"It's all in place," McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "Villa boss John Gregory has no objections, and the player is keen to stay with us. In his couple of spells as substitute Richard has done enough to prove he could be a valuable member of our squad in the second half of the season."

Clearly irritated by Trevor Benjamin's recent failure to sign the new four year deal he agreed in October, the manager returned to the subject again and delivered a clear warning to the 19-year-old when he added, "I wouldn't think it will be too long until he gets a place in the starting line-up, and I have the Trevor Benjamin situation in mind when I say that.

"Michael Kyd is on his way back from injury, but probably needs a game or two for the reserves before we can consider him for the first team again. So, if Trevor can't sort himself out, my next move is obvious. Sadly it seems Trevor is having difficulty handling things after his very good start to the season. I can't give in to his demands when it comes to the extended contract because, for all his potential, he hasn't earned them.

"If I could have one wish for the new year it would be that the one player who has distanced himself from us would come back on board. Apart from that, things are going well for us at the halfway stage in the campaign. We are near the top of the third division and we fear nobody."

Ticket prices have been reduced for next week's Auto Windscreens Shield second round match against Northampton Town. Admission for the match on Tuesday 5th January will be as follows:

Main Stand: Adults - £9; concession book holders £4
Family Stand and Terraces - Adults - £5; concession book holders - £4
Children - £1 for any part of the ground

As no tickets will be available in advance of the match, Season Ticket holders wishing to sit in their usual seat should present voucher N, from the back of their season ticket book, at the turnstiles.

"I don't think the players could do any better in terms of chances created," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "I'm pleased with our football. The last two performances away from home have been excellent. The way we are playing now I am just looking forward to the next game."

However he had more stern words for striker Trevor Benjamin, who was replaced by on-loan Richard Walker fifteen minutes from the end: "I said to Trevor, in front of the other players after the game, that he just doesn't appear to be with it," McFarland said. "The next step has to be a meeting with Trevor and his parents to try and sort the situation out.

"For three months at the start of the season he was tremendous, but he is like a different player now. He is off the boil and it has to be outside influences that are causing it. We have to get it sorted out and soon. The best way is to sit down with him and his mum and dad. I've been like a father to him for two years and I honestly don't know what's going on now."

Last week McFarland used the CEN to criticise the 19-year-old for failing to sign his new four year contract, despite agreeing the terms in October, and signing up with an agent instead. Benjamin then returned to McFarland with new demands that the manager described as "extreme", and he is clearly not happy with the striker's attitude at present.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin (Walker 76'), Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Ashbee.

Carlisle: Caig, Barr, Searle, Whitehead, Brightwell, Paterson, Dobie (McAlindon 81'), Clark, Stevens (Mendes 76'), McGregor (Hopper 89'), Couzens.

Ref: Mr G. Laws (Whitley Bay).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 6, Carlisle 4
Corners: Cambridge 11, Carlisle 4

Cambridge United made one change to the side which beat Rotherham on Saturday as Neil Mustoe, the scorer of the injury-time winning goal, replaced Ian Ashbee. The pitch passed an inspection after a dusting of snow, but although the ground staff had to brush the line markings clear of snow it was thawing by kick-off.

The U's got off to an excellent start when a first minute defensive mix-up allowed in John Taylor who found Alex Russell, but the midfielder's shot was turned around the post by Tony Caig for a wasted corner. Then Russell played a great ball through to Trevor Benjamin whose cross was cut out by Stuart Whitehead, but the pressure paid off after just two and a half minutes when Marc Joseph's long throw bounced off a defender, Paul Wanless prodded the ball to Alex Russell who blasted the ball home from just outside the box, despite a touch from Caig.

United's next noteworthy chance came in the 19th minute when Wanless found Martin Butler inside the box, Butler turned well but slipped at the vital moment and spooned the shot over the bar. The striker who started the season in such good form clearly needs a goal to reward his unstinting effort during this barren spell.

Unfortunately Carlisle levelled the score in the 27th minute through Nottingham Forest loanee Paul McGregor. Whitehead's long cross found McGregor who turned Jamie Campbell, checked inside the defender and beat Arjan Van Heusden to score a well-taken goal in front of the 100 or so travelling U's. That goal put Carlisle back into the game and they bossed things until half-time, which came at just the right time for United. Carlisle had a good chance in the 40th minute when Jamie Campbell let in Stevens to head the ball over Van Heusden, but the giant goalkeeper just managed to clutch the ball above his head. (Half-time 1-1)

The half-time talk did the trick as far as United were concerned and they returned to play Carlisle off the park. In the 46th minute Russell put Butler through on Tony Caig but the ball hit the keeper's legs and bounced over. The resulting corner was cleared but Butler again burst into the box only to see his shot tipped onto the bar and over for another corner. In the 51st minute Taylor's industry set up Butler but the pass sent him wide and his shot was wide of goal on that side.

United were completely dominating the game but they were denied two clear-cut penalty appeals that might have delivered the points that their play and dominance deserved. The first came after 57 minutes when Jamie Campbell fed Trevor Benjamin and the big striker turned Billy Barr in the area only to be brought down by the defender. It was a clear penalty astoundingly ignored by referee Mr Laws.

In the 71st minute a Martin Butler cross was deflected and looped in the air to John Taylor, and his low shot drew a brilliant save from goalkeeper Caig. Three minutes later Jamie Campbell met a Russell cross but his header was headed off the line by Andy Couzens. Then a minute later came the second penalty claim, after Trevor Benjamin broke into the and was shoved in the back by Whitehead (?) only for Mr Laws to again disregard the United appeals.

On-loan striker Richard Walker replaced Benjamin with fifteen minutes left and looked lively, but that was the last real chance of the game. However United had played some excellent football and completely dominated after the break and, in reporter Mark Johnson's words, if this had been a boxing match it would have been stopped long before the final bell!

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (Mustoe 66'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Walker.

Rotherham: Pollitt, Warner, Dillon, Garner, Knill, Raven, White, Ingledow, R. Scott (Roscoe 10'), Glover, Hurst.
Subs not used: Thompson, Richardson.
Booked: Ingledow 73 mins (foul), Garner 79 mins (dissent), Glover 67 mins (foul).

Ref: Mr M. Fletcher (Warley).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 6, Rotherham 3
Corners: Cambridge 8, Rotherham 6

Goal-hero Neil Mustoe boosted his chances of a recall to the starting line-up when he scored a late, late winner after coming off the bench this afternoon. United made just one change to the side beaten on TV by Brentford last Friday, Arjan Van Heusden replacing Shaun Marshall in goal for a game that was played in horrendous conditions.

United sailed into a second minute lead when Ben Chenery passed to John Taylor and the 'King of the Abbey' fired in a shot from 25 yards that squirmed under the embarrassed figure of Mike Pollitt and into the net. With the swirling wind and rain at their backs United continued to create plenty of chances and could have been four or five goals up at half-time. Instead the lead was only 2-0, the second goal coming after 25 minutes when Martin Butler showed good close control to chest the ball down into the path of Trevor Benjamin who thumped the ball home from 10 yards.

However the conditions had little to do with Rotherham's revival as United conceded two goals from set pieces and brought back the old nerves about playing at the Abbey. Alan Knill was the Millers' hero, narrowing the deficit in the 55th minute with a powerful header from an Andy Roscoe free kick, and then levelling the score in the 69th minute with a close range header, this time from a corner.

United looked nervous and edgy and it was Rotherham who looked most likely to go on and win the game, until a successful tactical change by Roy McFarland. He sent on Neil Mustoe for the tiring John Taylor and the change to 4-4-2 brought about the required change. The U's enjoyed more possession and started to make headway in the gale, and fittingly it was Mustoe (right) who outpaced the Millers' defence to meet Jamie Campbell's cross in the box and fire home the winner in the second minute of added time, his first goal for United.

Mark Johnson's Man of the Match was John Taylor: "The years in his legs made light of the heavy ground".

Speaking to Mark Johnson for Clubcall (0891 555885) after the game, Roy McFarland said he felt his side could have been as many as six goals up by half-time, they had played that well. He pointed out that a lot of chances fell to Trevor Benjamin, who was greeted by chants of "sign the contract for the lads" in a reference to his as-yet unsigned new contract.

"He got himself into scoring positions, which he hasn't been for the last month or so," said McFarland, but went on, "We couldn't get the goals and because of that we put ourselves under pressure.

"We changed to 4-4-2, got another midfielder in there to try and get some football going. Neil Mustoe did well coming on, I'm pleased for him that he got the goal. He's a little unlucky to be out of the side, but Ian Ashbee has been playing well for us."

Arjan Van Heusden was recalled in goal for Shaun Marshall, but McFarland was quick to praise the 20-year-old who has played since the Dutchman broke a hand against Brighton in October: "It's no disgrace for Shaun. He's not let anyone down, not me, not anyone at the Club. I said to him today, 'Don't worry son, you'll get your chance again and you'll be back in the side again'. I now know what I can expect from Shaun and without doubt that has improved the squad. It was the same when young Martin McNeil came in for Marc Joseph when he was injured, and I now know what he can and can't do. It might be good for Shaun to have a break. 'Ice' came in today and did well."

On the tactical substitution that saw Mustoe replace Taylor, the manager explained, "We couldn't get the ball to the front three, that was the major reason for the change to four in midfield. John Taylor looked a little bit tired but he'd done the damage in the first half, he scored the first goal.

Looking back on the game at Brentford last Friday he said, "We missed chances which should have brought us the point we deserved. We can't afford to slip into that kind of play if we are to stay with the leading sides. Richard Walker did well after going on as substitute at Brentford and he is going to be involved in the Christmas matches against Rotherham and up at Carlisle on the Monday."

"We let ourselves down at Rotherham when we weren't quite with it after beating Watford in the Worthington Cup, so we want to put that right," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "We've sorted things out at the Abbey after our early home defeats, and we need to add to a three-match winning run. Promotion teams always have good home records."

Neil Mustoe's return from suspension also gives options in midfield, but one player assured of his place is captain Paul Wanless who celebrated Christmas a few days early by signing a new two year contract yesterday.

McFarland said of Wanless, "This is a great Christmas present for our supporters. Paul is an inspirational player, a great example on and off the pitch for our young players."

The manager has given his thoughts on United's possible future, and may have unwittingly re-opened a long-running and highly controversial Moosenet topic!

In the week following a call for wage capping and talk of part-time footballers, McFarland gave his brutally realistic view of the prospects for clubs in the lower divisions. Talking to the CEN he suggested that the other option for many clubs will be to become nursery or 'feeder' clubs for Premiership or big First Division outfits.

"It does work in other countries, and honestly it might be the only means of survival for Cambridge United, if as I suspect the effect of the Bosman ruling becomes an even bigger threat to the financial structure of the sport. As it stands players over the age of 24 become free transfers, but that could be reduced to 21 or even 18, which means there would be no big transfer fees to wipe out the debts which accumulate for United at the rate of around £10,000 a week."

He added that he believes part-time footballers would represent a big backward step for the sport, saying "There would be very little development of players, and the quality of the football would soon suffer. Clubs could not be forced to go part-time, and it would be inevitable that the ones who stayed full time would be more successful.

"United have a reputation for producing players from the youth scheme, like Danny Granville, Jody Craddock, Marc Joseph and Trevor Benjamin. But you need to be a fully professional club to run such a set-up. An association with a bigger club could protect and promote the scheme. And I know from talking to people at Chelsea and Coventry City that they would prefer to have players learning the game in the lower divisions rather than in reserve team football, which in most cases is meaningless these days."

"I'm delighted to have agreed terms with the Club. It took me a couple of minutes to agree the deal," said the 25-year-old. "I didn't want to move, my family is settled and I love the fans - they've been great to me and I hope this shows a bit of faith in return."

Last season's Player of the Year, 'Wannie' joins John Taylor and youngsters Shaun Marshall, Tom Youngs and Martin McNeil in signing new contracts this month. Hopes are also high that manager Roy McFarland will extend his existing deal in the near future.

However news of Trevor Benjamin was more disappointing. In a statement to the Cambridge Evening News, Roy McFarland revealed that the teenage striker has not yet signed the new four year contract he agreed in October but has signed up with an agent. McFarland criticised Benjamin for being distracted by "outside interests" and appeared to hint that he could consider dropping the out-of-sorts 19-year-old.

"I'm very concerned about Trevor," he said. "He has made good progress under my guidance, but now I've lost him. He isn't listening to advice, and it's showing in his play. What infuriates me is that I went to him to suggest an extended contract - two years on top of his current 18 months - as a reward for his play during the first three months of the season. He didn't come knocking on my door.

"I tried to give him a boost by involving him in a Sky TV profile programme and by making Premiership clubs aware of his potential. As with all the young players we bring through, we aim to develop them and shape them with a view to their career after they leave Cambridge United, as well as while they are with us, but Trevor has turned his back on that.

"We shook hands on the new contract, and he was due to sign it the following day. But he was off for three days with flu, and when he returned he suddenly came up with extra demands I felt were extreme. I waited for him to come back for further talks after rejecting those demands, but there has been nothing from him now for weeks."

Benjamin hit the headlines with goals against Premiership opposition in the Worthington Cup games earlier this season, but he has failed to score in the last four games. He was disappointingly static in the FA Cup tie at Macclesfield and looked below par in the televised game at Brentford last Friday. Striker Michael Kyd is still ruled out by his knee injury although he is back in light training, but with Aston Villa loanee Richard Walker due to feature at some stage in the next two games and Neil Mustoe available again after suspension, the manager certainly has options.

McFarland continued: "I've only just discovered he has signed up with an agent, something I warned our youngsters against. They do not need the service of an agent with an obvious vested interest in them at this stage of their careers. Cambridge United has an excellent record of looking after the best interests of young players.

"I feel personally very aggrieved about what's happened, and also on behalf of the club. More than anything a football club needs to be together, and at the moment Trevor is off on a tangent. I was very disappointed with his performance at Brentford last Friday, and I believe the supporters should know the full picture."

"Keeping Richard on board is something we are looking at closely," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "He gave us a bit extra at Brentford, although I'd like to see him be a little more direct and go for goal himself at times. That's something we could work on because despite coming from a big club he is a beginner in terms of League football.

"He's certainly going to be involved in the two games we have left this year, Rotherham on Boxing Day, then Carlisle, and I wouldn't rule out a place in the starting line-up for him. I don't think we could play any better than we did at times at Brentford, but we didn't get the goal we deserved. Chances weren't put away."

The 21-goal partnership of Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin has failed to produce a goal since they both scored at Telford in the FA Cup a month ago, while 34-year-old John Taylor definitely looked to be feeling the effects of a busy season in the mud at Brentford. He made way for Walker with 20 minutes left and with his first touch the 21-year-old Villa forward set up Benjamin with a great through ball.

McFarland added, "I thought Martin worked hard at Brentford, but didn't make the most of his best chance. Trevor's performance was disappointing, while it may have been a game too far after a hard spell for John Taylor."

The Club wish to confirm to all supporters that the game on Boxing Day kicks off at 3pm. Assistant Secretary Mark Johnson told U's Net that they have received several phonecalls from people under the misapprehension that the game kicks off at noon, which is not the case.

"Cambridge United can confirm that the game will start at 3pm,"he said, "allowing supporters time to make their first inroads into the turkey leftovers before leaving for The Abbey Stadium."

United's youth team drew 1-1 at Reading on Saturday morning in a performance described by manager David Batch as their best of the season. Bouncing back from Tuesday's FA Youth Cup defeat by Ipswich the young U's went a goal behind to a 35-yard wonder strike, but top scorer Daniel Chillingworth equalised with a lob in the second half.

Batch told the Cambridge Evening News, "Our play on the ball was outstanding. We kept the ball moving for 10, 12 passes at a time. It was like a keep-the-ball training session."

Batch had no complaints about Reading's goal, saying, "Most goals come from mistakes, but occasionally you have to hold your hands up and say that was a great goal. But it had to be - it was the only way they were going to score. Our goalkeeper James Mercer didn't have a save to make.

"Maybe we could have scored a few more goals and there was sometimes a lack of quality around the box, but overall it was a tremendous performance after such a tough game mentally and physically in the week. There was a lot of disappointment after that, and I thought the performance on Saturday might be a bit flat. In fact it was the best football we've played all season."

"We've got no-one to fear in this division and that proves it," he told the CEN. "Brentford have got the best home record in the League and I thought we came here, dominated the game and deserved to win the game. We created five or six clear-cut chances and they created very little. I can't complain about the performance at all. We were excellent.

"The players are disappointed, of course" he added. "But you can't knock that spirit in the squad. The result is a setback, but the performance gives everyone a lift. There's nothing to fear here and we've shown that tonight."

Goalkeeper Shaun Marshall found himself on the losing side for just the second League game of his thirteen match run in the side, and the 20-year-old looked understandably shaky for the rest of the game after conceding the goal.

"Shaun was out of position - he has to be to be beaten from that distance - but he knows that and he will learn not to get out of position again. It's all experience for him. And it was an amazing goal," added McFarland. "It wasn't a fluke. He's spotted it, gone for it and got it. That was a class goal."

Ben Chenery, who could only watch as Marshall back-pedalled in vain, agreed: "We couldn't have played any better," he said. "We lost to an amazing goal -- I probably won't see another like it in my career. Of course, we're disappointed we lost, but we virtually out-played them and we can take a lot of heart from that."

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (Walker 73'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Youngs.

Brentford: Dearden, Mahon, Anderson, Hreidarsson, Quinn, Bates, Freeman, Hebel (Oatway 46'), Owusu (Fortune-West 89'), Rowlands, Folan.
Sub not used: Bryan.
Booked: Quinn (foul 75')

Ref: Alan Butler (Ashfield).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 8, Brentford 3
Corners: Cambridge 12, Brentford 2

United made one enforced change to the team for tonight's televised top-of-the-table clash with big-spending Brentford, Ian Ashbee coming in for the suspended Neil Mustoe. Brentford had used hot air blowers to ensure that the game went ahead and to dry the pitch following recent heavy rain, but a further downpour late this afternoon, after the covers were removed, ensured that the pitch was going to be heavy and cut up easily.

United started brightly and forced Brentford on the back foot from the first minute, and had a good chance to take the lead in the fifth minute. Jamie Campbell met Alex Russell's corner with a firm header but the ball was cleared by Freeman to Tony Folan as Brentford broke out at speed. Folan showed great skill and vision to spot Shaun Marshall off his line and scored with an extravagent curling lob from just inside the U's half as Marshall back-pedalled in vain.

Unied responded well and continued to attack Brentford, dominating the half with good possession football on a pitch that soon showed the effects of a mid-week game and heavy rain. In the 10th minute a cross to the far post was palmed over by Dearden as Paul Wanless charged in, but in the 13th minute a shaken Marshall punched a poor clearance that fortunately landed at the feet of Trevor Benjamin and not a Brentford forward.

Dearden smothered a low shot from Russell in the 16th minute as United continued to press and seek a way back into the game, and the three front men were stretching Brentford's back four with their width and the movement of Butler and Benjamin. The Bees had switched to a back four from their usual wing-back system and captain Jamie Bates was playing at right-back, apparently to mark Benjamin. At the other end Owusu had barely seen the ball and Andy Duncan and Marc Joseph were combining well to work an effective offside trap.

In the 22nd minute a United counter-attack saw Ben Chenery scamper up the right wing before finding Butler with a cross, but the striker took one touch too many and it was cleared off his toe just inside the box. The pitch was cutting up badly in the Brentford half, where most of the game was being played. After 24 minutes a free kick was awarded centrally and just outside the box after Hreidarsson was penalised for climbing all over John Taylor, but Alex Russell curled his kick wide of the post. In the next minute there was another scare for the U's when Ijah Anderson's deep cross from wide on the left dipped to bounce off the crossbar and behind. A goal kick was given although TV replays showed that Marshall got a finger to the ball.

United's clearest chance to equalise came in the 28th minute when Chenery's good cross into the box presented Butler with a free header but he directed the ball straight at Dearden who collected the ball at the second attempt after an initial fumble. After 32 minutes Sky TV confirmed United's dominance with their corner count of five to United to Brentford's none, but the U's were struggling to make that dominance count in the final third, where Benjamin was getting little joy from the experienced Bates.

There was a minor flashpoint in the 34th minute when Darren Freeman slid through the back of Jamie Campbell near the touchline and raised his foot to catch the back of Campbell's thigh, then held him down as he tried to go after the ball, but Campbell wisely restrained himself from extending their tussle and the referee stepped in to defuse the situation. Freeman spurned a glorious opportunity a minute later when he volleyed Folan's cross narrowly over the bar from a couple of yards out.

In the 38th minute Campbell's shot was deflected out of play and Marc Joseph's long throw caused confusion in the Brentford box, play resembling a game of pinball as the ball pinged off the legs of three Bees players before being hacked clear. Ian Ashbee was having a good game, covering well and always looking for a positive pass when in possession, and in the 42nd minute his header was cleared out of the box after Russell and Campbell combined on a short corner routine.

The half-time stats confirmed that the U's were somewhat unlucky to be behind, with 42% of the game having taken place in the Brentford half and yielding nine shots at goal, six on target, and seven corners. (Half-time 1-0)

Brentford made a change at the start of the second half when Oatway replaced Dirk Hebel, and the home side were much improved after the break although United had the first chance at goal. Four minutes in, a far post cross was nodded back across goal by Taylor to Wanless, who appealed in vain for a handball by Kevin Mahon as the ball spun wide. Brentford were picking up the pace and soon forced their first corner of the game, and after 55 minutes Folan fired over after some neat approach work and a cool backheel along the edge of the box by Mahon.

The game entered a scrappy spell as Brentford worked hard to close United down and break up their rhythm, and both sides were guilty of misplaced passes on the dreadful surface. Brentford had the next chance in the 66th minute when Freeman again fired over the bar after breaking clear between defenders, and on 70 minutes Folan danced along the edge of the box before firing at Marshall who collected the ball safely. A minute later Trevor Benjamin at last got free, cutting inside Bates and Rowlands diverted his goalbound shot behind to concede another corner.

His effort seemed to raise United's game and from Russell's corner John Taylor saw his shot cleared off the line by Freeman. By this stage Richard Walker, on loan from Aston Villa, was ready to enter the fray but he had to wait a few more minutes as United continued to press. Paul Wanless and Jamie Bates both required attention in the 73rd minute after clashing heads at another United corner, and Roy McFarland chose that moment to hand Walker his United debut as he replaced Taylor.

The 21-year-old made an instant impact when with his first touch he released Benjamin on the left. The big striker burst into the box only to delay his shot as he moved the ball onto his left foot and allowed Dearden the time to make a good save. United continued to up the tempo and Butler was crudely felled six inches outside the box on the left, the foul earning Quinn the first and only booking of the game. Russell's free kick was cleared by Quinn and Folan again broke clear at pace, provoking fears of a repeat of his fifth minute goal, but Chenery eventually tidied up.

Walker caught the eye again in the 79th minute when he broke down the right wing, but his speculative shot was collected by Dearden. As the game entered its final ten minutes the action was turning scrappy again, probably due to tiring legs as well as the increasingly awful pitch. Shaun Marshall had another heart-stopping moment when he fumbled the ball on the by-line under pressure from Owusu, but he scrambled after Owusu as the striker tried to turn for a shot and pinched the ball cleanly off the striker's boot.

United had a late chance when in the 86th minute Dearden spilled the ball in the box and Alex Russell pounced to shoot from near the penalty spot, but heart-breakingly Hermann Hreidarsson was on the line to clear the ball. A minute later the referee stopped play as two Brentford players were down, Owusu clutching his shoulder after an aerial challenge with Andy Duncan and Freeman lying in the goalmouth after Joseph and Marshall had combined to clear the ball from inside the box. United's Ken Steggles attended to Owusu's shoulder while the Brentford physio treated Freeman.

Folan fired an 89th minute free kick across the box but several Brentford heads failed to make contact, and then Ron Noades withdrew Owusu and sent Leo Fortune-West into the fray. With three minutes stoppage time indicated, Brentford dug in to preserve the three points and this caused a minor incident right in front of the benches when Paul Wanless and Trevor Benjamin were both trying to win possession from Brentford players who were playing keep-ball. The harrassment and frustration boiled over into a minor scuffle involving several players from each side, and Roy McFarland could be seen on the touchline telling the players to cool it.

The final chance of the game came in the 93rd minute when Walker fed Russell in a wide position, the midfielder produced a good cross into the box but Butler was adjudged to have fouled Dearden in the melee and a free kick was awarded. As soon as Brentford had cleared the ball the whistle blew for full-time and a clearly delighted Noades was congratulated by McFarland.

Even at full-time, after the Bees had improved and dug in for the second half, the statistics showed that overall United could be counted a little unlucky to come away from London empty-handed. The U's had ten shots to Brentford's six, seven on target compared to three, and eleven corners compared to two.

Sky TV's Man of the Match Folan said, somewhat mysteriously, "They had most of the match and they had most of the chances but I think we deserved to win." When told he had scored from 48 yards the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international joked, "I've only got little legs, I didn't know I could hit it that far! I saw the keeper off his line and I just whacked it."

Brentford owner-manager Ron Noades said afterwards, "I think Cambridge deserved something but I'm glad they didn't get it!" Referring to his side's mid-week FA Cup defeat by Oldham after extra-time and penalties he added, "Today was the harder game for us. The players kept going and I'm delighted with them."

Roy McFarland faced the cameras to say, "I think we've had a little bit of bad luck. Lady Luck doesn't seem to be running for us at the moment. I certainly think we deserved something out of the game. I thought overall we were the better team and without doubt deserved something."

Asked what he had been saying to his players he replied, "Consoling them. The players are also gutted. Our fans got drenched and it will be a long journey back for them. We do feel for them as we had a good turnout tonight as regards supporters. But I got a little reward tonight. Richard Walker showed quite a bit, his first touch was a tremendous ball to put Trevor Benjamin through. Trevor did get a shot on target and obviously the keeper made a great save.

Roy McFarland commented, "I'm pleased to have three of our most promising young players contracted to Cambridge United Football Club, especially as it allows us to concentrate on the footballing side of things at a key stage of the season."

Meanwhile, today's Cambridge Evening News reports that Chairman Reg Smart is hopeful of McFarland himself extending his contract to June 2002, a three and a half year contract that would be the longest ever offered to a Cambridge United manager.

"There are just a couple of small formalities to sort out," said Smart. "Roy is doing a great job, and the board of directors are delighted he is going to be with us long term. It would mean a spell of more than five years for him, and I believe we need that kind of stability. His coaches, David Preece and John Taylor - who has just agreed a new contract - are also signed up for two seasons after this one.

"I've stressed to Roy we wouldn't stand in his way if his success led to a big club coming in for him, but we would fight off any approaches from our own level. Under his leadership, I believe things are looking good for the club again."

United are currently fourth in the table after a good run in the Worthington Cup and with a crop of in-demand young players.

McFarland told the CEN, "I've had detailed talks with the chairman, and I can't see anything major standing in the way of me signing the extended contract. It's been two years of hard work because of the finances of the football club, but I've really enjoyed it. We've been able to build a team and create a structure for the club which can bring success.

"I fully appreciate Cambridge United have to sell players from time to time to keep going, but I feel sure these directors would only instruct me to do that when it was an absolute necessity."

McFarland added that the Chairman had encouraged him to move into the area from his Derbyshire home and he was giving the matter consideration. Currently the 50-year-old former England international lives in a rented house and returns to Derbyshire and his wife Lynne most weekends after matches.

Youth team manager David Batch is disappointed that his young players did not get the chance of a replay after last night's FA Youth Cup defeat on a sodden Abbey Stadium pitch.

"We deserved another go at them at least," he said. "There wasn't much between the sides. We had more of the game, but without hurting them enough in the box."

Stadium manager Ian Darler was furious when he inspected his ruined pitch after the game: "I told the referee it wasn't playable, but he didn't want to know," he told the CEN. "We were lucky not to get a player badly injured. It will take days of work to repair the surface, and I'm afraid it looks as though there could be long-term damage to the drainage and roots."

The Club have confirmed that the Auto Windscreens Shield second round match against Northampton Town will be played on Tuesday 5th January (k.o. 7.45pm).

Ticket prices are as follows:
Main Stand - £9 adults; £4 concession books holders
Family Stand and Home Terrace - £5 adults; £4 concession book holders
Away seats - £8 adults, £4 OAPs

Friday evening's opponents Brentford were knocked out of the FA Cup last night after extra time and penalties, but Bess manager Ron Noades said, "I'm only interested in the League. I'm more worried about the fact that we played extra time and we have to play Cambridge on Friday. The players will probably feel the after-effects and it really wasn't necessary. I hope it will not be too difficult to lift them now they are out of the Cup but they have to think about the League."

The national media report that the Football League are "seriously considering" the introduction of wage-capping at Third Division clubs as part of a range of measures designed to keep teams afloat. Rather than introducing a maximum salary for individual players, the idea would be to limit each club's total wage bill to a set percentage of their individual turnover.

Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn, the Third Division representative on the League panel, has been given the task of investigating the proposal, which at the start would probably be voluntary and which would certainly never affect First Division clubs. The League explained that the intention was not to create a level playing field among teams on the pitch but rather to "help clubs help themselves" in financial terms.

The plight of cash-strapped clubs such as Chester and Oxford is feared by some in the game to be indicative of deep-rooted problems, with only lucrative TV revenues keeping even some Premiership teams afloat.

League chairman Peter Middleton said: "In the next three months, we will look at getting some real data from clubs and then we will be in a better position to talk details about possible wage-capping in the Third Division. When I meet club chairmen, their main concerns seem to be players' wages and the costs of policing."

The Football League are also determined to take a more pro-active role over club finances alongside the Football Association. Middleton explained that a team of auditors and solicitors was being assembled which could go into clubs to either offer advice or to investigate any possible issues of malpractice. There are also likely to be demands made on chairmen to provide regular updates on club finances to help prevent any future problems. Another possibility could be the setting-up of a centralised Football League fund to provide interest-free loans to clubs to help with problems such as the financing of new stadia.

Batch told the Cambridge Evening News, "I took Martin out of the South-East Counties side a while before he made the third division team because he had surpassed that level and was a regular in the reserves. But this is an important youth game, and although we defended brilliantly in the last round against Swansea, it will be good to have him back for this one.

"Not that I think we should be worried about taking on Ipswich. They are in the new Academy League, but we've played them four times in the last 16 months, beaten them once and drawn twice."

This page will be updated with the final score later tonight, but Ipswich include two Cambridge youngsters, 16-year-old goalkeeper Lee Hulyer, a former Netherhall schoolboy, and Bottisham centre-back Louis Farrington. You can read pen pictures of the Cambridge United youth team here.

Teams:
Cambridge United: Mercer, Nacca, Mills, McNeil, Tann, Barrows, Fox, Steward, Chillingworth, Ingham, Gibson. Subs: Haniver, Millership, Cockrill, Kamara, Lockhart.
Ipswich Town: Hulyer, Supple, Woolnough, Moffat, Bramble, Farrington, Artum, Miller, Logan, Dixon, Wright. Subs: Mayes, Snowdon, Riley, Delany, Asiamah.

Martin McNeil and player-coach John Taylor both agreed deals last week which take them through to June 2001, reward for 34-year-old Taylor's exploits on the pitch this season and 18-year-old McNeil's emergence as a first team regular while still on YTS terms.

The 'Billy' Beall transfer saga looks set to run and run! The out-of-contract midfielder eventually signed for Leyton Orient in October after months of wrangling over a fee, but Friday's transfer tribunal to decide the transfer fee has now been postponed. The Chairman of the Football League Appeals Committee, who must be in attendance, has a hospital appointment so the tribunal will not meet until the New Year.

United's postponed game at Rochdale has been rearranged for Tuesday 23rd February.

Roy McFarland has told the Cambridge Evening News that he is taking seriously the Auto-Windscreens Shield tie against Northampton. The Cobblers are the visitors to the Abbey Stadium for the second round tie on Tuesday 5th January after the U's recieved a bye in the first round draw.

Last season he sent out a reserve side to face second division Bristol City but he said, "This is a good draw for us, a local derby, and we'll be having a go. After all, you haven't got to win many games to get close to Wembley."

Roy McFarland warned that the former Manchester United midfielder would have to watch his temperament when he signed in the summer, but Mustoe explained, "I was only throwing the ball back to the referee in the reserve match."

McFarland commented: "We'll have to keep an eye on this. With a small squad we can't afford to lose players due to suspension. Neil played well against Plymouth, but once you are out of the team you have to fight for the place back."

Mustoe's place looks certain to go to Ian Ashbee, who made way on Saturday for Mustoe to start his first game for seven weeks after recovering from a thigh injury. United fans under 16 will be admitted to the match at Brentford for £1.

On the win that propelled United back up to fourth in the table, McFarland said, "We were more than a goal better on the day. It was a well-deserved win, but we should have made better chances and scored from two or three of the ones we created.

"It was good that John Taylor got the goal, though, to break the club record. It's a tremendous achievement which will take some beating. Now we can drop the old man and give the youngsters a chance."

Taylor himself commented, "It was great to get that goal but the record was never really on my mind. It's the sort of thing you celebrate afterwards."

Tomorrow evening United's youth team are in FA Youth Cup action at the Abbey Stadium. The visitors for the third round tie are Ipswich Town and youth team manager David Batch says his charges are looking forward to the game. He told U's Net: "We're confident and we're all looking forward to it. It's a game we want to win and we're not going into it being frightened of anyone."

Admission will cost £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Ashbee, Walker.
Booked: Mustoe (foul 29')

Plymouth Argyle: Sheffield, Ashton, Beswetherick (Adams 89'), Branston, Heathcote, Wotton, Barlow, Mauge, Phillips, Jean, Marshall (Bastow 46').
Subs not used: Adams.
Booked: Mauge (unsporting behaviour 24'), Branston (foul 39'), Mauge (foul 45'), Sheffield (dissent 50')
Sent off: Mauge (two yellow cards)

Ref: Mr F G Stretton (Nottingham).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 7, Plymouth 2
Corners: Cambridge 10, Plymouth 8

John Taylor was crowned 'King of the Abbey' before today's game and celebrated by signing a new two year contract and scoring a record-breaking 82nd goal to become Cambridge United's record goalscorer in all-competitions.

As anticipated after last week's defeat at Macclesfield, there were changes to United's side this afternoon. Neil Mustoe and Marc Joseph replaced Ian Ashbee and Martin McNeil respectively, and Ashbee joined David Preece and this morning's loan signing Richard Walker on the bench. Plymouth included former Abbey favourites Mick Heathcote and Jon Sheffield and arrived on the back of a four game losing streak. The game kicked off in mild conditions and the lunchtime rain had eased off.

Neil Mustoe made an early impression, as he did when coming off the bench last weekend, and after just 36 seconds he burst through the middle and picked out John Taylor but the 'King of the Abbey' produced a less-than regal shot which was well wide. After three minutes Mustoe's deep cross found Trevor Benjamin at the far post, the striker headed home but his effort was ruled out for offside.

After 15 minutes an Alex Russell shot rebounded off Mick Heathcote in a melee, and after 24 minute Ronnie Mauge collected a silly booking for kicking the ball away. Neil Mustoe followed him into the book five minutes later for a foul, and the next chance of a goal fell to the visitors. Martin Barlow's 25 yard shot was parried by Shaun Marshall who collected the ball at the second attempt.

After that United had the better of the chances although John Taylor contrived to waste them, on 38 minutes heading over after meeting Marc Joseph's cross and two minutes later heading wide after Benjamin had nodded Campbell's cross back across goal. But Taylor was not to be denied his fairytale goal and duly broke Alan Biley's record and wrote himself into the history books in the 44th minute. Ben Chenery scampered down the right wing but lost possession, the ball fell to Martin Butler who crossed for Paul Wanless, Jon Sheffield blocked the header and who else but John Taylor was perfectly placed to head the ball into the net from a yard out. He immediately raced to the North Terrace and threw himself into the ecstatic crowd who were privileged to see history being made at the Abbey this afternoon with Shaggy's 82nd goal.

Three minutes into injury time Ronnie Mauge clattered into Alex Russell, leaving Mr Stretton no choice but to show him a second yellow card and then the red card. United finished the half as strongly as they had started, although Argyle had dominated the middle section. (Half-time 1-0)

Plymouth made a change at half-time with Darren Bastow replacing Dwight Marshall. United unsurprisingly dominated their ten-man visitors without ever really looking like adding to the lead, mainly due to sterling performances by former Abbey stars Mick Heathcote and Jon Sheffield. Alex Russell's 50th minute cross fell to Andy Duncan but the defender miscued his shot so badly it ended back with Russell on the wing, he crossed but John Taylor's goalbound shot was blocked by Sheffield. The former U's goalkeeper was booked in the 50th minute for throwing the ball away.

On 59 minutes Russell's quick free kick fell to Benjamin whose cross was blocked and came back to him, and his follow-up shot curled just over the bar. A minute later Joseph's long header fell to Benjamin as the striker burst forward, but the experienced Heathcote did just enough to put Benjamin off balance and allow Sheffield to claim the ball. Two minutes after that Martin Butler robbed Barlow to feed Benjamin who raced forward, ignoring team-mates either side of him, but went on to place his shot wide of the goal.

United continued to dominate the half and in the 65th minute the busy Russell clipped the ball through for Butler who waited for the ball to come down over his shoulder only to shoot wide. United had another chance immediately when Taylor burst through but Sheffield narrowed the angle and the shot went wide. In the 69th minute Taylor met Russell's cross but his shot hit the bar and dropped kindly into Sheffield's hands.

A minute later young fullback Jon Beswetherick's cross fooled Marshall and Lee Phillips and Heathcote combined to get the ball back into the danger area, but Russell cleared the ball off the line. In the 76th minute Earl Jean was put through and drew a good save from Marshall with his first time shot. On 78 minutes another Russell cross was headed down by Benjamin, but Wanless hooked his shot over the bar. United kept pressing right to the end and although Barlow forced a save from Marshall in the 88th minute, Russell also went close with his 89th minute diving header after good work from Butler and Mustoe.

Reporter Mark Johnson's 'Man of the Match' was, unsurprisingly, John Taylor.

United rose to fourth in the Division Three table after this valuable win and are in action again on Friday night at big-spending Brentford. The match at Griffin Park will be televised live on Sky TV.

The draw for the second round of the Auto Windscreens Shield (Southern Section) was made this morning on Sky TV, and Cambridge United were drawn at home to Northampton Town. The game will be played in the week beginning 4th January 1999.

This is the Football League's Centenary Season and one of their major initiatives for this season was to establish a list of 'local heroes' at Football League clubs. The League acknowledged that each club has memorable players who were not included on the list of the '100 Greats of British football' chosen by a League panel this year. As a follow-up they asked every club to nominate players who have made a memorable contribution to the Club and to the local community over the years, in order to honour them.

United polled the fans at a game and via the Cambridge Evening News and U's Net, and the winner was announced today. United's player coach was delighted and honoured to be the supporters' choice and, in the words of United's assistant secretary Mark Johnson, he was "almost speechless".

In today's Cambridge Evening News Taylor called the fans' backing "an honour I'll remember for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely delighted," he said. "When you think of some of the great players who have represented United over the years, to be voted as the top player really is something.

"I wouldn't say I'm the most gifted player, but without wanting to blow my own trumpet I think the supporters appreciate that when I'm out there in a United shirt I give everything for them and the club. It's the old thing about having black and amber blood in your veins. United gave me my big break in the game, and returning here as a player and now a coach was like coming home for me."

Club PR Coordinator Graham Eales revealed that over half of the votes received were for either 'JT' or Dion Dublin, and Alan Biley and Steve Fallon were the other leading contenders. This reflected the Internet voting where Taylor and Dublin were streets ahead of anyone else (JT 'won' by one vote), with Alan Biley third.

Eales was highly pleased with the massive reponse to the poll, and he explained, "In the early stages Dion surged into the lead as the football world was reminded of his Cambridge connection as he was re-called to the England side and transferred to Aston Villa.

"However John Taylor, a very popular player, impressed many fans with his heroics in the Worthington Cup win as well as equalling Alan Biley's all-time goalscoring record for the Club. Alan Biley and Steve Fallon were the other famous players in the frame, but 'Shaggy' is now acclaimed 'King of the Abbey'."

[U's Net profile of John Taylor]

U's Net comment: The United player-coach is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this accolade. He has been a crowd favourite throughout his two spells with the Club and his heroics this season, when he has scored vital goals and played with a bandage protecting stitches to a head wound, probably clinched the accolade for him. Well done Shaggy!

Tomorrow's youth team South East Counties fixture, already moved from the Simoco Ground to Pembroke College Sports Ground due to a waterlogged pitch, has fallen victim to the weather. Yesterday's torrential rain in Cambridge has affected the college pitch and the game is postponed. The Abbey Stadium pitch however is in excellent condition and there is no question of tomorrow's game being called off.

Michael Kyd definitely misses out tomorrow after suffering a setback in recovery from his recent knee operation, and he has spent the week at Lilleshall as part of his rehabilitation. Plymouth Argyle are the visitors for what is a vital game for United as we attempt to stay in the leading pack, and Marc Joseph is tipped to return to the defence at the expense of teenager Martin McNeil. Neil Mustoe did his claims no harm when he came off the bench and single-handedly lifted the team last weekend at Macclesfield, but his inclusion would mean dropping one of last week's midfield threesome, or a tactical switch to 4-4-2 at the expense of one of the strikers.

A reminder that United will operate a "Quid a kid" scheme for tomorrow's game against Plymouth Argyle, the last remaining home League game before Christmas. All accompanied children will be admitted to the game for £1 per head (accompanying adults will pay normal prices).

Graham Eales (left) told U's Net that the Club have received several party bookings for this game, with schools, youth clubs, voluntary organisations or youth football teams bringing groups along.

"We are hoping to set something up," McFarland said in today's Cambridge Evening News. "We should get a decision from Villa before the weekend. Michael (Kyd) has had a bit of a setback, Tom Youngs has a slight training injury and John Taylor is at the stage now where he doesn't really want to play in every match."

Walker scored for the reserves against Swindon Town two weeks ago and has impressed the coaches with his performances for the reserves and in training. He is a strong striker with an impressive strike rate of 28 goals in 45 youth team appearances, and he made one substitute appearance for Villa's first team last December.

Cambridge United reserves lost 3-0 at Ipswich Town last night. First year pro Jamie Scales made his first appearance since pre-season after recovering from an injury and a bout of glandular fever. Three trialists were in the side last night, with defender Scott Eustace making his second appearance in defence, and ex-Spurs striker Paul Mahorn and Nathan Dukes completing the side.

United were two down by half-time, conceding the second on the stroke of half-time, but improved after the break. Scott Barrett had a good game in goal but with about 15 minutes left the U's were were caught on the break and conceded the third goal.

"We improved in the second half," McFarland told the CEN, "but reserve teams from clubs like Ipswich in the Combination are very strong."

Meanwhile Neil Mustoe and Marc Joseph, who returned to first team action as second half substitutes at Macclesfield, are thought likely to start at the weekend when Plymouth are the visitors to the Abbey.

Due to the Simoco Ground pitch being waterlogged, Cambridge United's South East Counties League youth team fixture against Brighton on Saturday will now take place at Pembroke College Sports Ground on Grantchester Road. Kick-off will be at 10.45am.

Two reserve team games have also been rearranged. The home game against Gillingham, originally scheduled for December 16th, will now take place on January 27th at the Abbey Stadium, kick-off 1pm. This match has been put back due to the youth team's involvement in the third round of the FA Youth Cup the previous evening.

The reserve game at Colchester, scheduled for January 6th, has also been rearranged due to Colchester's involvement in the Essex Senior Cup. This match will now take place on March 10th.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, McNeil (Joseph 68'), Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (Mustoe 74'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Van Heusden, Ingham.

Macclesfield Town: Price, Tinson, Hitchin, Payne, Wood, Sodje (Ingram 74'), Askey, Sorvel, Tomlinson, Sedgemore, Whittaker (Davenport).
Subs not used: Clyde, Howarth, Durkan.

Ref: Mr R. D. Furnandiz (Doncaster).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 9, Macclesfield 7
Corners: Cambridge 3, Macclesfield 7

Cambridge United looked a shadow of the side that recorded such impressive Worthington Cup wins earlier this season as they were swept aside by Macclesfield Town. The scoreline flatters the Silkmen a little but there can be no denying the fact that this United team produced a performance that numbed the minds of the supporters as much as the freezing weather numbed our extremities!

An unchanged United team took the field this afternoon, although Marc Joseph and Neil Mustoe were named among the five substitutes after missing all of last month through injury. The game got off to a steady start with little to excite the freezing supporters of either side, but United enjoyed the territorial advantage for most of the first half without really threatening the Macclesfield defence.

Trevor Benjamin, John Taylor and Martin Butler all had chances in the first 20 minutes but their efforts were too tame to test Ryan Price. At the other end, in front of the frozen travelling U's, United were struggling to cope with the width provided by Macclesfield's impressive winger Stuart Whittaker, and Andy Duncan was left to do a lot of covering as his three defensive colleagues went missing or played each other into trouble.

In midfield Wanless looked muted, Ashbee was playing too deep and often played the ball back when the game was crying out for someone to carry the ball forwards, and even the in-form Alex Russell struggled to raise his game. The front three were left isolated and when Taylor and Butler came deep looking for the ball the front men were too far apart to link effectively. Trevor Benjamin had a disappointing, static game that frustrated the supporters and he only came to life in the dying stages.

Both sides were poor in the first half as misplaced passes were the order of the day, and it took a defensive lapse to hand Macclesfield the lead in the 35th minute. The United defence failed to clear a corner as the ball bobbled in the area and John Askey was perfectly placed to bury Graeme Tomlinson's rebound. The Silkmen were buoyed by their goal and put United's shaky defence under severe pressure until the break, and Jamie Campbell's aerial strength was valuable as he intercepted some of their inviting crosses. (Half-time 1-0)

No doubt Roy McFarland delivered a roasting to his under-par players at half-time and they started the second half well, but Macclesfield had also raised their game and Whittaker was soon back to torturing Campbell and pulling McNeil out of position. The lively Tomlinson twice went close to scoring but his shots hit the post and flew wide, and then Jamie Campbell handed the U's a few minutes of false hope with his strike in the 55th minute. He met a clearance first time and his 25-yard thunderbolt skimmed through the penalty area and low into the corner of the net, and for a few moments afterwards it looked as though the real Cambridge United had arrived and were about to make up for lost time.

But the sometimes neat approach play fell down with the final ball and a ten minute hattrick by Tomlinson ended any chance of a revival. United's defence had looked shaky throughout, and when the offside trap was sprung in the 61st minute by Tinson's through-ball Tomlinson made light work of rounding Marshall before slotting the ball home from about 20 yards out. Five minutes later United fans appealed vainly for offside as Tomlinson again broke through and struck from the edge of the box for his second, and Marc Joseph replaced McNeil shortly afterwards to bring some experience to the disintegrating defence.

Jamie Campbell picked out Trevor Benjamin with a rare accurate cross but the big striker headed the ball straight at Price, and it was all over in the 71st minute when Tomlinson was well-placed to tap the ball in from ten yards. John Taylor had faded during the second half on the heavy surface and he was replaced by Neil Mustoe after 74 minutes. The little midfielder tore into the game at full-tilt and immediately lit up the game, showing the determination that United had been crying out for all afternoon. He harried and chased, called for the ball, attacked with it, and United looked the more dangerous side once he was on the pitch as he single-handedly lifted the team and gave the supporters something to cling to.

The static Benjamin was finally sparked into life and forced a couple of late chances, although one free header was directed straight into the arms of Price and when he eventually took on and beat a defender his low cross was hit with too much power and fizzed across the goalmouth too fast for Wanless or Butler to connect. Another Benjamin shot was somehow blocked by the one defender on the line, and it was at this point that United supporters knew that we could play all night and never score a second goal!

Looking for good points from this afternoon's match, at least Neil Mustoe and Marc Joseph have returned to the first team and young Martin McNeil was probably relieved to be replaced by Joseph after having a torrid afternoon against Macclesfield's front men. Andy Duncan underlined his growing reputation with a good personal performance although he was let down by his defensive colleagues today, and Martin Butler never stopped running and looking for the ball on an afternoon when most of his team mates looked as though they would rather join the travelling U's who departed early.

Next weekend United are back in League action with a big game in prospect against Plymouth Argyle, and the team performance today has made it easy for Roy McFarland to make the changes that there are sure to be after such an afternoon.

The game could also see a surprise debut for highly-rated 17-year-old Andy Ingham. The youth team striker has been promoted to the full squad as Michael Kyd and Tom Youngs will be missing with slight strain suffered in training. He has impressed the coaching staff at United so much that he was offered and signed a professional contract days after his seventeenth birthday in August, although he still had a year to go on his YT Scheme.

Squad: Marshall, Chenery, McNeil, Duncan, Campbell, Ashbee, Wanless, Russell, Butler, Benjamin, Taylor, Ingham, Preece, Mustoe, Joseph, Van Heusden.

In today's CEN McFarland attempted to recreate the atmosphere leading up to this season's Worthington Cup games by stating that United are the underdogs going into this tie: "We are the underdogs again, and we'll have to battle just as hard," he said.

"I've seen Macclesfield twice recently and they are a cavalier attacking team who can run a game in midfield. The first thing we have to do is stop them playing the way they want to. We'll need to compete from the start. We daren't just try to defend and hope to catch them on the break.

"Their style is a bit of a throwback. They switch from 4-4-2 to 4-2-4 with two wingers out on the touchlines. It gives them a lot of width, and the lad on the left, Stuart Whittaker, can be a very dangerous player. We didn't do ourselves justice at Macclesfield in the League last season. The players were put off a bit by the poor pitch and the surroundings. But we know what to expect this time."

A date has finally been set for Billy Beall's transfer tribunal, five weeks after he signed for Leyton Orient and more than seven months after he played his last game for United. The midfielder signed for the O's at the end of October, but only after the clubs had again failed to agree a fee and Orient chairman Barry Hearn finally decided he had no other option than to be bound by the decision of a tribunal.

The Football League tribunal will meet at Queens Park Rangers' ground on December 18, and Roy McFarland spoke to the Cambridge Evening News about the news.

"I can't believe how long it has taken," he said. "Now let's hope we get a true valuation of the player. We didn't want to lose Billy. He was an integral part of our team, and we should be fully compensated for that.

"It's no coincidence that Orient have climbed to second in the third division over the last few weeks when he's come into the team. I don't think they've lost a match while he's been playing for them. He's a young player we invested a lot in when he was coming through our youth system."

PR Coordinator Graham Eales (left) added that the Club are making a special offer for party bookings for this game, with schools, youth clubs, voluntary organisations or youth football teams encouraged to bring groups along:

For a minimum group booking of 25 (including at least five adults) children aged 16 or under will pay only one pound and the accompanying adults pays half-price (£6). So for a party of 20 children and five adults the cost will be £50 instead of the usual £160. All prices are for seats in the Main Stand.

For more details of the party booking scheme, or for an application form, please ring the Club on (01223) 566500.

To confirm ticket details for the FA Cup second round tie at Macclesfield on Saturday, prices are £12 (£8 concessions) for the seats and £10 (£6 concessions) for standing. Admission to the match will be 'pay on the day'.

The Away Travel Club will be running a coach to the match, leaving from the Abbey at 9.30am and priced at £13.50 a head. Supporters wishing to travel on the coach should contact Caroline McIntyre in the club shop.

The University team acquitted themselves very well against United's in-form and coveted strikers Martin Benjamin and Martin Butler and restricted the scoreline to 3-0 at half time. United's goals came from Benjamin and trialists Richard Walker, as 21-year-old striker on trial from Aston Villa, and Scott Eustace, a 23-year-old central defender formerly with Mansfield and Chesterfield.

In the second half United's side comprised youth trainees, first year pros and player-coaches David Preece and John Taylor (at sweeper!). A strong University side scored with 15 minutes to go and Tom Youngs and Eustace were both denied by goalkeeper Tim Haines.

University captain Mark Pett was "absolutely delighted" afterwards, saying "It was a bit of a mis-match against their first team, but to beat a good reserve side 1-0 in the second half was tremendous. The spirit and commitment we showed was second to none. They knocked it around, but we got the goal and managed to hold on thanks to some good defending."

The Cambridge Evening News reported that another trialist on show yesterday was young Everton left-back Andy Eaton, who apparently played well. If this is actually Adam Eaton the youngster was a member of Everton's FA Youth Cup winning side last season.

United's plans of signing Aston Villa defender Ben Petty were thwarted when he signed for Stoke City last week (as reported here last Friday), and Roy McFarland believes the loan deal fell through due to intervention from Petty's agent. The full-back and his Villa teammate Richard Walker, a striker, played in United's last two reserve games and Petty impressed McFarland enough to be offered a loan spell.

21-year-old Petty had agreed to come on loan when second division Stoke, managed by former Villa boss Brian Little, got involved. He joined them on a free transfer on Friday and played in their win at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

In today's Cambridge Evening News McFarland acknowledges that Cambridge cannot compete for players with a club like Stoke, but he adds, "I'm very disappointed about the way we lost the player. Stoke had no interest in Ben Petty until his agent, Lorraine Gates, got in touch with them after the player had agreed to come to us on loan. In effect, our interest in the player was used to get Stoke's attention.

"Brian Little had been trying for weeks to get another player from Villa. If he had wanted Ben, he would have talked to him while that was going on. It's tough enough trying to sign players with the resources we have at United without this sort of thing."