cup out of our minds for a fortnight," he said. "I think we deserved to win the game, and we are in with a chance going up there for the second leg at 1-1. But the League is the priority and we have to make sure now we concentrate on nothing but Rotherham coming here on Saturday."
Baggies boss Ray Harford admitted his side were given a stern test by United and commented, "They put us under pressure and they are hard to handle in any standard."
| Tuesday 12th August 1997 : Fight-back against WBA ... Walsall want to agree Butler fee |
| Cambridge United | 1-1 | West Bromwich Albion |
| Kyd 57' | Peschisolido 5' | |
| Att: 3,520 |
United fought back well after conceding an early goal, and could even have won the game in the dying moments if not for a disallowed goal and the heroics of Albion goalkeeper Alan Miller.
Canadian Paul Peschisolido put aside his contractual wrangles to fire WBA into an early lead. He seized upon the unlucky Paul Wanless' misplaced pass and beat two players before firing past Scott Barrett with only five minutes on the clock.
However, after a poor opening 20 minutes in which it was clear who were the higher division team, United improved greatly to produce a determined display. The 1,200 travelling supporters watched in near silent dismay as their team were out-passed, out-run - out-played. With Jason Rees spraying the ball around from midfield United had plenty of opportunities to win comfortably but it was the always lively Michael Kyd who equalised after 57 minutes, slotting home at the near post from close range.
John Taylor came on for Davey Williamson to add an extra threat up front and had the ball in the net with around fifteen minutes to go, but the goal was disallowed for pushing or handball. In the closing stages the excellent Miller kept the scores level with numerous vital saves, one from a Kyd header, and then Kyd's late replacement Trevor Benjamin also caused problems for the First Division side before referee Mr Frankland blew for full-time.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Rees, Kyd (Benjamin 83), Butler, Williamson (Taylor 53).
Sub Not Used: Murphy.
Booked: Foster.
Roy McFarland wants his team to "make it uncomfortable" for First Division West Bromwich Albion in tonight's Coca-Cola Cup clash at the Abbey Stadium: "One of our aims this season is to make the Abbey a bit of a fortress," said the Cambridge United manager. "This would be a good time to start. West Brom are a big club who have spent a lot of money on their team, but they won't relish coming to our place. It's a two-leg tie so we've got to go for it and try to get a lead to take to the Hawthorns. Despite losing at Scarborough on Saturday it was a very positive performance, and we have to carry that on tonight."
McFarland has already indicated that he may rest some of the older players for tonight's match, but Ray Harford is expected to name an unchanged WBA side after they opened their Division One campaign on Saturday with a 2-1 win against Tranmere Rovers.
Second Division Walsall will try to agree a fee with United for striker Martin Butler, who become a U last week and made his debut on Saturday in the defeat at Scarborough. The 22-year-old rejected a new deal at the Bescot Stadium to sign for United, and according to Teletext they will talk to United this week in an attempt to agree a fee for Butler, who they value at around £50,000.
| Monday 11th August 1997 : McFarland's concerns for Cup match |
United face West Bromwich Albion tomorrow night in the Coca-Cola Cup, and Roy McFarland has hinted that he will have to make changes to the team-line-up. The C.E.N. reports his belief that some of his older players will need a rest after Saturday's gruelling trip to Scarborough.
Not only did the team have to travel to the Yorkshire coast on the day of the game and then play in the intense heat, but the journey took six hours because of holiday traffic. Plans for a pre-match meal had to be abandoned in favour of tea and toast at a roadside cafe, far from the ideal preparation for a match!
34-year-old player-coach David Preece, who had a good game in the middle on Saturday, has already commented that he thinks two games a week are beyond him these days. Veteran defender Colin Foster missed most of last season at Watford with a back injury before a successful loan spell at the Abbey, and he is probably another who McFarland will be thinking about. However, bearing in mind tomorrow night's First Division opposition, he will also have to take in account the experience and sheer quality these players bring to the side.
| Saturday 9th August 1997 : Season starts with disappointment |
| Scarborough | 1-0 | Cambridge United |
| Williams 71' | ||
| Att: 2,225 |
The new season got off to a disappointing start with this defeat at Scarborough, the game settled by Gareth Williams' 71st minute goal. After a nervous start United had enough chances to have won the game but they were wasted and 'Boro clinched the game with a break-away goal.
Michael Kyd and new signing Martin Butler looked promising up front and United's best chance of the first half came from a corner when Butler headed just wide. After the break United had the best of the action and the pace of Michael Kyd proved to be a constant menace to Scarborough, while young central defender Marc Joseph had a good game alongside influential veteran Colin Foster. Kyd made one good break only to be denied by the offside flag, and he also fired wide from another chance as the Scarborough defence looked increasingly unsettled. The were a number of scrambles in the 'Boro goalmouth and Jason Rees sent one rebound back into the area only for Colin Foster's shot to hit the crossbar.
Then against the run of play a hopeful ball upfield was crossed into the box by 'Boro, Scott Barrett stayed on his line and the ball was met by Williams' diving header for the only goal of the match. Even then United continued to exert pressure and in injury time substitute John Taylor forced his way through the defence and fired from an acute angle. His shot looked goalbound but bounced off the inside of the post back to the goalkeeper.
So, a disappointing start but Roy McFarland was giving competitive debuts to the promising Ben Chenery, Jamie Campbell, Jason Rees and Martin Butler. In addition, Davey Williamson came on as a second half sub to make his U's debut after being restricted to non-playing substitute appearances last season, and the new faces will take time to gel. On the bright side, towering central defender Colin Foster made an excellent return to the side after his successful loan spell at the end of last season, and hopefully he will prove his fitness and quality to Roy McFarland during his week-to-week spell. Marc Joseph looks ready to stake his claim for a first team spot, and Butler and Kyd will be an enthusiastic handful for most defences.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Rees (Williamson 74), Kyd (Taylor 74), Butler, Preece.
Sub Not Used: Murphy.
| Friday 8th August 1997 : Butler signs ... Barrett agrees new deal ... Matty to stay? |
Walsall striker Martin Butler has signed for the U's, after First Division Wolverhampton Wanderers nearly hi-jacked the transfer. The fee for the 22-year-old will be settled by a tribunal, making him the first player United have actually paid for since the £6,000 paid to Cambridge City for Colin Vowden in 1995! Butler was highly-regarded by the fans at the Bescot Stadium but struggled to break into the first team, and when he did get a chance he was rarely used in his favoured position as striker.
In addition, Scott Barrett has finally signed a new two year deal to stay at the club, after he seemed set to join Leyton Orient in the summer, and Player of the Year Matt Joseph has requested talks with Roy McFarland about a new contract. Former Barnet defender Jamie Campbell, has signed a three month contract.
Finally Colin Foster, who enjoyed a successful two month loan spell with United at the end of last season, is back at the Abbey on a match-to-match basis to allow McFarland to have another look at him. The 6'4" central defender was popular among the United supporters who felt he was a class above the Third Division, and he is available on a free transfer after being released by Watford this summer.
| Tuesday 5th August 1997 : The Abbey Stadium is the best - official! ... Lucky draw at neighbours |
| Cambridge City | 1-1 | Cambridge United |
| Marshall (o.g.) 2 | McCumber? 89' | |
| Att: tba |
Reserves and youth team players represented United tonight in this local derby. The game got off to an appalling start when goalkeeper Shaun Marshall sliced a clearance into his own net in the first minute. The game failed to improve from that point and City could have added to the score several times by the interval. Roy McFarland used the first half as a fitness test for Paul Wanless after the combative midfielder missed the last two weeks through injury and only resumed training last Thursday. The plus point from the game is that Wanless passed the test and should be in the squad for Saturday's opening league game at Scarborough.
At the start of the second half the referee was stretchered off, and as there was no linesman available a spectator took over! A lot of the youth team featured in the second half and we equalised in the dying moments once again through a trialist, thought to be Mark McCumber. Out-of-contract Player of the Year Matt Joseph played the whole game after being restricted to a brief appearance against Bury Town earlier in the pre-season schedule.
In a survey carried out by Total Football magazine, the home of Cambridge United has beaten a host of Premiership clubs to an award for the best ground in England! The Abbey Stadium beat Blackburn's state-of-the-art home Ewood Park by one point in a survey carried out by Total Football magazine.
A spokesman for the magazine said: "There's no one thing that makes Abbey Stadium so good - it's good for little things. It has good atmosphere, great concessions and bacon rolls that are out of this world."
Rochdale, Crewe and Scarborough finished third, fourth and fifth respectively in the poll and Grimsby were last in 92nd spot.
| Monday 4th August 1997 : New faces ... Stevenage blow |
Welshman Jason Rees has signed a two year contract with Cambridge United, joining on a free transfer from First Division club Portsmouth. He impressed manager Roy McFarland during a trial spell at the end of last season and he joined United for pre-season training and has featured in most of the friendly games. 27-year-old Rees earned a full cap for Wales in 1993 and was a team-mate of United player-coach David Preece at Luton before he joined Pompey three seasons ago.
Defender Jamie Campbell, available on a free transfer from Barnet, has signed a three month deal which will allow McFarland to take an extended look at him after he featured in most of the pre-season action. Out-of-contract goalkeeper Scott Barrett has told fans he is due for more talks with McFarland tomorrow.
Stevenage Borough record signing Paul Thompson, who was stretchered off during Saturday's friendly, was taken to hospital with an injury later diagnosed as an broken ankle that will keep him out for six months.
Finally, manager Roy McFarland was invited back to Derby for the opening of their impressive new Pride Park stadium. Along with other ex-Derby stars he was involved in the celebrations before the game, which was won by visitors Sampdoria, and revealed on Sky Sports Centre that he had always backed the decision to relocate from the Baseball Ground.
| Saturday 2nd August 1997 : Tough test at Boro ... Mac hopes to land duo |
| Stevenage Borough | 2-2 | Cambridge United |
| Thompson 22' | Kyd 27' | |
| Smith 70' | Williamson 87' | |
| Att: 1,328 |
Stevenage Borough provided United with a tough workout this afternoon, but the match was overshadowed by a nasty injury to 'Boro's record signing, defender Paul Thompson.
The game started brightly with the U's just about on top of proceedings, but we fell behind to a goal from Thompson, his header finishing a flowing move on 22 minutes. Michael Kyd and Martin Butler again looked dangerous up front and it was the lively Kyd who levelled the score five minutes later, holding off a defender to convert David Preece's pass. But on 38 minutes a shadow fell over the game and Broadhall Way fell silent as Thompson seemed to make an awkward tackle and suffered a suspected dislocated ankle. The game took time to get going again after that incident with half-time coming as a relief.
After the break 'Boro had the best of the midfield and United had Scott Barrett to thank for some vital saves. After an hour Roy McFarland made the first of seven substitutions as he continued to look at his first team squad: Williamson, Taylor and Barnwell replacing Wanless, Kyd and Butler. We fell behind again to a Mark Smith header after 70 minutes but equalised after another late, late goal. With three minutes remaining it was substitute Davey Williamson who slid home a well taken equaliser after good work down the left from another sub, Jamie Barnwell. United looked less than convincing this afternoon as the Conference side gave us a real test, and the manager will be hoping for funds to secure some of the better trialists before the season starts next week.
Cambridge Utd: Barrett, Chenery (Wilde), Wilson, Marc Joseph, Murphy (Ashbee 73), Campbell (Preece 90, instead of a booking), Wanless (Williamson 60), Rees (Beall 78), Kyd (Taylor 60), Butler (Barnwell 60), Preece (Hayes 78).
Jody Craddock made his Sunderland debut as a second half substitute in their friendly at Carlisle United, the game ending 0-0.
Roy McFarland hopes the sale of Jody Craddock to Sunderland will provide enough funds to sign the Walsall duo Chris Marsh and Martin Butler after they have impressed in pre-season training and matches. The manager is in negotiations with Walsall and both players, and Marsh could join on a free transfer if United can meet his terms, but Butler would probably command a fee.
Marsh played 45 minutes of the 3-0 win at Wisbech last night, but he is unlikely to start against Stevenage with the manager describing him as "nowhere near match fit at the moment." McFarland predicts "a more realistic test" for his side after the two recent games against higher league opposition: "This is much more like what we will be getting a week on Saturday and that is why we have taken the game on," he said. "The games against Luton and Norwich were a chance to test ourselves against good sides, and we emerged with a lot of credit. But players can raise their game against higher opposition, so Saturday's match will be important against a side very similar to what you would expect in the third division. Stevenage are one of the top Conference sides."
| Friday 1st August 1997 : Pre-season work-out at Wisbech ... more new faces set to sign |
| Wisbech Town | 0-3 | Cambridge United |
| Moore (or o.g.) | ||
| McCumber 2 | ||
| Att: 205 |
A mixture of trialists, reserves and first team players made the short trip to Wisbech last night for the latest pre-season friendly game. The goals came from trialist Neil Moore, whose shot was deflected in half-way through the first half, and two very late goals from second-half substitute Mark McCumber, another trialist.