The big Dutchman suffered the injury late in the draw at Shrewsbury on Friday night and his loss will be lamented as he was enjoying his best form of the season. On Friday he was praised by fans of both sides for several breathtaking saves that would not have looked out of place at a higher level, and even his distribution, which has been criticised all season, had been improving.

It is the same hand that was broken in a collision with Brighton's Gary Hart in October, and which ruled him out for two months. However young reserve goalkeeper Shaun Marshall stepped into the breach in the next game - ironically the 1-0 win at Cardiff's Ninian Park - and braved the hostile atmosphere to produce the first of a string of impressive performances.

Marshall followed that game with eleven more in which we only lost three times, and played his part in the great 3-3 draw at Nottingham Forest. He was voted U's Net's Player of the Month in October and kept his place even when Van Heusden was fit again, earning an extended contract in the process. The 20-year-old only lost his place after the 1-0 defeat at Brentford in December, when he was chipped from over 40 yards in the opening minutes and looked nervous for the rest of the game. Roy McFarland said it was time for the youngster to have a rest at that point but stressed that Marshall had not let anyone down.

Today he told the Cambridge Evening News that losing Van Heusden was "bad news," but repeated that he had confidence in Marshall.

"Ice could be back for the last couple of weeks of the season, but it's very disappointing for him to be out at this stage. He earned us a point at Shrewsbury and has had a very good season. But I've no fears about Shaun going in. He proved when Ice was out before that he's a very capable young keeper. That experience did him a lot of good."

Defender Marc Joseph is also back in training and could feature on Saturday, although Alex Russell is thought to be about ten days away from a return.

Tickets for the top of the table clash against Cardiff City on Saturday are selling fast with only a few single seats left in the Main Stand. There are still tickets available for both the North Terrace and Habbin Terrace, priced at £8 for adults and £5 for concessions. The match is ALL-TICKET and none will be available on the day.

United club secretary Andrew Pincher commented today, "We have been extremely busy already this week and are easily expecting our biggest crowd of the season. Cardiff City are expected to sell their full allocation of tickets and we are urging both our loyal supporters and local football followers to get behind us as we aim to return to the top of the table."

The reserves entertain Kevin Keegan's Fulham reserve side at the Abbey tomorrow afternoon, kick-off 2pm. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children. Tickets for all of United's three all-ticket games (Cardiff, Peterborough and Brentford) will be on sale tomorrow afternoon so supporters can combine their visit to purchase tickets with an opportunity to see John Taylor's young charges in action. The game could also give recent arrivals Sam McMahon, Neil MacKenzie and Paul Bruce, as well as Michael Kyd and Richard Walker, the chance to press their claims to replace the suspended Trevor Benjamin on Saturday.

The youth team, who were scheduled to entertain Hornchurch in the Eastern Junior Cup on Wednesday April 7th, will now play the fixture at the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday April 20th with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Steggles told the Cambridge Evening News, "It was touch and go whether he played at Shrewsbury, but it doesn't look more serious than a slight calf strain."

But United must wait longer to learn how serious is the injury to Dutch goalkeeper Arjan van Heusden's hand. He suffered the injury in the dying seconds of Friday night's game at Shrewsbury and Steggles commented, "Ice will be having an X-ray as soon as the swelling goes down, and that has happened to a large extent over the weekend.

"Until we get the X-ray though it's impossible to guess at the extent of the injury. Ice has been able to make a fist which is encouraging."

The youth team won 4-1 at Gillingham on Saturday, meaning they have been unbeaten in South East Counties League action throughout March. New youth team manager Dale Brooks described it as a comfortable win despite a disappointing first half which saw the young U's leading 2-1 through goals by Daniel Chillingworth and Andy Ingham. After the break they played much better, pinning Gillingham back in their own half, and United added two more through Matthew Hanniver and Chillingworth again.

Brooks commented, "The final scoreline flattered Gillingham."

Last Thursday the youths played the under-18 side of Osaka, the Japanese champions, and in three games which each lasted half an hour the U's lost 2-1 overall, United's goal scored by James McKenzie.

Last season's youth team Player of the Year, Michael Barrows, has been released.

There are also fresh injury worries about last night's heroes skipper Paul Wanless and goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden. Wanless passed a late fitness test on a calf injury to take his place in midfield, score the 61st minute goal and then limped off with fifteen minutes left with a recurrence of the injury.

"We missed him when he went off," Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "His calf tightened up and he couldn't run, so that could be a worry. We will have to wait and see what happens next week."

Meanwhile Van Heusden, who saved the point with an excellent save in the dying seconds, suffered a hand injury and faces an anxious wait to see if he is fit for the top of the table clash with Cardiff next weekend.

"He got a knock on the hand right at the death and is going to need an X-ray," said McFarland, "so that could be a worry for us. He made three or four excellent saves again tonight, so of course we don't want to lose him, but we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Looking back on last night's result the manager admitted that United were lucky to come away with a point. "Over the 90 minutes we didn't deserve to win," he said. "We scored against the run of play, our keeper made three or four tremendous saves, and we got away with a point."

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless (Ashbee 75'), Taylor (MacKenzie 57'), Butler, Benjamin, Bruce.
Sub not used: Walker.
Booked: Chenery (foul 78')

Shrewsbury: Edwards, Seabury, Hanmer, Wilding, Tretton, Gayle (Brown 75'), Berkeley, Kerrigan, Steele, Preece, Jobling.
Subs not used: Herbert, Jagielka.
Booked: Wilding (foul 85')

Ref: Mr P. Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 4, Shrewsbury 8
Corners: Cambridge 1, Shrewsbury 5

Shrewsbury's biggest home crowd of the season saw them snatch a point two minutes into stoppage time after a lack-lustre United performance. Captain Marvel Paul Wanless stepped off the treatment table to put the U's ahead, but Arjan Van Heusden had to save the point with a brilliant save at the death.

New signing Paul Bruce went straight into the side tonight to replace David Preece at number 11, and fellow new boy Neil MacKenzie was on the bench. Skipper Paul Wanless passed a late fitness test on a calf injury which prevented him from training yesterday. The Shrews welcomed back Brian Gayle who has been injured for the last two weeks.

Match reports on-line here.

Reporter Mark Johnson had no hesitation in naming his man of the match tonight: "Arjan Van Heusden, no doubt about it, for a series of outstanding saves."

Bruce (left) completed his loan move late yesterday evening. The 21-year-old left-sided attacking midfielder has impressed in two trial games for the reserves, against Southampton and Bournemouth, and joins until the end of the season. He is a former England Under-19 squad member who was on the fringes at QPR, and he will give McFarland the option of adding some width to the team.

Roy McFarland, who also signed Neil MacKenzie on loan from Stoke City yesterday, has now signed the two players he said he had targeted on Monday.

On the subject of selling players, McFarland is quoted on the Nationwide site today saying, "Clubs are looking at us as we are scoring goals and the bigger clubs will be interested which is a compliment to my players. But hopefully come the end of the season we will be in Division Two, but to make these presumptions is a risky business."

Cambridge United have won the Scottish Mutual Performance of the Week Award for the 7-2 win against Mansfield last weekend. It is United's second such award this season - the other was for the Worthington Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday in September - and assistant secretary Mark Johnson joked that the club will have to extend the trophy cabinet!

"It is a thoroughly deserved award because the performance was that good," he commented. "Mansfield are a good side and were probably one of the best footballing sides we have played this season."

Meanwhile there is encouraging news of Alex Russell, who has missed most of the last six weeks action with a thigh injury. The key midfielder will be missing for another couple of weeks but Johnson said that this news was better than the club had originally feared.

The reserves lost 2-1 at Bournemouth on Tuesday afternoon, our goal scored by Richard Walker.

Second year YTS players Michael Steward and Karl Fox have been told they will not be retained next season, and are believed to have started their search for a new club with Peterborough United.

There are two fixture changes to note: The Youth Team will be at home to Hornchurch in the Eastern Junior Cup on Wednesday 7th April, kick-off 7.30pm. The match will be played at The Abbey and will be finished on the night ie. Extra time and penalties.

Described as a skillful playmaker with some tackling ability and a powerful shot, his deadball skills could make him the ideal stand-in for the injured Alex Russell. MacKenzie was unlucky with injuries last season but managed a run in the side before falling out of favour under new manager Brian little.

The loan was confirmed in today's Stoke Sentinel newspaper, which reports that the loan is with a view to a permanent move.

Stoke manager Brian Little is quoted saying, "We are currently negotiating a fee with Cambridge and Neil is keen to go. He wants regular first-team football and this is the ideal opportunity for him."

They add that Roy McFarland tracked the midfielder for some time, and although the fee has not been disclosed it is said to be a four-figure one. MacKenzie's first-team chances at Stoke this season have been limited, although he played well for City in last Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Notts County.

Meanwhile the Shropshire Star reports that Friday's opponents Shrewsbury were also tracking MacKenzie but could not afford the fee, which they suggest could be as much as £35,000.

Club secretary Andrew Pincher confirmed that United are also trying to sign QPR winger Paul Bruce before tomorrow's 5pm deadline but that negotiations are complicated and may not be completed until late tomorrow.

There are unconfirmed rumours from QPR sources that the London club is still interested in signing striker Trevor Benjamin, and that Paul Bruce may be part of that deal. Winger Bruce reportedly turned down a £50,000 move to Barnet earlier this month, preferring to stay and fight for his place. He played and scored for our reserves against Southampton last week.

He is negotiating with Queens Park Rangers for Paul Bruce, the 21-year-old left winger who scored for the reserves against Southampton last week, and another as-yet unnamed player.

"I'd like to add a couple to make sure we have enough cover for the run-in," says McFarland. "They are very tricky negotiations though, which might go right to the wire on Thursday. Paul Bruce had a good run out in our reserves last week, and I think he would add something to us. I'm also having talks about another player I'm not able to name at the moment."

The CEN hints that the deals might be loans until the end of the season.

Many U's fans wondered as they gave him a standing ovation from the pitch on Saturday whether that was his final appearance, but Butler confirmed earlier reports that he is well aware of the recent interest from first division clubs. He said ,"The manager has kept me in touch with all the approaches but I'm enjoying myself here."

The 24-year-old joined Cambridge from Walsall in August 1997 for a bargain £22,500, a fee agreed days before it was due to be decided by a tribunal after the clubs had haggled for weeks. United recently rejected a "six figure" offer from an unnamed first division club, but with Thursday's transfer deadline looming the matter might not yet be dead.

Division One promotion hopefuls Birmingham City have been linked with both Butler and Trevor Benjamin in recent weeks and their striker Dele Adebola might be out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury on Saturday.

The "Butler to stay" theme is backed up by today's Cambridge Evening News who quote the 20 goal hitman saying, "I'm not going anywhere. It's great playing here, scoring goals and winning games. I want to stay with a promotion team.

"The gaffer is excellent when bids come in. He keeps us fully informed. It's nice to know other clubs are interested in you. It's good for your confidence, but I'm not looking for a move at the moment. I'm a Cambridge United player and I look forward to playing for the club every week."

The CEN also carried a blunt comment from Chairman Reg Smart who said, "We don't intend selling anyone unless there was a huge offer a club like ours couldn't refuse. There have been bids from first division clubs, but I'm not sure they have the kind of money we would want for our strikers.

"We want to keep this team together because we are looking at the first division, not just at getting to the second."

Meanwhile on the message board there is a rumour that Cambridge have made a £100,000 offer for Scott McGleish, Barnet's transfer-listed striker.

In yesterday's Sport First newspaper, Roy McFarland admitted that Saturday's record home win was far from a romp for United. After half an hour Mansfield equalised to make the score 1-1 and the manager said, "It was a very close contest at that stage. Mansfield were playing some of the best football we've faced this season. and our defence had it all to do.

"But the hard work we've done with the attack after failing to score at Barnet last week paid off. It looked as though we might score whenever we went forward."

McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "They played well. The first half was very even, and I have to say the scoreline wasn't a fair reflection for them. We had our hands full before the break."

Saturday's 7-2 scoreline is being hailed as the record home win in United's 29-year League history. Although the Us recorded a 6-0 win over Hartlepool in 1989 the CEN claim that as the Nationwide League is now decided by goals scored and not goal difference, that makes Saturday's win the biggest. It matches a score at Cardiff in April 1994 during Gary Johnson's reign.

As reported on Friday, our game at Swansea on Tuesday 30th March has been moved to Wednesday April 21st (7.45pm), due to international call-ups for the Welsh club. However this means that Trevor Benjamin, who was due to miss the Swansea game through suspension, will now miss the top of the table clash with Cardiff City on April 3rd instead.

The Cambridge United Supporters Association are intending to interview Gary Harwood shortly about the redevelopment plans. Their intention is to bring supporters up to date with events and to seek answers to any questions on points that fans feel still need clarification. The results will be the basis of a programme article.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (R. Walker 83'), Butler (Youngs 89'), Benjamin, Preece (Ashbee 46').

Mansfield: Bowling, Williams, Harper, Peters, Rider, L'helgoualch (J. Walker 60'), Schofield, Kerr (Ford 78'), Lormor (Carruthers 74'), Peacock, Tallon.
Booked: Kerr (foul 24'), Rider (foul 46')

Ref: Mr J. Brandwood (Lichfield).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 10, Mansfield 4
Corners: Cambridge 3, Mansfield 7

The surprise news from today's teamsheet was the complete absence of Sam McMahon from today's 14, with player-coach David Preece this week's choice to replace the injured Alex Russell. Paul Wanless returned to the side after suspension and Ian Ashbee was the man to drop to the bench. Former Mansfield player Scott Eustace continued to deputise in defence for the injured Marc Joseph.

Match reports on-line here.

Reporter Mark Johnson's Man of the Match was: "Martin Butler for the first hat-trick of his career. Arjan Van Heusden might have been an unlikely choice for the brilliant reflex save he made when the score was 2-1, but it has to be Butts."

Mansfield assistant manager Tony Ford says on the Nationwide page: "It's a massive game but we'll approach it in the usual way and go for a win. The big guns seem to bring the best out in our players and it seems that nobody wants to take a hold of the league and run away with it so we'll keep plugging away."

United's assistant secretary Mark Johnson denied this afternoon that there had been any contact from Birmingham City concerning strikers Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin. Newspaper stories earlier this week linked either or both men with the promotion-chasing Division One outfit, and with next Thursday's transfer deadline looming there is sure to be more speculation.

Due to international call-ups for Swansea City players our game at the Welsh club on Tuesday 30th March has been moved to Wednesday April 21st (7.45pm).

Three of the younger fringe players have joined non-league clubs on a non-contract basis, although they remain available for the U's if required. First year professionals Keith Newby (midfield) and Darren Cockrill (striker) have joined Cambridge City while winger Adam Wilde has joined Conference leaders Kettering Town.

Several of the trialists who played against Southampton reserves on Wednesday night will get another chance to impress. Goalscorer Paul Bruce of Queen's Park Rangers, central defenders Darren Howe (Luton) and Craig Herbert (West Bromwich Albion), midfielder James Ince (Shrewsbury) and former United trainee Kofi Nyamah are all due to return.

Reserve team manager John Taylor told the Cambridge Evening News, "There was plenty of food for thought. Considering we had half-a-dozen trialists in the team it was a good overall performance, and we'll be having another look at most of these lads."

David Hirst equalised before half-time but the impressive Paul Bruce, a left-sided midfielder from QPR, put United ahead again after the break. Southampton then took control with goals from Andy Williams, Danny Rodrigues and Scott Hiley to make the score 4-2, before substitute Adam Wilde added a third for the Us.

Sky TV cameras were due to be at the Abbey tonight, not because this was the first time we had played Southampton at any level, but to record Hirst's comeback from injury.

Cambridge United Reserves: Shaun Marshall, Dean Armstrong, Kofi Nyamah (Darren Cockrill), Justin Fox (James Cooper), Craig Herbert, Darren Howe, Tom Youngs (Adam Wilde), Richard Walker, Michael Kyd, James Ince, Paul Bruce.

Southampton Reserves: Neil Moss, Scott Hiley, Francis Benali, David Hughes, Scott Marshall, Richard Dryden, Stuart Ripley, Kevin Gibbens, David Hirst, Danny Rodrigues, Andy Williams.
Subs: Phil Warner, Wayne Bridge, Shayne Bradley.

Birmingham City manager Trevor Francis has dismissed speculation linking him with a move for Martin Butler. Francis was reported to have had a bid for the 17-goal striker rejected by United, but according to TeamTalk Francis has insisted that he has never made any kind of move for the former Walsall striker.

The young Us continued to dominate and in the 25th minute Karl Fox saw his 25 yard dipping free kick hit the bar after clearing the wall. On 35 minutes Daniel Chillingworth intercepted a back-pass and lobbed his shot onto the roof of the net, and four minutes later Andy Ingham hit the bar after the visitors failed to clear their lines. In the 43rd minute Franco Nacca showed a cool head after a Birmingham player had beaten the keeper, as he tracked the ball back towards the goal-line and hacked the ball to safety at the last moment.

However United were three goals adrift by half-time as stoppage time extended to about eight minutes. In the 45th minute Birmingham striker Andrew Johnson scored an excellent goal on the angle from about 30 yards out to make the score 2-0, Jonathan Mills set up Ingham shortly afterwards but he was always stretching with a defender to reach the ball, then just before the whistle blew for half-time Jimmy Haarhoff scored with the U's defence all at sea.

The second half was more even although United were still on top, and yet despite creating some good openings the scoreline remained at 3-0. On the hour Jon Mills found Andy Ingham whose great cross just failed to connect with Daniel Chillingworth. Five minutes later a long ball forward found Johnson behind the Cambridge back four, but the pacy Nacca made up about three yards to recover and win the ball. The in the 76th minute Ingham's raking ball pickled out Matty Hanniver, but his shot from the edge of the box was charged down.

Mark Johnson summarised the game by saying it was "decided by the travesty of a first half when United dominated but Birmingham scored every time they broke forward."

Cambridge United: James Mercer, Franco Nacca, Martin McNeil, Jon Mills, Adam Tann (Dale Cockrill 46'), Michael Barrows, Karl Fox, Michael Steward, Daniel Chillingworth, James McKenzie (Matty Hanniver 20'), Andy Ingham (Leighton Hill 85').

Birmingham City: Horrigan, Hider, Capaldi, Dyas (Wood 80'), McKeown, Burns, Diamond, Schepple, Johnson, Haarhoff, Jameson.

Coincidentally the Cambridge Evening News today named Birmingham City as a side who are said to be interested in both Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin. Apparently Press sources in the West Midlands claim that both players interest first division side City after manager Trevor Francis and assistant Mick Mills were seen at recent United matches.

There is speculation that Birmingham may already have bid for one of the strikers, which comes less than a week after Roy McFarland revealed that he had rejected a six-figure offer from an unnamed first division club for Butler.

When asked by the CEN about the stories McFarland's reaction today was: "I don't want to comment on that."

With the transfer deadline looming next Thursday there is likely to be more transfer speculation before then.

Cardiff City lost 1-0 at Rotherham tonight meaning that Cambridge stay top of the table and now have two games in hand over their nearest rivals. Brentford were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Halifax.

Striker Trevor Benjamin is the latest Cambridge United player to collect five yellow cards and will miss the trip to Swansea in a fortnight. He was booked for a foul on goalkeeper Lee Harrison on the dying minutes at Barnet on Saturday.

Assistant secretary Mark Johnson has informed U's Net that two Exeter City fans have been arrested and charged for shouting racial abuse at Trevor Benjamin earlier this month. He added, "Racial abuse is unacceptable at any football ground, including the Abbey Stadium, and anyone who hears anything of that nature should not hesitate to report it."

Success on the pitch this season has brought with it increased demand for match tickets and Cambridge United merchandise. The Club have therefore reacted to this demand from the supporters by increasing the number of hours the Club Shop and Ticket Office will be open.

In addition to the normal weekday and matchday opening hours, the Ticket Office and Club Shop will now open from 9.30am to noon on the following Saturdays:
March 27th
April 17th
May 1st

Finally Ricky Martin, United's Youth Development Officer, is appealing for a 'Computer Expert(s)' to help produce the new Centre Of Excellence player profiling scheme. They are currently undertaking a revolutionary scheme to 'Profile' the talented Centre of Excellence players, which involves compiling a Database/Spreadsheet Package encompassing educational, training, physiological and personal details for the young players.

All three missing players left gaps in the side that told at Underhill: the power of suspended skipper Paul Wanless, the vision and passing of the injured Alex Russell and Marc Joseph's dangerous long throws. Although Sam McMahon, making his full debut, showed some class and good touches, Neil Mustoe was below par after returning from a thigh strain and the influential John Taylor looked jaded.

"Overall I thought it was quite a good performance," McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "We dominated the match, and certainly the second half, but we lacked the kind of venom in attack McGleish brought to Barnet when he went on as sub. The suspensions and niggling injuries have caught up with us a bit, and the important thing now is how we react to the defeat. So far this season we've always been able to bounce back."

The manager confirmed that he remains an admirer of Scott McGleish who came off the bench to haunt the U's with Barnet's second goal: "I'd like him at the club and in my team," he said.

McGleish relaunched his career at Cambridge United in late 1996 when Tommy Taylor took him on loan from Peterborough, where the former Charlton man was languishing in the reserves. He scored seven goals in eleven appearances but then followed Taylor to Leyton Orient in a £50,000 transfer before joining Barnet in 1997 for £70,000. He scored 13 league goals in 37 appearances last season but fell out of favour this year when he requested a transfer. He returned from an injury lay-off to score against Norwich reserves on Friday and again on Saturday.

"He keeps popping up and scoring against us," McFarland told the CEN. "I like him, he's a very lively player and I tried to sign him over an 18 month period. He's a bubbly character, and if the opportunity arose I'd love to bring him in, but at the moment we don't have the funds to meet Barnet's demands."

It seems fair to speculate however, that if a too-good-to-refuse bid is received for striker Martin Butler, the subject of a recent "name your price" offer, 25-year-old McGleish will be near the top of McFarland's shopping list.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Mustoe, Taylor (Walker 57'), Butler, Benjamin, McMahon (Kyd 85').
Booked: Benjamin 90'
Sub not used: McNeil.

Barnet: Harrison, Stockley, Barnes (Onwere 80'), Basham, Heald, Arbour, Currie, Doolan, Charlery, King (McGleish 65'), Wilson.
Booked: King (unsporting behaviour 45'), Doolan (foul 61')
Sub not used: Sayers.

Ref: Mr B. Knight (Orpington).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Barnet 4
Corners: Cambridge 4, Barnet 0

Cambridge United were on the end of an amazing defeat by Barnet this afternoon, in a game where Barnet seemed to score every time they broke out of their half, while United were thwarted by good goalkeeping and wayward finishing. A poor first half gave way to a better showing after the break, but too many players were below par and only results elsewhere mean that United are still top with a similar cushion over the play-off places as before the game.

Match reports on-line here.

He told the Cambridge Evening News, "Three first division clubs have inquired about Martin, and one of them made us a firm offer. When we turned it down, they asked us to say what we wanted. I talked it over with chairman Reg Smart, and we decided not to do that. Our priority is promotion for Cambridge United this season, and Martin is an important part of our plans.

"The first division club, who have asked us not to name them or the size of the bid, could still come back with improved offers, of course, so in that sense the door is open. But we are not looking to sell Martin, I want to make that clear to our supporters.

"Martin has been kept fully informed and he's been absolutely magnificent about it. He wants to stay with us and see the job through."

The CEN suggest that Crystal Palace, Crewe and West Bromwich Albion have all regularly watched 24-year-old Butler this season, and earlier this season he was linked with Premiership side Charlton.

Tomorrow United visit Barnet, with McFarland weighing his midfield options. Defender Marc Joseph is suspended but he is already ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh injury, and Scott Eustace was an impressive deputy on Tuesday against Hull. But the midfield is depleted by the loss of skipper Paul Wanless (suspended) and Alex Russell (thigh), and Neil Mustoe faces a pre-match fitness test on a thigh strain.

The U's have lost on their two visits to Underhill under McFarland, and he will be looking for a win to ensure that United stay on top of the table. Former Leicester midfielder Sam McMahon is likely to be involved from the start after making his debut late in last weekend's game at Exeter, while 35-year-old player-coach David Preece scored at Exeter and ran the show after he came on for Russell on Tuesday.

Barnet are always likely to cause an upset on their sloping pitch, as they have proved with wins against high-flying Cardiff City, Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe this season, and although their own season as fizzled out they will be tricky opponents.

McFarland said in the CEN: "We are aware that we've lost on our last couple of visits, and we know the slope gives Barnet a considerable advantage. But, as I said before we went to Exeter, we haven't got to worry about what players may be out of the side, we've just got to get on with it."

United's allocation is limited to 1,300, plus some capacity in the 'mixed Family Stand, so supporters are again urged to arrive early to avoid being locked out.

Meanwhile the manager has spoken about the pressure at the top of Division Three, saying, "We can handle being at the top of the table. Everyone tries harder against you once you get to the top, but I don't think that is going to worry us. I prefer it if teams come out and try to beat us."

Success comes at a price though, with Hull's packed defence on Tuesday night serving as the perfect example: "When some sides come to the Abbey now, though, they could see success as not losing, a bit like Hull the other night, and that makes it harder to win matches.

"What pleased me about that game was that we played with patience until we got the late goals. We've built up a level of confidence which prevents panic setting in. We haven't always produced our best lately, but we've developed as a team to a point where we are difficult to beat, and we take a high percentage of our chances."

Striker Trevor Benjamin, himself the subject of intense transfer speculation after Cup goals against Premiership and Division One opponents, is glad to have extended his contract with Cambridge United. His form has suffered in recent months after contract disagreements were made public by manager McFarland, but he signed a new deal to 2002 on Tuesday night and celebrated by scoring his first goal for seven weeks.

"Seven games seemed a very long time without a goal. I know it happens to strikers, Buts (Martin Butler) went 10 matches, but that doesn't make it any easier to live with. It felt great to see the ball go in. Paul Wanless did really well, he was very strong against two defenders to set it up for me."

On the new deal, signed after he had originally agreed but not put pen to paper on a new deal back in October, he commented, "I was glad to sign the new contract, it was a good deal. I'm very happy here. I want to get on in football, but you don't think about that. I just want to play.

"The lads were fine to me when the business about the contract came out. There's a great spirit in the club. We always have a laugh, in matches as well as in training. Shaggy and Buts and myself will have a go at each other during games if something doesn't come off. It helps keep you stay sharp. There's a bit of a contest to be top scorer, but there's no money on it, not that I know of anyway."

"Sam had a very good all round game. He scored our goal in the first half, and he's obviously in contention for Saturday," said Roy McFarland in today's Cambridge Evening News. "Alex Russell is booked in for a specialist's appointment, and it looks as though he could be out for around three weeks at least.

"It wasn't as bad as it looked at Colchester. They got three goals in the last five minutes, it was 1-1 at half time and we had chances to take the lead."

Michael Kyd fired wide and hit the post and Richard Walker had a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper.

A familiar face has been training with the squad for the last couple of weeks. Former YTS player Kofi Nyamah, who was released by Tommy Taylor in 1995, moved on to Kettering Town before spending two seasons with Stoke City, and the 23-year-old is on trial after starting the season with Stevenage Borough. He is primarily a left-sided midfielder or attacking full-back.

United secretary Andy Pincher has confirmed to U's Net that the allocation at Barnet on Saturday will be 1,300 places in both seats and terracing, plus a few extra if families watch from the 'mixed' Family Stand. He also confirmed that the number of U's fans who travelled to Leyton Orient last month was around 1,400 and repeated the warning to arrive early on Saturday.

Cambridge asked Barnet if they would be making the game all-ticket for away supporters but Barnet's safety officer looked at the numbers we have taken away this season and decided against it.

"All we can do is ask people to arrive early if they want to be sure of a place," said Pincher.

Riding high on top of Division Three, and hoping to kiss goodbye to long away trips like Plymouth and Carlisle, Cambridge United's players are preparing for the short trip to Barnet on Saturday in unusual fashion. They will be helping to raise funds for Comic Relief on Red Nose Day by testing the Bodyshop Kissing Kits.

"We need to know the full extent of the injury now that it is recurring in this way," Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "Neil Mustoe has some chance of making the Barnet game, but it will be Friday before we can risk having a look at him in training.

"But we've got Sam McMahon on board from Leicester now, Ian Ashbee has done well while Neil's been out, and David Preece was one of our best players when he replaced Alex."

Defender Marc Joseph is also suspended for Saturday's game but he is already ruled out with a thigh injury that could keep him out of action for three weeks. Scott Eustace deputised for Joseph on Tuesday night and earned praise from many on-lookers as he made his full debut for the Us.

Looking on the positive side after watching his team eventually break down a resolute Hull side last night, McFarland pointed to the fact that Trevor Benjamin has finally signed an extended deal to 2002, and celebrated the fact with a goal. "It was a difficult game. Hull had a lot of players behind the ball most of the time, and we and the supporters had to be patient.

"It was good to see Trevor Benjamin getting the goal he's needed for a while. I thought he was our most dangerous player, and now he can settle down and get on with his game after signing a two year extension to his contract. It's a big boost for us."

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Eustace, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin, Russell (Preece 40').
Subs not used: Walker, Kyd.
Booked: Campbell 50', Butler 53', Preece 61' (all fouls)

Hull: Wilson, Greaves, Whitney, Edwards, Whittle, Brabin, Joyce, D'Auria (Faulconbridge 83'), Brown (McGinty 83'), Alcide, Williams.
Sub not used: Swales.
Booked: Whittle 14', Whitney 23', Greaves 26', Brabin 44', Joyce 69' (all fouls)

Ref: Mr S. G. Bennett (Orpington).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Hull 2
Corners: Cambridge 6, Hull 3

Cambridge United stayed top of the Third Division tonight despite another below-par performance in a game made worse by a fussy referee. Until ten minutes from time, and with Cardiff winning at Brighton, the game looked like a wasteful end to our stint at the summit, but two late strikes ensured a slightly fortunate but vital win.

Match reports on-line here.

Hull have been boosted by two recent signings, midfielder Gary Brabin from Blackpool and defender Justin Whittle, and they have recorded wins at Brentford, Darlington and Halifax without conceding a goal.

Despite the absence of suspended regulars Andy Duncan, Jamie Campbell and Neil Mustoe, the Us took an early lead and defended well as Exeter - who boast one of the best home records in the country - fought back.

"I was obviously pleased with the win but we got it on the back of an indifferent performance," admitted McFarland. "We had an equal number of chances but the difference was we took ours and Exeter did not."

On the Nationwide web site he says, "We had players out but we passed the test. We defended well and scored three good goals."

However the 3-0 win was not without its price as defender Marc Joseph limped off just before half-time, leaving just right-back Ben Chenery as the only regular member of a depleted defence. Joseph has a thigh injury that could rule him out for three weeks.

McFarland told today's Cambridge Evening News, "Jerry (Marc) had been complaining of some soreness, and the muscle went as he over-stretched. We hope it heals in less than the usual three weeks, but I was encouraged by the way those players we brought in tackled the job. After the goalkeeper, who made some great saves in the second half, Ian Ashbee (pictured left) playing at leftback was probably our man of the match. And we kept a clean sheet despite having the untried centre-back partnership of Scott Eustace and Martin McNeil."

Again he pointed out that United had notched the eight away win of the season without playing well, saying, "We've gone top without producing our best throughout the game. In fact some of our passing in the second half was woeful, but we probably matched Exeter on chances, and we took them much better than they did. It's nice to see Cambridge United at the top of the table, but nobody will be dwelling on that. Keeping that gap between us and the teams outside the top three is the important thing."

The Mighty Us are now a point clear of second-placed Cardiff with a match in hand, and there is a seven point cushion over the sides outside the automatic promotion places. Second-from-bottom Hull City are the visitors tomorrow night and present United with a chance to consolidate their position, but The Tigers are on a good run of form and McFarland will be glad for the chance to choose from the returning trio of Duncan, Campbell and Mustoe.

Saturday's game at Barnet is the subject of advice from Cambridge United. Assistant secretary Mark Johnson informs U's Net that despite discussions between the two clubs and the Police, Barnet have decided against allocating more than 1,400 places to United fans. They have also decided not to make the game all-ticket for visiting supporters so, as we took 1,400 to Leyton Orient last month, the advice from the club is to enter the ground early to ensure that you see the match.

The youth team won 2-1 at Barnet on Saturday morning, with the U's goals coming from Michael Barrows and the prolific Daniel Chillingworth.

The away fixture at Rochdale, postponed in December due to bad weather, has been rearranged and will take place on Tuesday 27th April, kick-off 7.45pm. The reserve team game at Bournemouth has been brought forward a day to Tuesday 23rd March, kick-off 2pm.

Friday night's debut of "Amber and Black on Red" on Cambridge Red was delayed due to technical problems. The show was due to start at 8pm but aired later in the evening and has been repeated several times since then, so if you can view Channel 8 on Cambridge Cable you may have seen it by now. The show included interviews with John Taylor and Neil Mustoe as well as several young fans and Marvin The Moose.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Ashbee, Eustace, Joseph (McNeil 42'), Preece, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin (Walker 77'), Russell (McMahon 88').

Exeter City: Bayes, Tosh, Power, Baddeley (Quailey 80'), Richardson (Gale 47'), Gittens, Rowbotham, Rees, Flack, Curran, Gardner.
Subs: Wilkinson.
Booked: Gittens (foul 33', dissent 45'), Power (dissent 84'), Rowbotham (foul 90')
Sent off: Gittens 45'

Ref: Mr R. Styles (Waterlooville).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Exeter 7
Corners: Cambridge 2, Exeter 6

A first-ever goal for Cambridge United, an 89th and a 30th were enough to take a depleted and slightly subdued U's side top of Division Three this afternoon. Thirty-something player-coaches David Preece and John Taylor put United ahead by half-time, and a late goal from Martin Butler continued the hard-working striker's return to top form.

Match reports on-line here.

The manager told the Cambridge Evening News, "Barring any unexpected mishap, Alex will be back. His problem has been lack of experience in dealing with an injury. He was used to playing week-in, week-out, and had to learn how to train while recovering from an injury.

"Him and Sam coming in is a nice boost for use. But it's important we don't dwell on the suspensions. We haven't got to feel sorry for ourselves. Every team gets suspensions, and we'll have lads coming in who see it not as a blow, but their big chance. I want that positive attitude right through the team.

"We'll need it because Exeter are on the up. They've put some results together, and already drawn twice at the Abbey this season in the League and the Auto Windscreens Shield."

This evening sees the launch of "Amber and Black on Red", a new weekly TV programme exclusively devoted to The Us on Cambridge Cable. A half-hour programme starting at 8pm, it will include interviews with Roy McFarland and the players and features CUFC PR Manager Graham Eales.

The programme, sponsored by local company Andrew McCulloch, is an ambitious undertaking and Eales is excited about the prospect: "There is currently a lot of interest in the club, on and off the pitch, and in this programme we hope to give supporters and football followers a real insight into what is currently going on in and around the Abbey Stadium."

The programme, primarily aimed at fans, is also being produced by fans in a youthful production team at Cambridge Red.

Matchday programme editor Mark Johnson has spoken to the CEN about the publication's second place in the annual awards from the National Programme Collectors Club. The quality and variety of articles was praised and Johnson, who took over from club secretary Andrew Pincher in the wake of Steve Greenall's departure, said:

"It's great news. We've worked hard over the last few years to improve the programme and get it to this level. It's as much of a team effort as what happens on the pitch. Andy Pincher did an excellent job until I took over in October, and we have about a dozen contributors.

"It's a pretty costly production because we have full colour throughout. But we are selling more than 2,000 a match now, so it makes a small profit, and that's only because all the contributors, apart from those employed by the club, do the work free of charge. They enjoy it. When we have our pre-season meeting to talk about the programme there's a real buzz."

Ironically, United fans will get an early opportunity to assess the quality of the Third Division's winning programme at Exeter City tomorrow.

Club secretary Andrew Pincher has confirmed that our away fixture against Brighton next month will definitely be played at Gillingham. The Seagulls' new home at Withdean will not be ready in time and they are not expected to play there until next season.

Pincher added that Barnet are making 1300 places available for United fans next Saturday, but as we took 1400 to Leyton Orient his advice is, again, to arrive early.

United secretary Andy Pincher confirmed to U's Net this morning that McMahon was poised to sign today after further talks with Roy McFarland.

"He trained with us this morning," he said, "and he would have played for the reserves last night but the game was called off."

The 23-year-old progressed through Leicester's youth ranks but was restricted to a handful of first team appearances in his five seasons as a professional, but he managed to score once despite starting only one game. Described as a tenacious but classy right-sided midfielder, McMahon had a successful trial with United last month and joins initially until the end of the season.

Describing himself as "a bit of a ball player", McMahon told assistant secretary Mark Johnson, "I was going nowhere in the reserves at Leicester and this is a chance to kick-start my career."

In today's Cambridge Evening News, speaking before the player had signed, Roy McFarland commented, "He hasn't really had much of a chance at Leicester this season, but that's often the case with home-grown players when big clubs bring in big-money men.

"I think he needs a fresh start, and it would be good if he could react to a move in the way that Andy Duncan and Neil Mustoe did after leaving Manchester United. He's a skillful player, who was always highly-rated at Leicester, but couldn't quite make the big breakthrough. He had a bad injury at the wrong time when he fractured a leg a couple of years ago.

"He will be involved this weekend if the deal is completed. And then it will be up to him to show us he is good enough for a contract."

Admission will be £2 for adults and £1 for children.

This evening's reserve game against Wimbledon reserves at Sutton has been called off due to a water-logged pitch.

On the Nationwide web site Roy McFarland is reported to be calling for changes to the rules over bookings. United will be without three players on Saturday at Exeter and another two the following week at Barnet, all except Neil Mustoe serving their first suspensions of the season.

McFarland would like to see last season's rule which saw a yellow card 'wiped out' if a player went for five games without another booking, should be brought back.

Explaining the shock news in today's Cambridge Evening News, Roy McFarland said, "I think it's time for a change. David may have taken the youth system as far as he can, and now we are aiming at an academy set-up. I'd like to thank David for the work he's done. But his contract was due to run out at the end of May, so this seemed like the right time to make the change and give Dale Brooks the chance to bed himself in before the end of the season."

According to the CEN, McFarland claimed there had been some disagreements between he and Batch over the last year.

Batch (right) responded, "It's a huge disappointment, I didn't expect this at all. I've been connected with United since I was 14, and I believe we'd developed a youth system that was among the best in the country."

On the disagreements he commented, "Any differences of opinion I've had have been in the long-term interest of the kids and the football club. I was employed to get kids through to the first team so I stuck by that, and we had a fallout of only 30 per cent compared with the League average of 80 per cent.

"There were times when I had to have an opinion to protect youngsters. These are events which happen at every football club every day of the year, and you wouldn't expect it to have this result, not if the people on the other side of the argument can deal with other opinions.

"Sadly, the only ones who really know the job I do, or did, and whether I could take the youth scheme set up further, are the kids and the other people in the scheme, and they are not in a position to comment. Ironically, the academy structure is designed to prevent club managers on a two or three year contract meddling with what should be a long term set-up.

"To say I couldn't have taken things on to the next stage is almost laughable. It's saying I couldn't manage, when only 18 months ago I turned down the job of reserve team manager at the club."

Former youth team players who have graduated to the first team while Batch has been in charge include Trevor Benjamin, Tom Youngs, Adam Wilde, Shaun Marshall and Martin McNeil.

Both men collected their fifth caution of the season on Saturday, but Joseph's absence is particularly galling as his booking on Saturday was the result of some shameful play-acting from Southend forward Barry Conlon. The young central defender (left) has been in the form of his life in recent weeks and his ban comes a week after one for his defensive partner Andy Duncan, who joins Jamie Campbell and Neil Mustoe for an enforced 'rest' this weekend.

Skipper Wanless is often described as the 'heart' of the team and his loss will become even more crucial if Alex Russell continues to be sidelined by a niggling thigh strain.

Wanless criticised the Football League's disciplinary system in the Cambridge Evening News, saying "If you're a competitive player you are almost certain to be banned by this stage of the season. I went in to try to win the ball and kicked the underside of the Southend player's boot. It hurt me more than him. It wasn't so bad last year when you could get a booking quashed if you went five games without getting a yellow card.

"The League has to take a look at it because it's starting to turn some matches into lotteries."

Roy McFarland aims to add more cover and options in midfield by signing Leicester City's Sam McMahon on loan after a successful trial spell. The right-sided midfielder will be out of contract this summer and United want to take him on loan for the rest of the season.

McFarland told the CEN, "We are hopeful of getting Sam McMahon in, and Alex Russell could be back after injury for our next game. We took the decision not to risk him against Southend because to rush him back could have meant him being out for another five weeks or so.

"As it happened, Neil Mustoe had a good game in midfield for us, and I thought our centre backs and goalkeeper did very well. We weren't at our best, but John Taylor, the old warhorse, hit a couple of cracking goals and again the other results went well."

Two of United's young reserves played for Cambridge City on Saturday and winger Adam Wilde scored an excellent free-kick from just outside the box to give United's neighbours a 1-1 draw. He was joined on Saturday by first year pro striker Darren Cockrill.