Cambridge United (4-4-2): Marshall, Ashbee, Joseph, Eustace, Wilson; Mustoe, Wanless, Paterson (Taylor 69'), Mackenzie; Butler, Benjamin.
Subs not used: Mercer, Kyd, Cassidy, Chenery.
Booked: Mackenzie 43' (foul)

Gateshead: Swan, Watson, Lynch, Raitt (Proudlock 83'), Kitchen, Hall, Hine, Bowey, Thompson, Fletcher, Alderson.
Subs not used: Ross, Scott, Pepper.
Booked: Raitt 32' (foul), Fletcher 63' (dissent), Lynch 66' (unsporting conduct)
Sent off: Fletcher 79' (foul and abusive language).

Referee: Peter Walton (Long Buckby, Northants)

For the third time this season 'King of the Abbey' John Taylor stepped off the bench to score a vital goal, sending Cambridge United into round two of the FA Cup after his younger teammates had failed to break down resolute Gateshead.

Read the first reports and match reactions here.

In the draw for the second round of the FA Cup Cambridge United were paired with another Unibond Premier League side, this time Bamber Bridge who beat St Albans to reach this stage. The match takes place at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday 20th November.

Full draw:
Shrewsbury Town v Oxford United
Hayes v Macclesfield Town or Hull City
Reading v Halifax Town
Merthyr Tydfil, Altrincham or Stalybridge Celtic v Whyteleafe or Chester
Bristol Rovers or Preston North End v Enfield
Wycombe Wanderers or Oxford City v Wigan Athletic
Forest Green Rovers v Torquay United
Tamworth or Bury v Leyton Orient or Cardiff City
Ilkeston Town v Rushden & Diamonds
Brentford or Plymouth Argyle v Peterborough Utd or Brighton
Blackpool v Hendon
Notts County or Bournemouth v Bristol City
Hereford United v Hartlepool United or Millwall
Cheltenham Town or Gillingham v Darlington
Wrexham or Kettering Town v Burton Albion or Rochdale
Cambridge United v Bamber Bridge
Barnet or Burnley v Rotherham
Exeter City v Aldershot or Hednesford
Luton Town v Lincoln City
Oldham Athletic v Swansea City

He told Newcastle's Evening Chronicle, "I'll never forget the agony. The ankle was smashed to bits and I thought then my playing days were over."

Thompson played for Stevenage against Newcastle United at St James's Park in a third-round replay, and has since re-joined Gateshead and scored the Tynesiders' winner in the replay against Telford to earn tomorrow's trip to the Abbey Stadium. He says, "I aim to score again tomorrow as well. That would be compensation for the pain I went through - as long as we win or draw.

"Nobody in the squad is under any illusions even if Cambridge haven't been doing too well. But we travel with a record of only one defeat in 17 games so may be it's Cambridge who should be worrying."

Roy McFarland has hinted that he has one or two surprises in store for Gateshead tomorrow, but told Will Jones in this week's On The Spot interview for U's Net that he will not be fielding a weakened team.

"It isn't the right time to bring young players in. Saturday's game will be very tough, it won't be easy. We haven't got the most experienced team in the world, but they do have a certain degree of experience from the cup runs last season, and that will hopefully stand them in good stead.

"Tomorrow it is Gateshead's cup final. We are favourites to go through, but we have to be professional in the way we go about it. They will be ready and prepared to scrap and fight but hopefully our ability will take over and we will win the tie."

He revealed that last week's goalscorer Tom Youngs is "very doubtful" with a tight hamstring while there is no news as yet on Martin Butler who limped off before the end at Gillingham. Fellow Brentford target Trevor Benjamin returns from suspension, while there are rumours of a question mark over Arjan Van Heusden's place in the side tomorrow. Apart from clearly punching Gillingham's first goal into the net, he has been receiving treatment for a hand injury.

One of those could be the presence of French winger Denis Abed who has been training with the squad for three weeks and played two trial games for the reserves. The 30-year-old has shown great passing and crossing ability, and McFarland revealed this afternoon that the former Lille player has been offered a one month contract.

The manager has also hinted at injury worries ahead of Saturday's match but did not want to go into details, although one concern is that Martin Butler may not have recovered from the knock that forced him off at Gillingham last Saturday. However Trevor Benjamin returns from suspension and will be available for selection. For the full text of this week's "On The Spot" interview with U's Net reporter Will Jones, check the OTS section later tonight.

A surprise or two for Gateshead would be useful as they have received expert assistance in preparing for the FA Cup first round match.

Today's Evening Chronicle in Newcastle reports that Newcastle United's first team coach John Carver has supplied Gateshead chairman John Gibson a detailed report about the U's. Carver, a former Gateshead fullback, watched a Cambridge match recently and handed over a "superb" report, according to Gibson.

"With our limited resources, you can only begin to imagine how grateful we are for the information," he added.

Gateshead have also been helped by Burnley's Geordie centre-half Steve Davis who played against Cambridge last week, explained Gibson. "Steve Davis has also been kind enough to give me a report. He faced them at first hand in a recent match and consequently knows how they play - the strikers in particular.

"He sent up his report via scout Jack Hixon who kindly passed it on to me. The goodwill shown by John Carver and Steve Davis is marvellous for a little club like ours."

Thanks to Nick Badger for e-mailing the report to me.

Finally, I am pleased to be able to provide a brief update from Andy Duncan. He left Addenbrookes last Friday after the operation on his broken leg and spent a few days in Newcastle before returning to the Abbey Stadium this morning.

"I'm not too bad," he told me, "but this is my first day back for some physio."

But Andy's main reason for getting in touch was to pass on his thanks for the messages that were sent via U's Net over the last eight days. Within six hours of starting the new page last Wednesday, I had received over 30 greetings for Andy and last Thursday Roy McFarland and David Preece took the first messages with them when they visited Andy. The manager was very impressed with the response and sent his personal thanks via last week's interview for U's Net.

"I hadn't realised until around a couple of months ago that Andy had started playing for Cambridge City again, on the days United were away," he told me today. "When it became apparent last week that both the Cup games would be played at the same time, I wondered if he'd be able to play. So I rang him to see if he'd like me to provide any cover for him."

Greenall has been Communications and PR Manager at Norwich City since October last year, but lives still near Huntingdon, and gets along to the Abbey as often as he can.

"My son Ben is a big U's fan - as he told Delia Smith when she asked who he supported! John Taylor is his favourite player and we go to the Abbey when we can, as a family. It's lovely to go back and see the people I worked with, the Directors and the fans, who all make me very welcome. It doesn't always happen that you leave a place and are welcomed back - or even want to go back yourself."

In his final programme notes for United Greenall said he would not cut up his United credit card, unsubscribe from Moosenet, or quit Gold Topper.

"I said when I left that I'd try to stay a fan, and I've had a bit of friendly ribbing from some Canaries fans. I haven't broken any of what I said a year ago, although with living locally still, the card must be earning a few bob for United these days! As for Gold Topper, I haven't won anything, although Ailsa won a tenner with her numbers six months ago!

"I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, but the main thing is that Pinch will be able to play. I worked with him for eight and a half years and in that time we bonded well as a team. He's done really well but, in his heart, I knew how much he'd want to play against Wigan, even if he hadn't admitted as much. I've told Pinch to leave a few notes - I'd like to think he was taught well, but even teachers need a refresher course sometimes!"

Current employers Norwich City will be playing at Fulham on Saturday but Greenall added, "You know, on a Saturday at United, if all the jobs were done professionally, money reconciled, little trouble for the police and stewards, and all the various tasks were carried out, I could go home content - but a win would really put the icing on the cake. That's what I want for Saturday. A win, a job well done and a chance to see a lot of old friends."

On Monday Pincher told me he hopes to come safely through tonight's game at Boston before thinking about the big game at Wigan - "if selected, and if fit", he stressed.

He has described Greenall's offer as "a marvellous gesture" and acknowledged "the kind permission of the board of directors", adding "I would have liked to have been at both games and initially thought I would be. However it was not to be and I now hope to be watching the draw with a dual interest.

"Steve actually phoned me at home last Thursday to offer his services of which I am extremely grateful. I am sure that he will enjoy being back here and will be delighted to see so many familiar faces again at the Abbey."

CUSA chairman Brian Attmore has advised some changes to the itinerary for Sunday's 'Keep Football Alive' march in London. The changes have been forced on the organisers after Sky TV picked Barnet's FA Cup game against Burnley to be their televised game with a 1.30pm kick-off.

The 'Keep Barnet Alive' group have had much discussion with their Club about the decision to play on the Sunday when the march is taking place. The fans appreciate the Club's need to accept the Sky TV deal but are still going ahead with the march as the principles involved are far more important than just the one game. The debate about who chose this game and whether Rupert Murdoch etc. knew of the clash of interests will continue!

To accommodate this change the Fans United March on Sunday 31st October 1999 will now assemble on North Carriage Drive, Hyde Park (near Marble Arch) at 11.00 not 11.15, departing at 11.15 instead of 11.45 to march to Trafalgar Square. They will arrive at 12.10 when there will be some short speeches and a protest letter will be handed in at 10 Downing Street, and the aim is to finish at 12.30 with buses laid on to transport fans back to Underhill for the 1.30 kick-off.

Attmore commented, "There is expected to be a lot of media attention at the march and the presence of Cambridge United shirts, banners etc. will show our solidarity."

If any U's fans wish to take part, could they please let Janet Williams (Cambridge United Southern Supporters) know on ywons@worrall9.freeserve.co.uk or contact the CUSA by e-mail or via the Club Shop. If more than ten are attending we have to nominate a steward.

Former defender Jody Craddock has been recalled by Sunderland from his loan spell at Sheffield United, to cover for the three games Steve Bould is likely to miss through suspension. Craddock played 10 matches for the Blades and was acknowledged as a major factor in Adrian Heath's side recovering from a bad start to the season to clamber into a mid-table spot in the First Division.

He was due to return soon in any case following his second month on loan at Bramall Lane but the loss of Bould, unquestionably Sunderland's best and most experienced defender, has hastened Sunderland manager Peter Reid's decision. However it is thought unlikely Craddock will be thrown straight into the first team since Darren Williams would be the natural replacement for Bould.

He acknowledged the improvement and told the media that his side had played well overall, but warned that basic mistakes will cost Division Two survival if they don't stop. In today's Cambridge Evening News, he adds, "If we aren't careful the season is going to peter out and we are going to start chasing points and trying to do daft things we aren't capable of.

"It was a self-inflicted defeat. Gillingham didn't pull us apart, but we've given them goals, which was very disappointing. They didn't really threaten us at all, and we talked at half time about holding them and hitting them on the break and maybe getting another goal.

"The last thing we wanted was to let them back into it straight from the restart, but the goalkeeper made a bad mistake and he knows it. Then we were sleeping when they took a short corner, and immediately after that Marc Joseph missed an open goal. We kicked ourself in the backside. Generally we were on song today, we have been for the last three matches, but we've only come out with three points, and that's not good enough."

Gillingham grabbed the chance to snatch all three points with a late goal from Andy Thomson and recorded their third straight win after beating Wrexham 5-1 and ending Brentford's 26 match unbeaten run last week.

However McFarland praised the performance of Tom Youngs (left), the 20-year-old forward who may be about to shake off the "one for the future" tag he has carried for three or four years.

"One plus though was Tom Youngs' performance," noted the manager. "He scored an excellent goal although we had to put him in when he wasn't fully match fit. He's a youngster whose had what we call a growth spurt this season, and that's given him some niggling injury problems. But his display definitely gave me food for thought."

Youngs was delighted with his goal but told Mark Johnson afterwards that he would have swapped it for a point.

Youngs' goal may prove timely as the recent speculation linking Brentford with strikers Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin reached gossip service Teamtalk today. They claim that Brentford owner Ron Noades will sign one or the other this week, with £400,000-rated Benjamin possibly preferred now to Butler, who they say would cost closer to £600,000.

The Teamtalk story says "the Cambridge United board are anxious to hang on to their 12 goal marksman Butler. They are fearful of a supporter backlash if they sell 24-year-old Butler to another Second Division club while they are near the foot of the table."

20-year-old powerhouse Benjamin is of course a product of United's youth system while Butler was signed from Walsall two years ago for £22,500, and a substantial sell-on fee would be due to the first division outfit if he was sold.

Club secretary Andy Pincher will be able to play for Cambridge City in their FA Cup first round tie after all.

When the decision was taken to play the game at Wigan on Saturday rather than at a much-reduced capacity Milton Road next Sunday, Pincher's involvement was thrown into doubt due to his matchday duties at the Abbey. However former secretary Steve Greenall offered to stand in for him, as his new employers Norwich City play at Fulham on that day, and will make a temporary return to the job he carried out for eight years.

"Steve's offer is a brilliant gesture, I owe him one," Andy told me today, "and fortunately the board have been kind enough to let me have the day off."

Ironically he was given a guided tour of Wigan's new stadium with assistant Mark Johnson before United's match there in August, so he will be more familiar with the impressive venue than any of his teammates. They include former U's Adam Wilde, Keith Newby and Dave Thompson, although Newby is definitely suspended for the match on Saturday. However, in true footballer-speak, Pinch stressed he is looking no further ahead than City's trip to top of the table Boston on Wednesday night!

Assistant secretary Mark Johnson has confirmed that Saturday's FA Cup tie against Gateshead will be 'pay on the day', contrary to some media reports. Main Stand season ticket holders are reminded to bring their season ticket books with them to guarantee their usual seat.

Cambridge United (4-4-2): Van Heusden, Chenery, Joseph, Eustace, Wilson (Cassidy 87'); Ashbee (c), Mustoe, Paterson, Mackenzie; Butler (Wanless 77'), Youngs (Taylor 72').
Subs not used: Marshall, Preece.
Booked: Paterson 43' (foul).

Gillingham: Bartram, Smith, Ashby, Butters, Southall, Hessenthaler, Saunders (Noseworthy 74'), Pennock, Lewis (Hodge 46'), McGlinchey, Omoyimni (Thomson 46').
Subs not used: Mitton, Edge.
Booked: Hessenthaler 52' (foul).

Referee: Paul Durkin (Portland)

Shots on target: Cambridge 5 Gillingham 8

Corners: Cambridge 3 Gillingham 11

Tom Youngs scored his first ever senior goal but Cambridge United once again let a lead slip and Gillingham ran out late winners in the rain.

"I think he would have preferred, in his defence, to have played in a front two rather than three ... So his loan is up, and we won't be extending it. Without doubt we will keep an eye on him during the next few months."

McFarland also read some of the fans' messages for Andy Duncan and sends his thanks on Andy's behalf. You can read the complete "On The Spot" interview and answers to a selection of supporters questions here, and leave a message for Andy here.

Summer trialist Rob Miller, who was on non-contract terms, also leaves the club after being released.

However another player who was on non-contract terms has signed a monthly contract. Scott Paterson, who has started to impress supporters as his match fitness has improved, has obviously also impressed the people who matter and signed the short term contract today.

Roy McFarland will be forced to reshuffle the side for tomorrow's game at Gillingham. In addition to Andy Duncan's absence through injury, Trevor Benjamin (right) is suspended. That will almost certainly mean a change to a 4-4-2 formation which could see Michael Kyd or John Taylor paired with Martin Butler up front, but the main question mark is over who will partner Marc Joseph in central defence.

Scott Eustace is suffering with a hamstring problem and if he is not fit to return then the options include continuing with Ian Ashbee as an impressive stand-in centre half, dropping Paterson back into the position where he has spent most of his career, or calling up a youngster like Martin McNeil or Adam Tann. The latter looks unlikely in view of McFarland's comments about McNeil in this week's On The Spot, and handing 17-year-old Tann his debut for a tricky away game also seems improbable.

Meanwhile Gillingham's supporters have a similar headache to U's, as their in-demand striker Bob Taylor continues to be linked with several clubs. While we have to live with the constant speculation surrounding Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin, their man has been strongly linked with Manchester City this week - although any deal will not be completed until he recovers from injury.

Cambridge United have confirmed ticket arrangements for the FA Cup Round One tie against Gateshead on 30th October (k.o. 3pm).

Main Stand seating tickets will be available from the ticket office from Monday 25th October during normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). All admission for visiting supporters will be pay on the day at the turnstiles.

Season ticket holders do not need to reserve their usual seats in advance. They should bring their season tickets with them on the day of the game and pay at the turnstiles.

"We're obviously going to give him all the support he needs and we hope to see him back as soon as possible," he told me.

Andy's father has travelled to be with him and he should be able to leave Addenbrookes very soon. The messages of support that fans have already sent via this web site have created quite a stir at the club, and to help to keep Andy's spirits up David Preece took the first batch of over 30 messages to the hospital this afternoon. You can still leave a message for him and they will all be handed to him late next week.

Assistant secretary Mark Johnson reports that our FA Cup first round tie will go ahead as originally planned at 3pm on Saturday 30th October, despite the clash with the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Our opponents will be Northern Premier League side Gateshead who beat Telford 2-1 last night to claim their place in the first round.

The youth team progressed smoothly to the second round of the FA Youth Cup last night, beating Belper 7-1. Goals from Daniel Chillingworth (2 mins) and Alex Revell (10, 23 and 26) gave us a 4-1 lead at the break. Revell (53), Chillingworth (79) and Duncan Lockhart (87) completed the rout.

The under 18s have been drawn at home to Hinckley United or Colchester United in the second round, with the tie to be completed by Saturday 13th November.

Line up: Mercer, Nacca, Cockrill, Hill, Tann, Huggins (Paynter 77), Haniver (Bridges 60), Lockhart, Chillingworth, Revell, Kamara.

Youth team manager Dale Brooks told the Cambridge Evening News, "It was a very professional performance, everybody was aware that it was the kind of tie which could have been difficult. Belper were quite a physical side and made a match of it, but every time we went forward we looked like scoring."

Club physio Ken Steggles gave me an update for U's Net this morning and confirmed, "Andy has fractured his fibula. He's in Addenbrookes Hospital and Mr Dennis Edwards, the club's ortho, is in charge. He will have a fixation of the fibula and probably the ankle which has a minor dislocation. The operation was planned for this morning but due to a lack of theatre space it will now take place tomorrow morning.

"Mr Edwards was called away from his home last night to take charge and he's the head of trauma at Addenbrookes, which shows the quality of the people working for Cambridge United."

Andy is expected to miss the rest of the season and could be ruled out for up to a year.

Ken has also given a long interview to the U's Clubcall line which can be heard on 09068 555855.

Incidentally it was the first time the new team of volunteer stretcher bearers has been needed this season, and he praised them for doing a good job.

Roy McFarland described the freak accident in last night's match that left Andy Duncan with a broken leg after both defenders went for the ball: "Jerry (Marc Joseph) caught Andy on the leg, then Andy twisted and fell," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "It wasn't a straightforward fracture and the lad could be looking at nine months to a year out of the game.

"It's a massive blow for him, and with Scott Eustace suffering some hamstring trouble it means a bit of a crisis for us in defence. We've been trying for a while to bring in a defender, and that now takes on absolute priority."

By cruel bad luck, today is Andy's 22nd birthday. He has only missed one game for us since joining from Manchester United in April 1998 and he will be out of action for up to a year, so if you would like to leave a message that will be passed along to him next week you can do so at this page.

Looking back to last night's 1-0 defeat by Burnley, McFarland switched his attention from the defence, which adapted well to the early loss of Andy Duncan thanks to Ian Ashbee's sterling display as stand-in centre-half, and criticised the forwards.

"It's the worst I've seen our front three perform in that sort of situation," he told the CEN. "I thought we played a lot of good football, but only up to Burnley's 18-yard-line. They had a very experienced defence, but too often we made the wrong decisions and hit poor quality passes.

"We gave away a very bad early goal when we failed to clear a corner, and that played right into the hands of Burnley."

Assistant secretary Mark Johnson reports that it will be a multi-national Cambridge United XI that takes on the University in the annual friendly this afternoon at Fenners Sports Ground (2pm). The 'mix and match' reserve and youth side will include a Finn, an Italian, a Frenchman and some Norwegian trialists.

The Youth Team are in FA Youth Cup action tonight and travel to Belper in Derbyshire for their First Round Proper tie. A few of the regulars, including top scorer Nathan Lamey, miss out as they are 19 and the age limit for the competition is 18.

Last night's attendance has been revised due to a significant number of late arrivals, including some at half-time, and has been altered from 4,328 to 4,434.

Cambridge United (4-3-3): Van Heusden, Ashbee, Duncan (Wanless 25'), Joseph, Wilson (Preece 83'); Mustoe, Paterson, Mackenzie; Kyd (Taylor 68'), Butler, Benjamin.
Subs not used: Marshall, Youngs.

Burnley: Crighton, West, Smith (Brass 87'), Mullin, Davis, Thomas, Little (Mellon 72'), Cook, Cooke, Branch (Lee 79'), Johnrose.
Subs not used: Jepson, Armstrong.

Referee: John Kirkby (Sheffield)

In a classic example of "after the Lord Mayor's show", Cambridge United never looked like getting back on terms after being hit by an early goal from a Burnley side who had come to defend and would clearly have settled for a point. The loss of three points is compounded by the potentially serious injury to Andy Duncan who was stretchered off in the first half and could be missing for several months.

Early match reports are on line here.

Captain Paul Wanless returns to the squad for tonight's visit of Burnley after missing Friday's win through injury, but will only be handed an instant recall if Scott Paterson fails a fitness test. The tall Scot took a knock on the ankle during the win over Colchester when he won over many doubters with a display of cultured passing from the centre of midfield.

"He was hurt in a two-footed tackle, which should have earned the Colchester player a red card," Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "It's touch and go whether he'll be fit for tonight. If he is, I'll stick with the midfield line-up because it worked well, and also it might not be a bad time for 'Wannee' to take a bit of a breather.

"He hasn't quite been the dominant force he was last season, and he's been getting himself into situations where he's been making runs into the box which have sometimes hampered the strikers. He watched Friday's match and will have picked up a few things from that."

Defender Scott Eustace is suspended tonight and Marc Joseph, who was impressive when coming off the bench on Friday night, will deputise.

McFarland is quoted on the Football 365 web site saying: "We are hoping to continue Friday's performance against Burnley but they will be more confident opposition and will cause us a few more problems than we had against Colchester. But it's a test for us and one that we're looking forward to."

Burnley boss Stan Ternant reportedly has injury worries over John Mullin and Tom Cowan but both players are expected to be fit enough to play. Ternant said, "Cambridge will be another tough game for us but they all are and we are looking forward to it."

This game represents a clash of two interesting statistics from the League table, with the worst home defence in Division Two (11 goals conceded) facing the joint worst away attack (Burnley have scored just three goals on their travels).

Cambridge United announced today that the home match against Luton Town which was originally scheduled for Saturday 13th November will now take place on Friday 12th November (7.45pm). This is to avoid a clash with the televised England v Scotland Euro 2000 play-off at Wembley.

The club have also announced that the new away strip will be white with navy trim. The navy runs down the sides of the shirt and shorts and the socks are also white with two navy stripes on the turn over. The kit will not be available in the club shop or from the shop web site until mid to late November, and a picture will be available at about that time.

Darren Byfield's loan spell expires after tonight's match against Burnley. The Aston Villa striker was not even on the bench for Friday's 5-2 win over Colchester United.

"All you can ask for in the Cup is a home draw, especially if you are playing non-League opposition," he says in today's Cambridge Evening News. "We had a comfortable win at Telford last year, but a match at one of those places can be a minefield for a League club."

Scott Paterson and Michael Kyd both picked up minor injuries during Friday's game and are receiving treatment ahead of tomorrow's visit of Burnley.

The youth team put in a very creditable display against Wolves at the Simoco Ground on Saturday morning, ending the second-placed visitors' four match unbeaten run. The young U's were leading 3-0 at half-time through goals by Leighton Hill, Martin McNeil and Nathan Lamey, although Wolves pulled a goal back after the break.

Youth team manager Dale Brooks has had a successful spell since he switched roles from Centre of Excellence director in March, including five straight wins in his first five games in charge. He also took temporary charge of the young reserve side that travelled to Bristol Rovers last Wednesday, allowing John Taylor to stay behind and prepare for Friday night's first team match.

The youths are in action in Belper on Wednesday night as their FA Youth Cup campaign gets underway, although 19-year-old top scorer Nathan Lamey is ineligible as the competition is limited to under 18s.

New U's Net poll: "Is it time to sell Martin Butler?"

Cambridge City could join the U's with a home tie in the first round if they defeat Slough on Monday night and win the right to entertain Division Two high-flyers Wigan, although that would almost certainly force one of the games to be rearranged.

Roy McFarland admitted to the Cambridge Evening News that he hopes none of the many scouts who were on hand to witness Martin Butler's hattrick last night will make firm recommendations back to their clubs. It was reported that every Premiership and Division One club was represented!

"There was a posse here, but I don't want them to get their man," said McFarland. "We need Martin to lead us away from the relegation area. He had another great game, and there probably will be some more interest in him, as there is likely to be in some other players after a very good performance. But all we are concentrating on at Cambridge United is the next game against Burnley, which is coming up on Tuesday."

Most of the scouts actually left with about fifteen minutes to go and will have missed Butler's 85th and 89th minute strikes towards the second hattrick of his career, but his haul of eleven goals in fourteen games for a struggling side near the foot of the table will not go unnoticed. He is currently the leading scorer in Division Two.

While Butler's value soars and his days at the Abbey look increasingly numbered, McFarland praised Michael Kyd who was surprisingly recalled to the team after failing to even make the bench for recent games and being transfer-listed.

"I took the decision to bring Michael back in because he trained well during the week," the manager told the CEN. "He had his best game of the season for us, and it's obvious being transfer-listed has given him a kick up the backside.

"There were a lot of good things about the performance, and we showed great character after Colchester equalised early in the second half. We didn't panic, although it was a very tense and important match for us, and we ran away with it in the end. Now we've got to get some niggling pulls and strains sorted out, and follow it up against Burnley."

He will be forced into one change on Tuesday night as defender Scott Eustace is suspended, while Trevor Benjamin misses next Saturday's trip to Gillingham after also accruing five yellow cards.

Goal hero Butler was full of praise for his teammates as he was interviewed by the media afterwards, clutching the match ball. "We played some great football. I enjoyed watching it as much as the supporters must have," he said.

"The three lads in midfield put us on top. Neil Mackenzie came straight in and gave us something, and Scott Paterson's pass which I was lucky enough to get on the end of for the first goal was brilliant. Michael Kyd came back in and made some tremendous runs, and Trevor Benjamin was at his best again. If he'd have got that goal just before the whistle it would have been one of the goals of the season.

Cambridge United (4-3-3): Van Heusden, Ashbee, Duncan (c), Eustace (Joseph 73'), Wilson; Mustoe, Paterson (Preece 90'), Mackenzie; Kyd (Taylor 84'), Butler, Benjamin.
Subs not used: Marshall, Youngs.
Booked: Mackenzie 88', Butler 90' (fouls)

Colchester United: Brown, Farley (McGavin 80'), Keith, Burton (Skelton 88'), Greene, Wilkins (c), Arnott, Gregory, Dozzell, Duguid, Lua Lua.
Subs not used: Walker, Lock, Moralee.

Shots on target: Cambridge 7 Colchester 3
Corners: Cambridge 10 Colchester 6

Referee: Graham Poll (Tring)

A hattrick by Martin Butler in front of the inevitable string of scouts capped Cambridge United's second win of the season and ended a run of ten matches without a win. But the striker's was only one of a number of outstanding performances by a revitalised U's team.

Several match reports are on line here.

Worrying rumours that Paul Wanless will not be fit to play tonight, plus the signing of Neil Mackenzie, hint at a re-shuffle in the midfield engine room for the visit of Colchester United for tonight's floodlit local derby.

Unconfirmed reports which originate from a U's player suggest that skipper Wanless will not play tonight, while Alex Russell is already ruled out. However Neil Mustoe returns to the squad after missing the last two games through suspension and Mackenzie is certain to play after completing his long-awaited move on Wednesday. The shape of the midfield depends on whether Roy McFarland opts for two or three up front, but in this important game against the bottom side and with a large home crowd expected, most expect him to revert to 4-3-3 making Ian Ashbee, Mustoe and Mackenzie the favourites if Wanless misses his second game of the season.

The full team sheet and regular updates will be available here from about 7.30pm.

In the latest exclusive "On The Spot" interview for U's Net, Roy McFarland agreed with the supporters that tonight's is a big game. He told Will Jones, "The one thing we need at the moment is a kick-start, and three points would do that and build up our confidence."

He added, "There will be a little bit of tension in both teams. They will be a bit nervous and so, perhaps, will we. I have spoken to the players about that this week. Our training has been good, and the main thing was to get our football going again."

McFarland also revealed that the result of Alex Russell's scan will be known early next week, when he will have a better idea about how long he must manage without the midfielder, and that he has made several enquiries for player in the last few weeks only to be told they are not for sale.

"There were difficulties all the way," he told the Cambridge Evening News, "and the deal looked dead several times. But we persisted because we had a good look at Neil when he was with us on loan, and believe he can do well for us at this level.

"He can be a playmaker, like Alex Russell, and can also get forward from midfield to score goals. With Alex struggling to get over his thigh injury we haven't been creating enough lately to give our forwards much to work with.

"Neil might well have become a free transfer when his contract with Stoke ran out at the end of this season, but then he would have been the target for a lot more clubs. And in any case we need some new blood now after our disappointing start."

For his part, Mackenzie explained, "I won't be sorry to leave Stoke. I don't bear any grudges, but I think I should have been given more of a chance. I enjoyed my loan spell at Cambridge, and I was always interested in making the move."

The CEN adds that Chairman Reg Smart has said striker Martin Butler will not be sold while United are struggling near the foot of the table, unless the fee is big enough to bring in an immediate replacement of the right quality.

Teenage defender Adam Tann has spoken to the CEN about his week with the England Under 18 squad in which he had a further three caps to the one he earned against Switzerland on his international debut last month.

"The whole week was brilliant, training and playing with the best players at under-18 level in the country. A lot of the players were from Premiership clubs and they all handled themselves very professionally, people like Joe Cole and Gareth Barry. It was a good experience to be together with them, it was brilliant to be part of that."

"I didn't know what was going to happen before I arrived so I just went there to enjoy myself whether I got a game or not," he added. "Just to be there was a great experience in itself and all of the lads were brilliant. It was really good to get to know them."

Tann, who recently signed a three year professional contract, was allocated squad number 21, and travelled with the first team for the recent match at Preston, is described by youth team manager Dale Brooks as an intelligent footballer.

"He's done very well. He's a lad who is always keen to learn and when you are talking to him you know he's genuinely listening," he told the News. "I've got no worries about his feet leaving the ground, and that sometimes can be the difference between going on to make it or not."

A young reserve side lost 3-0 at Bristol Rovers last night. The threadbare midfield included French trialist Denis Abed who was playing the second game of his trial, and the 30-year-old must have raised the average side of the side by a year!

Also, although the Football League have indicated that Clubs will not be allowed to switch the date or kick-off time of their fixtures to avoid a clash with the forthcoming Euro 2000 play-offs, club secretary Andy Pincher told U's Net that he is half-expecting a change of heart now that England have been paired with Scotland. The first leg is due to take place in Scotland on Saturday 13th November, the date that Luton Town are set to visit the Abbey. Pincher is expecting confirmation very soon and says "watch this space" for further information. A switch to the evening of Friday the 12th November would be favoured by both clubs.

(Wednesday morning report)

Stoke City midfielder Neil Mackenzie was expected to sign today but there have been one or two minor hold-ups and the very latest news from the club is that he is keen to join and is "likely to" put pen to paper tomorrow. He will have a medical tomorrow and has provisionally been allocated squad number 23. Despite 99% of the media spelling his surname with an uppercase K, I can confirm that it is spelt Mackenzie.

The Stoke Sentinel reports today that Mackenzie will complete a £40,000 switch after his medical and will sign an 18-month contract. They state that Stoke will receive £30,000 up front, plus a further £10,000 after an agreed number of appearances and a 25 per cent sell-on clause. This would represent the U's biggest signing since Neil Lyne's £75,000 move from Shrewsbury in 1993.

The newspaper quotes Roy McFarland saying, "He can be our playmaker, which is something we desperately need at the moment. We have got no-one to create anything at the moment for our striker Martin Butler and that is what we need to get us out of trouble."

Hopefully all will go well tomorrow as this is the type of player our midfield has been crying out for, especially in view of Alex Russell's recent injury problems.

The Stoke Sentinel reports that Stoke City were awaiting a call from Cambridge United today about the impending Neil Mackenzie transfer. All indications thus far indicate that the tall midfielder should be a Cambridge United player before Friday night's home game against Colchester United (7.45pm).

"We were poor all over the pitch," he said after the match at Wycombe. "We need a result now to lift everybody's spirits. I don't think Wycombe as a side were better than us, but they played with confidence, whereas we just weren't reproducing the things we were doing so well in training all week. We are capable of a lot better. It was very disappointing.

"The players were tense and nervy, and what was very disappointing was that we lost possession so easily, because we weren't moving the ball quickly and well enough. I've never seen us get intercepted so often. We had little spells of half-decent football, and it might have been different if John Taylor had put his chance away in the first half.

"The quality of our crosses was poor though, apart from the very good one from Darren Byfield which gave Trevor Benjamin a chance just before the end he couldn't quite get to. They had a young keeper in, and although I know they rate him very highly, we didn't test him. We have to do better than that.

"We need to do something to give ourselves a lift," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "We need a new face in the changing room, and as well as Neil MacKenzie of Stoke City, I'm trying to bring another player to the Abbey. We had a breakthrough in negotiations for both players last week, and now I'm hoping to follow that up, although as always in this business you can't be certain of anything until it's happened."

There is a chance that the second player is the one he thought he had landed two weeks ago, a player believed to be an experienced defender who has played at a higher level.

Meanwhile Alex Russell (right) may need to consult a specialist after appearing to have a recurrence of his troublesome thigh injury: "Alex indicated he was feeling the injury and we took him off early as a precaution.

"He had a good week's training, as well as a run out with the reserves, and I decided to start with him," explained McFarland. "He believed he would be okay, but unfortunately it didn't work out."

United extended the run without a victory to ten games and slipped a place to 22nd, while Scunthorpe won at Burnley on Sunday to leave four clubs isolated at the bottom on seven points.

Defender Scott Eustace and goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden exhibited worrying signs of the team's nerves and disintegrating confidence with their second half disagreeement in front of the away fans, as they disagreed over whether or not the goalkeeper should have come for a ball.

"We never really threatened," continued McFarland in today's Sport First, "I was disappointed with our shooting and our crossing. We should have tested the young goalkeeper far more."

Cambridge United (4-4-2): Van Heusden, Chenery (Cassidy 76'), Duncan, Eustace, Wilson; Russell (Benjamin 28'), Wanless, Paterson, Ashbee; Butler, Taylor (Byfield 76').
Subs not used: Joseph, Marshall.
Booked: Eustace 66' (violent conduct), Wilson 74' (dissent), Benjamin 80' (foul).

Wycombe Wanderers: Osborn, Lawrence, Vinnicombe, Cousins, Bates, Carroll (Brown 20'), Ryan, Devine, Emblen, Simpson, McSporran (Baird 56').
Subs not used: Bywater, Holsgrove, Rogers.
Booked: Cousins (dissent 25'), Carroll 71' foul).

Referee: Steve Tomlin (E. Sussex)

Cambridge United failed to score for the first time this season and extended their goal-less and win-less record at Adams Park by only testing Wycombe's fourth choice goalkeeper on one occasion.

"I am hoping in this case Michael will respond in a manner that earns him the right to get back in the first team," he told Will Jones, adding, "If he is comfortable sitting on our bench then I am not happy with that."

Take part in the current Michael Kyd opinion poll here.

The manager added that it is unlikely that Stoke midfielder Neil Mackenzie will sign in time to face Wycombe tomorrow, although Alex Russell and Clive Wilson could both make welcome returns from injury. Read the full text of the interview here.

More team news follows tonight.

U's Net is a member of Future Publishing's UFN, and the Bradford affiliate has brought to the attention of the other affiliates the fact that the Fox network (BSkyB, The Sun, Murdoch et al) in the USA is showing a programme called "When Good Times Go Bad, 3". The previous two programmes in the series have been shown on Sky TV and this one not only includes previously un-broadcast clips of the fire that killed 56 Bradford City supporters in the fire at Valley Parade in May, 1985, but incorrectly states that the fire was started by supporters.

The very latest on the Mackenzie and Michael Kyd situations will be here this evening with comments direct from Roy McFarland in this week's "On The Spot".

An elegant, left-sided midfielder, Mackenzie joined United on loan last season and made a good impression in four appearances, scoring in the 3-1 win at Brighton, before being stretchered off with an ankle injury in his next game. That brought his loan spell to a premature end and McFarland was thwarted in his efforts to make the move permanent in the summer by the change of manager at the Britannia Stadium. New Stoke boss Gary Megson was not prepared to sell any players until he had assessed his squad.

Mackenzie, who reportedly also attracted interest from Darlington and Southend in the close-season, made 16 full appearances after making his Potters' debut in October 1996 but was restricted to two outings from the bench before injury this season. McFarland maintained his interest and now, as Megson attempts to build on Stoke's recent good form by bringing in a Premiership player on loan, the door has finally opened.

United's reserves lost 2-3 to Bournemouth reserves at the Abbey this afternoon (2pm). Alex Russell featured for the first hour, played well and appeared to come through unscathed, while 30-year-old French trialist Denis Abed received international clearance in time to play and started wide on the left, impressing watchers with his range of passing and good crosses into the box. Clearance for compatriot Jacques Remy (27) did not arrive in time and he was seen venting his annoyance into his mobile 'phone. The other trialist on show, the diminutive John Keeling from Purfleet, played wide on the right for the first half and impressed with his pace and attacking play.

United looked strong going forward and were 2-0 up inside 20 minutes with goals from Michael Kyd (penalty) and John Taylor. United continued to dominate the play for most of the half although Bournemouth scored their first goal just before half time. In the second half the visitors saw more of the ball in midfield once Russell went off and the U's failed to hold onto the ball in attack once Shaggy went off. Gordon Watson equalised through a free header and then Willie Huck scored their late winner with a free header from a corner.

Cambridge United Reserves: Shaun Marshall, Martin McNeil, Rob Miller, Alex Russell (Nathan Lamey), Darren Howe, Marc Joseph, Denis Abed, Michael Kyd, Tom Youngs, John Taylor (Leighton Hill), John Keeling (Andy Ingham).

Moosenet-sponsored Kyd was left out of Saturday's squad and Roy McFarland explained to the Cambridge Evening News today, "It's come to the point where Michael's career may need to take a new direction. We hoped he would become a key player this season after finally getting over some bad injuries, but sadly it hasn't happened.

"He's had to fight to overcome knee injuries twice over the last couple of years and we thought that after a good pre-season, which he had, he would be able to get back to the form he was showing two years ago. But although he's done well for short spells in games, he's not quite been able to carry that on to produce a complete performance.

"I've told him it doesn't mean he is totally out of the picture. Being transfer-listed could be a chance elsewhere for him, or it could act as an extra incentive if he wants to stay with us. Whatever is going to happen with his career, he needs to concentrate on playing his best. His name has been circulated to all League clubs, and we will be asking a fee for him."

Kyd was prolific in United's youth team and made his first team debut in August 1994 while still a trainee. The following season was eventful for the teenage Kyd as he scored the opening goal of the season, caught the eye of (then) First Division Watford and had a short trial with them, then suffered a torn cartilage in a practice match against Arsenal and missed two months in the middle of the season. Manager Tommy Taylor sent him on loan to an Australian club to regain his match fitness while considering his future. Kyd scored 46 goals in half as many games, decided he wanted to make a career out of football and returned in October 1996, making a scoring comeback at Brighton four days later.

Speaking to me for a U's Net Q&A in July, McFarland said he really hoped Kyd was going to stay fit this season and make his mark. Referring to Kyd's two knee injuries and his own experience with long-term injury, McFarland added, "I know how low you can be, and - I mean this sincerely - I've got both fingers firmly crossed in the hope that he can continue in the vein he's continued so far pre-season. If he does he'll be knocking on the door."

Now it seems 'Kyddie' has slipped behind not only on-loan Aston Villa striker Darren Byfield in the pecking order, but also veteran player-coach John Taylor and the inexperienced Tom Youngs. Former manager Tommy Taylor, now in charge at struggling Leyton Orient, as well as Barry Fry at Peterborough are both thought to be admirers of the pacy striker whose contract expires at the end of this season.

He was pleased by the improved performance at Preston on Saturday and by the way his patched-up side almost took a point from a very strong North End.

"There was something to build on," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "But we need that extra bit of skill and experience which Alex and Clive can bring to the team. Alex is scheduled to have a run out with the reserves in midweek, and although we can't really risk Clive in that match, he could be fit enough to play at Wycombe.

"We've been working hard to boost the squad and, although you can never be certain of these things, I'm optimistic about bringing somebody in this week."

United were close to signing an experienced player ten days ago before that deal stalled over a disagreement between the player and his current club, but the never-ending search for new players continues and two French trialists are training with the squad this week.

Commenting after Saturday's match, McFarland added, "It was a choker to concede a last minute goal at Preston when we had played well enough to take a point against a good team. We defended much better than in recent games, and we have to remember the overall performance rather than the result.

"I couldn't fault the commitment, but we didn't do well enough in attack to take the pressure off the defence. Our wide men couldn't create enough for the front two, and Trevor Benjamin didn't have the influence which he can have on a match. Again, though, the results went our way, and we can look at the table and know that one win would give us a big lift."

McFarland revealed that Ian Ashbee had been instructed not to take throw-ins due to a shoulder injury, but it was from his throw that United lost possession and Preston scored their late winner. Ironically Ashbee has been one of the best and most consistent United players all season.

Assistant secretary Mark Johnson has passed on details of the forthcoming FA Cup draws. The draw for the First Round proper, which will be played on the weekend of the 30th October, will take place live on SKY TV on Saturday 16th October at 5.30pm. It will be a national draw i.e. with no regionalisation.

Cambridge United (4-3-3): Van Heusden, Chenery, Duncan, Eustace, Ashbee; Wanless (Preece 89'), Paterson, Cassidy; Byfield (Taylor 58'), Butler, Benjamin.
Subs not used: Joseph, Marshall, Youngs.
Booked: Cassidy 58' (foul), Eustace 80' (time wasting).

Preston North End: Moilanen, Alexander, Edwards, Kidd (Murdock 11'), Jackson, Gregan, Cartwright, Rankine, Macken, Mathie (Eyres 84'), McKenna (Gunnlaugsson 84').
Subs not used: Lucas, Nogan.

Referee: Alan Kaye (Bradford)

Preston recorded only their second home win of the season thanks to a brace from Jon Macken, the second coming as a late, late heartbreaker for United after the U's had weathered the early storm and taken a first half lead through top scorer Martin Butler.

The first match reports are on line here.

Ian Ashbee (left), who was Roy McFarland's first signing when he joined on a free transfer from Derby County in December 1996, is enjoying some of the best form of his career and was voted U's Net player of the month for August.

He commented, "It's given me a little bit of a boost. I think I've been doing quite well, and I'm pleased that the manager has seen it the same way and offered me a new deal. I am more than happy to sign as I enjoy it here."

Central defender Andy Duncan said, "I haven't looked back since I came here from Manchester United."

 The 21-year-old joined the U's on loan from Manchester United in January 1998 before making the move permanent with a £20,000 switch in April. Duncan, who only missed one game last season and was voted U's Net Young Player of the Season in May, continued, "Last season was a dream for me and I'm sure that we have the players here to turn things around this season."

Manager Roy McFarland persuaded Ashbee and Duncan to pursue their careers away from their Premiership clubs and he commented today, "I am pleased that both players have signed and committed themselves to the football club. It shows that they want to have their futures here and that they feel they can progress here.

"It's nice to know that although we're not playing particularly well at the moment, players are prepared to commit themselves to the Club."

Meanwhile teenage defender Adam Tann has been issued squad number 21. Tann signed his first professional contract last month, days before making his England Under 18 debut, and joins the England Under 18 squad for three internationals next week.

McFarland does not know which of his squad will be fit to face a resurgent Preston side as he has worries over three players. Alex Russell and Clive Wilson are already ruled out through injury and Neil Mustoe is suspended, but the latest worries are over central defenders Marc Joseph and Scott Eustace, and midfielder Ian Ashbee.

The manager explained to the Cambridge Evening News, "Marc Joseph has a bit of groin trouble similar to the injury that kept him out last season, so we have to be careful there. Scott Eustace's hamstring tightened after he played for the reserves on Wednesday, and Ian Ashbee fell and banged his shoulder."

Ben Chenery is fit again and could be asked to play in central defence after he filled that role for the second 45 minutes in the reserves' fixture on Wednesday, and Martin McNeil, who turned 19 on Tuesday, is included in the squad.

Joseph, Eustace and Ashbee were unable to train fully today but will travel to Preston, and veteran player-coach David Preece could be called upon to fill a gap in midfield.

On loan striker Darren Byfield will have a point to prove to Preston boss David Moyes tomorrow. The Aston Villa striker had a loan spell at Deepdale last season and scored on his debut before picking up an injury, but his stay ended on less than perfect terms as he was allegedly unhappy at being asked to sit on the bench later in his stay and returned to Villa Park.

"I don't know what I can say about it," he says in today's CEN. "I was there for a couple of months and it didn't end up all that well. You could say I didn't exactly see eye-to-eye with the manager. I played four games for them, plus three as sub, and they were going well. David Moyes must have been really disappointed they didn't win promotion.

"It's a hard looking match, but we can get something if we can tighten up at the back. I think we've played well in spells in the two games I've been in. The two players I'm with up front both look good enough to play at a higher level, and I'll certainly be up for it."