Striker Wayne Andrews has returned to Watford early after his unsuccessful loan spell at the Abbey Stadium, but as well as his bid for an unnamed striker this week McFarland tried to bring in an experienced defender on loan before the game at Nottingham Forest. WBA defender Paul Raven joined Rotherham instead as it is closer to his Doncaster home.

Roy McFarland has warned his team about letting their standards slip after the great fightback on Tuesday night, telling the Cambridge Evening News: "I know we've stuttered at home, but it's been a very good start to the season, with the Worthington Cup success helping the League campaign. We just need a slightly bigger squad, because there's still a very long way to go.

"Thankfully, Ian Ashbee and Michael Kyd are back from injury, although not fully match fit yet. And I've seen the development of players like Andy Duncan and Neil Mustoe, especially in the cup matches. Now we have to make sure there is no reaction to going out of the Worthington Cup in a hard, draining game like that."

He pointed to the performance at Rotherham as an example of what he wants to avoid: "Our only really disappointing away display was after we knocked Watford out of the Worthington Cup," he told the Cambridge Evening News.

"We didn't adapt to the challenge of playing at Rotherham, and we daren't play like that at Mansfield, which isn't one of our happy hunting grounds. On our last two trips there I've been embarrassed with the performances and this time they are going well. They are very strong at home.

"We hope to get a percentage of the fans who went to Nottingham up there tomorrow, and we mustn't let them down. I've made the players very aware of that."

On his search for new faces, McFarland explained, "The size of the squad is the only question mark about our ability to stay in the promotion race. I've no complaints about the way youngsters like Shaun Marshall, Tom Youngs, Larry McAvoy and Martin McNeil have played when we've brought them in. But we could do with a couple more players with a bit more League experience and I've bid for a striker, as well as checking out a defender."

The draw for the first round of the FA Cup takes place tomorrow afternoon at 5.15pm.

"There's no point in naming him at this stage," he said. "We are still waiting for a reply to our offer. But he is a player I believe would boost our squad as we go on now after the cup to make sure we stay up there with the promotion contenders."

McFarland also maintains his interest in Barnet's Scott McGleish, who has gone on the transfer list at his own request. "We are also keeping a close check on the situation with Scott McGleish at Barnet, although there is no change there at the moment after their rejection of our offer for the striker a few weeks ago.

"We need one or two players to boost our squad, although I'm happy to see Ian Ashbee and Michael Kyd making good progress after their injuries."

Chairman Reg Smart has praised the supporters who travelled to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night and lifted the team to within a penalty kick of another cup upset. He told the CEN, "Everybody was staggered to see more than 3,000 making the trip to Nottingham.

"I think they were great and I'd like to appeal to them to stick with us now for the promotion campaign. If they can keep on coming to watch us at the Abbey Stadium it could make a huge difference by enabling us to hold on to some of our best players."

Meanwhile the game at Mansfield on Saturday could be in doubt after more rainfall. Their game against Peterborough was called off at the weekend and more bad weather is forecast.

Former United hero 'Sir' Steve Butler has made a surprise switch to join P*sh today from Gillingham. Butler holds the record for scoring most goals in one game for United after hitting all five at Exeter in a 5-0 win in April 1994. He was sold to Gillingham at the end of 1995 after he said that he wanted to move to a club nearer his Maidstone home.

Roy McFarland has spoken of the heartbreak of going out of the Worthington Cup at Nottingham Forest last night. After a truly amazing fightback from 3-0 down to level the scores, United went out 4-3 on penalties.

The manager said: "At 3-0 down we showed some character to come back but it's heartbreaking to lose like that. We got so near and when they missed their first penalty, you thought then it could be our night."

Forest assistant manager Micky Adams criticised referee Rob Styles for his handling of the match. He had no complaints about French defender Thierry Bonalair being sent off for handball, but he was angry with the rest of the referee's performance.

He commented "I think the referee has got to use his common sense because I didn't see one bad tackle yet he has booked 10 people. Did he not realise it was raining and people were going to go to ground? Where's the common sense? At half-time we were talking to our players and we were having to warn them to be careful. We've got a little squad and we can't afford sendings-off and suspensions. I'm not arguing about the sending off but the game didn't warrant 10 bookings."

But Adams was generous in his praise of United's brave fightback, saying "Don't have a go at us, give credit to Cambridge instead. They showed great courage, amazing courage. At 3-0 down midway through the second half with the rain coming down like that they could have said, 'Stuff this,' and played out time.

"Harry (manager Dave Bassett) and I tried to tell our players what it would be like playing a lower division team, because we've been down there, but you can't convey something like this. They had to be out, but somehow they came back. How do I feel? Bloody relieved."

Meanwhile Trevor Benjamin, who saw his sudden death penalty saved by Dave Beasant to end United's Cup dreams, has shrugged off the pressure of comparisons with former United hero Dion Dublin. 29-year-old Dublin looks poised for a big money move to one of three Premership clubs this week, but 19-year-old Benjamin reacted to the comparisons by saying, "I'm the first Trevor Benjamin but if people want to call me the new Dion Dublin, then they can - it doesn't bother me."

Benjamin's goal against Watford and in both legs against Sheffield Wednesday propelled United into the third round as the last surviving Division Three side, and last night he gave Bonalair a torrid time with his pace and power. The French defender was booked for tugging his opponent during the first-half before being sent off for deliberate handball.

His team-mates were quick to console the big teenager after Beasant's decisive save and Roy McFarland said: "It's not easy taking penalties and I have a lot of sympathy for Trevor. I wouldn't take one - I'd leave it to the goalkeeper before me."

On Radio 5 this morning he was asked if United had practiced taking penalties and he revealed that each player had taken three consecutive penalties in training the day before the game. Trevor Benjamin had scored two out of his three.

In today's Cambridge Evening News McFarland added, "We looked down and out, but we just wouldn't give up. When you consider we were playing away against a Premiership team it was an amazing display. I felt for every one of the lads who made that long walk from the centre circle to take a penalty, because I would have hated doing it. I wouldn't have volunteered. I'd have been hiding at the back hoping not to be picked. It's a horrible thing to have to do.

"When Shaun Marshall saved Forest's first penalty after we'd come back from 3-0 down and matched Forest in extra time there was a feeling it might be our night. But when it came to the shoot-out we were up against a lot of experience in the Forest side. But I don't think it's a night that will be forgotten very quickly, as much for our magnificent support as anything else."

The travelling support was obviously much more than the Premiership side had expected as some United fans queued for the best part of an hour to pass through the inadequate number of turnstiles. The kick-off was delayed by ten minutes, extra turnstiles were opened and more of the Bridgford End was opened for United's supporters, but some of the estimated 3,200 were still queueing when the game got underway.

McFarland uncharacteristically waved to the fans after the game and explained, "That was all the players could talk about at half time, the incredible support. When we went 3-0 down I just wanted us to score a goal for them. That was the only real ambition at that stage. They lifted us off the floor and, in the end, I think we did them proud."

McFarland praised his entire team but reserved special mentions for 20-year-old goalkeeper Shaun Marshall for a string of stunning saves, and 18-year-old YTS centre-back Martin McNeil who was making his full debut after a substitute appearance on Saturday.

Even John Taylor, who enjoyed the glory days of the John Beck era, will hold last night's experience among his greatest moments in the sport: "You have to look back to the play-off semi-final at Maidstone 10 years ago to remember support of that intensity," he told the CEN. "If these young players at United go on to make careers in the game, they won't have too many nights like this. The fans were just magnificent."

Benjamin spoke wise words when he commented, "We've got to forget about this cup and do well in the league. No-one let their heads go down against Forest and the support we got was brilliant, the best feeling ever for them to come and support us. The way we played, we're looking for promotion or the play-offs, and I'll be disappointed if we don't get in the play-offs."

McFarland echoed those sentiments, saying, "It was a bit of a heart-breaking way to go out of the competition, but we've had a great time. Now we have to use it to boost our promotion bid. That's far more important."

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, McNeil, Campbell (Kyd 64'), Wanless, Taylor (Preece 104'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Barrett, Youngs, Ashbee.
Booked: Campbell 9', Wanless 43', Chenery 102' (all fouls).

Nottingham Forest: Beasant, Bonalaire, Rogers, Armstrong, Chettle, Hjelde, Stone, Gemmill (Gray 96'), Harewood (Darcheville 96'), Freedman (Lyttle 82'), Bart-Williams.
Subs not used: Crossley, Dawson.
Booked: Harewood 10' (unsporting behaviour), Armstrong 22' (foul), Bonalaire 23' (foul), Rogers 79' (foul), Darcheville 105' (diving), Bart-Williams 109' (foul), Hjelde 112' (foul).
Sent off: Bonalaire 80' (handball)

Ref: Mr R Styles (Waterlooville).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 6, Forest 12
Corners: Cambridge 6, Forest 12

The main talking point in the United line-up was the absence of defender Marc Joseph with an injured thigh. His place was taken by trainee Martin McNeil who could scarely have picked a bigger occasion for his full debut. Trevor Benjamin and John Taylor were restored to the team as Roy McFarland opted for the 4-3-3 attacking line-up that has served United so well this season. Forest included a host of well-known names and internationals including England winger Steve Stone.

Kick-off was delayed by ten minutes to allow all the travelling U's to get through the turnstiles and into the ground. They had travelled in their thousands on a filthy day and the rain continued to fall heavily as the game kicked off.

United started the brighter with Trevor Benjamin looking lively after his enforced layoff. Mr Styles made an early mark on the game with some picky refereeing and Jamie Campbell (foul) and Forest's Marlon Harewood (not retreating at a free kick) were booked in the first ten minutes.

After 20 minutes United had a good chance to take the lead when Benjamin and Neil Mustoe combined well to set up Martin Butler, but the striker had more time than he realised and his shot was straight at Dave Beasant. Forest were immediately on the counter-attack and could have taken the lead themselves through Dougie Freedman, but he fired well wide. However a minute later he made no mistake as he beat Andy Duncan, raced into the area and lifted the ball over Shaun Marshall (22').

United continued to press and look for openings but found the Forest defence just that little bit too clever or experienced as they quickly cut off runs and closed down the space. At the other end Martin McNeil was having a good game after a early fall in the slippery conditions that gave Forest an opening, and his cool performance belied his lack of first team experience.

The referee made no allowances for the sodden pitch which was cutting up and booked two more players in the first half, before Forest added a killer second goal. Marshall failed to claim a Forest corner and palmed the ball as far as defender Craig Armstrong who rose unchallenged at a corner to head home in the 45th minute. (Half-time 2-0)

There were no changes to the teams during the break but United's task became 'Mission Impossible' just 55 seconds after the break when Forest were gifted a third. Harewood got on the end of a long ball down the middle of the pitch and hit it first time, but was denied by a brilliant save from Shaun Marshall. Jamie Campbell then gave the ball straight back to Harewood who gleefully slammed the ball into the roof of the net.

Shortly afterwards Trevor Benjamin saw his shot deflected wide but the corner came to nothing. Roy McFarland changed things around in the 64th minute when he sent on Michael Kyd for Campbell, and the striker livened up the attack with his pace and strong runs. However it was often Shaun Marshall against Forest as the Premiership side cut United's defence to ribbons with their quick incisive passing and movement. The 20-year-old 'keeper pulled off a string of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline down, including a couple of one-on-ones with Harewood, and then suddenly things improbably looked up for the U's.

In the 65th minute one of Kyd's runs was picked out by Butler and the youngster had scorched from the halfway line before he was tackled by Armstrong just outside the area. Three minutes later United struck through Worthington Cup specialist Trevor Benjamin, grabbing what looked like a consolation goal. Kyd fed Alex Russell whose cross was met by the big teenager, his header hit a defender and bounced back to him and he did well to bury the rebound.

Five minutes later the travelling U's - estimated at 3,500 - were given hope when Martin Butler struck to add a second for United. Russell was again involved as the ball was lofted over the fullback and Butler held off the defender before sliding the ball under the advancing Beasant and into the far corner.

United's players seemed to sense Forest were there for the taking as the home support grew quiet and edgy, and it was fitting that the improbable equaliser should come from the boot of long-term United hero John Taylor. His downward header was handled on the line by defender Thierry Bonalaire who was shown an immediate red card, and Taylor coolly sent Beasant the wrong way to level the scores at 3-3. United threw everything into attack and Forest were clinging on desperately for the last few minutes of normal time.

The match then went into extra time, and the tempo slowed slightly. Two minutes in, Butler struck an effort straight at Beasant, and after 102 minutes Shaun Marshall dealt with Forest's first real threat when Chris Bart-Williams' free-kick was well saved. David Preece replaced John Taylor, who had run himself into the ground, after 104 minutes.

A minute later substitute Darcheville burst into the area and went down, then got into a minor scuffle with Neil Mustoe as he appealed for the penalty, but he was booked for diving by Mr Styles.

Both sides seemed to run out of steam on the quagmire of a pitch as extra-time progressed, and it became inevitable that the match would be settled by the lottery of penalty kicks after a thrilling 120 minutes.

Breakdown of penalties (taken in front of the home Trent End):

Gray - saved by Marshall (0-0)
Butler - sent Beasant wrong way (0-1)
Bart-Williams - sent Marshall wrong way (1-1)
Russell - saved by Beasant (1-1)
Chettle - Marshall got hand to shot but could only palm into roof of net (2-1)
Wanless - saved by Beasant
Darcheville - blasted over bar
Mustoe - sent Beasant wrong way (2-2)
Stone - scored (3-2)
Duncan - scored (3-3)
(sudden death stage)
Armstrong - scored (4-3)
Benjamin - tame shot to Beasant's left, goalkeeper guessed correctly and saved with legs
Forest win 4-3 on penalties.

Benjamin was immediately surrounded by his team-mates as they commiserated with him, and then the whole team went up the pitch to salute the wonderful travelling support who never stopped singing, even when their side were 3-0 down. The battling United team were given a standing ovation by both sets of fans as they eventually left the pitch with a lot to be very proud of.

Big strikers Trevor Benjamin and John Taylor are back in the squad as United travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest tonight.

19-year-old Benjamin will be raring to go after serving a three match suspension, and he is expected to go straight back into the side after the U's failed to trouble the Shrewsbury goalkeeper on Saturday. 'Fash' was the goal hero in both legs against Sheffield Wednesday and has attracted a lot of serious interest from bigger clubs since then. Taylor required stitches in a head wound last Tuesday at Halifax but could be on the bench, while defender Marc Joseph faces a late fitness test on a thigh strain.

Roy McFarland collected the 'Performance of the Round' award from Cup sponsors Worthington today, and promptly declared it "the worst trophy I've ever seen in my life!"

But he added, "Seriously, though, we're delighted. It's nice for the players to be recognised for what they've achieved. Our away record is the best in all four divisions, and we have to take confidence from the draw at Watford and the win at Sheffield Wednesday in the earlier rounds.

"At this stage, we have got nothing to lose, we go in as underdogs. It won't be easy for us, and knowing Harry Bassett, he'll be fired up and he'll get the team fired up. They will see it as a chance to get into Europe - but there would have to be World War Three for us to get into Europe!"

Forest are without Ian Woan (knee), Geoff Thomas (knee), Glyn Hodges (calf) and Andy Johnson (ribs), but they could welcome back midfielder Nigel Quashie who has missed two games with a back injury. United have the best away record in the four divisions and manager Dave Bassett is determined Forest will not follow Wednesday out of the Worthington Cup.

"We can't afford to under-estimate Cambridge in any way, shape or form. They've already beaten Wednesday and Watford to reach this stage and won't be overawed by us," he said on ITV Teletext. "We've got to be thoroughly professional and treat Cambridge with the respect they clearly deserve."

Hills and Ladbrokes quote the U's at 8-1 to win the game within 90 minutes.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery (McCammon 76'), Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph (McNeil 48'), Campbell, Wanless, Ashbee, Butler, Youngs, Russell.
Sub not used: Preece.
Booked: Russell 76' (foul)

Shrewsbury Town: Edwards, Seabury, Hanmer, Wilding, Gayle, Winstanley, Berkley, Kerrigan, Steele, Evans, Jobling.
Subs: Jagielka, White, Brown.
Booked: Winstanley 45' (foul)

Ref: Mr D. R. Crick (Worcester Park).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 0, Shrewsbury 4
Corners: Cambridge 6, Shrewsbury 8

In a dire first half United disappointingly failed to take advantage of having the wind behind them and instead launched a succession of long balls that flew over the heads of the two less-than statuesque forwards and into touch. The sum total of our attempts on goal consisted of a 38th minute snap shot from Martin Butler which was well wide, and headers from Paul Wanless in the 16th and 48th minutes that also flew wide.

Visitors Shrewsbury looked quick and dangerous on the break but were largely frustrated, either by the offside flag or by finding Shaun Marshall in good form. Steve Kerrigan hit the bar in the first minute but luckily for United the flag was up, then in the 41st minute Hanmer showed neat skill to get into the box and beat Chenery, but he dwelt too long on the ball and Marshall was quickly off his line to smother the shot. Four minutes later Lee Steele struck a shot on the turn from eight yards out and seemed to have sent Marshall the wrong way, but the young 'keeper stuck out a foot to kick the ball clear. (Half-time 0-0)

United were forced into a change soon after the break when Marc Joseph was stretchered off in the 48th minute. There was no immediate indication of the nature of his injury, but the defender went down in a heap after stretching to clear the ball and he was carried off to be replaced by debutant Martin McNeil (right).

That was probably the most noteworthy event of the half, apart from another confident performance in goal from 'Man of the Match' Shaun Marshall. United could not muster a shot on target and managed to over-hit passes into the wind, while the attack was toothless. Shrewsbury were not a lot better, although Paul Evans struck from 30 yards to force a full-length, one-handed save from Marshall after 57 minutes. Six minutes after that, Seabury and Steele combined to force their way into the box until Andy Duncan stepped in to deny them an opening.

After 76 minutes Mark McCammon replaced Ben Chenery and the team reverted to their more familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Ian Ashbee moving to right-back, but the game fizzled out disappointingly.

Two things to take from the sorry performance were the solid and unflustered performance of second year trainee Martin McNeil at centre-half, and another clean sheet, but United will need to raise their game considerably to bother Premiership rivals Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. Our Worthington Cup rivals were soundly beaten 5-1 at Anfield this afternoon.

Mainly because of the games that were called off due to the weather this afternoon, United moved up to fifth in the table.

John Taylor is rated 50-50 for the game after needing seven stitches in the head wound suffered when he clashed heads with Paul Wanless at Halifax on Tuesday night. However Roy McFarland can welcome back two players who have missed the last seven weeks through injury. Michael Kyd could make the squad after managing 60 minutes for the reserves against Norwich on Wednesday night, while Ian Ashbee will be pressing for a recall after coming off the bench to score the equaliser on Tuesday.

For the Shrews, former United striker Devon White has recovered from a knee injury and is expected to be on the bench and defender Mark Winstanley, on loan from Burnley, will continue in an unchanged side.

At last night's Fans Forum Roy McFarland admitted that he is still interested in signing Barnet striker Scott McGleish, who had his transfer request granted earlier this week. The 24-year-old Scot, who scored thirteen goals last season, was left out of the team which drew 0-0 at Scarborough.

Barnet manager John Still said: "Scott feels the club are holding him back and now I have told him that he can leave if he wants to."

McGleish was seen at the Abbey Stadium when Cambridge played Brighton two weeks ago and McFarland told the meeting in the Harris Suite that the striker would be happy to join United "for the right contract".

Both players have been rewarded by Roy McFarland after impressing for the U's this season. Trevor has become a first team regular whilst Alex is a midfield fixture and firm favourite - despite only joining on a free transfer from Rochdale at the end of July. 19-year-old Benjamin in particular has attracted the interest of Premiership clubs following his goal-scoring exploits in the Worthington Cup and McFarland was delighted to secure the services of two of his most promising players.

"I'm pleased that both Trevor and Alex have shown their commitment to the Club by agreeing the new deals," he said today. "Trevor has worked hard over the last twelve months and has improved tremendously He still has a lot to learn and hopefully he will continue to progress with us.

"Alex (right) has done extremely well since joining us at the start of the season and is an excellent professional."

The good news is sure to be discussed at tonight's Fans Forum, organised by the Cambridge United Supporters Association, which will be held in the Harris Suite under the Main Stand with a 7.30pm for 8pm start.

Club secretary Andrew Pincher took a break from editing his final matchday programme (new assistant secretary Mark Johnson takes on that task from next month) to explain that the 'Billy' Beall transfer is not as cut and dried as yesterday's reports suggested. Although Roy McFarland talked with Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn earlier this week and a £50,000 transfer fee was discussed, they failed to agree a payment plan and the whole deal will go to a tribunal after all. The next step forward will be when United receive tribunal paperwork from the Football League.

First year trainee goalkeeper James Mercer starred for United's reserves last night in a 0-0 draw with Norwich City. The Canaries included skipper Matt Jackson and transfer-listed forward Keith O'Neill in their side, while United fielded another young team featuring trialists Ian Foster, Tesfaye Bramble and David Donaldson.

O'Neill lasted 70 minutes while United striker Michael Kyd, playing his first game for seven weeks following a knee operation, was withdrawn after an hour to be replaced by Mark McCammon. 16-year-old Mercer, promoted from the youth team as Shaun Marshall is required by the first team, pulled off a string of superb saves to keep the visitors at bay while former Liverpool trainee Ian Foster looked promising up front for United. Norwich also hit the bar three times in the second half.

United apparently want the payment to be made over nine months but Orient have offered payment spread over a year. Ironically the method of payment can go to a tribunal although the transfer has dragged on since the summer because Orient chairman Barry Hearn was not willing to let the transfer fee be decided by a tribunal.

A young reserve side held Norwich City reserves to a very creditable 0-0 draw at the Abbey Stadium tonight. The U's included 16-year-old trainee James Mercer in goal, Michael Kyd who was making his comeback after a knee operation, and trialists Ian Foster, Tesfaye Bramble and David Donaldson. More details tomorrow.

United's travelling fans returned from Halifax last night with shocking tales of the conduct of the stewards at the Shay. The United supporters were in seats beside the tunnel and the jostling between the players as they left the pitch was echoed in the stand with scuffles between over-zealous stewards and fans.

The travelling supporters saw no Police in the ground and the stewarding was felt to be confrontational from the start, as some stewards insisted that fans take their seats as soon as they entered the far-from full stand rather than pausing to talk to friends, and aggressive warnings were issued about standing up or the use of bad language. The performance of Whitley Bay referee Mr Laws, who left two United players prone on the pitch after a clash of heads and failed to spot the off-the-ball incident that flattened Jamie Campbell late in the game, only contributed to the ill-feeling.

The ugly scenes on the pitch just before the final whistle sparked the trouble in the stand. Halifax player-manager Kieran O'Regan punched Neil Mustoe after the United midfielder fouled him, leading to a mass brawl on the pitch, but he only received a yellow card. Then Campbell was flattened off-the-ball as the free-kick was taken, and a furious Roy McFarland raced down the touchline to confront the referee's assistant, but no-one was penalised.

"I won't be following it up," McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "It was one of those things that happen in the heat of the moment in matches. What I have complained to the referee about was his allowing play to go on when Paul and John were down with obvious head injuries."

Then as the players left the pitch there was further trouble when, according to the nearby United fans, O'Regan hit a United player in the tunnel and tried to do the same to a protesting fan.

There was plenty of pushing and punching and the fracas soon escalated as the stewards' heavy-handed attitude drew uninvolved United fans to the scene in support of others. One fan was pulled out of the stand by an enraged steward who had, in one on-lookers' words, "completely lost it" and United skipper Paul Wanless had to step in to pull the steward off, while midfielder Alex Russell tried to calm down other supporters before the scenes escalated even more.

Keith Webb, an experienced travelling supporter, commented, "The arguments and scuffles were still going on ten minutes after the game had finished as nobody in authority was around to take control and calm things down." He added, "I have never seen anything like it in 22 years of following football, it was an absolute disgrace from start to finish."

This is not the first time since Halifax returned to the League this season that there has been trouble at the Shay. At a Friday evening game when Hartlepool were the visitors there were scenes that seemed to be due to poor crowd control and stewarding, and there will be written complaints from a number of United's supporters who witnessed last night's debacle.

Afterwards O'Regan commented, "Football is a passionate game. Things happen, but you don't dwell on them afterwards. I thought it was a great game between two good teams."

John Taylor thinks he could miss Saturday's home game against Shrewsbury due to the seven stitches he required in a head wound last night. He gashed his head in a collision with team-mate Paul Wanless in the first half, and although he battled on with his head heavily bandaged he was substituted at half-time.

"I don't know if it's possible to protect the cut so that I could play on Saturday, but I may have to sit one out," he said.

Taylor, who had scored four goals in four games before last night, has admitted that he would love to become the club's all-time leading goal-scorer. The record of 74 League goals is currently held by Alan Biley and 'Shaggy' is currently ten goals behind the spiky-haired 1970s striker.

Trevor Benjamin will complete his three match suspension on Saturday but Roy McFarland has the option of bringing in on-loan Wayne Andrews, who was again omitted from the squad last night, or possibly Michael Kyd. The striker returned to training last week and is set to face Norwich reserves at the Abbey Stadium tonight (7pm) in the Avon Combination. There will be no admission charge for children tonight, and adults will pay £2.

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor (Ashbee 46'), Butler, Youngs, Russell.
Subs: Preece, McNeil.
Booked: Mustoe 90' (foul)

Halifax Town: Martin, Thackeray, Bradshaw, Sertori, Jamie Murphy, Stoneman, Paterson, Guinan, Williams, Butler, O'Regan.
Subs: Lucas, Brown, Stephen Murphy.
Booked: Bradshaw 47' (foul), O'Regan 90' (unsporting behaviour)

Ref: D. Laws (Whitley Bay).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 7, Halifax 11
Corners: Cambridge 6, Halifax 5

The game kicked off in slippery conditions after heavy rain in Halifax, and United had an early escape in the fifth minute. Marc Williams got on the end of a through ball and was one-on-one with Shaun Marshall, but the young 'keeper stood up well and Williams' shot hit the post. United went ahead a minute later when John Taylor flicked on a Ben Chenery throw-in and Martin Butler ran on to the ball and curled it around Lee Martin and low into the corner. It was the striker's first goal for six weeks and will come as a big relief to him after he has worked hard for no reward in recent weeks, and saw his penalty kick saved at Cardiff on Saturday.

Most United fans are uneasy when the U's take an early lead and those fears were realised soon afterwards. In the 18th minute Paul Wanless and John Taylor accidentally clashed heads, leaving Wanless out cold and Taylor with blood pouring from his head. Both obviously required treatment, but to the fury of United's players and the concern of both benches, the referee let play continue until a United player booted the ball into touch.

While United were down to nine men play was restarted in the 20th minute with a corner which in the confusion was not properly cleared, allowing Paul Stoneman to meet a Peter Butler cross to equalise with a header into the corner that just evaded Marshall's outstretched hand.

Wanless returned to action but John Taylor was still off the pitch when Halifax took the lead. There was terrible confusion in the United area and Andy Thackeray was able to turn and strike the ball through a crowd of players and past the unsighted Marshall. Taylor returned with his head heavily bandaged shortly afterwards and play continued to flow from end to end in an exciting game.

The U's were on level terms before the break after a quality strike from Alex Russell, another man who has not scored for six weeks despite going close from free-kicks. The 40th minute goal came after some great build up play involving excellent one-touch football, and Taylor and Butler combined well to set up Russell who slipped his marker and scored from the edge of the box.

There were four minutes of injury time and in the third Butler did some good work down the right before crossing into the box, and Taylor's curling shot was well-held by the 'keeper. (Half-time 2-2)

At half-time John Taylor was replaced by Ian Ashbee who returned to first team action after a six week lay-off. He slotted in at left-back while Jamie Campbell was pressed into service as an emergency striker, a position he sometimes filled for previous club Barnet. The second half picked up where the first half left off, with more end to end football and chances a-plenty. In the 48th minute Patterson's low drive was parried by Marshall, and three minutes later Guinan beat Andy Duncan to go one-on-one with Marshall and forced a great save from the young 'keeper.

The Shaymen took the lead in the 59th minute when Ashbee's backpass was sliced by Marshall. The ball fell to Ben Chenery but the defender was promptly robbed by Jamie Paterson who coolly slotted home. United fought back again to level through comeback-man Ian Ashbee in the 65th minute. A Butler free-kick from 20 yards was hit into the wall, but it rebounded to Ashbee 22 yards out and the midfielder's trademark long-range shot was deflected into the roof of the net.

19-year-old Tom Youngs nearly scored his first goal for United in the 78th minute when his excellent shot on the turn was well-saved by Martin, while at the other end Marshall made several good saves to keep Halifax at bay. In the 87th minute a cross into United's box could have found either of two lurking Halifax players but Ian Ashbee hacked the ball clear at the vital moment.

It was unfortunate that this entertaining match was marred by an incident in the 92nd minute after Neil Mustoe fouled Shaymen player-boss Kieran O'Regan. They exchanged blows and both were booked, but the incident rapidly escalated into a 20-man punch-up and even after the free-kick had been taken, Jamie Campbell was flattened off the ball. Neither the referee Mr Laws or his assistants saw the incident and the guilty player was not identified, but there was more pushing and shoving in the tunnel as the players trooped off at the final whistle.

Reporter Mark Johnson named goalkeeper Shaun Marshall as his man of the match. Despite being at fault for Halifax's first goal, the young goalkeeper made a string of good saves either side of that goal and looks determined to grasp his first team chance with both hands.

With no new injury worries after Saturday's win, Roy McFarland could name an unchanged side for the stern test at Halifax tonight. He is expected to keep faith with youngsters Tom Youngs and Shaun Marshall, while Ian Ashbee is in the squad again after making a surprisingly early reappearance on the bench at Cardiff.

Halifax, seventh in the table with the same number of points as United but one less win, could be without striker Dave Hanson (hamstring) and skipper Kevin Hulme (shoulder) at the Shay this evening. While United seek to continue the excellent away form that has yielded League five wins already, Halifax are looking for their first home win since the start of September. The Shaymen signed striker Stephen Guinan on loan from United's Worthington Cup opponents Nottingham Forest last week and he scored on his debut at Barnet last Friday.

Halifax assistant manager Andy May said: "Cambridge have got the best form in the division at the moment and that speaks for itself. But we have the chance to jump above them and we tend to do well against the top sides. They'll be confident, but so will we."

Scott McGleish has had his transfer request accepted by Barnet. The North London side have rejected transfer bids for McGleish from Cambridge United and Italian Serie B side Ancona in recent weeks, but the striker was spotted at the Abbey Stadium to watch the recent match between United and Brighton.

The reserves entertain Norwich City in Avon Combination action at the Abbey tomorrow night (7pm) and children will be admitted free of charge. This is the first of a series of promotions to encourage youngsters to support their local team and will be extended to other attractive evening reserve fixtures after Christmas, when West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea bring their reserves.

The Club particularly wish to attract local youth organisations to bring parties of youngsters along to enjoy the atmosphere of games under floodlights.

"I had it in my mind that I might be playing when Arjan went down injured on Friday night," he told Clubcall after the game. "I had to make sure I played well in training to give myself a chance and keep an eye on what the manager was saying in the 'papers.

"On the way up I felt a bit nervous and apprehensive really as it's a long time since I've played in the first team."

He added that he had to endure some banter from team-mates on the coach trip to Cardiff but he had settled by the time he had to race out to collect a sloppy backpass after about 20 minutes, and he made an excellent full-length save just before half-time.

Fluorescent yellow balls will be used in all Nationwide League matches over the winter months in a bid to brighten up matches for players, referees and spectators. The Mitre Ultimax Fluo Flare balls are identical to existing white balls in weight and construction. However, they also contain a fluorescent yellow pigment designed to make them more easily visible in poor light, mud, fog or snow.

They will be used in all Nationwide League games from November 20, starting with Mansfield's home game against Barnet in the Third Division, up until at least February 27.

Trials with the new balls have already taken place at three clubs - Luton, Swindon and Crystal Palace - in training sessions and friendly games, and Football League officials say that they have been praised in "glowing terms".

Luton manager Lennie Lawrence said: "The players like them and the goalkeeper can see the ball quicker at free-kicks so we're looking forward to using them in matches. Anything that helps the game as a spectacle and is an aid to supporters is a good thing."

Mitre explained that the fluorescent colour gave players a three-millisecond advantage in spotting the ball during a match and was especially useful on muddier grounds with worse floodlights in the Nationwide League. The company, who have developed and tested the new balls over the past three years, maintain that they appear to "glow" in bad light.

"It means more exciting shots, better timing and the keeper making more spectacular saves - a more exciting game in fact, with the crowd being able to see the ball better," said Mitre director of football development Duncan Anderson.

Chris Hull, the Football League's media relations executive, said: "Supporters, players, referees and the media will be able to see the ball even better during the winter months. It's a brand new ball game. The future is bright, the future is yellow."

The new type of ball - retail price £59.99 - will first be used in a live TV game on November 22, when Wolves take on Birmingham City. (report from PA News)

Cambridge United: Marshall, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Youngs (Preece 81), Russell.
Subs not used: McNeil, Ashbee.
Booked: Chenery 54' (foul)

Cardiff City: Hallworth, Fowler, M. Ford, Mitchell, Young, Carpenter, Bonner (Middleton 71'), Brazier, Thomas (Williams 69'), Nugent, O'Sullivan.
Sub not used: Phillips.
Sent off: Ford 59' (foul and abusive language)

Ref: B. Knight (Orpington).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Cardiff 3
Corners: Cambridge 6, Cardiff 8

As anticipated, 20-year-old Shaun Marshall replaced the injured Arjan Van Heusden in goal and 19-year-old Tom Youngs replaced the suspended Trevor Benjamin in attack. Surprisingly Ian Ashbee, who only returned to training this week after a six week layoff, was named on the bench instead of on-loan striker Wayne Andrews. Second year trainee Martin McNeil, who is highly-regarded at the Club, was named in the fourteen for the first time.

The first half was a cracking end-to-end display as both sides served up football worthy of a higher level. On a dry but freezing cold afternoon there were chances at either end and Marshall turned in a solid and reassuring display. In the seventh minute Chenery played a weak backpass but the young 'keeper was quickly out to block, and he saved Thomas' weak shot just afterwards.

Thomas was lively for Cardiff and in the 13th minute O'Sullivan found him in space but his shot went wide. Five minutes later Fowler found Thomas who took a shot on the turn, but the ball was pushed away for the corner by Marshall. On 29 minutes there were vehement appeals for a penalty by Cardiff after Chenery and Brazier went up together and Chenery's hand appeared to be up, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Both sides had chances to snatch the lead in the dying minutes of the half. First, in the 42nd minute, an Alex Russell snap-shot was tipped over for a corner. The midfielder's corner was headed well wide by Martin Butler but Russell did very well to keep the ball in and he crossed back into the box. John Taylor rose to flick the ball on to Paul Wanless, whose shot thundered against the underside of the bar and away.

Then in the 45th minute Fowler went on a mazy run and ended with a rocket shot at goal, and Marshall made a brilliant save at full-stretch to deny him. (Half-time 0-0)

There was an edge to the game after the break as both sides pressed for the win and United had the better of the chances early on. In the 56th minute Russell curled a free kick just wide, and two minutes later his spectacular overhead kick was tipped over the bar. The referee Mr Knight felt the full fury of the home crowd in the 59th minute when he dismissed Mike Ford.

The Cardiff skipper tackled John Taylor from behind in the area but then compounded his crime by protesting loud and long to the referee, and he was dismissed for 'foul and abusive language'. Martin Butler stepped up to take the penalty as missiles rained down on the area, but disappointingly rolled his kick straight at goalkeeper Hallworth.

United shrugged off the disappointment and continued to press against ten man Cardiff, and in the 66th minute Russell sent over another corner kick which Jamie Campbell met with a bullet header which was bundled behind for another corner. In the 78th minute a header by Tom Youngs was blocked and rebounded to Wanless, but United's captain slipped and spooned the ball over the bar.

Three minutes later Youngs, who took a kick on the knee in the first half, was replaced by player-coach David Preece and the 35-year-old was to make his mark on the game in the dying seconds. But before then, and as the game looked likely to end in a draw, Cardiff's Carpenter tried a speculative 88th minute shot that dipped over the bar as Marshall back-pedalled.

It was in injury time that Preece slipped the ball through to John Taylor who side-stepped a tackle, sprinted into the area and from 15 yards out curled the ball around the advancing 'keeper and just inside the post. It was a classic goal reminiscent of the 'Shaggy' of old, his 64th League goal for the Club, and sent the freezing travelling U's into ecstacy. There was just time for the game to kick-off again before the final whistle, whereupon a Cardiff fan ran onto the pitch for a 'chat' with the referee.

Reporter Mark Johnson praised goalkeeper Shaun Marshall, who kept his first clean sheet and recorded his first win today, and pointed out the coincidence that the young keeper made his first team debut in October 1996 and played his two further games in October last season. Andy Duncan and Neil Mustoe also shone in a match between two good footballing sides, but the day belonged to United hero and fans' favourite Taylor.

United's fifth away win of the season ended Cardiff's seven match unbeaten run and saw the U's rise to sixth in the table, just one point and one position behind Cardiff. Only two points cover the top seven teams.

[Match reports]

The youngsters seemed to have earned a deserved point when first-year pro Darren Cockrill equalised for the U's with five minutes remaining, only for Brighton to score a fortunate winner in the last minute. John Taylor felt it was a creditable performance and one which highlights the quality of the young players we have developing at the Club. Final score 2-1.

Full line-up: James Mercer, Keith Newby, Mark Gibson, Darren Cockrill, Dean Armstrong, Martin McNeil, David Donaldson, Darren Webb, Mark McCammon, Scott Bundy, Tom Youngs.
Subs: Michael Barrows, Jonathan Mills, Michael Steward.

Next week's reserve fixture at Reading has been rearranged. The game was originally planned for next Monday at 7.30pm but with the Nottingham Forest game the following night, it has been put back to Wednesday at the same time.

The youth team now have the date for their FA Youth Cup fixture at Bolehall Swifts. The game will be played on Wednesday 4th November (7.45pm) and if a replay is required it will be at the Abbey Stadium on Monday the 9th November.

On Saturday morning the youths seek to maintain their unbeaten home record against Luton Town. Kick-off at the Simoco Ground is the usual 11am.

The rearranged Fans Forum will now take place in the Supporters Club on Thursday 22nd October in the Supporters Club (8pm). The Cambridge United Supporters Association have arranged for Roy McFarland and some players to be present, and Trevor Peer will be M.C. for what is usually an informative and enjoyable evening.

Shaun Marshall

Barrett played in a practice match at the Abbey Stadium on Monday, and said he was "all right.", but Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News today: "Apparently Scott is getting a bit of pain in the hand, and isn't sure if he can play.

"Tests have shown there are no serious problems, and although it might be a little painful it was thought he would be able to play through it. But that doesn't seem to be the case so Shaun is ready. We kept him out of today's reserve match at Brighton because we can't afford another injury. As I said at the weekend I've no qualms about putting him in the first team. He's very keen to play, and a positive attitude is worth a lot."

Van Heusden will be on the sidelines for the next two months, cursing the bad luck that saw him incur the first serious injury of his playing career. He told the CEN, "Unfortunately there's nothing you can do to speed up the recovery. The hand just has to heal. It's going to be a frustrating time for me just when the defence was developing a good understanding."

Meanwhile versatile midfielder Ian Ashbee could return to training this week, which would give the squad a boost and improve the competition for places. Neil Mustoe has grasped the opportunity to stake his claim for a first team place in Ashbee's absence and it would give McFarland a pleasant selection headache to have Ashbee back in the first team frame.

Scott Barrett

Barrett has a week to prove himself fit to meet the challenge, with 20-year-old Shaun Marshall also standing by to deputise. McFarland echoed reserve team coach John Taylor's recent praise of Marshall when he commented, "He has come on well in the last twelve months, and I wouldn't be worried about putting him in against Cardiff next Saturday."

McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "This is a very important part of the season now. We let ourselves down by losing at home to Brighton, and we have injury problems as well as Trevor being suspended."

"We'll need more tests to get the full picture," Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "but it looks like there might be a broken bone, and then you are talking about a lay-off of about six weeks or so."

United still have Scott Barrett on the books but the 35-year-old is currently recovering from a broken finger incurred whilst he was on loan at Kingstonian, which leaves rookie Shaun Marshall as McFarland's only option if the worst fears about Van Heusden are confirmed. Marshall has played three first team games for United but he has only just turned 20 and McFarland is thought unlikely to want to pitch him into the demanding games that lie ahead, making an experienced loan signing a realistic option.

The side is already without the injured Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee, and now Trevor Benjamin has to serve a three match suspension, so the last thing McFarland wants now is to lose his first choice goalkeeper. The manager was angry at last night's sorry performance in front of the biggest League crowd of the season, telling the CEN:

"I was seething at some of the silly free kicks we gave away. We put ourselves under pressure and we were sloppy in defence. We still had enough chances to have got something out of the game, but we couldn't make them count.

"I've no idea how Trevor Benjamin failed to score in the second half from about a yard out. We got very good support, and there was a great atmosphere with the Brighton fans getting behind their side, but we weren't good enough in too many areas."

Cambridge United: Van Heusden (Preece 34', Andrews 78'), Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler (Youngs 87'), Benjamin, Russell.
Booked: Taylor (dissent 38'), Wanless (foul 81')

Brighton & Hove Albion: Walton, Smith, Sturgess, Minton, Hobson, Allan, Thomas, Hart (Barker 46'), Bennett, Moralee, Ansah.
Subs not used: Thomas, Atkinson.
Booked: Hart (foul 39'), Bennett (foul 41'), Smith (foul 50'), Thomas (unsporting behaviour 62'), Minton (foul 82'), Moralee (unsporting behaviour 90').

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

Shots On Target: Cambridge 3, Brighton 4
Corners: Cambridge 7, Brighton 7

The rain was pouring down on Cambridge this evening and the game got off to a patchy start on the slippery surface. The opening 20 minutes were poor, with United playing the prettier football but Brighton were more purposeful in attack without really threatening United's goal.

In the twelfth minute Arjan Van Heusden was injured in a collision with Gary Hart when the Brighton man chased a loose ball through and his momentum carried him into the Dutchman as he collected the ball. There looked to be no intent but the referee gave a free kick anyway after Van Heusden had received treatment.

In the 22nd minute the visitors took the lead through mid-week signing Rod Thomas. A Jeff Minton free-kick squirmed through to Thomas who rounded Van Heusden and slid the ball into the net from close range. Van Heusden received more treatment after the goal but continued, and United levelled in the 31st minute.

John Taylor (right) recorded his 62nd League goal for United when Hobson missed a header and Trevor Benjamin fed the ball through to the player-coach for him to slip it past the 'keeper from ten yards out. Taylor's goal takes him one ahead of Tom Finney in United's League goalscorers chart, with only Alan Biley - watching tonight's game - ahead of him on 74.

Unfortunately after more treatment and a long consultation on the pitch, Arjan Van Heusden could not continue and in the 34th minute he was replaced by David Preece, and skipper Paul Wanless took over the goalkeeper's jersey for the third time in his U's career. He hardly had anything to do until half-time while United looked more effective after the change, and in the 44th minute Neil Mustoe saw the second of two long-range shots hit the upright. Mr Dowd played five minutes of stoppage time before the break. (Half-time 1-1).

The news of Arjan Van Heusden during the interval was that he had been taken to hospital for X-rays on a suspected fractured hand.

Brighton made a change at the beginning of the second half with Richard Barker replacing Hart, but there was very little incident before Brighton took the lead. An Alex Russell free-kick on 50 minutes was played low into the area and Sturgess scooped it high over his own bar, then five minutes later Albion scored. A Minton free-kick bounced off Jamie Campbell in a crowded box and fell to Derek Allan who lashed it home, giving Wanless absolutely no chance.

United appealed for a penalty in the 66th minute when David Preece was brought down on the very edge of the area in front of the Newmarket Road terrace, but a free-kick was awarded. The ball went behind for a corner which Alex Russell took, Brighton appeared to have cleared the danger when John Taylor recovered the ball and fired in a shot from the edge of the area that was just wide. Shortly afterwards, and no doubt in front of several scouts, good work by Butler set up a chance for Trevor Benjamin but he somehow missed the target and hit the post from all of a yard out!

Wayne Andrews replaced Preece on 78 minutes as United tried to exploit his pace in the latter stages, but it all took a turn for the worse in the 81st minute when Barker breezed past Marc Joseph and tumbled over Wanless as he came for the ball. Referee Mr Dowd awarded a penalty but acknowledged that Wanless had gone for the ball by showing the yellow card and not a red, before Minton gleefully sent the stand-in goalkeeper the wrong way.

The disappointment of the bumper Friday night crowd was tangible but John Taylor popped up three minutes later to give United late hope of a fight-back. He met a cross from Russell and headed through Brighton's non-existent defence to score his and United's second, closing the gap to Alan Biley's record just a little more.

But despite a late charge and a chance for late substitute Tom Youngs, United were unable to level the score. The most disappointing thing about the evening was the fact that Brighton were not a good side and did not play particularly well, but what they had on their side was luck whilst nothing seemed to go in United's favour all night. Apart from the disruption to the side caused by Van Heusden's injury, Alex Russell failed to reach his usual standards tonight and produced a string of disappointing corners on a dreary evening, and Martin Butler also looked under-par.

[Match reports]

Martin McNeil, a second year trainee, has been added to the squad to face Brighton tonight. Regular right-back Ben Chenery missed the game at Hull with severe bruising and he and his deputy Larry McAvoy both face late fitness tests, so McNeil stands by for his League debut less than two weeks after his 18th birthday.

The defender is highly regarded by the coaching staff and could be called upon as Chenery only returned to training two days ago while McAvoy has a sore knee after making his debut at Hull. Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News he would have no worries about playing the Kings Lynn youngster tonight:

"I haven't got any hesitation in bringing Martin in, and if we need him to play I'm confident he will be up to it. He's already playing regular reserve team football, and holding his own against senior players."

Trevor Benjamin, who is attracting interest from several clubs, will hope to sign off with a goal tonight before he starts a three match suspension due to his sending-off in the last home game, the disappointing 1-1 draw with Exeter.

While visitors Brighton have fallen to third from bottom in recent weeks, a win by four goals could see United go top tonight if other results go the right way. However McFarland warned against such talk, saying "We can't afford to think it's going to be easy. After their run Brighton will be scrapping and we've got to be in the right frame of mind. We've slipped up at home this season for various reasons and we want a good display in front of our fans."

We are already a quarter of the way through the season and McFarland believes that four away wins already are a good indication of the improvement from last season. He is also happy with the way his new signings have gelled and the way the young defence have settled.

"Pin-point"

"It's always going to take time for a new keeper and a back four to gell," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "We had a few problems at set-pieces, but only two goals conceded in the last six games, which includes two matches against Sheffield Wednesday, with four clean sheets, shows how the understanding is developing. And in midfield Alex Russell is supplying those pin-point passes to the front men, while Neil Mustoe is settling in.

"We've got a lot of quality, and we are aware of the problem of quantity when it comes to experienced players. We've got three out injured at the moment plus Trevor Benjamin due for suspension. We may have to use loans to tide us over, but our young players are making progress rapidly. Larry McAvoy came in and did a very good job at full-back against Hull, for instance."

Looking at United's rivals for promotion McFarland commented, "I can't see a Notts County emerging to claim one of the automatic places early on, although Brentford, with Ron Noades' millions, are the team most people would probably bet on finishing in the top three.

"When you see results from last Saturday, like leaders Scunthorpe losing 4-0 at home to Halifax, and Shrewsbury getting their first win of the season at Rotherham, it shows you just about anything can happen on the day in this division. We started very well last season, and were unable to sustain it, hitting that bad run in the autumn. But we do seem to have carried on from our good finish to the season, and we've developed as a team.

"Beating Watford and Sheffield Wednesday in the Worthington Cup did a huge amount for everybody's confidence. And the defence has tightened up after the blips against Hartlepool and Scarborough. We can't afford results like those, and you don't want them in front of your own fans. But I believe doing so well away could help because it takes the pressure off the home games. Players can get too keyed up if they know they always have to win at home because they aren't getting anything away."

United captain Paul Wanless is worried that suspensions could have an impact on the U's promotion challenge as the season progresses. The amiable midfielder told today's CEN "Last season there was the chance to get bookings chalked off if you went five games without a caution, but that's been scrapped. And under the system before that where bookings had different points depending on the offence, you might not be suspended until you got seven yellow cards.

"But now it's five and you're out, whatever the booking is for. And in a season of 50 or more matches, there aren't too many players who are going to get through without being banned. That's not so bad if you've got a big squad, but I think we saw the problem for clubs like us last season when Martin Butler and I were suspended at the same time."

But Wanless remains convinced of United's prospects for this season and says he cannot see any reason why we should not be promotion contenders: "We've already won four away games this season, there's a great spirit in the squad, and the young players are coming along well.

"We've tightened up at the back, and what's just as important is that we aren't relying on one person to get the goals. Martin Butler hasn't scored for a few games, although I think he's been playing really well, but Trevor Benjamin, and the midfielders are getting them, as well as Jamie Campbell and Andy Duncan getting on the scoresheet. It's so far so good."

The rumour mill continues to turn, with unsubstantiated reports from a Brentford source that they are one of the clubs tracking Trevor Benjamin, while a Peterborough source claims that they received a "six figure" offer for striker Martin Carruthers from Cambridge United.

"There is growing interest in Trevor from big clubs, and there have been inquiries which lead me to think someone may move for him after we've played Nottingham Forest in the cup later this month," McFarland revealed to the Cambridge Evening News.

He added, "Both I and the board are determined to do what is best for Trevor and Cambridge United, so if he moves we want to be in a position where it does not harm our promotion chance. We wouldn't let Trevor go unless the price was right, but some of the clubs showing an interest have the resources to meet the kind of fee we would want."

Naturally McFarland will not the name the price on Benjamin's head but the CEN speculates that it is unlikely to be less than £500,000. Friday's visit of Brighton is the last game before the big teenager starts a suspension, missing the games at Cardiff and Halifax as well as the home match against Shrewsbury.

Barnet manager John Still revealed United's recent offer for their striker Scott McGleish, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell at the Abbey in late 1996 before he followed Tommy Taylor to Leyton Orient. McFarland confirmed that he has enquired about the Scot, saying, "I've made several attempts to get McGleish since I came to Cambridge, and it's still something which is in the back of my mind."

In addition to his interest in McGleish, McFarland took Watford striker Wayne Andrews on loan last week, and the 20-year-old is eligible for all of the games in October. Despite missing nearly all of last season with a broken ankle, Andrews was a recent target for Barry Fry, although the Peterboring manager was deterred by Watford's asking price.

Do you want to see Scott McGleish return to Cambridge United? [New poll]

Ben Chenery has not fractured his right leg as feared. The right-back suffered heavy bruising in training on Friday, and although he will miss the match on Friday night he could be fit for the trip to Cardiff.

David Lloyd, the owner of Hull City who were beaten 3-0 by United on Saturday, has threatened to shut down the club on Monday unless a buyer comes forward. Britain's Davis Cup captain put the club up for sale on Saturday and is ready to write off the money he has put into City unless a buyer comes forward by the end of this week.

"I rang the club and they advised me to go to the hospital where they put me in a plaster as a precaution," Chenery told the Cambridge Evening News. "They said they couldn't tell if there was a hairline fracture, so I'm having more tests and X-rays at Cambridge. It seems to have eased a bit so I've got my fingers crossed it's not too serious."

The Ipswich based right-back has been in the form of his life this season and if he is ruled out for any length of time it gives Roy McFarland a real headache. Down to the bare bones of his squad with Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee already on the treatment table, he had to hand 19-year-old Larry McAvoy a surprise League debut on Saturday.

"It'll be a blow for the team and Ben if he is out for a spell because he's probably playing better now than at any time since he joined us," said McFarland to the CEN, "And we already have Ian Ashbee and Michael Kyd out of action, a large percentage of our squad.

"Young Larry came in and did well though. He's been on the fringe of the 14 since the start of the season. Under the circumstances it was an excellent result to win 3-0 at Hull, even though they are having their troubles. They missed chances, but so did we, and we scored some spectacular goals. On a day when a lot of the top teams lost it did us a lot of good."

McFarland believes that despite his muted debut at Hull, loan striker Wayne Andrews will excite the home crowd on Friday night. The 20-year-old (right) missed nearly all of last season with a broken ankle, and he has come to Cambridge for first team football and to put himself in the shop window after being listed by the Hornets.

The manager is quoted on Teletext saying: "Wayne is just what we need. He has lightning pace and the home fans will love him."

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, McAvoy (Taylor 80'), Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Andrews (Preece 54'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Sub not used: Youngs.
Booked: Russell (time-wasting 45').

Hull City: Wilson, Hawes (Hateley 46'), Mann, Hocking, Whitworth, Joyce, Peacock, D'Auria, Brown, Saville, Rioch.
Subs not used: McGinty, Edwards.
Booked: Hawes (foul 10'), D'Auria (foul 44').

Ref: R Pearson (Peterlee).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 6, Hull 6
Corners: Cambridge 8, Hull 8

There were two changes to the side that drew with Exeter last weekend. Loanee striker Wayne Andrews made his debut in place of John Taylor as anticipated, but Ben Chenery was a surprise absentee in defence. The right-back has been in the form of his life in recent games but he has a shin injury. His place was taken by 19-year-old former YTS trainee Larry McAvoy, making his United debut.

McAvoy got off to a slightly nervous start, as might be expected, and with United looking generally quite muted Hull City had the best of the opening 20 minutes. Hull striker David Brown was well-placed to shoot after just five minutes but fired across the goal and wasted a chance that might have put a different complexion on the game.

Hull's attack were benefitting from some dodgy-looking offside decisions and after ten minutes Brown again broke though. He was allowed to proceed despite looking miles offside, but Jamie Campbell did well to stand up to him and cleared the danger. United eventually found their feet and started to press, but just before we took the lead Greg Rioch burst clear in yet another offside position and Van Heusden raced out to block his attempt.

In the 33rd minute Andy Duncan put United ahead with his first goal for the club. Alex Russell's corner kick was only half-cleared and fell to Duncan 25 yards out, and the defender struck a low shot through the crowded area and into the net.

Seven minutes later United profited from another Russell corner and some lax defending as skipper Paul Wanless was left completely unmarked to head home United's second from ten yards out. United had a spring in their step as the half wound down, bringing some sunshine to the travelling fans who were watching the game under a grey and misty sky.

Wayne Andrews caught the eye with his pace and one blinding turn, but mainly for a few spectacular dives. Alex Russell was booked for time-wasting and Hull's David D'Auria was booked for a nasty foul on McAvoy before the half-time whistle. (Half-time 2-0)

Hull player-manager replaced Steve Hawes at half-time as his side changed to a 4-3-3 formation and immediately gave United more problems. Four minutes into the half Neil Mann was one of three Hull players who looked offside as tehy broke, he found Brown who missed a sitter in the box. A minute later Mann again broke clear and his cross found Hateley six yards out. Van Heusden blocked the shot, the rebound fell to Peacock with the goal at his mercy but he panicked and fired the ball into the side-netting.

As an example of the ebb and flow of the early part of the half, in the 52nd minute Martin Butler fed the ball to Neil Mustoe, but the midfielder's shot was beaten away. Then in the 53rd Mann ran about 60 yards, beating McAvoy and Mustoe before Marc Joseph made a vital block. David Preece replaced Andrews a minute later, probably in an attempt to get control of the midfield and counter the improvement in Hull after Hateley's introduction.

Alex Russell forced a full-stretch save from Steve Wilson after 57 minutes, after Martin Butler set him up for a shot from 20 yards out, but then the game hit a lull with only the odd dubious offside or lack of a decision to comment upon. The next noteworthy action occurred after 74 minutes when the lively Mann crossed to Andy Saville who somehow scooped the ball over the bar from just two yards.

Benjamin and Russell combined well to find Butler ten yards out, but he was leaning backwards and his shot was over the bar. With ten minutes left John Taylor replaced debutant McAvoy and a minute later United scored the third. Once again a United corner was not properly cleared after Russell and Butler worked a short corner, the ball was heading for the goal line but it was rescued by Jamie Campbell who backheeled the ball to Trevor Benjamin and the in-form teenager turned on the spot and scored from a tight angle.

The game petered out after that, although a John Taylor shot grazed the post, and although it was not a classic against a troubled side it was an important win nonetheless. The three points leap-frog United up to eighth in the table and above Peterborough again after they lost to Brentford and slipped to ninth. Larry McAvoy overcame his uncertain start to impress with some solid tackling and cool thinking, while Wayne Andrews may well have needed this game to get to know his new team-mates.

Roy McFarland said, commented, "Even when we were two up we had to hang on. The ball did not go Hull's way."

"He can give us fresh legs tomorrow. He's had League experience at Watford and we'll give him the chance to play first team football. I don't think he'll have much difficulty slotting in."

McFarland hinted that John Taylor would be the man to make way for the 20-year-old, adding, "John Taylor has done a terrific job but Wayne will give us a different dimension in terms of pace. No disrespect to John, he scored an important goal last weekend and I've been amazed at him."

United travel to Hull tomorrow aiming to collect all three points after dropping two at home last weekend against Exeter, although most fans feel that the referee's decisions had a lot to do with that result.

Trevor Benjamin was dismissed in the 70th minute by first year referee Lee Cable and McFarland commented, "I was a bit mystified by the sending-off decision, and I was four or five yards away. The players stuck to their task very well and I was pleased with them, but as a game it was difficult to deal with, possibly because of the referee's decisions."

Looking ahead to tomorrow's game against Hull, who have lost seven of their last eight games, McFarland said, "We are hoping to improve on our two previous visits, I think we've lost both and not done very well. The pleasing thing this season is our record away from home has been good.

"I am always optimistic and I hope there's an improvement. We learned a big lesson at Watford where we got a fine result then didn't perform at Rotherham. We didn't do ourselves justice.

"I expect us to beat Hull. I think we should be that confident and think like that. If we're to do well this season we have to go to places like Hull and do well. We need to give ourselves a kick up the backside."

With Trevor Benjamin due to miss three games this month through suspension, after his sending-off on Saturday, Andrews (left) will provide some welcome cover to a squad already missing Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee. As a trainee he scored 46 times in 89 youth and reserve outings, before signing his first professional contract in 1996.The 20-year-old scored six goals in his first season but missed most of last season due to a broken ankle.

Andrews was transfer listed recently and now has four weeks in the shop window, ironically with the club which knocked Watford out of the Worthington Cup in August.

Watford manager Graham Taylor commented, "Wayne needed to go and play league football to give a chance of first-team action. The next month will be very important for him."

United have been rebuffed by Barnet after attempting to bring striker Scott McGleish back to the Abbey. The Scot enjoyed a prolific loan spell with United during September and October 1996 when he was brought in on loan from Peterborough by Tommy Taylor. He scored seven goals in eleven games at the head of a high-flying United side and he was offered terms to stay, but he followed Taylor to Leyton Orient before moving on to Barnet.

The Nationwide site reports that a United bid worth £70,000 was rejected by Barnet, and this comes on the heels of a story last week that 'Billy' Beall had been offered in exchange for the 24-year-old McGleish.

Barnet manager John Still is quoted saying, "There was even talks of a swap with Cambridge's Billy Beall but I don't want to lose Scott."

There is no comment from Roy McFarland but Secretary Steve Greenall has indicated that this is just one of a number of enquiries that are made all the time.

Midfielder Tommy Smith has been released by Cambridge United. The former Manchester United player joined the U's on non-contract terms towards the end of last season after his Old Trafford chances were wrecked by a long-term injury. He made his League debut in the final game at Hull, but despite heavy involvement in the pre-season campaign he failed to break into the first team this season.

Further to yesterday's news that the toilets at the Abbey Stadium are ranked 65th among the country's football grounds, Secretary Steve Greenall has commented, "We're not a Premiership club and as such we haven't got Premiership loos. We just have to make sure the supporters don't want to get out because of the loos!"

The relatively low ranking is attributed in part to the fact that reviewer - and United fan - Janet Williams spotted a frog in a cubicle. PR co-ordinator Graham Eales quipped, "It is believed to be the only croak-room in the country!"

United manager Roy McFarland and chairman Reg Smart were seen at a reserve fixture between Peterborough and Colchester last night. They are thought to have been watching a number of players that Barry Fry is prepared to release - possibly in exchange for out-of-contract midfielder Beall - but rumoured main target Miguel de Souza was missing with a toe injury.

Cambridge United joins in the celebration of the Football League Centenary by promoting a "Quid a Kid" scheme for the Friday night game against Brighton & Hove Albion on the 9th October (kick off 7.45pm).

In marking 100 years of the Football League the Club is hoping to encourage hundreds of youngsters to turn up for only 100 pence admission. All children under 16 will be charged just £1 with accompanying adults paying normal prices.

Organised parties from schools, youth clubs, voluntary organisations and Colts teams are offered a special package costing only £50 for 20 children and five accompanying adults.

Graham Eales commented, "We do get lots of organised parties attending the Abbey Stadium but there does seem to be something particularly special about Friday night football under floodlights."

On the night the Club will also be revealing the short list of contenders for the Local Hero - the greatest player to have worn the U's shirt since they entered the League in 1970.