United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Ashbee, Foster (Marc Joseph 86'), Campbell, Rees (Rodosthenous 70'), Kyd, Taylor (Benjamin 72'), Barnwell, Beall.
Booked: Barnwell (foul 8'), Ashbee (foul 88').
Ref: P Rejer (Tipton).

Roy McFarland was forced into making two changes - Jason Rees and Jamie Barnwell recalled for the suspended Paul Wanless and Martin Butler - but the hosts were heavily hit by injuries and the U's really should have capitalised in the first half. Jamie Barnwell looked lively and dangerous up front and put United ahead as early as the 6th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after a defensive mix-up and tapping in with his right foot. United could and should have gone further ahead when in the 13th minute Michael Kyd had a shot cleared off the goal line, and three minutes later John Taylor fluffed a chance to set Barnwell free when his pass went straight to a defender.

There were other opportunities in an opening half an hour in which United were easily on top, but instead of building on the lead we conceded a lot of possession to Colchester and allowed them back into the game. It was perhaps inevitable that the woeful home side would punish the U's and it was former United midfielder Richard Wilkins who equalised. He collected a bouncing ball and lifted the ball over the defence and under the crossbar with the last kick of the half.

It got worse after the break as Wilkins scored again in the 48th minute to stun the previously dominant United. His shot from ten yards hit the inside of the left-hand post and flew across the goal into the right-hand corner, leaving the Cambridge defence to hold an inquest.

Roy McFarland sent on fresh legs half-way through the second period, Trevor Benjamin replacing John Taylor, and ex-West Brom midfielder Michael Rodosthenous making his third appearance when he came on for Jason Rees. There were strong appeals for a penalty in the 61st minute when Taylor was pushed in the box and the 800 travelling supporters behind that goal howled for the decision, but the appeals were waved away.

Colchester extended their lead on 67 minutes when Alan Skelton tried his luck from fully 30 yards. Scott Barrett looked to have the shot covered but only succeeded in palming it into the net for one of his former clubs. United struck back within two minutes when Ben Chenery's right wing cross went in off Barnwell's knee, but failed to break down the weak home side and needlessly gave away the three points which had been there for the taking.

United remain 15th in the table but wasted the opportunity to climb to 13th on 34 points, which is where Colchester now sit.

Before tonight's East Anglian derby at Colchester Roy McFarland was mulling over his choices of replacements for the suspended Paul Wanless and Martin Butler. Jason Rees was the favourite to replace Wanless in midfield, but the manager has options up front to replace top scorer Martin Butler

He told today's Cambridge Evening News: "I could do a straight swap by bringing in Trevor Benjamin, or I could use either David Williamson or Michael Rodothesnous behind the front two. I also have to consider whether John Taylor has the legs to be in the starting line up again, after some hard games lately.

"This isn't going to be any easier. Colchester are having a patchy time, but it's a bit of a derby match and they have a pretty good home record. We started the second half of the season well by beating Orient, and we have to start picking up more points away."

In their last game, Colchester were 3-0 up and cruising against Brighton on Boxing Day, but eventually earned a a 4-4 draw. As well as a long injury list they have also lost the services of teenager Isiah Rankin who scored twice in that game but has now been recalled from his loan spell by Arsenal. He will probably be replaced by former United striker Mark Sale who will pose giant centre-back Colin Foster a real aerial threat.

Wanless - suspended

United will be without two regulars for tomorrow evening's trip to Colchester. Friday's scorer Paul Wanless and striker Martin Butler are suspended for that game and the following two, the result of their being sent off at Stevenage in the eventful FA Cup replay a fortnight ago.

United lodged an appeal against Wanless' hotly disputed red card, but it was dismissed by the Football Association.

Roy McFarland is philosophical about losing two of his leading scorers, telling the Cambridge Evening News: "It's a blow, but we've just got to get on with it.

"Several players in the squad have been pushing for first team places and now some will get their chance. We've started the second half of the season with a good win over Orient, who were a form team, and we've got to follow it up. I reminded the players that the last time we beat Orient in September we went 14 matches without a win. Now we need a run without a defeat to get up to the play-off places."

He declared himself pleased with the second half display, but admitted to being disappointed by the opening 45 minutes: "It was a nothing game in the first half, but once we got in front we could have, and should have, won by more. Martin Butler was strong for us, Billy Beall sharp in the second half, Michael Kyd getting back to form, and Paul Wanless was brave again for the goal. We had more than 1,000 extra United fans in for this game, and we want to play well enough to keep them with us. That will make a difference for the team and the club."

After the match on Friday McFarland spoke about the lively Kyd who got into a number of good positions before wasting the chances. In the 78th minute he could have put the result beyond doubt when set up by a tackle and run from midfield dynamo Beall and a pinpoint pass from John Taylor, but the young striker sliced the ball wide. Soon afterwards he made a good run into the box but then failed to spot the unmarked Taylor and instead blazed over the bar from a tight angle.

"Michael showed a lot of enthusiasm," said McFarland, "but I was talking to him in training this week about the importance of looking up when you get in the box."

Meanwhile it was another unhappy return to the Abbey Stadium for former manager Tommy Taylor, and it was perhaps ironic that one of the United players he has tried to buy for Leyton Orient should score United's goal. In his opinion Orient "did enough to deserve a point".

Finally, our unloveable neighbours in the north have endured an unhappy Christmas with two defeats that have seen Notts County open up a seven point gap at the top of the table. Today they slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat at home to lowly Brighton and ironically the visitors' second goal was volleyed home by substitute and United target Robbie Reinelt.

The Brighton forward has completed the two match suspension that was apparently delaying a proposed swap deal taking Jamie Barnwell to Albion in exchange. Developments could be expected this week, especially in view of the loss of Wanless and Butler for three games.

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Ashbee, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Kyd, Taylor, Butler, Beall.
Subs not used: Benjamin, Marc Joseph, Rees.
Ref: K A Leach (Wolverhampton).

The teams cancelled eachother out during an unexciting first period, passing the ball around to little effect. Then Orient reverted to the long ball game Tommy Taylor has persisted with since joining them just over a year ago, and any aerial threat was easily snuffed out by United's central defenders. Colin Simpson was denied by Barrett early on and later sent a shot high and almost out of the ground. Meanwhile the recalled Michael Kyd kept the O's defence on their toes with his pace and movement, and Martin Butler skied a shot high over the O's bar. Shortly after Simpson wasted a chance in front of United's goal, Kyd made a promising weaving run but was denied by a timely challenge from Channing. In the final minutes of the half the impressive Ian Ashbee made a vital interception to deny Orient a clear shot at goal.

The game exploded after half-time when United started brightly and went ahead within two minutes of the restart. Paul Wilson took the first corner kick of the game and Paul Wanless outjumped the massed O's defence to power a brave header inside the near post, his fifth goal of the season.

The Orient players began to lose their composure and Warren and Joseph were booked for fouls, while United enjoyed plenty of good possession but were unable to round off the sometimes excellent approach play. However Jamie Campbell was a rock at the heart of the defence and 'Billy' Beall once again ran his socks off in midfield. Kyd went on another run, shaking off three or four Orient players before shooting wide, and Beall had a firm shot deflected for a corner.

Orient then took off a defender to throw striker Carl Griffiths into the fray, and Kyd nearly capitalised minutes later but his shot was well saved by Hyde. At the other end Griffiths set up a rare chance for Simpson whose header was saved by Barrett.

Then with about ten minutes left the tempers boiled over. Justin Channing got into a spot of pushing and shoving with two United players and a brawl developed, with verbal exchanges still going on even when the match restarted. Shortly afterwards Michael Kyd was brought down when apparently clear on goal, but the already-booked Roger Joseph was very fortunate to escape a second booking, a lenient decision which intensified an already niggly atmosphere.

In the dying moments Inglethorpe went close for the O's while Kyd missed badly from close range, but United clinched their third consecutive home win in front of the Abbey's biggest League crowd of the season.

TEAMtalk report today that the proposed swap deal involving Jamie Barnwell-Edinboro should go ahead in the very near future. The deal would see Barnwell joining Brighton & Hove Albion in exchange for their forward Robbie Reinelt, with both players valued at £15,000.

Reinelt will complete a two match suspension on Boxing Day and TEAMtalk say both clubs are keen on the deal, while the players only need to sort out personal terms.

Danny Granville

Cambridge United today announced a £107,300 loss for the year to 31st May 1997.

Again the club relied on transfer income to bridge the gap between revenue and costs, and the main part of the income came from the March transfer of defender Danny Granville to Chelsea.

The club claim many positive aspects to the report with gate income rising by £87,853; commercial income showing signs of recovery and the club's overdraft position improving substantially.

In his annual report, Chairman Reg Smart made reference to the Bosman ruling, which will certainly affect the club in the future. The first United player to take advantage of the ruling will probably be Matt Joseph, who is currently out of contract and will be entitled to join any other club on a free transfer after next June, when the ruling is due to take effect. Smart also commented, "In the face of rampant wage inflation across the industry, we were pleased to maintain some sort of control."

With the transfers of Jody Craddock (Sunderland) and Micah Hyde (Watford) being done in summer 1997, the immediate future of the club is assured. The report revealed that £612,970 was generated in transfer income between June and August 1997.

Manager Roy McFarland used today's Cambridge Evening News to apologise to the fans for the team's poor performance at Swansea.

He said, "It wasn't good enough, we accept that. The players appreciate supporters making long trips like this, and we didn't give them very much to cheer. It doesn't matter how many fans there are. Thirty or so going all that way the Saturday before Christmas is support that means a lot to us."

McFarland admitted that all three points were there for the taking when Swansea had Richard Appleby sent off in first half injury time, but his team only managed an equaliser from the penalty spot.

"Swansea made it difficult by pulling more men back into defence, but we had a lot of possession and didn't make much of it," he acknowledged. "There was no sharpness in our attacking play, and I think it was a case of the last few weeks catching up with too many players. We've had two games a week for three weeks in a row, and having to play with nine men for so long at Stevenage on the Monday was exhausting. We looked heavy-legged, lacking in ideas when we got the ball, and gave it away too easily."

He said he had considered changes before Saturday's game after the recent schedule but decided to send out an unchanged team for the second time in succession. "I thought about bringing in a couple of fresh faces for the match, but decided to stick with a line-up which had done pretty well previously. But we couldn't produce it again."

In addition to Appleby's sending off - his third in a month - the Swans had six other players booked, but new manager Alan Cork denied that there is a disciplinary problem at the club, instead choosing to blame the referee. "I told my players to get stuck in, but they were getting yellow cards mainly for mistimed tackles. This kind of refereeing ruins a match."

The Swansea manager added unconvincingly: "Richie Appleby never committed a bad foul. He's just been naive and silly. He is certainly not a dirty player."

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery (Rees 69'), Wilson, Ashbee, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Benjamin (Kyd 55'), Taylor, Butler, Beall (Marc Joseph 85').
Booked: Beall (foul 44')
Ref: A R Hall (Birmingham).

Swansea striker Richard Appleby was returning after back-to-back suspensions but he was booked early in the game for encroaching at a free kick. Then in first-half stoppage time he caught Paul Wanless with a neck-high tackle and had turned towards the dugout before Mr Hall had time to issue yellow and red cards. But in what was never really a dirty game the youngest referee in the League saw fit to book six other Swans players and United midfielder Billy Beall.

In the 59th minute Paul Wanless was brought down in the box by Swans skipper Keith Walker and the referee finally awarded a penalty, which Paul Wilson stepped up to convert for his fourth goal of the season. The U's then had chances to go on and win the game but Roger Freestone was alert and twice denied Martin Butler after the United striker had an earlier effort cleared off the line. This draw leaves United looking for their first away win since the victory at Leyton Orient on the 5th September.

Ironically Orient are our next opponents when they visit the Abbey on Boxing Day (12pm k.o.)

Roy McFarland can chose from an injury-free squad for tomorrow's game at Swansea and the 17-man party have departed today. They have the luxury of an overnight stay ahead of the game, which the manager hopes will help to put Monday's FA Cup defeat at Steveange behind them.

On the large travelling squad McFarland commented, "We need a lot of players because at this time of year it's important to adopt a squad system."

The League game against leaders Lincoln City has been moved to Friday 13th February and will be broadcast live by Sky TV. This will be the second time Sky's cameras have visited the Abbey - the first time being the 1-3 defeat by promoted Carlisle in February - and is only possible because of the large parking area available for their massive trucks.

The reserves exacted some small measure of revenge over Stevenage Borough when they beat their reserves yesterday. Goals from Michael Rodosthenous and Dave Thompson secured a 2-1 win at the Abbey.

United have taken 19-year-old Everton striker Mark Quayle on trial. The youngster recently spent a month on trial with first division Swindon Town where he scored goals for their reserve side.

Roy McFarland has told the Cambridge Evening News that the club is compiling a dossier of complaints about Tuesday's FA Cup replay at Stevenage to send to the Football Association. Two United players were dismissed in the first half after some inconsistent and bizarre refereeing by Brian Coddington and the United boss is determined that the matter should not just be brushed aside.

"We are out of the Cup and there's nothing we can do about that," he admitted, "but there are a number of concerns about the refereeing and stewarding of the match which the FA should be fully informed about. The whole experience left a bitter taste in the mouth."

The United manager has also confirmed that United have renewed their interest in Brighton's Robbie Reinelt and a swap deal involving Jamie Barnwell is under consideration.

"There could be a deal, but it's in the early stages," said McFarland. "Brighton have asked about Jamie, and I'd like to get Reinelt here to have a look at him during a loan spell. But I don't think anything will happen immediately because Reinelt is starting a two-match suspension."

The manager apparently watched Brighton play at Mansfield on Saturday and added that he was also checking out a Mansfield midfielder and defender. McFarland was impressed by 23-year-old Reinelt, a former Colchester and Gillingham striker, when he played at the Abbey for Brighton last season, and it was Reinelt's final day goal that kept Brighton in the League and condemned Hereford last season.

Brighton supporters report that Reinelt is a good all-round player but he is probably better in midfield than up front as his finishing ability this season has been less than impressive. They also confirm that he has picked up several bookings this season, something that has irritated his present manager Steve Gritt.

Jamie Barnwell was a regular last season but he has slipped behind Martin Butler, Michael Kyd and John Taylor in the pecking order of strikers. Now that 18-year-old Trevor Benjamin has made the break-through into the first team Jamie seems to be even more on the fringes and he has only started two games this season. He recently completed a loan spell at Vauxhall Conference club Rushden and Diamonds where he scored a hattrick but failed to find the net again.

Moosenet spies report that a United scout watched Histon in FA Vase action last night, checking up on Neil Kennedy. The young striker scored his 28th and 29th goals of the season in Histon's win which put them through to the fourth round. Kennedy's first was a 'clever chip from 10 yards', twice after that he sprung the offside trap and beat the 'keeper only to put his shot wide, but he added his second by scrambling the ball in at the near post.

He is described as enthusiastic and full of running and may have been on YTS terms at Ipswich Town.

Roy McFarland

Roy McFarland is furious about the refereeing decisions which he blames for ending United's FA Cup challenge, so much so that he will lodge a protest with the FA today. The normally unruffled manager was incandescent on the touchline during last night's match and had to be restrained by John Taylor and spoken to by the Police during the second half.

"Stevenage didn't beat us," he told the CEN and Sky TV. "It was the decisions which meant we had to play more than half the match with two players less than them. I'm going to contact the Football Association to make our feelings clear. I owe it to my players and the club. If there was any justice they would replay this match. I don't think I've seen anything like it before.

"Martin retaliated after getting studmarks down his leg," said McFarland. "Nothing was said to the player who did it. Paul Wanless has gone in for a 50-50 challenge, headed the ball and been sent off for violent conduct. The referee claims he punched the player. I can't believe that. And five minutes before that one of their defenders pulled down Trevor Benjamin from behind when he was on a run for goal, but got away with a booking.

"I'm a supporter of referees. They have a difficult job. But we were badly let down in this game. It was appalling."

A disappointed Wanless commented: "I went in hard, like I always do, but it was fair. I headed the ball. I did have my arm in the air as I was jumping, but it's crazy to say I hit the player. I don't do that sort of thing. This is the first red card of my career for violent conduct."

Stevenage manager Paul Fairclough said he had had no doubt referee Brian Coddington made the correct decisions, saying, "The referee didn't handicap Cambridge, they did it to themselves. Their players were sent off for two atrocious fouls. I got a good look at both incidents. One of my players was kicked when he wasn't near the ball, and another was hit by a player going straight through a challenge for a high ball."

Fairclough's comments were relayed to McFarland by the Sky Sports interviewer and the United manager commented, "I can't agree with him."

The manager explained his half-time substitutions, when he replaced Taylor and Colin Foster with Michael Kyd and Marc Joseph, by saying he was looking for the youngsters' fresh legs and stamina to get another goal: "If it had been a League match we would have left just one man up front and defended for a point. But that's no good in the Cup with extra time a possibility."

United hope that Mr Coddington will withdraw Paul Wanless' booking after watching a video of the incident but that is considered unlikely. If the booking stands we will be without both Wanless and top scorer Butler for probably three matches in the New Year.

Brighton newspapers and TEAMtalk report that Brighton and Hove Albion are offering their midfielder Robbie Reinelt in exchange for Jamie Barnwell-Edinboro. It seems that Seagulls boss Steve Gritt is less than impressed with Reinelt's disciplinary record, as he will be suspended for their matches on the 20th and 26th of this month. 23-year-old Reinelt joined Brighton from Colchester United in a £15,000 deal in February 1997 and scored three vital goals in the run-in, including the goal against Hereford that kept Brighton up last season.

Roy McFarland made an unsuccessful bid for Reinelt before the Lincoln game at the start of October.

Finally, yesterday's match attracted reports in the nationals, two of which are reproduced below. First the Daily Telegraph:

Beevor breaks the Cambridge dam - By John Ley STEVENAGE reached the third round of the FA Cup for the second year in succession after finally overcoming a Cambridge United side reduced to nine men in the first-half. A goal in the 74th minute from Stuart Beevor earned the Conference club a lucrative trip to First Division Swindon Town after Cambridge had performed second-half heroics to frustrate the non-Leaguers. It was an historic night for Stevenage, formed only 21 years ago and playing League opposition in a competitive game at home for the first time. It was not long before the drama began. Martin Butler had stolen an equaliser seven minutes from the end of the original game and he was to become an integral part of the replay, putting Cambridge ahead and then receiving a red card, all within the opening 21 minutes. A raw Hertfordshire evening offered little until the 17th minute when Butler pounced on a loose ball and struck a delightful dipping half-volley from 18 yards over Des Gallagher, the Stevenage goalkeeper. Cambridge are more used to being the underdogs; in the days of John Beck they twice reached the quarter-finals. On this occasion they were billed as the favourites but as the drama unfolded, so the odds were stacked against the visitors. Having put Cambridge ahead, Butler was dismissed for kicking Steve Perkins in the 21st minute. Soon aftewards Stevenage responded when defender Jamie March struck a cross-cum-shot over Scott Barrett, the Cambridge goalkeeper, and against the crossbar. And, just two days after referee Graham Poll, from nearby Tring, had sent off Leeds' Gary Kelly and Alf-Inge Haaland at Chelsea, Sheffield official Brian Coddington, showed another red card to a Cambridge player. Coddington had sent off Stevenage's Ryan Kirby in the original tie but he went one better when, in the 40th minute, Paul Wanless missed the ball and instead appeared to catch Kirby with his arm and was immediately dismissed. From the resulting free-kick, by Michael Love, nine-man Cambridge succumbed, but it was an own-goal, Jamie Campbell heading beyond his own goalkeeper. Cambridge made two half-time alterations, bringing on Michael Kyd and Marc Joseph and Cambridge's reformed 4-2-2 almost made an early impact. When Gallagher failed to hold Joseph's cross both Kyd and Trevor Benjamin had good chances to regain Cambridge's lead but both squandered their opportunities. © Copyright Telegraph Group Limited 1997.

The Times also wrote a report:

Beevor damns unruly Cambridge to defeat - BY NEIL HARMAN BRIAN CODDINGTON was once famously poleaxed, Mr Blobby style, by a club mascot as he walked off the field of play. He was fortunate last night that Cambridge United opted to leave theirs at home. His dismissal of two Cambridge players profoundly influenced the outcome of this FA Cup second-round replay. Roy McFarland, the Cambridge manager, rather than branding the referee "a disgrace" and suggesting that he will write to the Football Association with his observations, should be asking why his Nationwide League third division side needed to become so aggressively involved in a tie of which they were well in control. For 15 minutes, Stevenage Borough, of the Vauxhall Conference, were living on their nerves, none more so than Kirby, the full back, who had been sent off in the first match at the Abbey Stadium. He stubbed his foot attempting a clearance from which Wilson should have profited and then got in the way of Smith, his team-mate, but Benjamin sliced his shot wide. Then, in the seventeenth minute, the league side struck. Butler seized on a loose ball, ran at the home defence and powered his shot from 25 yards into the top corner. Cambridge then simply lost their self-control. Butler was dismissed for kicking out at Perkins and then remonstrating with the referee three minutes after his goal. Wanless followed him in the fortieth minute for a challenge on Love that left the Stevenage man covering his head as he lay on the ground. This, though, was to be no repeat of the grim determination shown by Leeds on Saturday, who lasted 45 minutes with nine men without conceding a goal against Chelsea - Cambridge could not manage 45 seconds. Campbell headed Love's free kick into his own net. Cambridge re-organised at half-time and, indeed, they looked a better bet until they ran out of steam. Stevenage's winning goal, in the 74th minute, was something of a fluke, though, Wordsworth's deflected shot falling to Beevor, who drove the ball home. STEVENAGE BOROUGH (4-4-2): D Gallagher - R Kirby, M Smith, R Trott, J March - S Beevor, S Perkins, N Trebble, M Love - G Crawshaw, D Wordsworth. CAMBRIDGE UNITED (5-2-1-1): S Barrett - B Chenery, I Ashbee, C Foster (sub: M Joseph, 46min), J Campbell, P Wilson (sub:J Barnwell, 83) - P Wanless, B Beall - M Butler - J Taylor (sub: M Kyd, 46), T Benjamin. Referee: B Coddington. © Copyright The Times 1997.

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson (Barnwell 82'), Ashbee, Foster (Marc Joseph 45'), Campbell, Wanless, Benjamin, Taylor (Kyd 45'), Butler, Beall.
Subs not used: Marshall, Preece.
Sent off: Butler 20', Wanless 40'
Booked: Wilson (foul 66')
Ref: Mr B. Coddington (Sheffield).

Roy McFarland named an unchanged line-up for tonight's tricky FA Cup second round replay at Broadhall Way. Striker Trevor Benjamin was doubtful with a thigh strain but passed a late fitness test to face Stevenage Borough.

It was a mixed opening 20 minutes for United, with Martin Butler responsible for a fine opening goal after 17 minutes. The former Walsall striker collected a loose ball on the edge of the area and scored with a great dipping volley. However just three minutes later Butler was walking to the dressing room, punished for a foolish off-the-ball incident when he kicked out at Steve Perkins after being hacked down for the umpteenth time, and possibly for back-chatting to the referee.

The game was hotly contested in an increasingly niggly atmosphere, and Paul Wanless followed Butler twenty minutes later when he was harshly sent off by the disappointing Mr Coddington. The ball bounced between two players and Wanless came away with the ball while Borough's Kirby flung himself to the ground clutching his face. Mr Coddington immediately decided Wanless had deliberately caught Kirby with his elbow although the referee's assistant - who was very close to the incident - did not signal for a foul. Despite John Taylor's intervention Wanless had to be led from the pitch, vainly protesting his innocence.

Then United gave themselves an even bigger mountain to climb when defender Jamie Campbell headed past Scott Barrett from the resulting Michael Love free-kick. Things could have turned ugly at that stage when Borough's number 10 gestured to the furious U's fans and the Police had to move in to calm things down.

Roy McFarland sent on the pace of Marc Joseph and Michael Kyd for Foster and Taylor at half-time, and United's nine remaining men battled bravely for the winning goal. To their eternal credit they came close on occasions and the 4-2-2 formation almost worked straight away. Roared on by the 1,000 or so United supporters, Kyd and Trevor Benjamin both had chances after Des Gallagher failed to hold Joseph's cross but both young strikers squandered their opportunities. McFarland was animated on the touchline as he grew more and more exasperated with Mr Coddington's bizarre decisions, having to be restrained at times by John Taylor.

Eventually highly-regarded midfielder Stuart Beevor clinched the tie for the home side in the 74th minute. He pounced on a loose bouncing ball and his shot from the edge of the area leaves Stevenage and not United with the pleasure of a third round trip to Division One high-flyers (and United bogey team) Swindon Town on January 3rd. The U's can 'concentrate on the league' instead.

Disturbingly Paul Wanless could miss three or even five matches after his sending-off, which appears to have been for 'violent conduct' as Mr Coddington had not even had cause to speak to the player before his dismissal.

Match reports follow.

This afternoon Roy McFarland appealed to those United supporters making the short trip to Stevenage to get behind his team and give them the edge: "There's going to be a great atmosphere with a full house of around 6,000," he said. "If our fans get behind us, like they did in the Coca-Cola Cup at West Brom when they outshouted a lot more home fans, we can get through this one."

Trevor Benjamin is a doubt with a thigh strain and faces a fitness test. 6' 3" striker Mark McCammon and Michael Kyd stand by to deputise, but John Taylor is certain to start despite still suffering the after-effects of Friday's win over Exeter City. Shaggy was praised by coach David Preece after that game for the determination he showed after being repeatedly brought down and McFarland added, "John is literally black and blue. One calf is very sore, and a finger has swollen quite badly. But we need him in this one. It won't be a place for the faint-hearted, and John epitomises the spirit running through the club at the moment."

Cambridge United have retained experienced stadium architects Costall Allen Design to handle the design, construction and management of the Abbey Stadium redevelopment. A contract with Costall Allen was signed this morning and as part of this contract the company will consult with the City planners over the new stadium design, manage the planning application on behalf of the club, handle tenders, co-ordinate the cost plans and manage all engineering activities.

Costall Allen have been involved in many football stadia developments including the new 5,700 seat Sincil Stand for Lincoln City, the 5,500 Glebe Road Stand for Peterborough United, the 6,000 South Stand for Wycombe Wanderers and two new stands for Burnley. They are currently involved with the new North Stand for Tottenham Hotspur FC and the proposed redevelopment of Upton Park for West Ham.

The Cambridge United board is delighted to have such an experienced company involved with the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium and the City Council have confirmed their pleasure that the club has decided to involve such specialists in sports design at such an early stage. After many years of deliberation and debate both the Cambridge United board and the City Council are extremely hopeful that the redevelopment will now proceed without faltering on insurmountable problems.

If everything proceeds on schedule then the outline plans will be ready for submission during next spring with the full, detailed application to be submitted mid 1998 after the end of the current football season. Provided planning permission is granted the club hope to start work before the start of the 1998/99 season with the first new stand being completed for the following season.

Chairman Reg Smart is now confident that his long held dream of seeing United playing football in a modern stadium will be realised. He said, "There have been times when I thought this project would never get off the ground but all our dreams could soon start turning into reality. It will undoubtedly take many years to complete the total re-development of the Abbey, and there will be problems to overcome along the way, but our supporters and the local community should be able to benefit from some of the early work within a year or so."

Looking ahead to tomorrow's FA Cup second round replay at Stevenage, here are some details for those United supporters planning to roar the U's through to a third round tie at Swindon on January 3rd.

Directions:
By Rail: Stevenage BR (ex-King's Cross, Cambridge, Peterborough). One mile from Stevenage Stadium. Buses SB4 and SB5.

By car: Exit A1(M) at Stevenage South (Junction 7), ground on right at second roundabout. Spectators are however advised to go straight on at this roundabout and park in the Showground opposite the Stadium.

There's a rather nice map of the route through Stevenage at the official Borough website at: http://www.stevenageboro.demon.co.uk/directions.html

Websites:
In addition to the official website at http://www.stevenageboro.demon.co.uk/ there are also two unofficial websites at: http://members.aol.com/borofc/index.htm and http://www.argonet.co.uk/homepages/quantum/boro/.

Players:
Descriptions of Boro's squad can be seen on the official site in the "Press Box" section. Their star players seem to be Gary Crawshaw, the forward who scored from the penalty spot in the original tie at the Abbey, young midfielder Stuart Beevor, winger Michael Love who was signed from Northampton Town, influential midfielder Steve Perkins who has an eye for goal and England semi-pro international defender Mark Smith.

While United enjoyed a home win on Friday night, Stevenage did not have the best preparation for tomorrow's match. They had to make the long journey to Gateshead in the GMVC and came away with a 2-1 defeat, but their followers are confident that their team can overcome United tomorrow on their own ground.

Player-coach David Preece wants United to become a meaner, nastier side and he believes the reward can be a place in the play-offs. After last night's 2-1 victory over fourth-placed Exeter City the veteran midfielder told the CEN: "We are not far away from being as good as anybody in this division. Hartlepool were sixth, Exeter fourth, and we deserved to beat them both. Peterborough are the favourites, but we played well enough to have got a point there. We had the better chances that night.

"But we've got to be harder and braver in the box. At the back and in midfield we showed more courage than Exeter. We couldn't really say that up front, apart from John Taylor. He led the line magnificently. I bet he enjoyed himself here when he was younger in John Beck's team," said Preece (oh, he did, David!).

Taylor was sent sprawling several times by fouls or an accidental clash of heads as the Grecians' defence tried to stop him running at them, but the big striker kept coming back for more, urging his men on and demanding that the fans get behind them.

Preece advised: "Trevor Benjamin and Martin Butler must learn from watching him. He got knocked down time after time, but kept on coming back at them. In that box you have to go for broke. You've got to put your head in there where the boots are flying if you want to win. If we can develop that streak we can put a run together to get back up the table."

United travel to Stevenage Borough on Monday night for the FA Cup replay, and Preece believes United will be in the mood to win, although he is already looking beyond that that game: "The Cup could bring a bit of money in," he acknowledges, "but what I really want is a win in the League at Swansea next week. With a home match on Boxing Day, it could really get us going."

The 72 League chairmen met yesterday and on the agenda were the proposals for restructuring the League in time for next year's centenary. Each option was named after a planet: Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto:

Option Earth keeps the current three divisions of 24 clubs with 10 promotion places up for grabs. Option Saturn offers six divisions of 12 clubs and 18 promotion places. Only one club would not be involved in promotion or relegation. Other proposals include American-style double-headers at weekends because of poor midweek crowds, penalty shoot-outs to decide draws, bonus points for teams leading at half-time and points for winning margins.

The aim is to revive the League because despite rising attendances for the last 11 seasons, 58 of the 72 clubs made a loss last year. A decision will be made in February and League chairman David Sheepshanks said: "I think it is essential that we address change. The average share of TV revenue in the Premiership is £8 million, in the League it is £800,000."

But William Davies, of stockbrokers Albert E Sharp, believes the measures smack of a 'desperation' not to be left behind, and that it may not be good enough to bring back the crowds and attract the all-important television and sponsorship deals: "It reflects a desperate need to try and do something, but it's getting harder and harder and it's only going to get worse," Davies explained.

"One of the major problems is going to be when digital television comes in. When you can sit and watch every Premiership game on a Saturday after-noon at home, who's going to go and watch clubs in the lower divisions? You'll still have your hardcore fans, of course, but he'll be there with his three friends and that's it."

Analysts believe it could already be too late to prevent smaller clubs from having to go semi-professional and Davies added: "The amount of money being lost at the lower club level means it is not possible for these clubs to carry on. Ultimately, our belief is that the bottom two divisions will have to go part-time and that will improve their finances substantially. I can see that really kicking in within four or five years."

Davies believes only the top two divisions can survive in the current climate, and even some of the first division clubs could struggle to keep pace.

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery (Marc Joseph 77'), Wilson, Ashbee, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Benjamin, Taylor, Butler, Beall.
Subs not used: Kyd, Rees.
Ref: J A Kirkby (Sheffield).

Despite an training injury earlier this week and fears that he would miss tonight's match, Paul Wanless passed a late fitness test and took his place in the starting eleven. The only change to the team that started against Stevenage Borough last weekend was Martin Butler replacing Michael Kyd, who has suffered with a groin strain this week. He joined Jason Rees and Marc Joseph on the bench.

United had the best of the possession throughout this match, with Wanless and 'Billy' Beall on top in midfield. The U's took a welcome early lead through John Taylor when the visitors left Shaggy unmarked at a 16th minute corner and the big striker headed home Paul Wilson's cross. However a defensive lapse at the other end saw United gift the Grecians their equaliser when three minutes later the defence let Noel Blake scramble the ball inside the post after a corner.

Third-placed Exeter City were disappointing tonight, showing none of the form that has brought them five away wins this season. They have never been out of the top five this season but they were reduced to pulling everybody back behind the ball in an attempt to hang on for a point.

United continued to enjoy the majority of possession in the second half, but seemed to lack the guile or imagination to capitalise. One exception was Trevor Benjamin's ball to 'Billy' Beall but the young midfielder's shot from the edge of the box was blocked. At the back United were barely threatened and Gale's speculative shot was easily collected by Barrett.

The game seemed to be winding down for a draw when United's pressure allowed the inspirational Taylor (left) to strike ten minutes from time. He was rewarded for some persistent play when he broke through the middle, beat a defender and chipped over the advancing 'keeper from 12 yards out to send the supporters home happy. Taylor went close to other goals, having a header saved and firing wide, but a 30-yard shot from Mark Devlin was all Scott Barrett had to deal with.

This was United's last home game before Christmas and the victory continues the improved form of late. In the last six games United have won three, after going three months and 14 games without a win.

Roy McFarland has injury worries over influential midfielder Paul Wanless and striker Michael Kyd ahead of tonight's home clash with high-flying Exeter City. Wanless has been struggling all week to overcome a thigh strain and is a major doubt, while Kyd is also doubtful after aggravating a groin strain when he appeared as a late substitute at Bristol Rovers on Monday night.

Wanless has shown some improvement since mid-week but if he cannot play then McFarland does not have a ready-made replacement for the hard-running and powerful midfielder. Today's CEN suggests that the versatile Ian Ashbee could be moved up from defence - where he has starred since his first team comeback - to fill Wanless' role and 21-year-old centre-back Marc Joseph could be recalled to replace Ashbee at the back.

McFarland commented, "Paul has a slightly better chance than Michael, but we won't know if either can play until we test them just before the kick-off. We have to give them as long as we can."

The manager is looking for a continuation of the side's recent improved form as they take on the fourth-placed Grecians tonight: "After ending that long run without a win we've made progress. We were comfortable winners against a good Hartlepool team, and we deserved something at Peterborough. The Cup game against Stevenage showed we can come back in a game, and that we have a lot of character in the side."

The youth development funds promised by the FA are now expected this month. In July at the Chairman's conference, Football League clubs were led to believe that lower division clubs would get big FA cash hand outs to help with youth development and bridge the gap with the richer clubs. United met the criteria, which is to have a centre of excellence, a youth and a reserve team, and for the qualifying clubs a sum of £140,000 in the first year was to be in place by August.

In October club secretary Steve Greenall urged the supporters to join the club in writing to David Mellor, head of the Football Task Force, asking why the money had not been received, and now an initial payment of £70,000 is expected this month. News of the balance is awaited from the Sports Council.

Ex-United defender Jody Craddock, who signed for Sunderland at the end of July in a £350,000 move, has earned praise from his new manager. Jody (pictured left) initially struggled to break into an established first team, but a string of injuries to the senior defenders has seen the Wearside giants fielding the youngest defence in the first division. 22-year-old Jody has been a big part of the club's ten match unbeaten run and manager Peter Reid has stated that he is very pleased with the way that his team have performed, particularly at the back.

Sunderland have conceded just six goals in ten games and Reid told TEAMtalk: "That sort of defensive record is certain to give you a decent run of results. They've all done really well and Jody Craddock is emerging as an outstanding young central defender."

Wanless

United suffered two injury blows yesterday when Paul Wanless was injured in training, then trialist Michael Rodosthenous was hurt during last night's Auto Windscreens Shield defeat at Bristol Rovers. Rodosthenous started his first game for United but was replaced at half-time by David Preece.

Wanless missed his first game of the season last night and his power in midfield will not be easily replaced if he does not recover in time to face high-flying Exeter City on Friday night.

On Thursday the Football League will discuss plans for their own 12-club Super League for Nationwide teams, and if it is accepted by the 72 member clubs, serious moves to alter the league's structure could be underway as early as next February.

Two proposals will be presented to the clubs ahead of next year's 100th anniversary of the formation of the world's original league football competition. The first deals with an overhaul of the existing rule book to simplify the current regulations, but the second is sure to create more controversy with its ideas for a radical shake-up of the current league structure of three divisions of 24 clubs.

The League's working party has come up with four alternatives:

1. Three divisions of 20, 26 and 26 clubs respectively with increased promotion and relegation between the divisions.

2. Four divisions of either 18 or 20 clubs with increased promotion and relegation.

3. Six divisions of 12 clubs with increased promotion and relegation.

4. The creation of a Football League Super League of 12 clubs with two divisions of 24 and another division of 12.

Football League chairman David Sheepshanks said the main aim behind the proposed changes was to encourage competition among the clubs and also make football more attractive to fans and sponsors alike.

He said: "In order to thrive in the future the Football League needs to become more market led and provide competition for its member clubs that best serves the needs of our customers. That means the fans that pay at the gate as well as television and corporate sponsors. We aim to provide a structure that allows all clubs to aspire to better things if successful; working with the highest common denominator and yet ensuring that the root can grow as well as the trunk."

Sheepshanks added that the proposals were not set in stone and the League was willing to listen to any possible alternatives that were put forward.

"It's possible that variations will come forward. If broad consensus for one or more of the changes is forthcoming then appropriate resolutions will be tabled for voting at the EGM in February," Sheepshanks added.

© Copyright PA News

United line-up: Barrett, Williamson, Hayes, Ashbee, Matt Joseph, Campbell, Rees, Youngs (Barnwell 61'), McCammon (Kyd 78'), Butler, Rodosthenous (Preece 45').
Booked: Ashbee (foul 51')
Ref: Mr Wilkes.

United embarked upon round one of the Auto Windscreens Shield with an experimental line-up, Roy McFarland giving some of the fringe players a run out. Only Scott Barrett, Ian Ashbee and Jamie Campbell survived from Saturday's starting eleven, plus substitute Martin Butler who was restored to the starting line-up after scoring the vital late equaliser against Stevenage. Matt Joseph made a welcome return to the defence and Mark McCammon, Michael Rodosthenous and Tom Youngs made their first senior starts after one substitute appearance apiece.

Second Division Bristol Rovers also rested some of their regulars, although player-manager Ian Holloway manned the midfield, and ex-Spurs man Peter Beadle and ex-Norwich youngster Jamie Cureton were always going to be a handful upfront.

In the first half, both teams were obviously taking the game very seriously and largely cancelled eachother out, although youngster Mark McCammon and Martin Butler looked dangerous in attack. However everything changed seconds after the break. David Preece replaced Rodosthenous at half-time, and less than a minute after arriving on the pitch the player-coach directed a sloppy back-pass to Matt Joseph, Jamie Cureton nipped in and beat Scott Barrett to put Rovers a goal up.

On 51 minutes Mark McCammon had an opportunity to level the scores when he forced his way into the area but Rovers' defence pounced and the chance disappeared in a tangle of legs. Shortly afterwards Martin Butler was gifted a chance by the Rovers midfield, his shot rebounded to McCammon but again the chance was smothered.

United gave their second division opponents plenty to think about as they bravely chased the game, but even the introduction of the pacy Jamie Barnwell and Michael Kyd could not change the scoreline. Looking on the positive side, it was a good performance despite the unfortunate result, and the opportunity to look at some of the fringe players in a competitive environment will have been useful.

If you can send me a match report for this game I would be very grateful.

Stevenage Borough have designated next Monday's FA Cup second round replay ALL TICKET for Cambridge United supporters. With 1,400 or so tickets available for sale, demand is bound to be huge for this match. Season ticket holders will be given the first option to buy this week, as well as Main Stand stub holders (from Saturday's game against Stevenage) and those who picked up priority vouchers at the same game.

If all Season Ticket Holders take up their ticket, which will be guaranteed until 7.45pm on Friday this week, there will be around 400 tickets available for sale to those with a stub/voucher.

In the unlikely event that there are any tickets left after Friday night, any remaining tickets will be sold on general sale, with no limits, from 9.30am on Monday next week.

Selling times:-

Season ticket holders/stub/voucher holders only:-
Wednesday 10th (9.30am-5pm), Thursday 11th (9.30am-5pm), Friday 12th (9.30am-7.45pm, ie immediately before Friday night's Exeter City game)

Priority voucher/Main Stand stub holders will be able to buy any tickets which had been reserved for Season Ticket Holders after the Exeter match (9.45pm until the queue has gone!)

General sale (if any left):-
Monday 15th December from 9.30pm (you are advised to check with the club for availability - 01223 566500)

The draw for the third round of the F.A. Cup was made this evening and if Cambridge United survive the tricky second round replay at Stevenage they face a trip to Division One high-fliers Swindon Town. The Robins have been something of a bogey team for United in recent years, but if United can dispose of Conference side Borough a week tomorrow and reproduce their early season form against W.B.A. in the League Cup, they could give the Wiltshire side a run for their money. The third round ties will be played on Saturday 3rd January.

In the rehearsal beforehand, United and Stevenage were handed an away tie against Manchester United!

United visit second division Bristol Rovers in the first round of the Auto Windscreens Shield, Southern Section, tomorrow night (7.45pm k.o.).

Yesterday's FA Cup match against Stevenage Borough merited a write-up in the Sunday Telegraph, which is reproduced below:

Stevenage thwarted by Butler - By Jack Carroll A LATE equaliser by substitute Martin Butler denied Stevenage their second successive place in the FA Cup third round. Just three minutes remained when Stevenage goalkeeper Des Gallagher, who had performed impeccably throughout, made the fatal mistake of coming out for a cross he was never going to make. From the ensuing scramble, Butler struck a decisive goal which takes the tie to a replay a week on Monday. It looked almost plain sailing for Stevenage, who took the lead after 15 minutes with Gary Crawshaw's penalty. However, after defending admirably for most of the second half, full-back Ryan Kirby was dismissed after a second bookable offence and their task was certainly a lot harder after that. With Cambridge just seven places off the foot of Division Three and one win in the last 16 league games illustrating their current form, Stevenage had every reason to believe they could add another scalp from the Nationwide League to add to their collection. They certainly made their intentions pretty clear, with Kirby earning a booking before 60 seconds had elapsed for a crude challenge on Trevor Benjamin. Just a minute after Mark Smith had a shot cleared from the Cambridge goal-line, Stevenage took the lead in controversial circumstances. Colin Foster's challenge on Dean Wordsworth seemed innocuous enough but the referee delayed before deciding it was worthy of a penalty. Gary Crawshaw sent Scott Barrett the wrong way. The Stevenage defence held firm however and were unlucky not to add to their lead after Crawshaw looked to have been fouled in the area, but this time the referee refused the appeal for a penalty. After Kirby's dismissal, Cambridge made the most of their numerical advantage but couldn't break through until Butler's late equaliser. © Copyright Telegraph Group Limited 1997.

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery (McCammon 75'), Wilson, Ashbee, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Benjamin, Taylor, Kyd (Butler 46'), Beall.
Subs not used: Marshall, Joseph, Rees.
Booked: Kyd (foul 34'), Foster (78').
Ref: Mr B. Coddington (Sheffield).

Roy McFarland named the same side that fell to a late goal at Peterborough, but instead of Tuesday's composed containing game United reduced their supporters to nervous wrecks by conceding a ridiculous penalty in the 17th minute and leaving it late to equalise. The referee seemed to indicate 'play-on' when Dean Wordsworth fell down in the area after a Colin Foster tackle, but after checking with his linesman he changed his mind and awarded the penalty, much to the U's disgust. Gary Crawshaw scored from the spot.

Martin Butler replaced Michael Kyd at half-time and, just after Boro's Kirby was sent off after his second bookable offence Butler spurned a golden opportunity to level the scores. In the 75th minute Butler, Taylor and Benjamin were joined in attack by debutant Mark McCammon, another big teenager striker who has been in good form for the reserves.

It still seemed as though nothing was going to fall for United but it was Martin Butler who produced the 83rd minute goal that earned the draw. Jamie Campbell's long ball into the danger area was nodded across the area by John Taylor and Butler swivelled to strike a low shot home from eight yards.

The U's almost snatched the win before the final whistle but they now face a tricky replay at Broadhall Way on Monday week.

Roy McFarland said on Match of the Day that the longer the game went on the more he wondered if United were going to get anything from it, but after the equaliser went in he felt we had one or two late chances to go on and win.

Paul Fairclough, the Stevenage manager, saw things differently and said, "We were the better team for an hour and will be looking forward to getting Cambridge back at our place."

Skipper John Taylor faces a fitness test before tomorrow's FA Cup second round clash with Stevenage Borough at the Abbey Stadium. He is given a "50-50" chance of making the line-up after suffering a calf strain in Tuesday night's derby at Peterborough.

Martin Butler stands by to replace him, with rookie striker Mark McCammon in with a chance of a dream call-up for the Cup squad. McCammon was recalled from a loan at Cambridge City and has been in good form for the reserves.

Stevenage Borough have underlined the fact that they are not coming to the Abbey tomorrow merely to make up the numbers. Manager Paul Fairclough claimed confidently, "We could beat Manchester United on our day, and Cambridge are not Real Madrid."

United will be sure not to underestimate the Conference side, especially after being dumped out at this stage last season by Woking's late goals.

Trialist Michael Rodosthenous boosted his chances of a permanent deal with United by scoring two goals in yesterday's 4-1 semi-final victory over Reading reserves at the Abbey. He also had a shot cleared off the line and set up the third goal for Jamie Barnwell, fresh from his loan spell with Rushden and Diamonds. The fourth goal was scored by Marc Joseph from a Jason Rees corner.

The reserves now face Brentford in the final of the Capital Reserve League President's Cup, after the London side won at Northampton. Out-of-contract full-back Matt Joseph made his come-back in the same game and may be considered for Saturday's FA Cup match against Stevenage Borough.

The home match against Leyton Orient on Boxing Day will kick-off at mid-day, not 3pm.

United skipper John Taylor promises the team will be up for the Cup on Saturday, despite the disappointment of last night's derby defeat.

"It's a blow when you lose to a late goal, but I don't think it will be a case of having to lift the lads for the Stevenage game," said the veteran striker. "We fell away a bit in the second half, but I think we came out of the game pretty well."

Meanwhile manager Roy McFarland was left to rue the fact that while Peterborough's best chance fell to Jimmy Quinn, a man not known for wasting such chances, United's fell to Michael Kyd, a forward half Quinn's age. Kyd got into the right position to meet Ben Chenery's 18th minute cross but then seemed to take one eye off the ball for the split second that mattered and headed only empty space.

"You can't do that," said McFarland. "In that situation you just have to go for it and let them worry about you."

United have recalled teenager Mark McCammon from neighbours City, and the big striker will be in the reserves squad for the Presidents Cup semi-final against Reading today.

United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Wilson, Ashbee, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Benjamin, Taylor, Kyd (Butler 74'), Beall.
Subs not used: Marc Joseph, Rees.
Ref: A. N. Butler (Sutton-in-Ashfield).

Peterborough proved one thing tonight that we already knew - they have more jam than Robertsons'. After a dreadful, dour game with few clear-cut chances the old war-horse Jimmy Quinn popped up to snatch the winner five minutes from time. Under different circumstances Quinn might have been starting a new job as player-coach at Bournemouth this week, but instead he grabbed his 17th goal of the season and gave P*sh their first derby win since about the turn of the century.

Despite the advance news put out by the club that there were injury worries over Paul Wanless, John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin, Roy McFarland named an unchanged team to face Peterborough, with the same three substitutes. The weather at London Road was chilly but the atmosphere was electric, and with neither set of fans hiding their mutual hatred of each other and the extra Police presence, the tension was almost tangible.

This was always going to be an edgy, even match - despite the fans extravagant claims beforehand - with Peterborough having drawn their last six League games and United mildly resurgent after two wins and five games unbeaten. Both sets of players were desperate not to lose and produced some dreadful football, although P*sh did have the ball in the net in the fourth minute but Martin Curruthers' strike was ruled out for offside. The home side had most of the possession but created little with it, while United managed a few breakaways but to no avail. The impressive Ian Ashbee produced a superb cross that was almost buried by Michael Kyd with home 'keeper Mark Tyler caught in two minds, then Trevor Benjamin evaded two challenges before firing goal-wards only to see Tyler turn it behind.

The second half followed a similar pattern. United managed a string of wasted corners while Peterborough's best chance came in the 53rd minute when Martin Carruthers shaped to shoot but fell victim to a well-timed challenge from Jamie Campbell. The crowd, which had been so noisy beforehand, were lulled into long periods of silence by the dour stuff on display. But with 84 minutes on the clock, and just as a point looked on the cards, our previously sound defence failed to pick up a loose ball and the veteran Quinn pounced to volley home from 18 yards to snatch all three points.

Having gone ahead P*sh then sat back, inviting United's shot-shy attack to come at them, and it nearly cost them the win as John Taylor had a clear chance but headed straight at the 'keeper in the last minute.

The crowd of 10,791 was the highest in the third division so far this season.

BBC Teletext reports that Roy McFarland is expected to name an unchanged team for tonight's derby. However the CEN carries a warning from McFarland that powerhouse midfielder Paul Wanless, and strikers John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin have had to take it easy in training and he will not name the team until the last minute to allow them time to recover. Hopefully this is just kidology!

The match at Colchester United has been postponed due to the weather but the match in Peterborough goes ahead. However the Police have warned fans travelling by car from Cambridge to allow at least a hour and a half for the journey, as they are expecting a much larger crowd than normal.

John Taylor

New skipper John Taylor was delighted with the performance on Saturday against Hartlepool, when the adventurous tactic of playing three up front paid off with a goal early in each half. "We should have had more," said the experienced striker, "but it was a good display in a hard-fought game. We kept the performance going, everybody contributed, and it sets us up nicely for the derby at Peterborough."

Taylor could be seen advising and encouraging Trevor Benjamin throughout the match and the big 18-year-old added to the enthusiasm and determination displayed by a new-look United.

Hartlepool manager Mick Tait saw his side's unbeaten run ended by a rampant United side and admitted: "Cambridge didn't give us a breather. They won't be in the bottom half long if they keep on playing like that."

It was United's second successive win and their fifth game unbeaten, and manager Roy McFarland points to the new leader on the field as a decisive factor.

"John Taylor has led the team magnificently since taking over as skipper," he told the C.E.N. "We had a team meeting and John said his dream was to captain Cambridge. He got us through the match against Plymouth, and was inspirational again against Hartlepool. I've been very impressed with him since he returned to the club from Luton. He has real leadership qualities."

He might also point to the form of Ian Ashbee and 'Billy' Beall since they have been reinstated to the side, Ashbee a revelation at centre-half and Beall the bustling, combative dynamo our midfield has been crying out for. Now the youngsters face a most testing of weeks: tomorrow the big local derby at Peterborough and on Saturday another when Conference side Stevenage Borough come to town in the FA Cup.

John Taylor has of course scored a hat-trick against Peterborough and he is sure United have a good chance of upsetting Barry Fry's high-flyers tomorrow night: "They've been stuttering a bit lately," he pointed out. "They are the home team and will be under pressure. They won't be relishing playing us, but our lads are all looking forwards to it. I think we've shown in the last couple of matches we are as good as any team in this division when we produce our best."

Promotion favourites Peterborough are expecting a crowd of over 10,000, with United expecting to take more than 2,000 fans up the A1.

Roy McFarland

McFarland believes that Saturday's win over sixth-placed Hartlepool was vital ahead of possibly the most important week since he joined the club. After the derby United prepare to face Stevenage on Saturday in the second round of the FA Cup, and the prize to the winners is a place in the third round draw with the Premiership clubs.

"The win against Hartlepool was very important for our season," he told the C.E.N. "We followed up the victory over Plymouth and we maintained a high level of performance for more than an hour. Their keeper saved them from a heavier defeat, and we made them look quite poor when, in fact, they are sixth in the table. Nobody is getting carried away, but this is the sort of springboard you want when you are going into matches like the next couple coming up."

Meanwhile United's high-flying youth side were cut down to size at Fulham. Hit by injuries their performance was described by manager David Batch as "our worst of the season." The U's goals in a 3-2 defeat were scored by Stuart King and Keith Newby.