Our play-off hopes suffered another serious blow as the returning John Beck had the last laugh over his old team. He brought with him three ex-Us in John Vaughan, Tony Dennis and the much-vaunted Gareth Ainsworth, and of course his well-known robust and direct style of play. However there was nothing to separate the sides at half-time and the score was 0-0.

Just five minutes into the second half we were awarded a slightly fortunate penalty and Micah Hyde stepped up to face a former Abbey legend in goal. Hyde has not netted since his prolific spell ended in November at Hull and his fortunes did not change today. He hit the spot-kick straight at Vaughan but made amends a minute later when his pass was finished by Michael Kyd's low shot after 52 minutes.

As we have reflected many times this season, for the want of a specialist striker we are not finishing teams off and today was no exception. We enjoyed the lead for thirteen minutes but were unable to capitalise and Lincoln's giant defender John Robertson bundled home the equaliser on 65 minutes. The collapse continued when Jody Craddock put through his own net eight minutes later to give Lincoln the lead, and with four minutes left Phil Stant killed off any lingering hopes with a close-range shot.

Next Saturday's visit to Cardiff, already a big match, now takes on massive proportions. Our prospects are not helped by suspected medial ligament damage to Paul Wilson's ankle.

United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Wilson (Taylor 81), Ashbee (Preece 74), Craddock, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde, Kyd, Barnwell, Foster.
Sub not used: Beall.

Gordon Strachan was present at yesterday's match, making a special trip to Underhill presumably to watch Micah Hyde. He will have seen the white-booted United captain give one of his worst performances and leave the pitch shaking his head in bewilderment at his off-day.

At the Press conference manager Roy McFarland was at a loss to explain Hyde's game: "He just wasn't in the match today."

It was confirmed that John Taylor was suffering the onset of a migraine when he had to leave the pitch with twenty minutes to go.

New loan signings Paul Wilson and Colin Foster made sound debuts. Wilson the left-back had a good first half and a header that glanced just wide but, like Paul Raynor on the opposite flank, he was trapped too deep in his own territory in the second half. Six foot four Foster was playing his first League match in over a year and admitted that he was short of match fitness. He also could have scored early on, with a good header after twenty minutes and a shot that was too tame when he attempted to lob the 'keeper on the half hour.

It was galling that Barnet equalised with only their second real attack of the game in first half stoppage time but the second half was very even and the manager was very disappointed with the defending that saw the points slip away.

"I couldn't see Barnet scoring the winner," commented McFarland. "We gave them two bad goals. We let them back into a match they should have been shut out of by half time. Most of the results have gone for us again, but the pressure is on now."

The University managed it; Cambridge City managed it; but United fell at a vital hurdle on the run in this afternoon. While Cambridge recorded their fifth straight victory over Oxford in the boat race and Cambridge City won 2-0 at Sudbury Town, Cambridge United lost a 1-0 lead at troubled Barnet to go down 2-1 at the final whistle.

It all looked promising as United kicked off down the Underhill slope and immediately started creating chance after chance, including an apparent handball in the Barnet area which was overlooked to the disgust of the 800 travelling U's. Both of the new loan signings made their debuts today and they both saw headers go just wide of the Barnet goal as Paul Raynor provided a succession of tempting crosses. However Ian Ashbee, who looks much more effective in a midfield role, provided an inch-perfect cross for Jamie Barnwell to head home on 23 minutes and we should have been comfortable from then.

Shortly afterwards John Taylor found himself in front of an open goal and was only denied by a last-ditch tackle. Ashbee and Wanless bossed the midfield and severely restricted Barnet's attacking forays, but our defence was caught napping when in first-half stoppage time a breakaway move saw Jamie Ndah level the score.

Barnet got into the game in the second half with the slope behind them and Scott Barrett was called into action, pulling off a great one-on-one save. Paul Wilson and the giant Colin Foster both had good games with Wilson looking particularly impressive at left back, although Foster faded late on. John Taylor looked to be suffering a migraine when he was replaced by Michael Kyd with twenty minutes left, and just ten minutes later Barnet were awarded an indirect free-kick outside the area. Barnet's Paul Wilson (another one!) took the kick and it was met with a diving header by highly-rated Barnet defender Linvoy Primus to put his side into the lead. David Preece immediately replaced the subdued Micah Hyde but United failed to break down Barnet's defence. Not for the first time this season we are left to rue the missed chances to capitalise on our early dominance.

With Chester and Swansea winning this does our play-off hopes no favours, but with teams below us - including Monday's visitors Lincoln - also slipping up we hang onto sixth place.

United line-up: Barrett, Joseph, Wilson, Ashbee, Craddock, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde (Preece 82), Taylor (Kyd 69), Barnwell, Foster.
Subs Not Used: Vowden.

United travel to struggling Barnet tomorrow and new loan signings Paul Wilson and Colin Foster are expected to go straight into the squad. Wilson is expected to replace teenager Adie Hayes and Foster could replace Colin Vowden if Roy McFarland is happy with his level of fitness. He has been displaced from the Watford team by younger stars and back trouble this season, but he played in Watford's last six reserve games.

Wilson has been Scunthorpe's first choice left-back this season and it was puzzling why he should come on loan, but apparently he is keen to move closer to his Northampton home. He played for the Cobblers for five years before moving on to Halifax, Burnley and York.

The C.E.N. carries a further instalment in the war of words between local MP, Anne Campbell and chairman Reg Smart. The newspaper reports that David Ward, Cambridge United's consultant surveyor, has backed chairman Reg Smart's assertion that the club did not reject any invitations to meetings organised by MP Anne Campbell.

The feelings of most U's supporters this afternoon were probably relief that no more players departed for pastures new, and curiosity about our two loan signings.

Despite interest from higher division clubs, skipper Micah Hyde and defender Jody Craddock will be wearing the amber and black quarters for the rest of our promotion chase, and the squad is boosted by the arrival of two experienced defenders.

Paul Wilson from Scunthorpe United and Watford's Colin Foster (right) both join for the rest of the season and because they signed before midday today they will be eligible for the Easter fixtures.

Wilson is a 28-year-old left back and dead-ball expert who is Scunthorpe's first choice in that position, while Foster is a 32-year-old centre-half whose former clubs include Nottingham Forest and West Ham. He was transfer-listed last summer and has not appeared for Watford's first team this season, but he is revered by Watford fans for almost single-handedly saving them from relegation in the 1993-94 season. Foster has been dogged by injuries and a back problem, but he is a good tackler and header of the ball and may be called upon by Roy McFarland to bring some cool-headed experience to the centre of the defence. He would be available on a free transfer if the move was made permanent in the summer.

Radio Cambridgeshire reported this morning that skipper Micah Hyde was attracting interest from Manchester City and they could be poised with a £400,000 bid. Micah had a good game on Saturday under the watchful eyes of Coventry City's Ron Atkinson and his chief scout, and at last week's Fans' Forum it was mentioned that Micah was thinking over a move to join the other three ex-Us at Coventry.

However Roy McFarland today shot down the Manchester City speculation: "There's nothing at all in that one," he commented."It's the kind of rumour you get with the transfer deadline a couple of days away. That isn't to say there won't be bids for Micah or other players before Thursday evening, but we are not considering any concrete offers for anyone at the moment."

Hyde commented: "I saw something in a newspaper a few days ago about Manchester City, but I haven't had any contact with them. I shouldn't think I'll be leaving Cambridge before the deadline."

With tomorrow's transfer deadline looming speculation and rumours are rife, but McFarland stressed: "We are not looking to unload any players before the deadline. Our aim is to stay in the play-off places. We don't want to weaken our team and the board are backing me on this. We had no option but to sell Danny Granville to Chelsea, and I think everybody appreciates a club like ours cannot turn down enormous fees, but they would have to be exceptional now to take one of our key players."

McFarland was due to watch five triallists in today's reserve match against Northampton, including Peterborough winger Danny Carter and Ipswich midfielder Lee Norfolk.

"They are more long-term," he said. "Not the sort of players we would rush to sign this week, unless they really catch the eye."

News of the latest United star to make the leap to a Premiership club: Danny Granville made his debut for Chelsea reserves on Monday evening and scored their first goal in a 3-3 draw with Tottenham. His team-mates included former England stars Paul Parker and David Rocastle, and several others who have featured in the first team this season.

Roy McFarland is busily seeking fresh faces to boost our promotion claims before Thursday's transfer deadline. He has been given the go-ahead by chairman Reg Smart to bring in "two or three players", but despite the £300,000 transfer of Danny Granville they must be free transfer or loan players.

McFarland will also be aware of the likelihood that his squad could be further depleted this week as more key players are attracting interest. Ron Atkinson, director of football at Coventry City was watching midfielder Micah Hyde in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chester City, bringing with him scout Jim Barron.

Jody Craddock, already the subject of bids from Oxford and Preston this season, is also likely to attract further interest in the next few days. Preston are said to be very keen still, while wealthy third division title-chasers Wigan Athletic have emerged as the latest club to take an interest in the £400,000-rated defender.

Smart said: "Roy is working hard to get players in before the deadline, and we are hoping something will be happening in the next day or two."

United attracted favourable press in one of the 'quality' newspapers today, with the following report appearing in the Times. although the writer was unable to resist mentioning the Beck era:

This was a game where offside decisions had a great bearing on the result, one linesman having to be escorted from the pitch at the final whistle as United had to settle for a point against their play-off place rivals.

Colin Vowden made only his fourth league start of the season in the number three shirt that has been Danny Granville's personal property all season, and he put his public row with Roy McFarland behind him with a sound performance. The first ten minutes saw three goals scored as United got off to the perfect start.

After just five minutes a Paul Raynor corner was directed goalwards by Ian Ashbee and Chester 'keeper Ronnie Sinclair was unfortunate when the ball rebounded off him and into his own net. Then just two minutes later Paul Wanless broke clear into a suspiciously offside position, although the flag stayed down. Wanless was aiming for his third goal in as many games but his shot was blocked by Sinclair, only to rebound to Jamie Barnwell who gratefully accepted the chance to score his first goal this year.

But it took only two more minutes for Stuart Rimmer to give Chester heart by reducing the deficit with a tap-in after a Flitcroft diving header. The visitors battled and pressured the U's and it was no great surprise when a long ball forward saw Andy Milner nip by Matt Joseph and lob Barrett to equalise in first half injury time.

The respective managers were both England defenders and after their half-time team talks the defences were on top in the second half. John Taylor hit a post after just 33 seconds but after that chances were few and far between. Barnwell just failed to connect with a Raynor cross later in the half while Jody Craddock cleared one Chester attack off the line.

It was injury time when a linesman's decision ignited the atmosphere in the stadium. Michael Kyd had replaced Jamie Barnwell with 12 minutes to go and he met an inch-perfect Micah Hyde cross with a powerful header, only to see the linesman raise his flag to disallow the 'goal'. The final whistle blew just a minute later and the linesman was roundly abused by the United faithful as he left the pitch, accompanied by a steward.

Chester boss Kevin Ratcliffe was probably the happier of the two managers, saying, "Cambridge have some talented players. If we can come to places like Cambridge and get a point from two goals down, we will always be in with a play-off chance."

Of the teams around us, the top three all won whilst Cardiff lost 2-0 at Brighton and fourth-placed Swansea were held 1-1 at home by Darlington. Scarborough and Northampton of the chasing pack both lost, and Lincoln beat Leyton Orient 3-2.

United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Vowden, Ashbee, Craddock, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde, Taylor, Barnwell (Kyd 78), Hayes.
Subs not used: Preece, Marc Joseph.
Booked: Vowden 16 (foul)

The first item discussed at last night's Fans' Forum was the just-agreed sale of Danny Granville. The news was greeted with applause by the assembled fans in recognition of Danny's service to the club and the stature of the club he is joining. The £300,000 sale is the second biggest in the club's history, bettered only by Dion Dublin's £1 million move to Manchester United, and the sum could rise to £500,000 depending on whether Chelsea qualify for Europe and triggered by first team appearances. Cambridge United will also receive 17.5 per cent of any future transfer fee, less any monies we have already received.

However, Chairman Reg Smart stressed that none of the money would be available to Roy McFarland for team restructuring, and explained that the club is losing £8,000 a week and has a £480,000 overdraft. He added: "The bank ordered us to reduce the overdraft by £200,000 and they want a further reduction of £100,000 by July. We're just keeping our heads above water, but we have to sell players because of the pressure from financial institutions. Unfortunately, we have to bow to that pressure. Banks don't want to know football clubs unless they are in the Premiership."

Vice-chairman Roger Hunt added a heartfelt: "The banks are screwing us all. They want their money back faster than usual and want clubs to run on smaller overdrafts."

The panel included Smart, Hunt, Roy McFarland, David Preece, Steve Greenall and commercial manager Dave Smith. McFarland established a good rapport with the fans who were present and revealed that Granville had asked if there was any way his transfer could be deferred until the summer, so he could finish the season with the U's and help in the promotion push. It was also revealed that Micah Hyde is considering terms offered by Coventry City, while Jody Craddock has been the subject of enquiries by five clubs this season, including Chelsea.

A full report on the forum will appear here after the weekend, courtesy of Jamie Dyer, but other subjects included the cost of coaches for travel to away matches.

Tomorrow sees the visit of fourth-placed Chester City in our second successive promotion clash. Colchester's victory tonight over Rochdale sees them climb above us into sixth place and a win is vital tomorrow to ensure that we do not slip out of the play-off places.

Roy McFarland has spoken of the re-emergence of Paul Wanless in recent games and how vital his recent form has been. He says Wanless caught the eye in a reserve outing: "Paul got up and down between the two penalty areas very well. He showed a lot of strength and stamina. That gave me the idea to try him in an attacking midfield role, and it worked out well against Colchester and Wigan, vital matches for us. He's given us a big boost at an important time."

Wanless is taking nothing for granted after enduring a long spell in the reserves, still saying: "If I'm in the next game. I had a big setback at Lincoln when there was a change of management with John Beck coming in, and there was obviously the fear it might be happening all over again. It was a pretty miserable time," he admitted. "It got to the stage where I felt I had to ask Roy McFarland whether I had any future at the club. He assured me I had, and hopefully that's the way it's working out. He's kept his word, but it's tough when you think you are playing well in the reserves, the first team are losing and you still don't get in."

His ambition is to hold on to the team place, although his chance of playing in one particular game, maybe up at Hartlepool on April 12, depends on his wife Catherine.

"She's expecting our second child," he said. "There's a bit more than four weeks to go, and as much as I want to play every game to help United to the play-offs, there's only one place I want to be when the baby arrives."

One small piece of pure speculation arose today, when it was rumoured that we were tracking Portsmouth midfielder Jason Rees.

(22:50) After all the recent transfer speculation concerning Jody Craddock, Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit has sprung a surprise on us by swooping for Danny Granville. The club's longest serving player at only 22, Danny will join Chelsea in a deal worth up to £500,000. His current contract with the U's was due to expire in the summer and he was one of eight players stalling over agreeing a new deal.

Danny joined the club as a trainee in June 1991 and was voted YTS Player of the Year in 1993, making his first team debut in March 1994. He has performed in a variety of positions for us, becoming a regular in the left wing-back role last season but this season he has played on the left of a three man defence. He is composed on the ball with a great left foot and certainly seems to enjoy getting forward, so it will be interesting to see what role Gullit has in mind for him.

Danny was an ever-present this season and made 99 league appearances for the U's, scoring 7 goals. The initial fee is believed to be £300,000, rising to £500,000 depending on appearances, and Danny's dream move takes the number of ex-U's currently playing in the Premiership to a very respectable eight. I am sure all U's fans join me in wishing him well in the Premiership.

Danny, who had also attracted interested from the two North London giants Tottenham and Arsenal, said, "Chelsea are a massive club. I'd just like to play a first-team game at the moment."

Meanwhile fellow defender Dave Thompson, another whose contract was due to expire in the summer, has agreed a one year deal and will be one of those vying to replace Danny in the weekend's crunch match against Chester.

Today's Cambridge Evening News featured an astonishing outburst by Cambridge M.P. Anne Campbell on the day after the General Election date was set. It is reproduced here (without permission):

Tonight's fixture between Cardiff City and Scarborough produced the best possible outcome for United with the 1-1 result meaning both sides stay below the U's. A win for either would have dropped us down to seventh place.

There was good news today from the treatment room, where David Preece appears to have escaped Achilles tendon trouble and is being treated for ankle and calf injuries which could clear up before the weekend.

Roy McFarland made the surprise choice of defender Ian Ashbee to deputise for Preece at Wigan on Saturday and it worked well. The hard work and tough-tackling of Ashbee and scorer Paul Wanless allowed Micah Hyde to run the midfield area, and they could provide the manager with a potential selection headache for our next promotion clash against Chester on Saturday.

McFarland praised his men for "one of the best performances" since he took charge four months ago: "Wigan are regarded as the footballing team of the division," he commented, "but we were more than a match for them. We created more chances and a win wouldn't have been undeserved. It builds on the Colchester win for us. There were a string of very good performances throughout the side."

John Deehan, manager of second-placed Wigan, was highly impressed by United's performance after the 1-1 draw.

"They should keep their place in the play-offs," he said. "We've drawn with them twice this season and they've been among the toughest teams we've played. They bossed midfield for most of the match, and it's a long time since anyone has done that to us. Looking at the game I think it was a point gained by us rather than a couple lost at home."

Goal-scorer Paul Wanless is delighted to be back in the side and even more delighted with two goals in the last two games. The player whose modest wish after his match-winning performance against Colchester was "just to be in the side for the next match," deserved better than the Springfield Park announcer crediting the goal to John Taylor when he equalised with an 82nd-minute header.

"I couldn't believe that," he said, "but as long as somebody scored it was okay, because there wouldn't have been much justice if we'd lost that match."

Jamie Barnwell and John Taylor both failed to capitalise on several scoring opportunities and, indeed, if Wanless had been blessed with a striker's instincts he would have given United the victory their all-round display deserved.

"I could have had another goal or two," he admitted. "I got through at the start of the second half, but the ball stuck between my feet when I went to shoot."

He also got himself into good positions in the 11th and 71st minutes, but fired wide and headed over.

Finally, Preston boss and former Abbey number two Gary Peters was reportedly watching the match, missing North End's fierce local derby with Blackpool. It is not known who he was watching but he is a long-standing admirer of Jody Craddock and has made at least two offers this season, although Jody turned down the move to Lancashire just ten days ago.

Wigan lost that scoring feeling in time for our visit and we took a well-deserved point from the second-placed Lancashire side.

United made the long trip to Springfield Park and produced their best performance yet under Roy McFarland, out-playing their highly-rated hosts for long periods of the game. Unfortunately, and in common with other matches this season, we were unable to find the killer touch in front of goal and had nothing to show for our dominance.

Cambridge keeper Scott Barrett had an inspired first half pulling off a series of quality saves and Ian Kilford missed a great chance failing to beat Barrett with a hurried shot. Jamie Barnwell and Paul Wanless both went close for United.

Our inability to finish could have been very costly when the league's leading scorer Graeme Jones notched his 31st of the season, his powerful header putting Wigan ahead with less than twenty minutes to go. But the U's heads did not drop and their spirited performance was rewarded when just ten minutes later man-of-the-match Paul Wanless headed in from Barnwell's left-wing cross.

A point was no more than we deserved from this great performance and we can hope that it gives us a platform for the run-in.

United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Granville, Ashbee, Craddock, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde, Taylor, Barnwell, Hayes.
Subs not used: Kyd, Beall, Marc Joseph.
Booked: Hyde 1 (foul), Granville 67 (foul).

United travel to Wigan tomorrow for a vital promotion clash and Roy McFarland set the tone by giving the players a target for the rest of the season.

"We have to aim for 80 points," said the Cambridge United manager. "That would guarantee at least a play-off place. I know it's asking a lot -- 23 points out of 30 from the last 10 games -- but players need something like that to strive for if they are to produce their best."

McFarland believes his team will be keyed up rather than cowed by Athletic's massive midweek win when they slammed Scarborough 7-1. The hosts were already the third division's highest scoring home side before that massacre, and now have 47 goals from 18 games.

United will be without David Preece who is missing through achilles trouble.

Roy McFarland is searching for reinforcements to the squad with a fortnight to go before the transfer deadline - says the Cambridge Evening News. Apart from the very real possibility that one or more players may be sold, the injury suffered by David Preece in Friday's victory over Colchester could see him miss more than half of the 10 remaining games.

Speaking to the Abbey Update, player-coach Preece looked back on Friday's 1-0 win with satisfaction: "The crowd were good. It was a good performance and could have possibly been more. They're pushing for a play-off place as well and it opens the gap."

Wigan warmed up for our visit on Saturday by waltzing to a 7-1 win over Scarborough on Tuesday night and the experienced Preece is well aware of the task faced by the team in his absence. Looking ahead to the 'six-pointer' he warned, "It's a big game. They're all coming up now, with Chester the week after, and games are running out.

"We're going up there in confident mood and hopefully we've saved a few goals for the weekend. They're one of the best sides in the division but as we've seen - anyone can beat anyone."

Finally Robbie Turner, the striker who was released by the club after back trouble restricted him to only one appearance this season, is making a comeback with Taunton. He scored a hat-trick for them in their last game and plays for them against League opposition tonight, when he plays in a friendly at Exeter, one of his many former clubs.

The injury that forced David Preece to leave the pitch early on Friday could have a serious impact on the rest of our season. The veteran midfielder may have Achilles tendon trouble and looks certain to miss Saturday's vital 'six-pointer' at Wigan Athletic. The injury could force the player/coach onto the sidelines for an even longer spell which would be a blow to the young squad during the promotion run-in.

Speaking on Sky TV today about last night's game Roy McFarland said, "One-nil probably flattered Colchester as we were better than that."

When asked if he knew why we had dropped off the pace during the last four or five weeks he said that we were a young side and like a lot of the clubs around us we were suffering from a lack of consistency.

Other quotes:

Micah Hyde's worryingly pessimistic: "If we are in the play-offs I think we'll win them"

Colchester manager Steve Wignall's, "Cambridge are an average side and I'm convinced we'll finish above them."

Roy McFarland's response: "I'm happy to let my players do most of the talking after tonight's win"

Match hero Paul Wanless: "I don't go around kicking people, but I do put myself about. If the ball's there I'll compete for it."

Back-in-favour Paul Wanless scored just the second goal of his Cambridge United career tonight, and what a vital one it was. He put the U's ahead after just five minutes but despite the early lead and Colchester being reduced to ten men before the interval, United never looked totally comfortable. The men on the pitch gave a nervous display as they recorded the first win for a month and ended a three game losing run.

Speaking on Radio Cambridgeshire this morning Roy McFarland hinted at "big changes" for tonight's East Anglian derby but the only change in the line-up was the recall of David Preece for Ian Ashbee - who did not feature in tonight's squad - and the lurking threat of giant teenage striker Trevor Benjamin on the bench.

The goal was a rasping 25 yard strike from the hard-working Paul Wanless after David Preece gave him the room and the time for the shot. Things should have improved further after 39 minutes when Adam Locke was dismissed for a horrible tackle on Micah Hyde, but somehow we failed to make the extra man count. The team played with all the passion missing from recent performances and created lots of chances but somehow contrived to waste them all. We had Colchester pinned back in their own half for long spells but whenever they did manage to break out we looked less than secure while defending.

The hard-working, tough-tackling Billy Beall replaced David Preece for the last twenty minutes and despite four minutes of stoppage time a collective sigh of relief echoed around the Abbey Stadium tonight when the whistle blew with the score still at 1-0.

That win takes us back up to fourth in the table after taking full advantage of the game in hand over Swansea but they, together with Chester and Cardiff, are still only two or three points behind with games to play tomorrow. Above us, third placed Fulham are still eight points clear on 65.

United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Granville, Preece (Beall 73), Craddock, Raynor, Wanless, Hyde, Taylor, Barnwell, Hayes.
Subs not used: Kyd, Benjamin.
Booked: Joseph 30 (foul), Wanless 33 (foul).

Defender Jody Craddock, who recently turned down a £400,000 move to First Division Oxford United, has now rejected a £300,000 switch to Second Division Preston.

The 21-year-old centre-back has so far refused to sign a new contract with United but said, "I don't think going to Preston is the best move for me at this time."

The £400,000 offer from Oxford United was accepted by Cambridge and Craddock and his agent met with Denis Smith, only for the personal terms to be rejected. Craddock then changed his mind later in the day but Oxford closed the door on him and have since signed a Dutch defender to fill the gap left by departed defender Matt Elliot.

This time is seems that personal terms are not the stumbling block. Preston, managed by Gary Peters, John Beck's former assistant at United, are in a relegation battle after winning promotion from division three last season.

"I considered the offer, and I'm ambitious to play at a higher level," said Craddock, "but I didn't think this opportunity was the one to take."

He will be out of contract in the summer and is no doubt keeping his options open until he knows which division Cambridge will be playing in next season and who else is interested in his signature. The collapse of a second deal for the player will be a massive blow for United, who are reportedly on their way to a loss of around £400,000 for this season.

Manager Roy McFarland commented: "I'm happy to have a player like Jody staying in our side, but I know the situation at the club, and we have to raise money by selling before the end of the season."

Physio Ken Steggles, who was described as "among the best in the business" by manager Roy McFarland at the club's annual meeting, has just signed a 2 ½-year contract. When someone at Cambridge United is held in such esteem it tends to mean they will not be at the Abbey Stadium much longer, but Ken has no wish to switch to a treatment room in plusher surroundings.

"I love the job and I'm very happy at United," he said. "I wish I had a pound for everybody who has asked my why I haven't tried to get to a Premiership club. But my interest is in the work, rather than the level of the club. Treating a star player would be no different to me than working with our juniors."

Steggles' ability was recognised a few years ago when he was selected as the physio for the Football League team, managed by Glenn Hoddle, in matches against the Italian League, and further evidence of how highly he is regarded in the game comes when former players from bigger clubs, such as Steve Claridge and Phil Chapple, return for treatment.

The C.E.N. reports that United's big money 'mystery man' has turned his back on them after a bizarre series of communications. He claimed to be prepared to make a £1million donation to them if certain conditions were followed but United would never make those conditions public, despite stating they would not be a stumbling block, and now the alleged benefactor has withdrawn his offer.

Financial controller Steve Greenall said, "The third letter from the man said, because of statements by chairman Reg Smart and myself, the money would instead be given to charity. But all I've been doing is asking, via the News, for some contact with him to discuss his offer. He could have spoken through a representative if he wanted to maintain his anonymity, or we would have been happy for him to speak to the News as an intermediary. I'm disappointed he seems to have broken off contact now because I had the feeling he was genuine in wanting to help the club."

The conditions sought by the writer of three anonymous letters are understood to have involved the composition of the board and the leadership of the club.

Ex-United manager Tommy Taylor is understood to have returned to the club to make a £10,000 bid for midfielder Paul Wanless, as well as asking to take defender Colin Vowden on a free transfer. Roy McFarland turned him down and his response has angered transfer-listed Vowden, who wanted to make the move to the London club.

"I can't understand it," said the 26-year-old player. "I was put on the list by Roy McFarland who told me I wasn't in his plans. He said if I could get fixed up with another club I could leave on a free, but when somebody comes in I'm told United need me in the squad, but then I'm not even in the 14 for the Mansfield match. They don't seem to want me, but they won't let me go. It couldn't be more frustrating. I just want to play football, and I understand Tommy Taylor would have put me in his team on Saturday, alongside Ray Wilkins."

The United manager's reluctance hinted at renewed interest from other clubs in star defenders Jody Craddock and Danny Granville.

McFarland commented, "I can't leave the club short of cover at this time. I want to help Colin, but I don't feel I can release him at the moment. As for the bid for Paul Wanless, Tommy Taylor was just trying to pinch the player."

The manager also said he was much happier with the display at Mansfield on Saturday, despite seeing his side go down to their third defeat in eight days.

Paul Wanless and Jamie Barnwell have admitted that they were shocked by the barrage of abuse from their own fans during our seventh defeat in the last ten games.

"Some of the stuff they were shouting at us was really nasty. You don't expect that from people who are supposed to be your supporters," said Wanless, while Barnwell added, "We were getting a lot of stick when we were down that end. I always thought the fans who go to the away games were the most loyal. That kind of thing doesn't help anybody."

United received the verbal lashing from some of the 150 or so travelling fans, to a large extent because of the previous match. Many supporters were far from happy with the commitment shown during the dismal home defeat by Scunthorpe but they could not be accused of singling out the players for a barracking. Some arrived at Field Mill with a banner proclaiming: "Smart Out. Sack the Board." but as promotion hopes dimmed further at the prospect of a third consecutive defeat, they aimed unprintable opinions at manager Roy McFarland.

Other fans tried to stop the protests and there were some heated exchanges, none of which can have helped the players on the pitch.

The windy conditions at Field Mill contributed to a dreary game as Cambridge United's dismal form continued. The game was decided by just one goal - a sixth minute Mansfield penalty after Danny Granville was adjudged to have fouled Chris Steele. Doolan duly converted but a more justified penalty claim by the Stags had been turned down just minutes earlier.

The penalty was not referee Mr Poulain's only odd decision during a tedious afternoon and he confused the fans and players alike with his rulings in a match affected by the swirling wind.

Mansfield threatened to totally overwhelm the U's in the early stages despite the reintroduction of the sweeper system. But with the recalled Paul Wanless working hard in midfield alongside a clearly unfit Micah Hyde, Roy McFarland's men fought their way back into the game and will rue John Taylor's miss halfway through the first half. He rounded the goalkeeper and had a clear shot at an empty goal, but his delay allowed the impressive Warren Hackett to get back and deflect the ball wide for a corner. After that United dominated in terms of possession without ever really threatening in the final third (sound familiar?) and Barnwell and Taylor both failed to find the target with their rare chances.

United line-up: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Granville, Wanless, Craddock. Raynor (Marc Joseph 87), Ashbee, Hyde, Taylor, Barnwell, Beall (Kyd 71).
Sub not used: Preece.