Games against the East London side took on a new dimension when manager Tommy Taylor walked out on United to join the O's nearly three years ago, and that only intensified when players like former skipper Matthew Joseph followed suit, claiming they were joining a bigger club. Undoubtedly the most controversial departure was that of 'Billy' Beall who refused to return for pre-season training last season and whose transfer fee was set several months later by a transfer tribunal. But former U's goalkeeper Scott Barrett left few friends behind when he joined Orient during last season and claimed that United were "lucky" to be in the promotion race. They are all likely to get a 'warm' welcome back to the Abbey tomorrow.

Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News today, "It was us who suggested the game. We wanted one with a real edge about it for our last warm-up match.

"We've had some cracking games with Orient, to some extent because of all their ex-Cambridge connections, and it should be another very competitive encounter. They finished off very well last season, just missing out in the play-off final at Wembley, and they'll be out to prove they were good enough to have been promoted with us.

"It's probably going to be as tough as some of our second division games, and our players will really have to be up for it."

McFarland makes changes at the back as Ben Chenery is still suffering with a sore toe, so he told U's Net this afternoon that trialist David Kerslake will get a run out at right back, while Clive Wilson misses out again with a twisted ankle. His absence means Marc Joseph is set to start at left back with Andy Duncan and Scott Eustace teaming up in the centre.

Neil Mustoe and Martin Butler have both been suffering with blisters due to the hard surfaces caused by the current hot weather, but both have been receiving treatment.

McFarland revealed to the CEN that he was interested in signing striker Iyseden Christie from Mansfield and had talks with the player, but the fee Mansfield were demanding was too high. The former Coventry forward signed for Orient and the fee was set by a tribunal at £40,000 this week, indicating how little leeway McFarland has in the transfer market - barring the sale of a player of course.

Wisbech extended their lead after the break Taylor was beaten by a deflected shot, and shortly afterwards he swapped the goalkeepers jersey for a more usual number nine and moved up front into a more natural striking role. The club's Turkish goalkeeping coach took over in goal and United looked much brighter up front as Taylor led the line. The deficit was reduced after Lamey's run set up a simple tap in for Darren Cockrill at the far post, but with five minutes remaining the U's fell 3-1 behind after the substitute goalkeeper saved a long range shot but was beaten by the rebound. In the 93rd minute Taylor nodded home a consolation goal for the U's but the Addenbrooks Cup went to the hosts.

United reserves: Taylor, McAvoy, Scales,Armstrong, McNeil, ?, Ingham, Youngs, Cockrill, Lamey, Wilde.
Subs: Nacca, tba

Thanks to Will Jones, Andrew Bennett and 'Pete' for match details.

Taylor commented in today's Cambridge Evening News, "I kept a clean sheet for 33 minutes, then made a mistake. It was disappointing to lose because we were playing better football than them for most of the second half on a bone-hard pitch."

Adam Tann has spoken about being called up for an England under-18 training camp at Lilleshall from August 18-20. The second year 'scholar' told the CEN "It still hasn't properly sunk in yet, but I'm absolutely delighted. It's going to be a brilliant few days and I'm just looking forward to the experience. It's come as a complete surprise, and to get this sort of recognition is tremendous.

""The other lads have been congratulating me, and they've already started giving me a bit of stick about it, but that's usual round here," he added.

Tann was recommended to the FA by United's coaching staff near the end of last season and he impressed FA coach Colin Murphy when playing against Tottenham's Les Ferdinand and Ruel Fox in a reserve game.

Youth team manager Dale Brooks is delighted for Tann and commented, "It's a great recognition for the player and also an honour for the club and a terrific boost for everyone involved with the club.

"They dented our ego a bit, which is good for us," he admitted. "I like playing non League clubs - it happened when we drew 1-1 with Kettering last season. The scoreline maybe did not reflect the game, but it's a timely reminder and knocks any complacency out of us."

McFarland was most disturbed by Nuneaton's two second-half goals, both of which came from swift breaks by the newly-promoted Conference side. "Again, we conceded sloppy goals and we haven't been like that before the last couple of games," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "I am slightly concerned about the defending at the moment, but maybe that's not a bad thing. It just reminds us where we have got to improve."

McFarland has trialists Scott Eustace, Rob Miller and Clive Wilson - who has been offered a short-term contract - waiting in the wings and eager to earn permanent contracts, while former QPR winger Mark Graham has repeatedly caught the eye in pre-season and was one of the better performers last night. Up front, the new pairing of Martin Butler and Michael Kyd looked lively and mobile before making way for Trevor Benjamin and John Taylor after an hour.

"Kyd and Butler created a number of chances," McFarland commented. "It is a combination that we haven't tried too often and they gelled together well. I gave Trevor a rest because he has worked very hard the last couple of games, but he also did well when he came on with John Taylor."

He explained that Paul Wanless was rested last night and Neil Mustoe came off at half time as he is suffering with blisters. Watching from the stand, goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden said he has a groin strain but expects to be fit for Saturday when Leyton Orient are the visitors.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Miller, Ashbee, Duncan, Joseph, Mustoe (Chenery 46'), Russell, Graham, Cassidy, Butler (Taylor 62'), Kyd (Benjamin 62').
Subs: Van Heusden, Eustace, Preece.

Nuneaton Borough: Chris McKenzie, Andy Thackeray, Steve Pridiville, Wayne Simpson, Jon Brown, Terry Angus, Shaun Wray, Barry Williams, Dave Hanson, Ian Muir, Ian Reed.
Subs: Marvin Blake, David Crowley, Leigh Everitt, Brett Healy, Joe O'Connor.

Referee: P. Walton (Long Buckby)

United were in action tonight at Conference newcomers Nuneaton Borough. Trialists Rob Miller (ex-Coventry) and Mark Graham (ex-QPR) started at right-back and right midfield respectively, while Ian Ashbee replaced Clive Wilson (twisted ankle) at left back. Neil Mustoe and Alex Russell formed a new-look central midfield unit, with Graham and Jamie Cassidy providing the width.

The U's got off to a bright start with Michael Kyd and the fit-again Martin Butler forming a quick and mobile pairing up front. Some neat interplay between those two in the tenth minute saw Kyd set up Butler for a shot that was saved by the keeper. Kyd was caught offside more than once before he broke clear for a one on one with the keeper in the 19th minute but McKenzie saved the shot. A minute later Nuneaton, who had plenty of pace in their side, made a quick breakaway but Miller, showing a good turn of pace, cut out the danger.

Nuneaton were looking increasingly dangerous by this stage and after Kyd's 22nd minute shot was saved the Conference side took the lead in the 25th minute. Another breakaway down the left saw Barry Williams with the space to lob the ball over the stranded Marshall from just outside box. United continued to create chances and in the 27th minute a forward run by Graham looked promising but his cross drifted just behind, then two minutes later Butler made space for shot that was blocked and rebounded to Kyd, whose shot was scrambled away.

United continued to show some neat approach play, particularly from Russell and Graham in midfield, but the front men looked isolated and were well marshalled by an organised Nuneaton defence. Five minutes before half time another Nuneaton breakaway move scythed through United's defence until Marc Joseph stood up well to kill the danger, and with a minute remaining Marshall was called upon to safely collect a dangerous cross. (Half-time 1-0)

At half-time Ben Chenery replaced Neil Mustoe, who may have taken a knock in the first half, and played at left-back allowing Ashbee to move into central midfield. United started brightly and there was more urgency to their play in the opening moments. Trialists Miller and Graham produced some neat link up play down the right, although a sign of how much Graham wants a contract came when he berated Miller for mis-kicking the ball into touch instead of finding him with a pass. United's goal came from this route in the 54th minute when a Graham cross into box confused the defence and Michael Kyd pounced and beat the keeper with a close range shot.

Ian Ashbee almost put United ahead moments later when his fierce shot from outside the area fizzed just wide of the post, but United's period of dominance was about to end. In the 59th minute Nuneaton saw a shot deflected wide and the subsequent corner headed away under pressure, and three minutes later came several substitutions. John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin replaced Martin Butler and Michael Kyd and at the same time the home side made three changes, and two minutes later substitute Joe O'Connor outpaced United's defence, rounded Shaun Marshall and tucked the ball home even as the back-pedalling Marshall tried to close the gap.

In the 65th minute Benjamin was fouled just outside the right hand side of the area and Jamie Cassidy's curling free kick crashed against the angle of crossbar and post, but the pressure was nearly all from Nuneaton after that, as United's mainly static attack struggled to find space against the host's well-drilled defence. After 70 minutes Marshall raced out to clear one attack with his feet, five minutes later Nuneaton's other two substitutes, including their reserve keeper, were sent on, and six minutes after that another swift breakaway saw sub Marvin Blake scorch through the defence to seal the win with a good finish past Marshall. With a couple of minutes left Benjamin created room for a shot that was blocked and John Taylor just failed to reach the rebound, and there was just enough time left for another Nuneaton attack which Marshall turned behind for corner that came to nothing.

Overall there were a few encouraging signs from the performances of Kyd, Miller and Graham, but the United defence looked creaky and the attack looked worryingly isolated at times as the side seems to be struggling to adapt to the new 4-4-2 formation.

Clive Wilson, who missed tonight's game with a twisted ankle sustained against Bolton on Saturday, has been offered a short term contract after impressing so far in pre-season. The 37-year-old former QPR and Spurs full-back was the only trialist to be included in the team line-up at today's photo call, and Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News:

"I have offered Clive Wilson a short-term contract which he is considering. I am hoping he will sign it and go on to prove himself worthy of a longer term. He has looked good in the pre-season games on the left-hand side of defence and it is up to him now to decide to sign and go on to get a longer-term deal."

Looking ahead to tonight's game, McFarland said prophetically, "It will be a strong side and it will need to be if we are going to win the game. Pre-season is about preparation and fitness and shape, but the idea is also to win every game. It's a good fixture for us. Nuneaton were very successful last season in getting promoted to the Conference, so it will be a good test."

Youth team defender Adam Tann has been called up for an assessment and development session with the England Under-18 set-up next month. 29 players have been invited and Tann is one of only two from clubs outside the Premiership, the other coming from Peterborough United. Centre-half Tann has been with the club from the age of 14 and is currently a "scholar" in the youth team set-up.

Butler missed Saturday's game against Bolton, prompting a lot of speculation about an impending transfer, and although McFarland explained that the striker was suffering with an infected blister on his ankle, he also confirmed the transfer rumours:

"We have had three separate offers for Martin Butler from the same club and we have turned them down," he said. "I keep the players informed of these things and Martin is quite happy here, so for the moment he is staying."

McFarland has not named the club concerned or revealed the size of the offers, although Brentford and Charlton have featured in terrace rumours and WBA were strongly linked earlier this summer. The manager was also keen to stress to the supporters that United want Butler to stay and will do everything possible to keep him at the Abbey:

"We want Martin Butler to stay and we are currently negotiating with him for a new contract," he said. "The fans love him here, he is happy to stay and we will do our very best to keep him here. But we have told Martin that we won't stand in his way if the right offer comes in for him, and that is the arrangement we have with all the players.

"We have turned down a club three times which says a lot about how we value Martin Butler, but everyone knows we are losing money at the football club every week."

McFarland, who exchanged warm words and a hug with Colin Todd - his former co-manager at Bolton - after Saturday's game, felt that the Division One side had given his side an "excellent work-out." It was, he said, "just the sort of game we were looking for.

"We moved the ball around well and I was pleased with the performance on a very hot day, particularly from the trialists - one or two of whom were very impressive. The result does matter and it was a sloppy goal to give away from a free kick, but I am not too disappointed in that - I would probably be more disappointed if we had lost the goal from open play."

Midfielder Keith Newby, released by United at the end of last season, signed for Cambridge City on Saturday.

"We were not switched on in the centre of defence and what could have been a very, very comfortable evening was made more difficult for us than it should have been. We led 3-1 and were cruising, when two sloppy goals let them get back to 3-3, although from there our class eventually took over."

The manager was happier with full backs Clive Wilson and David Kerslake, saying, "The full-backs were excellent and showed some good stuff on the overlaps, it was just in the centre that we struggled."

Former Premiership players Wilson and Kerslake are on trial and merited a brief mention on Sky Sports Centre tonight. When interviewed, 37-year-old Wilson said he was grateful for the chance to play and praised the young players at the Abbey.

McFarland was also pleased with the showing of new signing Jamie Cassidy, who played the first 45 minutes: "As I expected he is short on match fitness compared to the other players, but as the half went on he did better and settled in more with the players around him and put some good crosses in.

"Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin were electric up front," added McFarland. "They caused them all sorts of problems all night. In fact, the entire midfield and attack were excellent, it was just in the middle of defence we made problems for ourselves."

There were no new injury scares last night, but Arjan Van Heusden picked up a slight groin strain in training yesterday and Andy Duncan is slightly doubtful ahead of Bolton's visit on Saturday.

The reserves were in action at Soham Town Rangers last night and several fringe players and trialists got another chance to impress the watching management. Marc Joseph and Scott Eustace were thrown straight back into action after the blast from McFarland, and midfielder Neil Mustoe made his seasonal reappearance after shaking off an achilles problem. Trialists Mark Graham (ex-QPR) and Nathan Lamey (ex-Wolves) played again and left back Jamie Jenkins (ex-Bournemouth) made his debut.

Cambridge United Reserves:
Marshall, McAvoy, Jenkins, Preece, Eustace, Joseph (McNeil 46'), Graham, Mustoe (Wilde 58'), Lamey, Ingham (Cockrill 68'), Scales.

It was a one-sided and sometimes ill-tempered game against a muscular Soham side, but United got off to the perfect start when trialist Nathan Lamey's fourth minute header was adjudged to have crossed the line despite the lack of celebration. From then on the U's dominated but ended the half struggling to turn possession into goals.

Mark Graham had an impressive first half, although a disagreement between him and Lamey and the entire Soham side threatened to boil over. However that incident failed to disrupt United's complete control as David Preece pulled the strings in midfield like a diminutive puppeteer. The goals failed to come as the finishing became increasingly wasteful, but the main encouragement from the first half was the improvement in the defensive pairing of Joseph and Eustace, who has returned on trial after an impressive spell late last season.

Martin McNeil replaced Joseph at half-time and United again scored an early goal when Lamey pounced on a poor clearance by the Soham 'keeper and his cross went in off a defender. There was little goalmouth action in the second half as United dominated but the inexperienced forwards were guilty of over-elaboration and trying to walk the ball into the net. In the 65th minute a great ball from Graham sent in Andy Ingham, his shot deflected to Lamey who hit the post, and four minutes later David Preece cleverly worked an opening but his lob bounced off the bar. Five minutes from time a McNeil back-header let in a Soham forward who put the goal wide of goal.

In summary, reporter Mark Johnson said Preece and Mark Graham ran the show in midfield while the defence had little to do and Shaun Marshall had barely a save to make. Debutant Jamie Jenkins looked reasonable at left-back while young pro Jamie Scales had a decent game in front of him on the left of midfield.

Roy McFarland will probably have the opposite concerns to those from last night's game, as the defence looked sound but there was a lack of finishing ability on show tonight. Mark added that on tonight's showing there was little to worry Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Kerslake (Miller), Wilson, Ashbee (Spur), Eustace (McNeil), Joseph, Wanless, Cassidy (Kyd), Butler (Ingham), Benjamin (Graham), Russell.

Braintree: tba.

Jamie Cassidy passed his medical this afternoon and made his U's debut tonight at Ryman's League Braintree. He was joined in the first half line-up by experienced trialists Clive Wilson, who also played at Cambridge City, and former Swindon and Spurs right back David Kerslake, a new face. Braintree's side included many players with League experience, among them Nicky Rust, Junior McDougald and Simon Milton. United wore last year's home kit.

The game kicked off slightly late at 7.40pm but United were quickly off the mark in a first half performance marked by some nice touches up front and some dodgy defending at the other end. In the fifth minute Wilson's great crossfield ball picked out Russell whose low cross was stepped over by Benjamin and Wanless, the ball fell to Martin Butler who clinically side-footed it home. Three minutes later Russell threaded the ball to Butler who worked an opening for a cross onto the head of Paul Wanless for a precision finish. United should have been cruising home but a 12th minute slip by Marc Joseph allowed Braintree's Ian Brown to run through and fire past the arms of Shaun Marshall.

United extended the lead again in the 22nd minute when Benjamin muscled his way into the penalty area but was up-ended, and Martin Butler sent the 'keeper the wrong way from the spot. Jamie Cassidy made a promising debut on the left of midfield, looking to take people on and in the 36th minute his angled drive was tipped around the post after good work on the edge of the box from Butler and Benjamin.

More goalmouth action came in the 41st minute when Russell floated a corner onto Benjamin's head but his header was onto the bar. Two minutes later a searching pass from David Kerslake picked out Butler who took his time before lining up a shot that was blocked on the line, and then in the 45th minute United were caught pushing up, not for the first time, and Brown sprung the offside trap and lobbed Shaun Marshall. (Half-time 2-3)

There were three changes at half-time with Martin McNeil replacing Scott Eustace in defence, Michael Kyd replacing Cassidy, and Dutch midfielder Mario Spur replacing Ian Ashbee.

United made heavy weather of the second half, especially after ten minutes when less than efficient defending let in Braintree's new signing Brown for his hat-trick despite the proximity of three amber shirts. After 70 minutes Paul Wanless met a corner with a typical header but the ball was blocked by a hand seen by everyone bar the referee, and two minutes later Butler's brilliant turn set up Russell whose shot hit the post.

The U's left it late to underline the gulf between the sides, going ahead again in the 77th minute. Substitute Martin McNeil's through ball was missed by a Braintree centre half which let in Michael Kyd to take it round the 'keeper to score his third pre-season goal. Then in the 85th minute two substitutes combined to score United's fifth, as Rob Miller's deep cross found Andy Ingham, who nodded the ball in at the far post.

Cassidy was an integral member of Liverpool's FA Youth Cup winning side in 1996, a team that also included Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher, and he was very highly-regarded at that stage of career. But while those former team mates have gone on to represent England, Cassidy had to fight back from the career threatening injury and although playing and scoring for the Anfield reserves by the end of last season, he was released at the end of his contract.

If the medical is successful the 21-year-old will feature against Braintree tonight, but not for the whole game.

"He will play part of the game, but he's not up to what we would call match fitness, as he's only done a bit of pre-season by himself, not with a club," Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "We don't want to throw him straight into the fray, because that's when you end up with pulls and things."

The first team squad will be in action tonight, with the reserves turning out at Soham tomorrow evening (7.45pm), but some trialists will be involved as McFarland tries to finalise his squad for the new season in Division Two.

"We've finished with a couple and are still having a look at one or two, and will start to make decisions before the Bolton game," he said in today's CEN.

Neil Mackenzie, who had a successful loan spell at the Abbey late last season, played the second half of Stoke City's recent friendly against Bolton. McFarland made at least one unsuccessful bid earlier this summer for the classy midfielder, who felt that he would not get a first team opportunity under previous manager Brian Little, but Stoke's new boss Gary Megson has said that he will give all the current playing staff a chance to prove themselves.

Ladbrokes have published their odds for the Division Two championship which are as follows:

Roy McFarland told today's Cambridge Evening News, "We've agreed terms and shaken hands and now he's basically our player and I'm delighted with that. I think he will be a great addition to the squad and the team, and will give us that little bit more quality.

"He can play on the left side of midfield as well as left-back, which was an area I needed to get sorted out because Jamie Campbell had left the club. It's taken longer than I would have liked, and we had to work to convince the boy that his future lies with Cambridge."

Liverpool-born Cassidy served his YTS with the Anfield club and earned England Schools and Youth honours, but his highly-promising career was interrupted by a cruciate ligament injury two years ago. He was released by Liverpool at the end of last season and several Northern clubs were reportedly interested in signing him, including Tranmere Rovers.

McFarland explained, "It was a similar injury to Robbie Fowler's and he had an operation two years ago. He's had one or two hiccups, but it's sorted out now and he was playing for Liverpool reserves for the last six months. He'll be given a thorough medical examination in the next day or so, but I don't expect any problems. We've given ourselves a lift with this signing and that's the main thing."

The club will receive another lift before Saturday's game with Bolton when the players are presented with their Division Three runners-up medals and a trophy. Secretary Andy Pincher explained that the presentation could not be made on the final day of last season as - strangely - the runners up medals bear the name of the club on the back whereas the winners' ones, presented to Brentford, do not.

United started taking delivery of replica home kit last week and it is expected to be launched after the official photo shoot on Thursday. Unlike last year, and despite my requests, it looks doubtful that you will be able to see a preview picture on this site before the Bolton game next Saturday. However the shirt has been described as an all amber V-neck with black trim around the neck and bottom of the sleeves.

Two teams who were beaten play-off finalists at the end of last season present the Mighty U's with their opposition for the pre-season games at the Abbey. Bolton Wanderers are the visitors on Saturday 24th July and Leyton Orient on the 31st, and the admission prices were announced today:

	Main Stand/Family Enclosure	Terrace
Adults	£7	£5
Juniors/OAPs	£4	£3

Roy McFarland knows that both matches should prove to be searching tests for his team as they prepare for the forthcoming season in Division Two:

"I know Colin Todd very well, having been with him at Derby and Bolton, so it will be good to meet up with him again when he brings the Bolton lads to the Abbey Stadium. They came very close to promotion to the Premiership last season and without doubt they will be one of the teams to watch this season.

"Of course everyone knows the many connections between Orient and ourselves and games against Tommy Taylor's side are always hard fought affairs."

Both games kick-off at 3pm.

On Joseph, who missed the end of last season with thigh and hip problems, McFarland commented, "He had hip manipulation about two weeks ago, and if that hadn't done the trick, he would have needed a longer rest. We've been taking it very steady with him, but in the last five days he's trained very well and he's getting stronger all the time. If he keeps working at this rate it should give me another body in the squad for the start of the season."

Meanwhile, the manager had talks with 21-year-old Cassidy yesterday and during last night's game he was seen taking a telephone call and then celebrating with chairman Reg Smart, leading to speculation that Cassidy may have called to confirm he wishes to join the U's.

McFarland was impressed by City goalkeeper Martin Davies last night, as he single-handedly kept the scoreline respectable against one of his former clubs.

"The goalkeeper made three or four really good saves in the first half, and then he's made another four or five even better ones in the second," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "The one he made from Michael Kyd was the pick of them. Michael hit it with pace and power, but he still managed to turn it over the bar."

Cambridge United:
First half (4-4-2): Van Heusden, Chenery, Wilson, Duncan, Eustace, Ashbee, Wanless, Graham, Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Second half (4-4-2): Marshall, Miller, Nyamah, Kersey, Joseph, Scales, Fox, Mortensen, Wilde, Lamey, Kyd.

Cambridge City: tba.

An excellent crowd of over 1,200 saw a real game of two halves as Cambridge United fielded two completely different sides in each half. There were several trialists on show and a surprise appearance by ex-QPR and Spurs veteran Clive Wilson, but goals from last season's top scorer Martin Butler and a welcome brace from the injury-plagued Michael Kyd ensured a familiar look to the score sheet.

Away kit-clad United had the first half well under control, although a team that was very close to a first eleven was unable to turn possession into goals and had to wait until the 32nd minute for the breakthrough. Trevor Benjamin muscled his way through two defenders to the bye-line before scuffing a cross into the shins of Martin Butler from where it crossed the line.

It may have been a scruffy goal but some of United's build-up play was just the opposite. Butler was his usual quick and elusive self although strike partner Benjamin looked slightly ponderous at times. Ex-QPR trialist Mark Graham, who impressed in a reserve game late last season, made a couple of brilliant runs down the right wing and Alex Russell was as classy as ever. Clive Wilson looked comfortable although he had little to do, but the real surprise of the night was United's new secret weapon Ben Chenery, with some incisive forward running and neat passing.

The only real threat came after just 46 seconds when United's defence was sliced open but the City forward blazed over. (Half-time 0-1)

As expected, both sides made changes at half-time and took the opportunity to look at some more trialists. However the myriad changes failed to interrupt United's control despite fielding a completely different eleven after the break, including six trialists. Michael Kyd made it 2-0 with a good finish from a tight angle within just three minutes of the restart, and a cool lob by Adam Wilde made it 3-0 on 63 minutes. Two minutes later Kyd profited from a made-to-measure cross from trialist Martin Fox to seal the match with a firm header.

Reporter Mark Johnson took the following plus points from tonight's performance: "The first team looked to have a couple of gears to step up in the first half, while Fox and Danish trialist Maes Mortensen showed promise after the break. It's good to have Marc Joseph back, although he had little to do - as did most of the defenders."

Before the main action, Moosenet FC lost 3-1 to City's Internet team, scoring a consolation goal after trailing 3-0 at one point. U's Net match reporter Will Jones can count himself very unlucky as he agreed to play for City when they were short of numbers, and was injured in a challenge from Moosenet 'team-mate' Neil Course!

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Cassidy and his agent had further talks with Roy McFarland before tonight's friendly at Cambridge City. With last season's regular number three Jamie Campbell having joined Brighton, and with second year pro Jamie Scales currently the only senior left back on the club's books, McFarland is keen to secure the signature of the 21-year-old left sided defender.

"He was rated as a big prospect at Anfield," McFarland told today's Cambridge Evening News, "and then he got an injury similar to the one Robbie Fowler was suffering from. Obviously, he will have a medical before joining us. He's played regularly for Liverpool reserves and I think has made one appearance for the first team."

McFarland expects neighbours City to present his team with a tough test tonight, saying, "I hope the Cambridge City players make it as difficult as possible for our lads. This is a derby match, and that adds a bit of spice to the occasion. They'll want to beat us and we'll want to beat them. This is our first competitive match for a while and a good one for us to start with."

The youth team friendly against Southend United on July 21st has now been changed to an away game, kick-off 2pm.

Mailing list team Moosenet FC play a team of City fans on the Milton Road pitch before tonight's game (6.30pm) and Peter Laborne named the side this afternoon:

The former Manchester United reserve striker Jamie Wood has signed for Third Division side Hull City rather than join the U's on trial. Roy McFarland explained in yesterday's Cambridge Evening News that geography was a big factor in the 20-year-old's decision:

"It's disappointing, but I think it's down to the north/south divide as much as anything. The boy didn't choose Hull instead of us because of money or because he thought they were a better club. But he's a Salford lad and he didn't want to come this far south, if there was a chance of going to a closer club. It's not the first time we've come up against this kind of problem.

"Personally I don't think there are many better places to live than in the Cambridge area, and players appreciate that once they've been here a while, but it's not easy to convince youngsters who may be leaving their homes for the first time."

McFarland added that he is interested in "another Manchester United player" and he would try to contact Alex Ferguson before he goes to Hong Kong.

A decision is still awaited from the young Liverpool defender who has had talks with both United and Tranmere Rovers, named in the Liverpool Echo last week as 20-year-old Jamie Cassidy.

McFarland explained, "There is an agent involved now, but at least that should speed things up. I know the agent and I've told him we can't hang on much longer. We have other irons in the fire."

There are currently half a dozen trialists, including three from Premiership clubs, involved in United's pre-season training and some of the trialists from late last season and a former U's player are thought to be among them. United's first pre-season game is tomorrow night at neighbours Cambridge City but McFarland is in no hurry to assess the new faces.

"It takes a while to find out exactly what they can do," he told the CEN. "Because in pre-season you have to build gradually in training, and we've only just got into playing matches on the full pitch. We'll probably be making a decision or two by the end of this week."

Stoke City have appointed former Stockport boss Gary Megson as their new manager so a decision may be forthcoming soon on whether midfielder Neil Mackenzie will be allowed to relaunch his career at the Abbey Stadium.

The recently formed football team of Cambridge United's Internet mailing list will take on a team of City fans before tomorrow's game, kicking off at 6.30pm. Moosenet FC manager Peter Laborne has a squad of 14 players to choose from and will name his team on the mailing list tomorrow. If you can please arrive early to cheer on the Moosenet team!

First team squad numbers are expected to be announced next week, and the machine for adding names and numbers to next season's replica kit has been installed in the club shop. The club have agreed with the Football League that there will be black numbers on the amber shirts and white numbers on the black shorts.

If you have not already written to Cambridge City Council in support of the plans for the stadium redevelopment, there are just two days left. Alternatively, and in view of the short remaining time you can send e-mails in support of the planning application to peter.studdert@cambridge.gov.uk or fax a letter to 01223-457039. Further details here.

The home fixtures will all be played at the Abbey Stadium, with the majority kicking off at 2pm. However, both the League and Cup matches against Peterborough, together with the final League match Norwich City, will kick off at 7pm.

All Cambridge United supporters are urged to write to the City Council with their support for the stadium redevelopment, as soon as possible. All details here.

The former Liverpool defender who has had talks with the U's and Tranmere Rovers has been named in the Liverpool Echo as Jamie Cassidy. The 21-year-old was a member of Liverpool's FA Youth Cup winning side in 1996, represented England at Youth level and sat on the first team bench for the Anfield club on a few occasions, although he never made a senior appearance.

Roy McFarland says in today's Cambridge Evening News, "It's a disappointment, but the lad got a call from Hull City at the weekend, and in that position a player is going to listen to any offers. We've talked to him and I believe joining us would be a better move for his career, but Hull are known for paying big money for the lower divisions so we can only wait and see what happens now."

Meanwhile McFarland is waiting for a decision from the ex-Liverpool defender who had talks at the Abbey last week. The young player was due for talks with Tranmere Rovers yesterday. McFarland is keeping his identity quiet but the club have confirmed that the player in question is not former Anfield man Gareth Roberts, who is also available on a free transfer and is training with his home town club Wrexham.

United's players are in all-day training sessions this week, with up to nine trialists involved. Former Bournemouth reserve left-back Jamie Jenkins is expected to join up to train with the squad next week.

Further to yesterday's news that two fixtures could be switched to Friday nights, the Stoke game on Saturday 4th September is now likely to remain on the same day but with a noon kick-off to avoid a clash with the England international on that day. The other affected fixture is the Colchester game, which will be moved forward one day to the Friday night with a 7.45pm kick-off. The clubs have agreed the changes and approval from the League is expected soon.

Both legs of the Worthington Cup First Round fixture with Bristol City will be played on Tuesday nights, kicking off at 7.45pm. The home leg is on August 10th and the away leg on August 24th.

New CUSA chairman Brian Attmore advises that plans for the first two phases of the Abbey Stadium redevelopment are available for viewing during office hours at the Planning Department in the Guildhall, Cambridge.

Planning Application P/C/99/0492/FP:-
"Alterations and extension to create a 10,000 capacity all-seater stadium; proposals to include change of use of allotment land; demolition of existing north stand, south terrace and supporters club; re-location of playing surface; erection of new north stand and south stand; and additional car parking and landscaping."

Brian says, "I would urge all supporters to go to see them if at all possible, sending your written comments (in support naturally) by 16 July to The Director of Planning, Planning Dept, 2nd Floor, The Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ."

Any comments and/or queries about the plans are welcomed by the CUSA redevelopment committee. E-mail to thecusa@btinternet.com.

In the Avon Insurance League the reserves will miss out on the 'glamour' games against the reserve sides of Premiership clubs, who will compete in the new Premiership Reserve League, but a regionalised Avon cup competition pits John Taylor's men against Barnet, Northampton and local rivals Peterborough United.

Meanwhile, as supporters receive their season ticket books for next season, director Gary Harwood reports that sales are approaching a pleasing 1,600 with more expected before the season kicks off next month.

Mike Cook was appointed last week as Director of the Centre of Excellence, a post which had been vacant since Dale Brooks took over as Youth Team Manager in March. Interviews took place last week to fill Mike's previous post as Football in the Community Officer.

Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "We saw him once or twice, and he looked promising. He gets behind defenders, isn't worried about putting his foot in and can play down the channels. He's going to train with us next week so that we can have a good look at him."

The manager was happy with the wet weather conditions that welcomed the players back for pre-season training yesterday. "It was cool and wet, just what we needed," he said. "So often the first day back is a scorcher and the players suffer in the heat. Yesterday they scampered around the hills at Royston. I went around as well, but they were going so fast I was about a mile behind.

"They've all come back looking fit and healthy, apart from Ian Ashbee, who has a bit of a virus and will have to take it easy for a week or so."

McFarland is apparently hoping for a decision early next week from the unnamed Premiership defender who had talks last week, but the player will reportedly speak to first division Tranmere Rovers over the weekend.

As the CEN now seems definite that the player is a former Liverpool player, and he has been described as a left-sided defender, one possibility is left back Gareth Roberts. The 21-year-old was born in Wrexham and joined Liverpool as a trainee, he is a Wales U-21 international and is had a spell with Greek side Panionios last season. He was released at the end of last season and is currently training with home-town club Wrexham.

Roy McFarland has declined to name the trialists at this stage as there are usually plenty of comings and goings at clubs during pre-season training. However he confirmed to the Cambridge Evening News that he is awaiting a decision from the unnamed young defender after their talks last week:

"I've put a proposition to the Liverpool lad," he said. "We are in competition with more than one other club so we've just got to wait now and see what he decides."

The News also mentions that he may offer a trial to a young forward released by Manchester United. The U's squad already includes former Old Trafford reserves Andy Duncan and Neil Mustoe who have blossomed at the Abbey.

Meanwhile Marc Joseph (right) faces a battle to be fit for the start of the season. He is struggling to overcome the troublesome thigh injury that curtailed his season, and the club hope that hip manipulation will solve the problem for the 22-year-old who was a target for Coventry City while still a teenager.