Yesterday United's reserves beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in the Capital League President's Cup. Trevor Benjamin gave United the lead and Mark McCammon headed the winner after Wanderers had levelled. Midfielders David Williamson and Billy Beall were both used as wingbacks and played well enough to boost their claims for first team action.

Manager Roy McFarland spoke of the goalscorers, saying,"They are a couple of big lads and they were certainly a handful for Wycombe. Mark is a teenager having an extended trial with us, and he didn't do himself any harm in this match."

Roy McFarland watched a Premiership reserve match in the north of England earlier this week, apparently looking at a player he hopes to take on loan. He did not reveal the club or the player involved but it's a fair bet he was looking at a midfielder to provide some of the drive and invention that left with Micah Hyde. The manager commented, "I don't want to name the club involved at this stage, but we'll be following it up this week."

Goalkeeper Scott Barrett should be fit to face Torquay United on Saturday, as the infected elbow which required hospital treatment and kept him out of the last two games is responding well to treatment. "Scott should be able to train before Saturday, and we anticipate he'll be all right to play," said McFarland. "Young Shaun Marshall did a good job in Scott's place and his time will come, but we have to stop this run without a win and we need all the experience we can get."

Manager Roy McFarland was not too dismayed at being drawn away to a second division side in the first round of the FA Cup. Plymouth Argyle, our opponents on November 15, are bottom of the division with only one win this season, and in addition to other problems at the club they are in the middle of an injury crisis

Former United centre-back Mick Heathcote injured his ankle ligament in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Gillingham, reducing Mick Jones' squad to 12 fit players, and controversial chairman Dan McCauley will not be providing money to strengthen the squad. He has put the club up for sale, and his unwillingness to pay for repair work at Home Park led two weeks ago to the closure of the huge main grandstand on safety grounds.

United manager Roy McFarland told the C.E.N. that he thought United are in with a chance at Argyle, despite the current run of eight matches without a win: "Everybody wants a home draw in the Cup," he commented. "But we matched Notts County who are near the top of the third division, and we'll be confident about going to Plymouth. County had one real chance against us and scored. We had two, but couldn't hit the target. There wasn't much between the teams apart from that."

20-year-old top scorer Michael Kyd made an unexpected return to action on Saturday, playing for 66 minutes before John Taylor replaced him, and McFarland had good news on that front: "Michael Kyd had no ill-effects after playing for an hour or so after coming back from injury, so that is a plus for us."

Kyd had possibly the best chance for United in the first half but his shot from 20 yards flashed over the bar. He admitted afterwards, "I should have taken the ball on a bit more. If it hadn't been my first match back I'm sure I would have had the confidence to do it."

United's youth team also suffered a defeat on Saturday, beaten 5-1 at home by Millwall . Injury and illnesses meant that manager David Batch was forced to field six first year trainees in the side and Batch admitted: "We were really well beaten. We were poor all round, but too many of the players were not up to standard," he said. "If you have got five or six who are going to play poorly, you really haven't got a chance. I think they hit a brick wall in terms of tiredness. I noticed it in training in the week and stopped the session after 45 minutes, but it was still there."

Jonathan Mills hit United's late consolation goal.

Cambridge Utd: Marshall, Matt Joseph (Beall 77), Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless (Hayes 77), Finney, Kyd (Taylor 66), Butler, Rees.
Booked: Wilson (foul), Foster (foul).
Ref: G Singh (Wolverhampton).

Michael Kyd made an unexpectedly early return to the starting line-up, but a 48th minute header by Gary Jones kept Notts County on course for promotion as they stretched their undefeated run to 11 matches at Meadow Lane.

Jones struck from a cross by Shaun Derry but County were unconvincing against a United side who were looking for their first win in eight outings. The U's were solid in the first half with Kyd looking the man most likely to score, while the Magpies failed to test 19 year old goalkeeper Shaun Marshall. Kyd had a good opportunity to score in the 36th minute when a defender failed to clear Martin Butler's pass. Kyd nipped by him but his 20 yard shot flashed inches over the crossbar.

After the break United got off to the worst possible start as a corner was not properly cleared and Jones notched the only goal within four minutes. Kyd understandably tired after his six week absence from action and John Taylor replaced him on 66 minutes. Two minutes later came United's best chance of an equaliser when Marc Joseph's cross was headed down in the box by Colin Foster, but the unmarked Steve Finney mis-hit his volley high and wide. The U's battled well to stop County extending their lead and the home side needed a good late save from Darren Ward to deny Taylor and clinch the points.

United slide one place down the table to fifteenth while County's win keeps them a point behind P*sh who go top with a 2-0 defeat of Torquay at London Road. This season's surprise package and the morning leaders, Exeter City, slipped to third after Scunthorpe beat them 3-2 at St James' Park.

The draw for the first round of the F.A. Cup was made after today's matches, with the teams split into northern and southern sections at this early stage in an attempt to reduce travelling time and expenses for the clubs and fans. However United still face a long trip to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle and a possible reunion with three former Abbey favourites - defender Mick Heathcote, Canadian striker Carlo Corazzin and goalkeeper Jon Sheffield.

19-year-old goalkeeper Shaun Marshall retains his place in goal for the tough away trip to third-placed Notts County. Scott Barrett is still in hospital receiving treatment for a badly infected elbow and is likely to be ruled out for up to two weeks, but Roy McFarland is delaying the decision on whether to bring in a more experienced goakeeper on loan.

Shaun Marshall

He said, "I thought Shaun did well against Hull in midweek. It certainly wasn't his fault we lost the game. He earned the right to another match, even though it's away against one of the leading teams."

Marshall caught the eye of Arsenal's youth team management in the South East Counties League last season and his fellow young professionals voted him the youth team Player of the Year, but tomorrow will be only his third appearance for the first team. His debut came almost exactly a year ago against Rochdale when United were lying third in the table. Scott Barrett was injured and a loan deal to bring Peter Shilton from West Ham fell through when, minutes before the Friday deadline, the Hammers' reserve 'keeper was injured in training and Shilton was required as cover. Marshall was plunged into first team action the following day and received good reviews despite the 2-2 result.

McFarland has indicated at least one change to the team for tomorrow's clash, with midfielder Adie Hayes favourite for promotion to the starting line-up as United attempt to end the seven-match run which has yielded just four points. In that time the club has slumped to fourteenth in the table, and McFarland told the C.E.N. he cannot understand the second half collapse against Hull City on Tuesday.

"It's baffling," he admitted. "Once Hull started playing a bit of football we became more nervous and edgy than I can remember. Last season I might have expected the frustration at not scoring to have that kind of effect on a side containing so many youngsters, but we have experienced players in every department now, and they should have been able to keep on trying for the breakthrough without getting desperate, and leaving openings for Hull to exploit.

"Now we have to react positively to the challenge of playing a good side in a fine setting at Meadow Lane. Everybody knows we need to win a football match, and we need to do it soon."

Notts County have drawn their last two home games with Macclesfield and Darlington, and midfielder Ian Barraclough has been pressed into service as an emergency centre-half because of injuries. However they have only lost one league game so far this season.

United squad: Marshall, Matt Joseph, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wilson, Rees, Wanless, Hayes, Butler, Taylor, Finney, Barnwell, Preece, Williamson.

At yesterday's meeting of the 72 Nationwide League club chairmen in London, the League decided to revise the current domestic transfer system. However clubs were assured that the League's policy to deal with the Bosman ruling will guarantee the "future stability" of the game.

From the end of June 1998, players aged 24 or over will be entitled to move between clubs without the payment of a transfer fee. The Bosman ruling caused concern among smaller clubs who feared they would lose out on the vital transfer fees gained by developing and selling promising youngsters to top flight sides, but League chairman David Sheepshanks is confident the agreed solution will keep the smaller clubs' heads above water.

"This provides a realistic way forward for the stability of our game," the Ipswich chairman said. "This agreement is made on the basis that then whole professional game in this country can unite behind a collective agreement of employees and employers in recognition of the post-Bosman era. The Football League will hold a series of advisory workshops around the country for clubs to discuss the implications of the changes and how they may affect them and the league will provide clubs with the maximum guidance and help. We are moving forward as an organisation and I see a tremendous opportunity ahead for every club. The governance of our sport must move forward - at least as quickly as its clubs - still regulating and not following, but as dynamic as the market in which we operate."

Players under the qualifying age or still under contract will still be subject to a transfer fee. The policy has not come as a surprise to any of the 72 league clubs. Many have taken to signing young players to longer and longer contracts since the historic ruling in the European courts. That is likely to continue and grow as the only realistic way to prevent the clubs with deep pockets creaming off the best of the young talent which is nurtured by clubs with effective youth policies.

The League said in a statement: "After much consultation by the board with other football authorities in this country, the Football League chairmen at their meeting today decided to introduce changes to the transfer system. From the end of June 1998 those players of 24 years of age and over who are out of contract will be free to move without a transfer fee. This decision was taken on the assumption that other associated leagues will fall in line with this timescale." The decision mirrors that taken by the Premier League on the issue.
© PA Sporting Life

Kyd - return

Five weeks after a cartilage operation on his left knee, Michael Kyd safely completed the first half of last night's reserve game against Rushden and Diamonds. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with goals from Ian Ashbee and Davey Williamson, and Kyd came through the 45 minutes of action unscathed. United's current top scorer has not played a full game since the U's last victory against Leyton Orient, seven matches ago, but he could be back in action a week on Saturday, when Torquay United are the visitors.

Roy McFarland commented, "Michael went well. This weekend's game at Mansfield will be too soon for him, but he has a chance for Torquay next week."

Further to Tuesday's report on this page, United's club secretary and financial controller Steve Greenall has spoken further on the funds due from the FA Premier League. He is appealing to David Mellor, chairman of the Football Task Force, to persuade the Premiership and Sports Council hand over £10 million that they promised to certain Nationwide League clubs.

"The money was offered at the Nationwide League annual meeting," he explained. "It was to help the lower division clubs run their youth schemes. But, for some reason, the process has been delayed, and while the Premiership clubs flourish, the rest of us are struggling to keep our heads above water. First the National Lottery took its toll on our own lotteries, then the Bosman ruling dampened the transfer market, and now money has been dangled under our noses, but we can't get our hands on it. I believe Mr Mellor is well-placed to put pressure on the various football authorities over this."

United's share of the promised money would be a much-needed £140,000 and there is no apparent reason why the money has not been paid. Football League secretary David Dein wrote to all Nationwide clubs in August stating that to be eligible for the money clubs would have to operate a Centre of Excellence, run a reserve team, and be a member of the Youth training programme - conditions which United fulfil.

Dein confirmed at that time the offer of £5m from the Premiership, with a matching contribution from the Sports Council, from lottery sources, and indicated he was unhappy then - two months ago - about the delay in distributing the money.

If any United supporters wish to write to Mr Mellor to politely draw his attention to the matter, his address is David Mellor, Chairman, Football Task Force, Gossard House, 7-8 Saville Row, London W1X 1AF.

BBC Look East are showing a profile on Cambridge United's youth team tomorrow evening (Friday). David Batch's youngsters are currently among the leaders of the South East Counties League, Division One.

Cambridge United legend Alan Biley is taking over at Uhlsport League Potton after the manager for the last four seasons, Ken Davidson, stepped down. He will act as Biley's assistant. "I'm very excited about getting involved in football again," said Biley, who had a brief spell as manager of Ely in 1992 and has since been running a fitness centre in Biggleswade. "I have known Kenny since I moved to the area and I have a good rapport with him. He is the main reason I am going to Potton.

"I played for Potton a few years ago, so I know all about it," he said. "It is a nice set-up and the club has plenty of potential. Kenny has been trying to get me involved for a while, and now my business interests allow it, I'm keen to give it a go."

Goalkeeper Scott Barrett missed last night's game due to a serious elbow infection which has confined him to a hospital bed. He is also definitely ruled out of Saturday's match at third division leaders Notts County.

Roy McFarland explained that he kept news of the injury secret in the build-up to yesterday's match: "I didn't want Hull getting wind of it and and planning to have a go at a young, inexperienced keeper," he said. "But as it turned out Shaun Marshall was one of our best players. He could keep the place for Saturday, although that's not decided yet. There is the possibility of going for a temporary, experienced replacement, we'll have to see. One thing is sure, Scott won't be involved. He could be in hospital for a couple of days. An elbow is extensively infected and swollen."

Shaun Marshall

19-year-old Marshall was making only his second senior appearance but he made some vital stops, blocking a David Rocastle shot with his legs, and saving a couple of stinging headers from match-winner Mark Greaves.

"I thought I'd beaten the lad each time," said the Hull centre-back. "I don't know how he got to those headers. He kept Cambridge in it. But there was nothing he could do about my third."

United centre-back Colin Foster was voted man of the match but he admitted that the defence should have given the rookie 'keeper more protection: "We left ourselves open too much. Shaun did really well and I'm going to give him my bottle of champagne. He's the one who deserves it."

McFarland was unhappy with the lack of finishing power last night, complaining, "We dominated the first half, and should have had the game wrapped up, but we weren't getting on the end of some good passes into the box, and that's worrying. In the second half we became frustrated, lost our way, and let them break against us. We should have enough experience in the side now to handle that kind of situation much more professionally. I was intending to change things around in midfield, but Michael Rodosthenous went down with 'flu yesterday. We should be beating teams like Hull, we are all aware of that."

There could be better news on the horizon though, with top scorer Michael Kyd pencilled in to make his comeback tonight. Rushden and Diamonds play United's reserves at the Abbey Stadium and after commencing light training this week Kyd is due to play for the first time since his knee operation. United have not won during his six-week absence.

United line-up: Marshall, Matt Joseph, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Finney, Taylor (Barnwell 59'), Butler, Rees (Preece 70').
Sub not used: Hayes.
Booked: Wilson (77' foul)
Ref: Mr Knight (Orpington)

A familiar plot was played out for the Abbey faithful tonight as United again dominated the early stages of this match without reward, only to be hit by the late - and very costly - sucker-punch.

Shaun Marshall made a surprise appearance in goal after Scott Barrett failed the late fitness test hinted at by Roy McFarland this afternoon. The manager revealed to the C.E.N. that one change to the team could be enforced due to injury, but would not name the player involved in the pre-match fitness test. Otherwise it was 'as you were' from Saturday afternoon, with Barnwell, Preece and Hayes warming the bench.

United started well, dominating possession and attacking with John Taylor and Steve Finney combining well in the early stages. Matt Joseph raided down the right wing and provided a steady supply of crosses and Hull City, without a point on their travels so far this season, were on the back foot and forced to defend in numbers. United won a string of first half corners and squandered several opportunities to go ahead, and the best chance of the half came in the 27th minute when a John Taylor header was cleared off the line by defender Kevin Gage. Paul Wanless saw an effort saved and Steve Finney made a run into the box only to be denied.

After the break it was another story. Mark Hateley's Tigers dominated play and Greaves had a header well saved by Marshall, last season's youth team Player of the Year who was making only his second senior appearance. Matt Joseph burst forward and hit a shot at the Hull 'keeper but that was as close as United got to scoring as they grew more and more desperate for a goal and resorted to more long balls forward. Meanwhile Hull exploited the gaps left at the back and threatened more, with David Rocastle - on loan from Chelsea - starting to get more involved and Shaun Marshall produced several good saves. The introduction of Jamie Barnwell and David Preece for Taylor and Rees made little difference and eventually the visitors snatched their 88th minute winner when that man Greaves headed home a Warren Joyce free kick.

This defeat extends United's run since the last win to seven games and six weeks, a truly depressing statistic. Roy McFarland made it clear some weeks ago that we were missing some pace and power in midfield and his search for a suitable player was side-tracked by the need to bring in a replacement for the free-scoring Michael Kyd. Now that Steve Finney has arrived to fill that position no doubt the manager will continue the process that saw three midfielders arrive on trial last week, while Michael Rodosthenous has three weeks left to persuade McFarland that he can do a job at United.

This afternoon Roy McFarland was talking of changes for what he described as "a vital match" against struggling Hull City at the Abbey tonight, but he would not reveal his plans in advance: "I don't want to give Hull any kind of forewarning," he said. "We need a win now and we have to do everything we can to give ourselves the best chance. Generally, I thought we played well against Rochdale on Saturday, but there was an area where I think we can improve."

It is reported that United have written to David Mellor, chairman of the Football Task Force, to appeal for help in obtaining money which was expected months ago. In July at the Chairman's conference they were led to believe that lower division clubs would get big FA cash hand outs to help with youth development and bridge the gap with the richer clubs. This would obviously be a huge boost for clubs like United, with a sum of £140,000 in the first year to be in place by August, but to date not a penny has been received.

Club secretary Steve Greenall would also like supporters to write to Mr Mellor drawing his attention to the matter, and said: "If he doesn't help he may soon have a mere handful of clubs to look after."

Changes are expected to the starting line-up tomorrow night as Hull City visit the Abbey Stadium. Roy McFarland will be looking to his players to reverse the recent lack-lustre run of form that has seen United slump from top of the table to tenth in just five weeks, taking just four points from a possible 18.

McFarland looked back on Saturday's match at the Abbey and said: "We had enough chances against Rochdale to win the match. We've been well in charge of recent games without winning them. We must hold it now and not drop into that middle of the table area. Tomorrow's home match against Hull City will be very important. I believe we'll go into it with confidence, because we played well enough to beat Rochdale. Their keeper made some great saves to keep them in it when we were 1-0 up, and their equaliser was a bit bizarre, the shot bouncing in off Colin Foster."

Non-contract player Jamie Murphy has left the club by mutual consent. The former Blackpool defender joined from Doncaster Rovers in the summer on non-contract terms and was an unused substitute three times earlier this season. The United boss explained, "We decided it was better to let Jamie go and instead encourage our young players like Adie Hayes to come through. Adie looks a lot stronger this season, and the chance is there now for him, and one or two others to get a place in the match day squad."

French trialist Franck Roye has rejected the offer to stay on for a longer trial at United after receiving a firm offer from a club in France. Disappointed manager McFarland commented, "We wanted to have a look at him in this week's reserve match, but another offer came in from a French club and he decided to take that. It's disappointing, but we have to keep on looking for that player who can improve us. The French lad had a pretty good game in the reserves at Fulham last week, but we didn't feel we could sign him just on the strength of that."

Another trialist who arrived last week, Gary Crosby, has also left, but McFarland describes the former Nottingham Forest winger as "a player we may call on in future".

United are claiming a first in English football, after club secretary Steve Greenall led the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to a local reporter. Cambridge Evening News writer Randall Butt was presented with a bottle of wine and card from the club by Roy McFarland, and 'sources close to the press box' said that Butt was totally speechless for the first time in his life!

The youth team lost their unbeaten league record at the Simoco ground to a powerful Portsmouth side. Andy Ingham gave United a first half lead which they held up to the interval, but Pompey's physical strength told in the second half and they progressed to win 2-1.

"All in all we were beaten by a slightly better side on the day," said United coach Dave Batch. "They are definitely the best side we have played this season. We probably matched them in open play, but they were very dangerous from set plays. In the second half they took the game to us and pinned us in, so on balance they deserved to win."

United line-up: Barrett, Matthew Joseph, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Finney, Taylor (Barnwell 79), Butler, Rees.
Subs Not Used: Hayes, Rodosthenous.
Booked: Butler.
Ref: D Orr (Iver).

Matt Joseph made his long-awaited return to the starting line-up but it was Rochdale goalkeeper Lance Key, returning to his home town, who inspired his team to end their run of five away games without points. He denied Cambridge United almost single-handedly midway through the first half with saves from Jamie Campbell, Steve Finney and the hard-working Martin Butler.

United took the lead in the 16th minute through good work from Martin Butler, who raced clear and delivered a perfect cross from the left for Steve Finney to tap home at close range. But the U's failed to capitalise on the early advantage - partly through sloppy passing in midfield and largely because of Key's great performance. Butler, Swindon loanee Finney and John Taylor linked well in attack and created plenty of scoring opportunities but Key pushed away Jamie Campbell's cracking volley in the 34th minute, then somehow got down at the far post to stop Finney's close range blast three minutes into the second half. In addition Key dived at the lively Butler's feet to deny him when he was clear, and made a point-blank stop from Paul Wanless.

Rochdale equalised in the 64th when a 20-yard shot from Andy Gouck took a massive deflection off defender Colin Foster to beat Scott Barrett. The visitors took over after that, with Finney's lack of match fitness showing and Rees giving the ball away several times, and Rochdale could have gone on to win. Graham Lancashire broke through in the 69th minute only to slice the ball wide, and three minutes later Mark Stuart skied a shot over the bar from an excellent position.

Even then United had a late chance to steal the points. Jamie Barnwell replaced Taylor with ten minutes left and the ball fell for him eight yards out in the 89th minute, only for him to completely miskick the ball and tap it to Key. This thoroughly disappointing result sees United continue the downwards slide to 10th in the table, ten points adrift of leaders Peterboring and Exeter City.

Colin Vowden, released by United in the summer, scored at both ends for Kettering Town yesterday. He put his new club ahead in the 69th minute but then gifted Hayes the equaliser with an 89th minute own goal.

Joseph - recall?

Matthew Joseph could make his first start of the season tomorrow in place of the injured Ben Chenery. Roy McFarland seems likely to revert to wingbacks after last week's 4-3-3 tactics at Mansfield resulted in two early goals before he changed the formation. Player of the Year Joseph - who is still out of contract - came on as a second half substitute to set up a goal within minutes.

McFarland knows that with two home games to look forward to, the pressure is on to arrest the recent poor run of form that has yielded just three points from the last five matches: "We have two home games on the trot now, Rochdale, then Hull City on Tuesday. You have to be looking for at least four points, and we really want to get off to a win in the first match. We are about a quarter of the way through the season, and we need to consolidate our place in the leading group."

Experienced striker John Taylor is available after missing last weekend's match because of a family bereavement, and he is likely to line up alongside on-loan Steve Finney with Martin Butler just behind them. In midfield Paul Wanless, Jason Rees, Adie Hayes, David Preece, and Billy Beall are competing for two places.

Tomorrow's visitors Rochdale put five goals past Darlington last week but they have lost five out of five on their travels. United fans will be looking for a much better performance than they witnessed last time the teams met - last season any lingering play-off ambitions were ended in April by a lack-lustre 3-0 defeat in Lancashire.

McFarland does not under-estimate tomorrow's visitors: "Rochdale play some good football and all of a sudden they've started scoring goals. It'll be a hard game," he said.

Squad: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wilson, Wanless, Rees, Butler, Taylor, Finney, Hayes, Preece, Barnwell, Benjamin, Beall.

Students are being encouraged to attend the next two home games with a special price of £3 on the North Terrace.

Meanwhile, Michael Rodosthenous is relishing the challenge ahead of him at United. The 21-year-old left W.B.A. on a free transfer last week and has a month to prove to Roy McFarland that he is worth a long-term deal, but he told the C.E.N.: "I don't see the trial at Cambridge as putting pressure on me. It's an incentive to do everything I can to get a place. I got into the squad as substitute at Mansfield last week and I believe I'm good enough to be in the side. Cambridge is obviously pretty different to West Brom, but in a way it's better because there's a much friendlier atmosphere. I got on straight away with the players at the Abbey, probably because there are quite a few young ones. At West Brom where there are more older, established players you could feel a bit out of it at times."

A former schoolboy with Tottenham Hotspur, he decided to stay at school to take 'A' levels and then was spotted by a Baggies scout while playing for a Sunday league team. After progressing through the youth team at the Hawthorns he made his League debut as a striker against Bolton last season, but team strengthening this summer saw him slip down the queue for first team action. "I decided to take my chances at Cambridge, and I'm giving it all I've got. You have to anyway because we seem to get three or four players on trial here every week. I don't mind putting my foot in if it's necessary, although in this division if you are sharp enough mentally you shouldn't need to get into too many 50-50 situations."

Chairman Reg Smart today revealed plans to install executive boxes at the back of the main grandstand before the start of next season. It will involve stripping out three rows of seats and this first stage in turning the Abbey Stadium into a 10,000 all-seater stadium will reduce the number of seats by 300, and the total ground capacity to just over 9,400.

However Mr Smart said research shows that the average crowd size in the Main Stand over the last five years is more than 1,000 under capacity: "The average size crowd in the grandstand was 1,800, which leaves plenty of room for people when we take out some seats to build the boxes. Most clubs these days have some boxes which are rented for the season to companies or groups of supporters, and it is an additional way of interesting local firms in the club."

United's reserves lost 0-3 at Fulham yesterday despite playing well in the first half. Roy McFarland used the match to have a look at his trialists and he wants to take a longer look at French midfielder Franck Roye who had already impressed him in training this week.

McFarland commented, "He looked useful, but we want to see him in another game. You can't really make a firm decision on one match. We are talking to his agent."

Roye finished a month on trial with Oxford United last week, scoring for their reserves against Norwich City, but now a French club is thought to be interested in him. Bradford City's diminutive midfielder Craig Midgely did not catch McFarland's eye and the 21-year-old has returned to his club.

After yesterday's news about the stadium, the focus returns to team matters as three midfielders arrive on trial. Roy McFarland said last month that he wanted a fresh face in midfield but Michael Kyd's knee injury meant the manager had to switch his attention to the striking department. Now that Steve Finney has arrived on loan from Swindon and Michael Rodosthenous (pron. 'Rodos-THEE-nos') has signed from WBA, McFarland has spread his net wide to bring in three midfielders of varied backgrounds.

Former Nottingham Forest veteran Gary Crosby, Bradford City youngster Craig Midgley and Frenchman Franck Roye were all included in the reserve team squad for today's Capital League fixture at Fulham.

McFarland told the C.E.N. about the players: "We'll have a look at them in the game and in training for a while. The French player trained with us yesterday and was quite impressive. He's from a French second division club who went out of business, and fancies a go over here.

"Gary Crosby has had a lot of experience at a high level, and Craig Midgley is a youngster looking for first team football. Saturday's game at Mansfield showed we need a little bit extra in midfield, and I'm just seeing if these lads are better than the ones we already have in the squad."

33-year-old Crosby was a regular at Nottingham Forest for seven seasons before joining Huddersfield the season before last and then drifting out of League football earlier this year. Roye (25) played for St Bruic Cote Darmor and was recommended to United after spending a month on trial with first division Oxford United but failing to earn a contract.

Midgley (21) has been on the fringes of the first team at Bradford City, making several substitute appearances, and has previously enjoyed two successful loan periods with Scarborough. The Bantams rejected Scarborough's offer of £50,000 for him after his first spell with them, and Midgley signed a one-year deal in the summer.

United chairman Reg Smart has reassured supporters that the plans to redevelop the Abbey Stadium will not detract from the playing side: "The two things have to go together," he said. "We are well aware of what has happened to other clubs who put all their resources into building stands and neglected the team. We have given up the search for a new site, but I see the Abbey scheme as a very positive thing."

Cambridge United have announced this morning that plans to move from the Abbey Stadium have been abandoned. Instead the ground will be developed into an all-seater, multi-purpose sports stadium with a capacity of over 10,000.

The club released an official statement today which reads as follows:

Following a search of many years for a potential new site for the long-term home of Cambridge United Football Club, the Board of the club has, this week, announced its decision to remain at Newmarket Road and re-develop the Abbey Stadium.

The club, and its professional advisor, David Ward of Ward Howard Rowlett, has spent the last 10 years searching for a site in the Cambridge area large enough and suitable to develop as a multi-purpose sports stadium to house Cambridge United, along with other commercial and sporting activities. Several sites have been identified during that time, but all have hit insurmountable obstacles for one reason or another. Apart from these identified sites, there is no other land available in the Cambridge area for a new sports stadium.

In 1996, the club secured the former Corona depot in Newmarket Road, adjoining the Abbey Stadium. The acquisition of this valuable site has enabled the club to embark on a re-design of the plans drawn up a few years ago to turn the Abbey Stadium into a modern, all-seater stadium. The re-design will address the issues which caused the earlier plans to be withdrawn following advice from the City Council's officers. Directors and professional advisors of the club have established a promising, positive dialogue with officers of the Council which will ensure that the re-development will satisfy both party's needs and expectations, and result in new facilities which will benefit the local community. The club intends to submit an outline planning application in the near future and is confident that the City Council will find the revised application acceptable.

The Abbey Stadium will be re-developed in a number of phases over future years. The first phase will be to significantly improve the Newmarket Road frontage, making this part of the city much more attractive to residents and visitors alike, as well as significantly improving access to the stadium. A new north stand will be built in the first phase ensuring that the club's loyal supporters are among the first to benefit from the re-development investment. This new stand will also incorporate modern classrooms and other state-of-the-art facilities which will be made available for general community use. The existing portable offices and club shop, for so long considered by many to be an eyesore on this major access road to the city centre, will be removed and incorporated into the design of the new north stand.

A number of well-appointed executive boxes will be constructed in the existing east stand, with the aim of using these to forge stronger links between the club and the local business community. These boxes will be available to businesses on match days and for corporate hospitality at other times.

Future phases will include a new west (Habbin) stand and a new south stand with further community sport facilities. The existing east stand is already all-seater and all the other new stands will, similarly, be all-seater. When the re-development phases are complete, the Abbey Stadium should have a capacity in excess of 10,000 seats, along with some of the best-appointed facilities in the city.

Director Gary Harwood stated: "After so many years of uncertainty, the Board is pleased to be able to tell Cambridge football supporters where the club's long-term home will be. We are also pleased to announce that this home will offer additional facilities which are badly needed by the local community."

For club chairman Reg Smart, relocation to a purpose-built leisure complex was the preferred option but now he and the board of directors believe a revamped all-seater Abbey Stadium with executive boxes and other facilities which can be shared with the community is a viable alternative.

"Relocation was our top option, but there is just not the land available in Cambridge for such a venture," Smart admitted to the C.E.N.. "Several sites were identified, but all hit insurmountable obstacles. But we have acquired the former Corona depot behind the north stand, a valuable site which means we can re-design our plan to develop the Abbey. We will be submitting an outline planning application in the near future and we are confident the City Council will find the revised application acceptable.

"We believe our plans will generate interest and financial backing for the club. And there are ongoing talks with people considering putting money into the club."

Roy McFarland is well aware that the pressure is on to produce two wins from United's next two games, in front of the home support at the Abbey. Saturday's defeat at Mansfield saw United slip further off the pace set by the third division leaders, with just three points from the last five games, and McFarland has told his players to "stand up and be counted".

"The next two matches are now very important for us. The pressure is on us and it's time for the players to stand up and be counted. Our performance in the first 20 minutes was the worst I've seen this season. Our passing was awful and that is something we consider to be one of our strengths. We've got a lot of work to do now."

The first twenty minutes in the rain at Mansfield saw some woeful defending and the manager admits, "We were at sixes and sevens in the first half, but once we reverted to five at the back I thought we looked very solid. "But after going 2-0 down we were always chasing the game."I was pleased with our second half performance and we had the chances to get something out of the game."

On Saturday morning United's youth team bounced back from Tuesday's FA Youth Cup exit to draw 2-2 with QPR. Darren Webb scored from the penalty spot and the in-form Andy Ingham added United's second. Youth team coach David Batch said, "They had one shot on target in each half, but apart from that we had the game. "Before the game I would have been happy with a point, but considering the way we played I was extremely pleased. In every department we were better than them."

United line-up: Barrett, Hayes, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Rees (Matt Joseph 74), Finney, Butler (Benjamin 66), Preece (Rodosthenous 83).
Ref: A R Leake (Darwen).

The wet and miserable weather in Mansfield summed up United's performance this afternoon as our record of three clean sheets in the last three away games was destroyed by a pair of early goals. United lined up in a 4-4-2 formation but the defence was all at sea as Iyseden Christie put the home side ahead with a solo effort after 11 minutes, and Steve Whitehall added the second six minutes later. Jason Rees then moved over to play at right wing-back after half an hour as Roy McFarland restored the more familiar 5-3-2.

Debutant striker Steve Finney - on loan from Swindon Town - sparked a fightback ten minutes before half time when he got on the end of a Paul Wilson cross to turn the ball home. United fought back into the game before the break, and continued to press forward in the second half. Finney, Butler and Wanless all saw shots blocked before United were hit by a sucker punch as Whitehall scored his second - and Mansfield's third - on 62 minutes.

Roy McFarland immediately threw big Trevor Benjamin into the fray in place of Martin Butler and as usual he proved a real handful for the Town defence. United were showing great spirit but a turning point probably came when Matt Joseph replaced the disappointing Jason Rees in the 74th minute. Just two minutes after arriving on the pitch he raced down the right wing and tricked his way past a defender before producing a cross into the box. Paul Wanless arrived to head firmly towards goal and then reacted quickly to poke the ball home when his initial shot was blocked. It was a well deserved goal and set up a tense final ten minutes as United threw everything into attack in a vain attempt to level the scores. Michael Rodosthenous, who signed on a free from WBA yesterday, made his United debut with seven minutes left and looked promising, while Steve Finney showed his lack of match fitness as he faded during the later stages. However Scott Barrett had the final say, producing a brave last minute save to deny Whitehall his hat-trick after the Mansfield man had broken clear.

After this disappointing result we slip to seventh but one bright point from the afternoon was the impact made by Steve Finney. The 23-year-old looked extremely lively and appears to be a more than able replacement for the injured Michael Kyd. Matt Joseph also demands a recall to the first team as he is obviously fit and ready for action, and surely the club must make it a priority to sort out his future?

We now have two home games against Rochdale (Sat 18) and Hull City (Tue 21) to look forward to before the tough trip to Notts County in a fortnight.

Steve Finney will go straight into the side to face Mansfield Town tomorrow as United seek their first win since 5th September. Roy McFarland is expected to revert to the wing-back system after using a 4-3-3 formation last weekend to combat Lincoln's long-ball tactics. This could mean Matt Joseph starting his first game of the season in the absence of the injured Ben Chenery.

Roy McFarland is looking to Finney to boost the side for the trip to Field Mill Stadium: "He'll be out to catch the eye because he knows it's a chance to relaunch his career. He's trained with us for the last couple of days, and he's keen to play first team football again, after dropping into the reserves at Swindon."

Jamie Barnwell is the man most likely to make way for Finney, although John Taylor has suffered a family bereavement and McFarland is waiting to find out if the striker will be available for the match. Midfielder Jason Rees, who missed Saturday's 0-0 draw at Lincoln because of an ankle injury, trained today and is expected to return to the 14 on duty. Squad: Barrett, Matt Joseph, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wilson, Rees, Wanless, Hayes, Butler, Finney, Taylor, Barnwell, Beall, Benjamin.

Looking back at the games since the home defeat by Barnet, McFarland commented, "We haven't played badly in the last couple of games, but we've lacked that bit of sparkle to turn draws into wins. A new player coming in at this stage gives us something a bit different and should have a good effect on the rest of the team. We have a couple of home matches coming up after Saturday's game, and it would be good to go into them with a win under our belts.

"We are much harder to beat than we were during the run-in to last season," he commented. "Clean sheets in our last three away matches show that, and it's been important that we've stayed up in that fifth position despite the poor run. The League has closed up behind us, but we are still up there and that helps boost players' confidence. If we can start winning again we'll stay up there. We haven't got to climb through the pack. We've got three points less than we would want from this number of games, bearing in mind we were top of the table a month ago. But, with the boost we believe a new player will give us, we can have hopes of getting back on schedule."

Mansfield are also struggling for goals and they have been trying to bring in a striker too. They have won just three out of nine games, and are sixth from the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, United have completed the signing of Michael Rodosthenous from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer. The Islington-born 21-year-old is of Greek descent and he made just one substitute appearance for the Baggies' first team last season. Rodostenthous, a striker, has been on trial at United for a few weeks and after impressing Roy McFarland he is dropping two divisions in search of first team football.

First, some more details about new loan signing Steve Finney, who goes straight into the side against Mansfield on Saturday. The 23-year-old (24 at the end of the month) joined Swindon Town on a free transfer in the summer of 1995 from Steve McMahon's former club Manchester City. His Swindon career got off to a flying start when he scored on his debut, and he went on to score another 14 goals in their championship season before a broken leg forced him onto the sidelines. Steve has found it difficult to force his way back into the starting line-up, especially as new arrival Chris Hay has got off to such a prolific start. Steve suffered damaged knee ligaments at the start of this campaign and he has been restricted to just three appearances, netting once from the penalty spot.

United's under-18s suffered a shock FA Youth Cup defeat last night at the hands of local side Somersham. The full-time United trainees are currently second in the South East Counties League but the youngsters from Somersham, who travelled to the Abbey after finishing work or school, scored two early goals to shock their hosts. Darren Cockrill pulled one back for United and then an own goal levelled the scores. In the second half, despite United dominating play in the second half, Somersham grabbed the winner to win the second qualifying round tie.

Former Abbey favourite Steve Fallon has returned to United to work for the club's Soccer Academy. United's second longest-serving player in their League history with 405 appearances, the defender then managed Cambridge City for nine years before leaving a year ago.

Football in the Community officer Mike Cook explained, "The Academy backs up our School of Excellence. Having someone like Steve involved is a huge boost for the scheme. As well as being able to help the young players with all aspects of the game he can spot the ones likely to make the most progress. The competition among League clubs to attract the best young players is intense these days, and a set-up like this is vital for United."

Fallon said, "It's nice to be involved with United again. I was manager at City for quite a while, but when you play as many matches for a club as I did for United it's always special for you."

Swindon Town striker Steve Finney has joined Cambridge United on loan. The former Manchester City man, who will be 24 at the end of the month, signed today for an initial one month loan period.

Finney joined Swindon two years ago from Manchester City after starting his career with Preston North End and with only three goals in the last four games Roy McFarland is pleased to have ended his search for an experienced forward.

"He's played the game at a good level," said McFarland. "He's been edged out of the starting line-up at Swindon and is very keen to be playing first team football again. He impressed David Preece in a reserve match against Portsmouth, and he could be just what we need at the moment."

The C.E.N. disclosed today that the player McFarland made an unsuccessful bid for before Saturday's match at Lincoln is understood to be Brighton's Robbie Reinelt. Meanwhile top scorer Michael Kyd is back in light training after his cartilage operation, and the 20-year-old could be ready for a first team return before Finney's initial loan spell expires.

Former trialist Jason Peake has joined Bury on a free transfer from Brighton.

The youth team face local team Somersham tonight in the F.A. Youth Cup. Tom Youngs returns to the side after three weeks with the senior squad and if they win at the Abbey tonight they will face either Cambridge City or Histon in the third qualifying round.

Roy McFarland

Roy McFarland was not impressed with the long-ball methods of Lincoln City on Saturday, and in today's Daily Mirror is quoted saying, "I feel sorry for Lincoln supporters who pay good money to watch that kind of football. When we got the ball down we played well but the final pass was missing."

In the same newspaper, former United boss John Beck bemoaned the loss of free-scoring winger Gareth Ainsworth to Port Vale and promised to find a replacement: "A draw was all we were going to get today. My players gave everything but we just haven't got the class to score goals."

Meanwhile McFarland told the press that he is also looking for new players and failed in an attempt to bring in a new striker on Friday. In today's C.E.N. he admits to stepping up his search for a striker, saying, "We need that bit of a boost now, someone to inject some excitement into the squad. We had a knockback just before the Lincoln game when another third division club put the block on a player moving. But there are other irons in the fire and we are doing all we can to get somebody in before Saturday's game at Mansfield. We couldn't compete for Scott McGleish. That price was too high for us, but we have a little leeway."

Going into more detail about Saturday's match he commented, "We played some good football against Lincoln. We defended very well, and we had them going in the second half, but again we couldn't come up with the end product. Our crossing and our decision making was poor. I feel sorry for the Lincoln fans having to watch that sort of thing all the time," he added. "Supporters are precious. The loyal ones turn up whatever kind of football is served up. But anyone coming along to see what the game is like at our level would have gone away very disappointed. And I think that's sad for football."

United's youth team move up to second in the South East Counties League after their 2-1 win over third-placed Leyton Orient on Saturday morning.

Tonight is your final opportunity to vote for your September Player of the Month (poll closes at midnight).

United line-up: Barrett, Hayes, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wanless, Barnwell, Taylor (Benjamin 87'), Butler, Preece.
Subs not used: Matt Joseph, Beall.

Roy McFarland changed to a 4-3-3 formation this afternoon to combat the anticipated aerial bombardment from Lincoln City. Martin Butler returned to the first team after recovering from a stomach bug, but Matt Joseph remained on the bench as Marc Joseph moved over to right-back in place of the injured Ben Chenery. Adie Hayes played on the left of midfield and after Jason Rees aggravated an ankle injury in pre-match training, player-coach David Preece took his place and wore the captain's armband.

The United team and the 350 travelling U's knew exactly what tactics to expect from a John Beck team at Sincil Bank and they were not to be disappointed. John Beck's famous long-ball game is now totally lacking any of the minor refinements tolerated in his United days, his neanderthal tactics led to a dreadful first half. It was quickly obvious that United were the only team on the pitch who knew what to do with the ball once it hit the grass, and Lincoln goalkeeper Barry Richardson had to dive at Martin Butler's feet after half an hour. United's defence were mainly occupied with clearing up balls punted hopefully into the corners, and the rest of the team probably have sore necks tonight from watching the ball whizz over their heads!

The action was only marginally better after the break, with Marc Joseph heading a Steve Brown chance off the line mid-way through the half. Adie Hayes had a good game buzzing up and down on the left, Butler was busy up front and in the 64th minute John Taylor had a superb shot well saved by Barry Richardson. Nine minutes later Richardson was tested by a volley from former Imps player Paul Wanless and ten minutes from time Taylor tricked his way through the Lincoln defence only for his shot to skim the far post.

Late in the half Jamie Campbell may have been fortunate to stay on the field after a challenge on Phil Stant, while Trevor Benjamin replaced Shaggy with three minutes left to keep the Imps defence occupied. Lincoln might have snatched a winner in the last minute when Jason Barnett fired in a cross from the left but luckily no City player was on hand to get the vital touch.

Although the lack of goals is disappointing, overall this will be a welcome point from a difficult away match. United stay fifth in the table after this third successive draw.

Chris Marsh, who returned to Walsall last week after spending two months at the Abbey Stadium, played for the second division side this afternoon in their 3-1 home win over Carlisle United. Meanwhile, midfielder Jason Peake has returned to Brighton and Hove Albion after a trial period at the Abbey Stadium. He was injured early in his spell with United and has returned to the south coast to regain his fitness before trying again to secure a move away from Brighton, where he has failed to settle after his £90,000 transfer last year.

Former captain Matt Joseph stands by to make his first start of the season tomorrow at Lincoln City, replacing Ben Chenery who was seriously injured last weekend. He faces a late fitness test on a calf injury picked up in a reserve game.

Striker Martin Butler has recovered from the stomach upset that ruled him just before kick-off last Saturday and he is included in the squad travelling to Sincil Bank. Butler is likely to be named alongside Jamie Barnwell as United go in search of goals against the Imps, who have not conceded a goal in their last three league games.

Roy McFarland knows his side will face an aerial bombardment against John Beck's men and he commented: "You always expect a hard game at Lincoln. Their system's hard to play and we may tinker with our system to compensate. We mustn't let Lincoln impose themselves on us at the start, and we will have to deal with a lot of high balls. The best way we can combat that style is to get the ball down and pass it, and use our pace up front."

In his search for a new face McFarland is hoping to take a longer look at West Bromwich Albion's Michael Rodosthenous. The 21-year-old has been training with United and came on as a substitute in last week's Cambs Professional Cup against Cambridge City. McFarland explained, "We've had a look at the lad in training, and he's impressed us, but before we talk about a signing I'd like to have him here for a longer trial period, and I'll be talking to Ray Harford about that."

Tomorrow's team (from): Barrett, Marc Joseph, Foster, Campbell, Wilson, Rees, Wanless, Hayes, Butler, Barnwell, Taylor, Matt Joseph, Benjamin, Preece, Williamson.

In an interview with the Cambridge Evening News Roy McFarland has revealed that in his frank opinion the current United squad is not good enough to win one of the top three places. He believes that he needs four new faces to realistically aim for an automatic promotion place, and the harsh facts of life at the Abbey Stadium means that he needs to move out three of the existing squad first.

"It doesn't look as though we have the all round strength at the moment to achieve one of those top places," he admitted. "We need a changeover of players in the squad. I think we probably need to bring in four players, and we won't be able to do that unless three move out. We couldn't afford to carry that big a squad. We have to do it the hard way, we can't spend money which might jeopardise the long-term future of the club. But David Preece and I will be working to find the players to bring about the improvement we want. We have some funds available for loan players, small fees, and wages, so there is a little leeway.

"I believe we are certainly good enough, as we are, to compete strongly for a play-off place. What we have to do is stay up in those places while we try to make the changes which we need to challenge clubs like Notts County and Peterborough."

Today's Wolverhampton Express & Star reports that Chris Marsh could be set to return to Walsall's first team following developments this week. Marsh, who rejected a new contract at the end of last season, turned down the offer of a two year deal at Chesterfield in favour of Cambridge United. He then suffered a groin injury while training with United in July which delayed any transfer talks, and after the U's failed to agree a fee with Walsall last week a conditional transfer tribunal was arranged. The 28-year-old was unable to play in United's reserves pending the tribunal, and in an attempt to play some matches and sort out his future he accepted an offer to join second division Northampton on loan.

However Marsh played for Walsall reserves in yesterday's Pontins League game against Scarborough, and he could now be in line for the first team on Saturday. Meanwhile United face a race against time to get Matt Joseph fit for the game at Lincoln City on Saturday, with Ben Chenery sidelined for several weeks.

The referee at the Cambridge game that left Ben Chenery with a serious head injury says the injury was "the worst I've seen in 26 years of refereeing." Chenery is not as badly hurt as first thought, but has a broken collar bone. David Crick of Surrey said: "I was 10 yards away with a perfect view. Both players challenged fairly, but clashed heads. I wish Ben a speedy recovery."

Leyton Orient striker Scott McGleish has completed his £70,000 move to Barnet, and Roy McFarland admitted it was inevitable due to United's tight financial constraints: "There was no way we could have paid out a fee like that," he commented. "Our hope was a swap deal, but Tommy Taylor at Orient wanted two of our better players, so that wasn't on.

"We'd love to have a sugar daddy, but we don't have one so we have to think much more carefully about the long term future of the club. Most of the transfer money we have received had to go to reduce the bank overdraft. There was no choice, so I'm not criticising our directors because we couldn't bring in McGleish. I want the supporters to know David Preece and I are working hard to find players. Loan deals are probably the best direction for us at the moment."