Mark, who commences his duties at the beginning of November, will act as assistant to Andy Pincher who assumes the Club Secretary role when Steve Greenall moves on to Norwich City at the end of this week.

"Two players went in hard for the ball, and either of them could have got a knock. For a player to be sent off for something like that there should have to be some intent to hit the other man -- and Trevor doesn't play like that."

However Exeter boss Peter Fox countered, "My player is on the treatment table with stud marks on his calf."

You can read an exclusive "Moosenet"interview with Roy McFarland here, as he answers questions put by members of the mailing list.

Cambridge United's Worthington Cup third round trip to Nottingham Forest is likely to take place on Tuesday 27th October, although this date is still subject to confirmation. Ticket prices are likely to be £12 and £5 for concessions, but all details will be confirmed here as soon as possible.

The game has not been selected for live screening by Sky TV (what do we have to do?) as they have opted for the glamour all-Premiership tie between Chelsea and Aston Villa, and the visit of Kevin Keegan's Fulham to Liverpool.

United are rated at 300-1 to win the Cup by Hills, who make Liverpool 6-1 favourites.

He admitted that the trip to Nottingham Forest was disappointing after United's sterling efforts to sweep past first division Watford and Premiership side Sheffield Wednesday: "We're a bit flat because we didn't get a home draw," he said, "but we won't be afraid to go up there and perform."

Meanwhile, McFarland was at a loss to explain Trevor Benjamin's red card in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Exeter. The teenager, whose goals have been vital in the current cup run, was dismissed in the 70th minute for 'violent conduct'.

"The referee had a few problems during the game," the manager commented. "I couldn't see the reason for the sending off."

A small item in today's People Online claims that first division Crewe Alexandra are keen on 19-year-old Benjamin, but fear that his performance against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek will have pushed his fee too high.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Youngs, McCammon.
Booked: Joseph 50' (unsporting behaviour), Duncan 64' (foul)
Sent off: Benjamin 70' (violent conduct)

Exeter City: Bayes, Curran, Power, Fry (Crowe 85'), Richardson, Gittens, Rowbotham, Baddeley, Flack, Holloway (Gardner 78'), Breslan.
Sub not used: Gale.
Booked: Curran 31' (foul), Rowbotham 53' (unsporting behaviour), Baddeley 60' (foul)

Ref: Lee Cable (Woking).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 2, Exeter 3
Corners: Cambridge 4, Exeter 5

United looked jaded after their mid-week efforts while Exeter had by far the better of the game, and the Grecians could well have felt aggrieved at two early decisions which seemed to go against them. After 17 minutes the ball hit Marc Joseph in the area but referee Mr Cable ignored claims for a penalty after what appeared to have been a clear handball by the young defender. Immediately afterwards a long throw was flicked on for Rowbotham but his stooping header produced a great save from Arjan Van Heusden. Then after 23 minutes there was a heated confrontation after Baddeley went down clutching his face with Trevor Benjamin nearby.

But in the 27th minute United scored against the run of play after a rare attacking foray. A Ben Chenery cross went behind for a corner which appeared to have been wasted, but from the resulting throw Neil Mustoe collected the ball, crossed into the box for the unmarked John Taylor to head home from 15 yards. It was Shaggy's 61st League goal for United and moves him level with Tom Finney on 61 goals. Only Alan Biley with 74 has scored more League goals for the Club.

There were few incidents between the goal and half-time, although Trevor Benjamin had to go off the pitch for about five minutes after a clash of heads. Then Exeter were on the end of another controversial refereeing decision in the 46th minute, when Rowbotham got on the end of a Flack flick-on, collided with Van Heusden and went down in the area claiming a penalty. It was a decision that could have gone either way and Mr Cable waved their claims away, but most of the Exeter team wanted to talk to him on the walk back to the dressing-rooms. (Half-time 0-0)

During the interval Club Secretary Steve Greenall was on the pitch to thank the fans and say farewell before he leaves for Norwich City. He also referred to a recent discussion on Moosenet about why Trevor Benjamin does not react to the chants of "Bruno". He revealed that he has asked the big striker what he prefers and the answer is "Trev", "Trevor" ... anything but "Bruno"!

The second half failed to live up to even the limited excitement of the first, with the major talking point being the way that Mr Cable slowly lost control of the game. There were niggling challenges, flying elbows, players throwing themselves to the ground, and the referee seemed reluctant to punish the obvious offences while concentrating on the innocuous. The card count rose steadily as first Marc Joseph was booked for kicking the ball at Rowbotham (50mins), then Rowbotham was booked for kicking the ball away (53mins), Baddeley was booked for a foul on 60 and Andy Duncan was punished for apparently winning a header four minutes later.

But the decisions went from being mildly irritating to potentially costly as current goal hero Trevor Benjamin was sent off after 70 minutes. He arrived late for a tackle with Geoff Breslan, committing an offence that was bookable at worst, and Mr Cable demonstrated that he had completely lost control of the game by immediately flourishing a red card.

In a game that never really got going United were restricted to trying to protect the lead gained by probably the U's only shot on target. Meanwhile Exeter tried to make the most of their opportunity by bringing on two sets of fresh legs, and eventually made numbers count in the first minute of injury time. Ironically it was Breslan who crossed for Jon Richardson to head a late equaliser under the crossbar. United slip a place to 9th in the table.

Cambridge United, the last remaining Division Three side in the Worthington Cup, were paired with Nottingham Forest in today's third round draw. The game will be played at Forest's City Ground in the week commencing October 26th.

"We have had great incentives going into the last three games," Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "Taking on Sheffield Wednesday and going to a tough place like Southend motivated everybody. Now we have to play as well in a game we are expected to win, the kind of match that can trip teams up.

"In every professional match you are going to have a bit of a battle, and you have to win that before you can play the way you want to. That's the test for the players now."

McFarland may make changes to the eleven who were on duty on Tuesday night and could rest 33-year-old John Taylor, bringing in one of the young strikers Tom Youngs or Mark McCammon instead. Defender Marc Joseph is undergoing treatment after receiving a kick on the hip-bone, but he is expected to be fit tomorrow.

Exeter will be without former U's skipper Jason Rees, who was released by United at the end of last season, as he has already collected five yellow cards and misses out through suspension.

United chairman Reg Smart has denied recent reports that agreement had been reached with the Allotments Association for the release of land for the club's re-development.

He told the CEN, "Someone put a story on Ceefax which was inaccurate and did not come from the club. It has embarrassed us because we are in the early stages of negotiations with the Allotments Association, and are not assuming anything at this stage, although the talks are promising."

Late update: Clubcall reports that an attempt to bring Scott McGleish back to Cambridge United, in a swap deal involving 'Billy' Beall, has fallen through.

Roy McFarland used today's Cambridge Evening News to assure Cambridge United fans that Trevor Benjamin will not be sold cheaply to a bigger club. The big striker was the goal hero at Hillsborough and again on Tuesday night he scored the vital goal to put United through to the third round.

McFarland said, "I'm aware that the publicity of the cup win might increase interest in Trevor, but nobody is leaving Cambridge United unless the fee matches our valuation of the player. And we have such a team spirit at the club now I think a lot of the lads would say they don't want to move at the moment."

Benjamin was already rumoured to have attracted interested from Wimbledon and Crystal Palace but his recent form has put the 19-year-old in the headlines and further interest must be inevitable.

In an interview for U's Net on Wednesday, McFarland stressed that there has been a lot of interest in the team from the start of this season, although he was not prepared to put valuations on any of his players' heads. "They are worth what people want to pay for them," he commented.

He told the CEN, "Strikers are the most sought-after players, but I'd like to see Trevor stay with us for a while longer. He's made good progress since this time last year, but is still learning the game. I almost brought him off after his disappointing display in the first half at Southend, but he picked it up after the break.

"Trevor has to take on board that when he goes into a game he is going to work. That's the ethic which will make him a very good player. We certainly aren't looking to sell him at the moment, and fortunately we are not in a position where we have to. The Worthington Cup runs have boosted our finances a little and there is the prospect of another good pay day in the next round."

The CEN estimate that the two cup games against Sheffield Wednesday made the Club between £50,000 and £60,000, but that figure could be multiplied many times if the next round throws up a televised away tie against one of the Premiership giants.

The draw for the third round of the Worthington Cup will be made live on Sky TV on Saturday, with their programme starting at midday and the draw taking place at 12.30pm. The Premiership teams involved in European competition enter the draw at this stage, making up the full 32 teams. Cambridge United have informed U's Net that the numbered ball to look out for is number ten, and here is the full list of the 32 remaining teams:

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Marshall, Youngs, Wilde, McCammon.

Sheffield Wednesday: Pressman, Atherton, Jonk (Barrett 79'), Newsome (Sanetti 79'), Walker, Carbone (Alexandersson 44'), Booth, Di Canio, Briscoe, Hinchcliffe, Thome.
Subs not used: Clarke, Magilton.
Booked: Newsome 15', Atherton 31, Hinchcliffe 74' (all fouls).

Ref: M Halsey (Welwyn Garden City).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 3, Sheffield Wednesday 6
Corners: Cambridge 12, Sheffield Wednesday 6

The floodlit stadium was packed and noisy even before the teams emerged to a short fanfare from Jethro Tull's "Black Sunday" - unsurprisingly the choice of departing club secretary and Tull fan Steve Greenall - before that gave way to the stirring and very apt Bon Jovi lyrics "Oh, we're halfway there, oh living on a prayer"!

United made one change from the team that won at Southend on Saturday, reverting to the side that faced Sheffield Wednesday last week by bringing in player-coach John Taylor for Mark McCammon. For the visitors, both Italian "fancy dans" started, with Di Canio and Carbone flanking Booth in a three man front-line.

From the very outset United marked their intent to pick up exactly where they left off last week, denying their expensive-assembled visitors the time to settle or think about using the immaculate surface. At times it was hard to tell which was the third division team of free transfers and youth team graduates and which was the team of Premiership thoroughbreds - who had complained about the distance they had to walk to the dressing room!

United's defence looked impregnable, but if the back line was breached then either the shots were off target or Dutchman Arjan Van Heusden confidently claimed the few balls that reached him. After 24 minutes Lee Briscoe fired in a ball that skimmed the United crossbar and moments later the little Italian Carbone sent a shot high and wide of United's goal. After 28 minutes Carbone set up his compatriot only for Di Canio to shoot straight at Van Heusden.

In midfield Paul Wanless and Neil Mustoe gave the visitors no time for a second touch as they chased tirelessly, and Alex Russell demonstrated the range of passing and the vision that saw him on Liverpool's books as a youngster. Up front Martin Butler ran himself into the ground and proved a handful for former England international Des Walker, while John Taylor provided some clever touches and link play.

But the man who really gave Wednesday their collective headache was 19-year-old Trevor Benjamin. Roy McFarland leapt onto the touchline early in the game to call for a better supply for the big forward, and after that he was never short of through balls to take towards the Wednesday defence at speed. United forced several corners during this first half, dominating and enjoying several long spells of possession.

On the half hour Carbone went to ground near the away bench, clutching his face after a struggle for the ball with the outstanding Jamie Campbell. After writhing on the grass and ignoring the referee's instructions to get to his feet, the Italian was duly stretchered off to gingerly return after treatment. Meanwhile Trevor Benjamin was hacked down by Wednesday skipper Peter Atherton as United counter-attacked at speed, but in contrast to Carbone, 'Fash' leapt up straightaway, angry about the challenge which earned a free kick.

While Booth just failed to connect with a Di Canio cross, Carbone was to demonstrate an appalling attitude minutes later, once again writhing in apparent agony following a Campbell tackle. This time clutching his ankle he limped heavily from the pitch, returning very reluctantly to limp a few paces up and down before gesturing to the bench that he had had enough of this game. After this disgraceful display he was replaced a minute before half-time by Swede Niklas Alexandersson. (Half-time 0-0, agg. 1-0)

Danny Wilson obviously did not spare his players during the break as they came out looking fired up and prepared for battle, and barely two minutes into the half Van Heusden made a fine reflex save from Jonk's powerful shot, stretching at full-length to deny his Dutch compatriot. At the other end Butler went close to meeting a Benjamin cross and then on 55 minutes Benjamin was denied twice in quick succession as his shot was blocked by Pressman and his effort from the rebound was cleared off the line.

Then the moment that stunned three quarters of the Abbey into silence while the Wednesday drummers started again with gusto. On 69 minutes Kevin Pressman collected a Trevor Benjamin headed and his long kick was met by the head of Jamie Campbell, who helped the ball on to where he thought Van Heusden was positioned. The goalkeeper had moved to his left to cover a lurking Wednesday player and even a despairing full-length dive was not enough to stop the ball spinning into the empty goal.

The despair around the stadium was palpable and for a few rocky moments Wednesday tore at a United side in disarray, but it was only for a couple of minutes before Wanless and Taylor marshalled and regrouped the team. Four minutes later Benjamin outjumped the Wednesday defence at the far post to meet Alex Russell's fine free-kick and direct a powerful header under the crossbar.

The scenes of wild celebration were unforgettable as the Abbey erupted, and only the most partisan of away supporters could deny that United deserved the goal after they had matched their Premiership visitors throughout.

Several heads dropped on the Wednesday team and Danny Wilson made two changes with ten minutes left on the clock, bringing on Italian striker Sanetti for defender Newsome and former England defender Earl Barrett for the ineffective Jonk. Terrace favourite John Taylor, rolling back the years with a hard-working and canny game, saw a rocket shot hit the post in the 84th minute. Alex Russell also missed a good chance, then it was just a case of nail-biting and whistling as the referee found three minutes of injury time somewhere and Wednesday threw everyone into attack in search of another, deciding, away goal.

But it was not to be their night as a new generation of committed United players put the words 'Cambridge' and 'giant-killing' together again. Unfortunately the national media seem to regard Northampton's televised defeat at West Ham as far more news-worthy, but there was no stopping the celebrations at the Abbey. Supporters danced and hugged as the players did the same on the pitch, and John Taylor persuaded Benjamin to take his due praise from the fans before the eleven players left the pitch to a hugely deserved ovation.

The night was unforgettable for another reason too, when secretary Greenall bounded onto the pitch side to wave to the departing Main Stand crowd. As he moved on to the Newmarket Road End it erupted into a chorus of "Greenall, Greenall" and "There's only one Stevie Greenall", and faced with a row of out-stretched hands he imitated Barry Fry by running along the front of the stand exchanging 'high-fives'. Supporters in the Habbin who were heading for the exits moved down to the front of that stand to complete the fans' tribute and cap a truly wonderful evening for all connected with Cambridge United.

After the game a drained Roy McFarland told the assembled Press, "Now we would like one of the giants to cash in on our magnificent displays. This Cup could help finance our real objective, promotion from the Third Division.

"I thought we were comfortable throughout the match against Wednesday. They had few first half chances but they were never able to take control of the game. We gave them a goal from a mistake and it was vital that we hit back very soon. Trevor Benjamin did it for us again and I don't think anybody could say we didn't deserve to go through."

Meanwhile goal hero Benjamin said: "That's three goals in three games for me now. I am really enjoying it. I always thought I could score against Wednesday and I hope it brings up a big draw in the next round."

McFarland added: "I always felt comfortable about the match. We were defending a bit too deeply early in the second half, giving Wednesday room to play, but once we sorted that out we were a match for them."

He revealed that the Board would like to play Manchester United at Old Trafford in the next round while he quite fancied the former Champions at the Abbey Stadium, before adding "It was a magnificent night with a big crowd and now we have to make sure we get back down to earth quickly for Exeter on Saturday."

Midfielder Alex Russell, who supplied the pin-point cross for Benjamin to head home, commented, "We had a tougher time against Southend on Saturday. Their midfield hardly gave us a minute on the ball, it was a battle, but Wednesday even with Wim Jonk in there were easier to handle."

John Taylor, a goal-scoring hero of the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wednesday in 1991, added: "This was just like the old days when we reached those FA Cup quarter-finals. I'm glad these lads have experienced what it feels like when there's a big crowd in."

Owls Danny Wilson commented, "I don't think there was too much wrong apart from the fact that we didn't take our chances. You have to give Cambridge credit, they fought hard through a great cup tie and probably deserved their reward. We had good opportunities in the first half we should have put away, and you can't get away with that in cup football."

The CEN and the Nationwide web site are reporting that the Whitehill Road Allotment Society has agreed to release some of its land to allow potential redevelopment of the South Terrace to go ahead.

First of all, the on-line Cambridge Evening News will no doubt provide team news beforehand.

The team line-ups, latest score and live Real Audio commentary will be available from the official Sheffield Wednesday web site at http://www.swfc.co.uk/realaud2.htm, or check the Sporting Life vidi printer for latest scores.

After the game the first match report should be available from the Sporting Life site in this part of their excellent site.

Fellow managers Barry Fry of fierce local rivals Peterborough and Manchester United's Alex Ferguson were among the judges, and McFarland commented proudly, "It's a reward for the players, who worked really hard for the win."

Reflecting on Saturday's hard-fought win at Southend, McFarland admitted that he considered taking his Hillsborough goal-scorer Trevor Benjamin off at half-time.

"Trevor just wasn't putting himself about," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "I brought young Mark McCammon in on the other side of the attack for his first start, and understandably he drifted in and out.

"But with Trevor doing it as well Martin Butler was isolated and running himself into the ground. I was considering bringing both of them off early on the second half, but Trevor just did enough to stay on."

His judgement was rewarded when the big teenager was in exactly the right place to divert Marc Joseph's cross into the net for the only goal of the game.

Southend manager Alvin Martin was frustrated to lose a game that his side dominated for long spells, and he said: "If I was the Cambridge manager now I'd be down on my knees in a prayer of thanks. They played well, but there's no way we shouldn't have had at least a share of the points. I can't remember a more frustrating match."

McFarland, who said he believes the Shrimpers will be in the promotion picture at the end of the season, agreed with Martin to a certain extent: "We got the breaks, no doubt about it. Southend are the best team we've played this season. But we played well in patches, and we've built up a bit of confidence with the recent results."

Looking ahead to tomorrow, and his penultimate game as Secretary, Steve Greenall would like to remind all supporters that it will be possible to "pay on the gate". Apart from seats currently being held for Season Ticket holders, there are very few seats left in the Main Stand.

There are, however, plenty of terrace tickets left and Greenall commented "I expect a lot of people, knowing it is not all ticket, will come to pay on the night."

The Club are urging everyone to get to the ground early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

United will aim to avoid a second-leg backlash from Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. United go into the biggest game at the Abbey Stadium for several years with a 1-0 first-leg lead and on the back of three wins and three clean sheets.

Roy McFarland has no fresh injuries to worry about and commented: "We know this match is going to be even tougher than the away leg because Wednesday know what to expect and they'll be smarting from that defeat. What we mustn't do is try to defend our lead from the start. They have players like Di Canio and Carbone who could rip us to shreds if we tried that."

Chairman Reg Smart has told the Cambridge Evening News that Leyton Orient's bid to sign midfielder 'Billy' Beall is "dead and buried."

He added, "There is obviously no way we are going to reach an agreement, and now we've got to pursue the case with the Nationwide League."

Mr Smart revealed that O's chairman Barry Hearn contacted him after their 5-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Worthington Cup, saying that he wanted to "get something done" about the Beall situation, but refused to improve his last offer.

He continued, "I had to tell him there couldn't be any deal, because the offer simply wasn't good enough - £30,000, and that only after the player has made 30 League appearances for them. I explained to him we couldn't let good young players go for that kind of money because it wouldn't even finance our youth scheme.

Manager Roy McFarland is quoted saying, "I gave Benjamin a roasting at half-time for not doing enough and I was tempted to pull him off. He's got to learn that this game is all about sweat and toil."

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless (Preece 69'), McCammon (Taylor 51'), Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Sub not used: Youngs.
Booked: Mustoe 35' (foul)

Southend United: Margetson, Hails, Stimson (Jones 56'), Morley, Newman, Coleman, Maher, Gooding, Conlon, Whyte (Fitzpatrick 86'), Burns (Clarke 71').
Booked: Whyte 33' (foul), Morley 47'(foul).

Ref: P. Taylor (Cheshunt).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 4, Southend 7
Corners: Cambridge 3, Southend 5

Long delays on the M25 meant that some United fans missed the kick-off and reporter Mark Johnson commented that it took him half an hour longer to reach Southend than it did to drive back from Sheffield on Wednesday night!

The game got off to a bright start, and indeed the whole first half was an exciting clash of two good footballing sides. After ten minutes Southend went close through recent signing Barry Conlon, but Arjan Van Heusden saved superbly. The former Manchester City man met a corner with a header but was denied by Van Heusden's outstretched foot.

Alex Russell went closest for United in the first half from a 25th minute free-kick. The midfielder has lethal dead ball skills and it was no surprise when he curled the ball around the defensive wall, but he was a fraction wide and the ball ended in the side netting.

There were chances a-plenty as both sides got to grips with the game, and United were called upon to defend stoutly throughout the half as Southend carved out more chances. At the other end Rob Newman impressed as he shackled Martin Butler and 39-year-old Mick Gooding dominated the midfield area for Southend. Trevor Benjamin was, as ever, full of running and enthusiasm while Alex Russell caught the eye too. The midfielder sometimes seems to think too quickly for his teammates, resulting in a loss of possession, but that will resolve itself as this young side continues to gel and he is proving to be a good signing. (Half-time 0-0)

Southend resumed very strongly and continued to dominate after the break, despite John Taylor's early entry in place of McCammon. Andy Duncan was called upon to produce a towering performance at the heart of the U's defence as United faced probably the best footballing side in the division this season. However, in the 73rd minute and against the run of play United went ahead through Wednesday night's hero Trevor Benjamin. A looping cross from the impressive Marc Joseph bounced and bobbled over Martin Butler's head but Benjamin was perfectly placed beyond him to nod the ball home. [mpeg video file of goal]

Almost immediately afterwards Conlon missed a chance to level for Southend but their attacks became more wayward as desperation set in while United could have gone on to score again. In the 85th minute Martin Butler broke through one on one with Margetson but the 'keeper was out quickly to smother the danger. A minute after that David Preece, who had replaced the tired-looking Paul Wanless just before the goal, fed Trevor Benjamin down the left flank but again Margetson was out bravely to deny the big teenager.

This was an excellent victory snatched against the odds from a strong side and moves United up to 8th place in the table. It is even more welcome coming on the heels of a famous Cup win when the players might have been expected to be suffering the after-effects of that hard-fought win at Hillsborough. Manager Roy McFarland will no doubt be delighted with a third successive win and third successive clean sheet, but after the game he acknowledged, "I can understand Southend's frustration at not getting something out of the game".

Elsewhere, former U's favourite Mick Heathcote scored the first goal as Plymouth Argyle won 2-0 at Peterboring, allowing United to leapfrog over their 9th place neighbours.

(Ken Shulman in Australia - Mark Johnson sends his regards!)

Campbell (right) suffered the injury during the marvellous cup win at Sheffield Wednesday and he was unable to train today. Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee are both ruled out for the next few weeks, and although goalkeeper Scott Barrett has returned from his loan spell at Kingstonian he has a dislocated finger.

"Jamie is receiving treatment," McFarland revealed. "There is some swelling and we'll be giving him as long as we can before making a decision."

If Campbell fails to recover he will give McFarland a major headache as there is no other senior left back in the squad. The Cambridge Evening News suggests that his options are to ask a midfielder to play in that position, or to blood 19-year-old Larry McAvoy who can play anywhere across the back and featured in several of the first team pre-season friendlies.

McFarland hinted strongly that there will be changes tomorrow after the mid-week game, with veteran striker John Taylor a possibility to step down after he played the full 90 minutes at Hillsborough. His player-coaching colleague David Preece could return to action after missing the Worthington Cup game, although youngsters Tom Youngs and Adam Wilde will be itching for a return to the first team.

McFarland is understandably keen to avoid the slump that came after the cup game at Watford, when United lost the next two games. He told the CEN, "We stuck with the cup team, but there were some tired legs. I can't take the risk of that happening again, so there could be a change or two."

Southend have the prospect of topping the division if they win, while United have to find the consistency to carry their Hillsborough determination into tomorrow's encounter.

Cambridge United's plans for the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium have moved forward significantly over the last ten days. Phase One of the scheme to develop a new North Stand to replace the existing club offices, the supporters' club and the existing spectator terracing has received a lot of the much needed support the club required before detailed planning permission could be sought.

There are three main bodies from which United need support to achieve the first stage of the Phase One development, namely:

• The Cambridge United Supporters Club
• The Whitehill Road Allotment Society
• Cambridge City Council

Discussions with these three bodies have now begun and the club has instructed its architects, Costall Allen Design Associates who are one of the country's leading and most experienced stadium architects, to start the preparation of a detailed planning application.

As reported last week, the Supporters Club has already given their unanimous backing to the scheme. However, the timing of the submission of the planning application will depend upon the City Council and the Allotment Society agreeing to release a small area of land adjacent to the club's southern boundary. In exchange the club is prepared to consider a form of compensation to be given to the Whitehill Road allotment holders.

United had been considering relocation or redevelopment options for many years and finally took the decision to redevelop their existing Newmarket Road site, after failing to find a suitable alternative site for a modern football stadium with supporting sport and community facilities, but successfully acquiring the former Corona works site on Newmarket Road. The acquisition of this site has enabled United's architects to design a new North Stand on the combined sites that would satisfy the City Council's previous concerns about redevelopment on the original, much smaller club site.

In consultation with the Council and the local community, United intend to provide much needed local community facilities within their redevelopment, and completion of Phase One will improve significantly the appearance of this part of Cambridge. With compensation available to the Whitehill Road allotment holders, this redevelopment ensures that everyone involved in the project (the club, the club's supporters, the Council, the allotment holders, the local community and visitors to the City who arrive via Newmarket Road) will benefit.

United Director Gary Harwood commented, "We are pleased with the reception we have received to date from all parties impacted by our proposed plans and we look forward to reaching the final agreement needed with the Council and Allotment Society to ensure we can submit our planning application and bring these exciting plans to fruition."

"It was easily our best defensive display of the season," McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News. "We rode our luck, but it was a tremendous performance. We had a plan to let Wednesday play in certain areas, and defend where the danger was. They tried to do too much individually at times and that played into our hands."

But there is no question of the players' heads getting lost in the clouds when the manager adds, "The only thing that disappointed me was that we didn't get a second goal late in the game. Wednesday went to one-on-one at the back as they tried for the equaliser."

McFarland, who disappointed some supporters when as usual he stood back from the mutual celebrations between players and fans at the end of the game, is calling upon the Cambridge public to fill the Abbey Stadium next Tuesday night. Despite the euphoria over last night's result he knows the job is only half done and he thinks the home support could be a vital ingredient as the team attempt to build on the shock victory at Hillsborough.

"The fans played a huge part in our victory," he told the CEN. "All the players came into the changing room talking about it. We had a long way to go after taking the lead in the fourth minute, but our supporters who never stopped cheering helped us through.

"We probably had 600, but they made more noise than the thousands of Wednesday fans. That's what we need at the Abbey, because this tie is far from over. Wednesday know exactly what they have to do now and they are going to throw everything at us."

[Match reports]

After last night's excellent Worthington Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday there has already been an early rush for tickets for the second leg game next Tuesday (kick off 7.45pm). The Club made the following announcement this morning:

The above game will not be all ticket for Cambridge United supporters. However, fans are strongly advised to buy in advance of the game, to alleviate queuing at the turnstiles. As demand is already very high the club recommend early purchase.

Usual match day prices apply i.e. £8 for terrace and Family Enclosure, £12 in the Main Stand, concessions £5 for terrace and Family Enclosure, £6 in the Main Stand. Season Ticket holders HAVE TO PAY at the above prices.

The ticket office will be open at the following times:
Thursday 17th 11 - 5pm
Friday 18th 9.30 - 5pm
Saturday 19th 10 - 12.30pm
Sunday 20th 10 - 12.30pm
Monday 21st 9.30 - 7pm
Tuesday 22nd 9.30 - 2pm

Season Ticket holders/priority voucher holders and concession book holders will be GUARANTEED a ticket, up until 7pm on Monday 21st September. The club will be utilising Voucher "B"

On Police and Club advice, fans are recommended to arrive as early as they can for admission to the ground. Turnstiles open at 6.30pm

Sky TV have, for reasons best known to themselves, decided to stick with West Ham and Northampton for the televised second leg game next week. Northampton take a 2-0 lead to Upton Park.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin, Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, Marshall, Youngs, Wilde, McCammon.
Booked: Campbell 90' (kicking ball away)

Sheffield Wednesday: Pressman, Cobian, Thome, Walker, Hinchcliffe, Atherton, Jonk, Rudi (Sanetti 67'), Carbone, Di Canio, Booth (Whittingham 67').
Subs not used: Clarke, Hyde, Barrett.

Ref: Terry Heilbron (Newton Aycliffe).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 1, Sheffield Wednesday 6
Corners: Cambridge 0, Sheffield Wednesday 9

United were unchanged for tonight's big match, with 19-year-old youth team products Adam Wilde and goalkeeper Shaun Marshall joining Tom Youngs (19) and Mark McCammon (20 last month!) plus veteran player-coach David Preece on the five man bench. The gulf between the two sides tonight could be seen in the personnel on the Sheffield Wednesday bench, where former England international Earl Barrett sat alongside experienced players like Guy Whittingham and Graham Hyde and Italian youth international Francesco Sanetti.

United got off to a brilliant start and stunned the Premiership side with a goal after three and a half minutes after Owls 'keeper Kevin Pressman made a mess of controlling Juan Cobian's poor backpass. The ever-willing Trevor Benjamin steamed in at pace to win the ball with a perfect sliding tackle, recovered his footing as Pressman hesitated, allowing 'Fash' to take it round the 'keeper and walk it into the empty net, sending more than 800 travelling U's into unforeseen and early ecstasy.

For the first fifteen minutes it was all United as they attempted to build on their lead, although Van Heusden had to make a good save from Benito Carbone. Paolo Di Canio, Andy Booth and Carbone all fired wide as the Owls started to get to grips with the game and United had to defend stoutly for the rest of the half. Marc Joseph impressed in defence against the tricky Di Canio, standing up to him and taking the ball more than once. The Italian was not enjoying the experience and had the odd niggle at the young defender behind the referee's back, and Wednesday as a team looked uncomfortable against United's chasing, harrying game.

In midfield Neil Mustoe was having an excellent game, probably winning more of the ball than skipper Paul Wanless, United's offside trap was working well and Jamie Campbell was another to catch the eye with a solid first half performance. United's delighted fans could be clearly heard singing "Cheer up Barry Fry" in the huge Hillsborough stadium, and there was more music for U's ears as the Owls were boo-ed off at half-time by their own fans, no doubt to receive a roasting from manager Danny Wilson. (Half-time 0-1)

As anticipated the second half saw more of the same as Wednesday pressed forward in numbers while United had to continue to defend solidly against almost one-way traffic. It was tense stuff as both Andy Duncan and Jamie Campbell cleared shots from Andy Booth off the line, and Van Heusden was called on for several good saves, including one from former England defender Des Walker. United's sole slight chance at this stage came when Trevor Benjamin raced clear and put the ball across the face of goal.

In the 56th minute Wednesday came close to equalising when Di Canio broke clear on the left and fed Andy Booth, but the big striker's shot from three yards out was blocked on the line by Jamie Campbell.

Wednesday were clearly feeling the pressure from their own fans and started to get tetchy as the half went on. Young Italian striker Francesco Sanetti and Guy Whittingham replaced Rudi and Booth after 67 minutes as Wednesday continued to pin United in their own half. Another brief respite came from a long ball out of defence from Andy Duncan, and Kevin Pressman had to be smartly out to beat Martin Butler to the ball.

The pressure continued as Wednesday forced several corners, Van Heusden did well to block a shot from Vonk and from the subsequent corner Duncan hacked Di Canio's effort off the line. Late in the game Wednesday won a series of contentious free-kicks as their players got more and more rattled, but they ran out of time and ideas during the last ten minutes while United managed to break out for two half-chances. With about three minutes left Benjamin raced clear only to shoot tamely at Pressman and a minute later Butler broke through but fired wide.

The game ended with wild celebrations from the travelling U's and the Hillsborough crowd rose to generously applaud United's eleven heroes from the field. We must wait to see, but surely this is the result of the first leg and deserves a visit from Sky TV's cameras for the second leg at the Abbey next Tuesday.

Roy McFarland was delighted with the result but stressed that the tie was "far from over". Speaking to PA News he said, "I think that's the best we've defended as a group since I've been here because they put us under a lot of pressure.

"It's nice to come away with a win over a Premiership team but without doubt the tie is not over. This is like a romance for us, we've enjoyed it tonight and we certainly know next Tuesday won't be easy."

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Wilson did not mince his words as he assessed the game: "It was a performance that was bordering on complacency. It was disrespectful to Cambridge because we thought we were going to go out and win that at a stroll.

"Full credit to Cambridge because they came and they worked their tails off. Their work-rate and team spirit has got them through that game tonight and that is what, to a certain degree, cost us the game. We didn't function as a team and we tried to play as individuals.

"They'll have been delighted that our players tried to win the game on their own because it never, ever works in football. We need players who will roll their sleeves up and have a right good go. You can forget all this fancy Dan stuff because it doesn't get you anything."

"We can't go there thinking we can just keep men behind the ball and keep them out. They have players like Jonk and Di Canio who can unlock better defences than ours," he told the Cambridge Evening News. "We have to go there and compete, and try to get that away goal, with the second leg in view. That's how we played it at Watford in the last round, and we were better on that night than a first division team."

McFarland will have the full backing of skipper Paul Wanless (left). The amiable 24-year-old, who turns into a strong committed leader on the pitch, commented, "We know they are going to have a lot of the ball. We are going to have to do a lot of defending, but we mustn't get into a defensive mentality.

"We have to look for that break and attack whenever we can. We have a striker, Martin Butler, who is on fire at the moment, and he can score against them if we can give him the right support. Nobody is worried about playing a Premiership team. In fact, we can't wait for the game."

Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee are ruled out through injury but winger Adam Wilde and goalkeeper Shaun Marshall are added to the players who were on duty on Saturday. McFarland is expected to stick with the eleven who ground out a hard-fought win over Leyton Orient at the weekend, including experienced striker and player-coach John Taylor. 'Shaggy' is the only current United player who was part of the side that beat Wednesday 4-0 in February 1991, scoring one of the goals that earned United the quarter-final trip to Arsenal.

Taylor commented, "We really turned Wednesday over that time, and we can go up there and do well because all the pressure is on the Premiership side. As long as our younger players can cope with the atmosphere of such a big ground, I'm sure we can get a good result."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Wilson was on the losing side that day and still remembers the experience: "You don't forget something like that," he said. "It is what can happen in any game if you don't have the right attitude throughout the whole team.

"Nobody has the right just to turn up and win a match against any other team. You have to work for it and earn it. Cambridge knocked out Watford this season and we'll be going into the game as though it was in the Premiership. This is an important match for us because we want to make progress in the competition. And ties like this can be as difficult as anything which comes later on."

On the official Sheffield Wednesday web site Wilson adds, "It's going to be a tough game and we can't afford to take anything for granted. They will be coming up looking for a scalp, but we have to capitalise on the win on Saturday. We have to treat them with as much respect as we did Blackburn, but remember their players will find an extra yard of pace and will play with a passion that's always evident in cup ties.

"You never know what happens in football. It would just be nice to get through the tie, but if we don't approach it correctly we could have a very, very tough game on our hands. But if we are professional and play as I know we can we should have a reasonably comfortable passage to the next round."

Wednesday have a worry over Brazilian defender Emerson Thome who has a slight hamstring strain, but Goce Sedloski stands by. Wednesday squad: Pressman, Cobian, Thome, Walker, Hinchcliffe, Atherton, Jonk, Rudi, Carbone, Di Canio, Booth, Clarke, Barrett, Sedloski, Magilton, Hyde, Oakes, Briscoe, Whittingham, Humphreys, Sanetti.

"That can take a toll on players mentally, as well as physically," McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "so it made sense to let them rest on Monday then come in today refreshed and ready to prepare for the cup game.

"Everybody knows how difficult it is going to be against a side like Wednesday. They beat Blackburn 3-0 on Saturday and, from the reports I got, it could have been five or six. But we've gone to West Bromwich Albion and Watford in this competition in the last couple of years, and looked the better side in both games. And Wednesday were knocked out by Grimsby last season."

An estimated 800 to 900 supporters will follow the team to Sheffield tomorrow night, ready to see United's youthful side take on the Premiership side who can boast the likes of Italians Paolo Di Canio and Benito Carbone, Dutch World Cup star Wim Jonk and England defender Andy Hinchcliffe.

20-year-old Beall rejected three contract offers from United before agreeing a three-year deal with Leyton Orient earlier this summer. However the London club failed to agree a transfer fee with United - and then discovered that they could not request a conditional tribunal. They were not prepared to risk being bound by the decision of a standard transfer tribunal and since then, apart from two paltry offers, the silence has been deathly.

Beall has been training with Orient in recent weeks although he is not eligible to play for them, but under League rules United must continue to pay his wages at the same rate he was on last season if they wish to retain the right to a transfer fee. Beall has been receiving wages on that basis since the end of June when his last contract expired.

Manager Roy McFarland commented, "We've got to the stage now when we want the League to look at the case because we are paying somebody who is making no effort to play football."

He told the Cambridge Evening News, "When the deal became deadlocked we invited Billy to return to the Abbey to train and maybe play, but his response was that if he couldn't move to Orient he would pack in the game and go to college. At the same time Orient have made no effort to resolve the deal."

Jamie Campbell has spoken about the goal that decided Saturday's grudge match against the O's, his second goal of the season. Modestly he told the CEN, "I was in the right place at the right time, but it was the overall performance which pleased me more. We let our supporters down over the last couple of weeks and we were determined to show them we really care about the club.

"We created more chances than Orient and defended better than they did. Our centre halves dealt with their big striker and Arjan in goal showed what he can do. It does take a bit of time to get that understanding between a back four and a keeper."

United's reserves won their rearranged game at Northampton yesterday afternoon, with the only goal coming from new professional Keith Newby. It was Newby's second goal in successive Combination fixtures.

The youth team are in Eastern Junior Cup action tomorrow night at the Abbey Stadium (7.45pm). Their opponents are Whitton Utd and admission is two pounds.

The Fans' Forum planned for Thursday 24th September has been postponed to an unspecified later date. This is due to the Worthington Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday evening, followed by the Combination game against Peterboring reserves on the Wednesday evening, making that week particularly busy. Further details here when they are available.

There is good news for supporters who are unable to watch the game at Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday evening or listen on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. You can hear Real Audio commentary from the official SWFC site.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Mustoe, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Taylor, Butler, Benjamin (Youngs 87'), Russell.
Subs not used: Preece, McCammon.
Booked: Russell 11, Wanless 20', Mustoe 48', Duncan 66', Benjamin 68' (all fouls), Taylor (not retreating 92')

Leyton Orient: MacKenzie, Walschaerts (Reinelt 61'), Warren, M. Joseph, Hicks (R, Joseph 71'), Clark (Morrison 71'), Ling, Ampadu, Griffiths, McCormick, Lockwood.
Booked: Hicks 32' (foul)

Ref: M.R. Warren (Walsall).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Leyton Orient 2
Corners: Cambridge 9, Leyton Orient 7

For the visitors, who arrived at The Abbey unbeaten on their travels this season, former United manager Tommy Taylor included new loan signing Steve McCormick whose height was expected to cause a few flutters in the home defence. Former U's skipper Matthew Joseph started the game while Robbie Reinelt, who had a trial spell at United at the end of last season, was on the Orient bench.

The visitors brought over 1,000 fans with them and treated them to a good start as they brought plenty of early pressure to bear without ever really threatening too much. Under-pressure 'keeper Arjan Van Heusden took his first catch cleanly, to ironic cheers from his own supporters after recent performances, and that set the tone for his reassuringly sound performance. He took his catches cleanly, made a couple of good saves and most importantly the big Dutchman looked confident.

Orient's Carl Griffiths hit the side-netting in the 12th minute but after that United came into their own. Three minutes later Trevor Benjamin beat his full-back and put over a great cross which Paul Wanless was always going to meet until he was pushed. United's skipper is not known for complaints to the officials but his appeals to the referee were unusually vehement as we were denied a clear penalty.

This was a bruising, niggling match throughout, as you would expect from the recent history between these two clubs, and United's players could not be accused of a lack of passion. They put in a committed display and in the process collected six yellow cards from World Cup Final linesman Mark Warren - five for mainly mis-timed tackles and one for John Taylor not retreating for a free kick two minutes into stoppage time. Orient's players seemed to go to ground after every challenge and Mr Warren infuriated the home crowd by awarding free kicks and brandishing the yellow card at United players. The first half petered out with no other note-worthy chances apart from a Martin Butler shot which was wide. Half-time 0-0.

The start of the second half mirrored the first with Orient giving us an early scare before United settled and put the visitors under pressure. On 49 minutes a shot from the much improved Ben Chenery curled just past the post and then on 52 minutes Jamie Campbell (right) pounced to put United into the lead.

The rare flowing move move began when Martin Butler found Trevor Benjamin but the big teenager's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper's feet. Benjamin reacted quickly to strike the rebound with his other foot but smacked the ball against the post, then it bounced back to Butler whose goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Martin Ling. Orient seemed to have escaped but the clearance went behind for a corner, Alex Russell swung the ball over, it bounced off a melee of players to Jamie Campbell on the edge of the area and the defender swept the ball home for his second goal of the season.

United then went on to win fairly comfortably - although the introduction of Reinelt with half an hour left gave Orient a boost - and reporter Mark Johnson singled out Andy Duncan for praise. The former Manchester United reserve had a very good game at the heart of United's defence, former Old Trafford team-mate Neil Mustoe caught the eye on only his second League start, while a good team effort confined Orient mainly to the middle third of the pitch and restricted their forays into the danger area.

After 79 minutes John Taylor twisted and turned to make an opening for himself only to send his shot inches wide, and a minute later Orient managed a rare chance when a cross found substitute David Morrison in space but he failed to bring the ball under control to make a shot. In the 83rd minute United went very close to extending the lead when Alex Russell made a brilliant turn and his shot was curling into the top corner until MacKenzie did well to tip it over.

Tom Youngs replaced Trevor Benjamin with three minutes left on the clock, and as the fourth official held up a board indicating five minutes of added time Orient launched their final charge. It was largely desperate attacking and United's defence held firm, and eventually the referee played less than four minutes before sending the home fans away happy.

This was not a vintage performance but it was much improved and restores a little pride and confidence ahead of Wednesday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday. The slippery conditions and Mr Warren's handling of the game did not contribute to the spectacle, either.

Elsewhere local rivals Peterborough United were held 1-1 at bottom club Shrewsbury, bringing them down to earth after their 9-1 romp against nine-man Barnet last weekend. Next week's Worthington Cup opponents, Sheffield Wednesday, disposed of Blackburn with an ominous 3-0 win.

Roy McFarland was much more pleased with today's performance and said BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, "Leyton Orient are a better side than last year and they gave us a harder game."

Ian Ashbee

"It's another blow after losing Michael Kyd for a long spell," the manager told the Cambridge Evening News. "Ian has a grade two injury, which means he probably won't need surgery, but he has torn an ankle ligament which could mean him being out for six to eight weeks. We'll miss him, because apart from his midfield role he is a player who can also play on either side of the defence. But we've just got to soldier on."

Visitors Leyton Orient, looking for their first win at The Abbey for six years, will include former United captain and Player of the Year Matthew Joseph, who has recently returned from injury. Paul Raynor should also feature, but fellow ex-U Tony Richards misses out with a niggling foot problem. Hopefully the U's backline will have sorted out their recent problems with set-pieces as Orient have signed 6ft 4ins centre-forward Stephen McCormick on loan and he made his Orient debut on Tuesday night.

McFarland admits that tomorrow's game is "a bit of a derby game." He adds, "There's a former United manager coming back as well as a couple of players, and all of that makes it a match in which there are extra incentives for us. The players know they've thrown away points in the last two home matches, and that they need to make it up to our supporters."

United squad: Van Heusden, Chenery, Joseph, Duncan, Campbell, Wanless, Russell, Preece, Mustoe, Butler, Benjamin, Youngs, Wilde, Taylor, McCammon.

It is not known whether 'Billy' Beall intends to watch tomorrow's game between the club who hold his registration and the club he wants to join, but it seems the 20-year-old is destined to remain in limbo until Orient raise their valuation. Beall was a first team regular for United and recorded 81 League appearances for the club who nurtured him from a schoolboy, but Orient's offers to date have been paltry. The situation still seems to be that chairman Barry Hearn will not return with a fresh offer until they have sold one or more of their existing players. Winger Jason Harris is currently on loan at Preston and has been linked with a permanent move, which might pave the way for an improved offer for midfielder Beall.

Wilde - penalty claim

Adam Wilde, the surprise replacement for the injured Ian Ashbee, was brought crashing down in the box after 62 minutes but United's appeals for a penalty were waved away and Martin Butler was booked for his protests.

"The defender took my leg away," said Wilde, while United captain Paul Wanless added, "It just about decided the game, the referee gave us nothing all night."

Then late in the game the referee was looking over his shoulder at a physio running onto the pitch, and missed seeing Butler's appeals for another penalty.

An unhappy McFarland commented, "We should have had one penalty at a vital time, and could have had two. But we lost because we made some basic errors, and again we didn't defend strongly enough at set-pieces."

Player-coach John Taylor added: "The first penalty was blatant. The referee just had to give it, but he didn't."

Wanless said: "I thought we deserved something. The lads are gutted for ourselves and our supporters who really got behind us. That penalty decision cost us at least a point."

19-year-old rookies Tom Youngs and Adam Wilde caused problems to Scunthorpe with their pace and running, but both were withdrawn before the end to bring on the two big strikers, John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin for the final cavalry charge. It is not ideal to have to use inexperienced teenagers, however talented they are, but as McFarland pointed out, "Unfortunately we have a small squad, and with the injuries to Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee we are down to the bare bones."

Meanwhile Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has declined the offer of a pre-match meal on Saturday. It is customary for the visiting directors to eat with the Cambridge United board before games but the drawn-out disagreement over 'Billy' Beall seems to be the cause of Orient's snub.

"It looks like the atmosphere might be a little frosty," said United secretary Steve Greenall.

Cambridge United (4-4-2): Van Heusden, Chenery, Wilde (Taylor 77'), Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Youngs (Benjamin 77'), Butler, Preece (Mustoe 90'), Russell.
Booked: Russell 61' (foul), Butler 63' (dissent).

Scunthorpe United: Clarke, Fickling, McAuley, Logan, Wilcox, Hope, Walker, Forrester, Eyre, Gayle, Calvo Garcia (Marshall 90').
Subs: Stamp, Bull.
Booked: Gayle 8' (foul)

Ref: K.M. Lynch (Knaresborough).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 4, Scunthorpe 6
Corners: Cambridge 3, Scunthorpe 8

United lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Wilde providing the width on the left and Russell on the right, with Tom Youngs partnering Martin Butler in attack. On a warm evening the game got off to a steady start, with United having probably the better of the opening exchanges. Butler and Youngs in particular looked lively for United while at the other end John Gayle's height looked as though it could potentially cause problems. Gayle was booked after just eight minutes for a foul on Marc Joseph.

United took the lead on 21 minutes thanks to some good vision from Youngs. From mid-way in Scunthorpe's half he lifted the ball over the defence and Martin Butler brilliantly sprung the offside trap to race clear, controlling the ball before chipping it over goalkeeper Tim Clarke.

The goal lifted United but unfortunately Scunthorpe also raised their game and equalised ten minutes later. John Eyre showed superb skill to turn Andy Duncan but his shot was going wide until Jamie Forrester turned it in near the post, despite Arjan Van Heusden getting a hand to the ball.

Alex Russell nearly got on the scoresheet after 37 minutes when he attempted to repeat his successful 25 yard free kick last week at Chester. From the same distance he whipped the ball in but Clarke just turned it round the post. Youngs and Wilde were causing problems for Scunthorpe with their pace, while The Iron looked a strong side and well capable of causing problems of their own.

At half-time the game was perfectly balanced and reporter Mark Johnson felt that United would have a lot of defending to do in the second half. (Half-time 1-1)

United were under the cosh early in the second half and the central defensive partnership of Andy Duncan and Marc Joseph both had chances to shine - Duncan with a brilliant interception, and Joseph with a perfectly timed challenge from behind in the box. However Scunthorpe went ahead after 59 minutes after a goalkeeping error by Arjan Van Heusden.

The big Dutchman, belying the "Ice" nickname bestowed upon him by Port Vale fans, had plenty of time to clear Ben Chenery's backpass but for some reason picked up the ball instead and conceded an indirect free kick. Paul Wanless' desperate repeat efforts to clear the ball saw him concede a free kick on the right and when the ball was played in Logan rose unchallenged to head the ball in.

If United were starting to get the feeling that it was going to be (another) one of those nights, the suspicions were confirmed three minutes later. Adam Wilde burst clear into the box only to be hacked down from behind, but the referee, who had a perfect view of the incident, waved United's claims away and even booked Martin Butler for his protests. Alex Russell had been booked two minutes earlier for a foul.

The gloom deepened on 74 minutes when a corner was flicked on by Gayle and headed in by the diminutive Forrester from very close range, with Van Heusden once again nowhere. Roy McFarland made a double substitution in the 77th minute, replacing the flagging Youngs and Wilde with John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin, and United closed the gap four minutes later when Alex Russell fired in a long range effort that deceived Clarke and left him flailing in its wake.

United mounted a late charge and laid seige to Scunthorpe's goal, keeping the home side pinned in their own half for the seven minutes of time added on, but it was all in vain as Scunthorpe withstood the pressure. They took all the points, consolidating their position among the leaders while consigning United to early mid-table mediocrity.

This game will also ensure that the rumblings of discontent about goalkeeper Van Heusden, who made an early candidate for 'save of the season' just minutes into his League debut for United, are amplified ahead of the weekend's clash with Leyton Orient and next week's trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

Following the successful meeting with the Supporters Club, who have agreed to be re-housed in a redeveloped North Stand, Cambridge United are understood to be meeting the allotment holders association this week, along with the Council. The allotments are at the immediate rear of the South Terrace, currently preventing any extension of that part of the ground.

The Supporters' Club have given their unanimous backing to a proposal which will see the club re-housed in the planned new North Stand development. Following director Gary Harwood's presentation to the members, the proposal was debated and finally the members were asked to vote upon a move from their current home to new premises to be contained within the new North Stand.

The proposal was given unanimous support which is a major obstacle cleared on the way to the building of the planned 4,500 all-seater stand, which would also provide a new club shop and offices. The Board would like to thank all of the Supporters Club members who were present for their support, and Mr Harwood intends to host, along with other Directors, an evening in the Harris Suite when the proposed re-development plans will be presented to any supporters who wish to attend. Further information and dates of meetings will appear in the matchday programme and on U's Net.

"It's an important step for us," Harwood told the Cambridge Evening News. "We made our presentation to the members and they were keen to come on board. We are close now to applying for planning permission, and we believe the council is sympathetic. Ideally we would like to begin work on the project at the end of this season, and we envisage an eight-month building programme."

Mr Harwood does not see that potential £4 million cost of the new stand as a stumbling block. He explained, "I don't believe the finance is an issue. There would be Football Trust money, other grants, plus commercial contributions."

Supporters Club chairman Paul Mayes commented: "We had a good turn out at the meeting and we all agreed with the scheme. It will give us a bigger club with modern facilities and it will still belong to us."

Secretary Steve Greenall has written to Leyton Orient following a strong rumour that the London club planned to have midfielder 'Billy' Beall sitting in the away dug-out at Saturday's game. Beall is still out of contract with United while Orient have failed to make an acceptable offer for the 20-year-old.

Greenall stated that Cambridge United would object in the strongest possible terms, adding, "With supporter feelings running high on both sides, it would be on a matter of safety that we make our objections."

United's youth team drew 2-2 at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday morning, with goals from Daniel Chillingworth and Matt Hanniver, but manager David Batch wants his young side to improve their competitive edge. Twice they led before being pegged back by the visitors and he commented, "I didn't feel that we were winning enough tackles.

Cambridge United: Van Heusden, Chenery, Ashbee (Taylor 80'), Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Youngs (Mustoe 58'), Butler, Preece (Benjamin 52'), Russell.

Scarborough: Elliott, Kay, Jackson (Atkinson 46'), Worrall, Lydiate, Marinkov, Bullimore, Hoyland, Williams, Brodie (Russell 87'), Robinson (Milbourne 75').
Booked: Hoyland 13' (foul), Robinson 35' (dissent), Worrall 69' (foul).

Ref: A. N. Butler (Sutton-in-Ashfield).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 5, Scarborough 5
Corners: Cambridge 4, Scarborough 8

Martin Butler put the U's ahead after just eight minutes, after a move that started with Alex Russell. The midfielder's pinpoint pass found David Preece scampering down the left, and Preece's equally accurate cross into the box arrived with Butler. His first touch controlled the ball and with his second he drilled home a left foot shot from fifteen yards.

Two minutes later some woeful defending by Scarborough saw our lead extended. Jackson's backpass was intercepted by Martin Butler who walked the ball past goalkeeper Elliott and rolled it into the empty net. United were comfortably in control at this stage while Scarborough looked extremely shaky at the back, but the visitors steadied the ship after about half an hour and started to threaten.

It was United's turn not to defend in the 38th minute when Jason Lydiate was left unmarked at a corner, and the defender was allowed to nod a free header past the isolated Van Heusden. Ominously, the visitors looked stronger after their goal as they sensed that they were not out of the game yet, although United managed the final attacking move of the half. (Half-time 2-1)

Despite undoubtedly harsh words from Roy McFarland at half-time, United failed to get to grips with a Scarborough side revitalised by the half-time introduction of Paddy Atkinson. He had his first chance within seconds of the re-start and on 51 minutes his cross was put behind for a corner which United once again failed to clear. Brodie hoisted the ball back into the area and woeful defending saw Marinkov rise above Joseph to head home the equaliser.

Trevor Benjamin was immediately sent on to replace David Preece and boost United's attack, as at this stage of the game only one side looked like going on to win the game ... and that side was not United. Six minutes later Tom Youngs was replaced by Neil Mustoe as the teenager looked tired after starting his second game in five days.

United's new goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden continued to looked unconvincing as he flapped at crosses - which is ironic as the biggest criticism of predecessor Scott Barrett was that he never came for crosses - and in front of him the defence were simply not at the races. The U's vulnerability at set pieces was underlined when the collapse continued in the 79th minute. A Brodie free-kick was flicked on by Lydiate to Gareth Williams at the far post, and the striker scored to put his side into the lead and cap an amazing fight-back for the Yorkshiremen, for the second season in succession.

John Taylor was sent on a minute later for Ian Ashbee in United's last throw of the dice and he helped United mount an all-out attack on Scarborough's goal for the closing five minutes, but it was all in vain. The early suspicion that after Scarborough's first goal there was only going to be one winner of this game was proved to be correct, and today's performance leaves a serious question mark over the communication between Van Heusden and his defence. When they're good they're very, very good, but when they're bad ...

To rub salt into the open wounds from this result, Peterboring ran out easy 9-1 winners against nine man Barnet and move above United in the table as we slump to 12th.

With thanks to Mark Johnson for the updates from the Abbey Stadium.

Kyd - knee op

Kyddie has been suffering with a niggling knee problem and missed some of the pre-season action and the opening game at Torquay before returning to action, but the pacy young forward has not looked fit. After having fluid drained from the joint last week he finally limped off at half-time against Hartlepool with a badly swollen knee.

Roy McFarland told the Cambridge Evening News, "Unfortunately it's a similar setback for Michael as this time last season, and he'll have to work hard again to get back. We'll miss him, but at the moment we are going to see if the young strikers we have at the club - like Tom Youngs, Trevor Benjamin and Mark McCammon - can fill the gap."

McFarland may stick with the same starting line-up that won at Chester on Tuesday night, although David Preece - who was outstanding on Tuesday - may make way for the younger legs of Neil Mustoe. 19-year-old Tom Youngs also made a good impression against Chester when he came in for the missing Kyd, and he is expected to keep his place tomorrow, while striker Martin Butler is fully recovered from the food-poisoning that laid him low last week.

McFarland gave clear warning that Scarborough may have to face a three man attack tomorrow when he said, "We had success with the 4-4-2 set-up at Chester, but I've said that at home we need to get at teams, and I could well use three forwards. It didn't work last week, but that was largely due to Michael's fitness plus the effects on Martin Butler of food poisoning.

"We left Trevor Benjamin out of the starting line-up at Chester, and he may have seen that as a message about what is needed to stay in the first team. If a striker is getting goals, it's hard to leave him out."

Meanwhile Preece has ruled out the chance of him patrolling United's midfield every week. The 35-year-old former Luton and Derby man told the CEN, "I'd love to be able to do it. There's nothing like playing, every coach and manager will tell you that.

"This is a young man's game though. I keep fit, and I train well. I'm ready for it when Roy wants me to go on, but it is a very fast game these days. I found the Chester game hard, the modern game is hard. You have to be able to run. It doesn't matter how good you are on the ball if you can't run you're not going to get the ball. It's a fact, a horrible fact, but you can't get away from it."

McFarland's highly-valued right-hand man added, "Roy and I go all over the country watching reserve team players, and there are some with good skills, but they can't run so we can't bother with them. I'll play whenever I'm asked, and I'll do my best, but at my stage now I'm not that worried about my game. I'm concerned about Cambridge United, and I want the younger players fighting to play in my position."

Visitors Scarborough will give goalkeeper Kevin Martin a late fitness test after he picked up an injury in the reserves, and if he passes manager Mick Wadsworth will name the same squad that was on duty last time out.

Wadsworth said of Cambridge, "They've has a good start and are a solid team but we did well at Orient last week and have to build on that."

Cambridge United will feature on Sky TV again for the third successive season, although unfortunately not at the Abbey Stadium this time. United's game at Brentford has been brought forward a day to Friday 18th December, and Sky's presence will guarantee United a £10,000 windfall from the game. [Fixture list]

Striker Andy Ingham has signed a two year deal with United, just days after he became eligible for a professional contract. The Leeds-born youngster has been in prolific form for the youth team, and it is a sign of the regard in which he is held at the club that United moved quickly to sign him just days after his seventeenth birthday.

Steve Greenall - Norwich bound

United wish him every success in this new role and Director Gary Harwood stated, "Steve became United's Secretary shortly after I joined the board. He has been a tremendous asset to to the club during his eight years as Secretary and the whole Board regrets his departure.

"We do, however, recognise Steve's need to develop his career in football and clearly he has a good opportunity at Norwich City to do so, and in an area which marks a departure from some of the duties he undertook with ourselves. We wish him all the very best in the future."

Pincher takes over the Secretary's role at United with immediate effect. He has been well trained for the role having worked for the club for the last eight years in various administrative roles, following a period as a youth team player, and during the last six years has acted as the Assistant Secretary to Greenall. He has studied accountancy and will work closely with United director Richard Summerfield to manage the club's financial affairs, although he will not initially carry the responsibility of Financial Controller.

Graham Eales, who was recently appointed the club's PR Co-ordinator, will take over the communications responsibilities previously carried out by Greenall.

Greenall said, "I am sorry to be going in many respects, especially as I have built up a great rapport with the fans, but I have been offered an exciting new challenge and, no doubt, I shall be back at the Abbey from time to time."
Ends

Steve has expressed to U's Net his mixed feelings about leaving United and I must place on record my personal thanks to him for his efforts to improve the information to this web site, and for his willingness to answer questions from the fans on the message board. There is no doubt that he will be missed.

He told the Cambridge Evening News, "In many ways I am very sorry to be leaving United. In eight years you build relationships with your colleagues at the club, and with the supporters. I turned down a move to Tranmere Rovers as secretary a year ago, but the post at Norwich City is one which excites me, and is an opportunity I really couldn't turn down."

Andy Pincher admitted, "There are mixed feelings for me. I enjoyed working with Steve, but it's a great opportunity for me. I know I have a lot to learn about the job, and I'll be picking Steve's brains in the month before he leaves."

United director Gary Harwood told the CEN: "There's no doubt it's something of a blow for United. Steve has been a tremendous asset during his time as secretary and financial controller. But things move on, and Steve has potential and skills in other areas he probably could not have fulfilled without a move of this kind.

"Andy has worked closely with Steve for six years, and we hope there will be a continuation of the good work and the efficiency in the administration of the club."

This comes at the end of an eventful week for 26-year-old Pincher as he is one of four players who have had their contracts cancelled at Cambridge City.

Captain last season, he was told by manager Graham Daniels that his future lies elsewhere: "Andy Pincher was a brilliant captain for me last year. He's a good lad and a good player, it was a hard decision but we felt it was the best thing for him to move on. He's been a fantastic servant to the club, but as now is the time to bring other players in, we couldn't afford to keep him."

Player-coach David Preece has confirmed that United are keeping tabs on Ipswich Town striker Neil Midgley and says "maybe something could come of it". The Cambridge-born 19-year-old appeared for United's reserves in a recent game and Preece describes him as a "sharp young striker".

Preece also commented on yesterday's Combination win by United's reserves over Oxford United. Adam Wilde, Mark McCammon, and Darren Cockrill combined to set up Keith Newby's winning goal, scored from a narrow angle, while Shaun Marshall had a good game in goal.

"We probably didn't change things around as much as we should have done at the start of the season, but we have a nucleus of 15 or 16 players and we are going to use them," Preece told the Cambridge Evening News.

"There were two changes for this match, and no-one can feel complacent. There was a bit of a lack of effort in the Hartlepool game. We were passing the ball quite well, but much too slowly. You have to play at pace in this division, and we did it better against Chester.

"They are a good footballing team, and it didn't seem to affect them much when they had a player sent off early on. But we made a lot more chances than them, we could have had five or six goals. They were rushing in a bit and they paid for that, whereas we were more controlled in our defending, which is why scouts are looking at players like Marc Joseph and Andy Duncan."

Duncan himself added, "It was probably the best we have played in the League. It was a pity it wasn't in front of our home fans after that defeat by Hartlepool. That's how we want to play against Scarborough at the Abbey on Saturday.

"Chester tried to get back into it early in the second half, but Paul Wanless' amazing goal killed them off."

Cambridge United have released details of ticket allocation for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday in the second round, second leg of the Worthington Cup on Tuesday 22nd September.

This game has been designated all ticket for away supporters only, but United fans wishing to buy Main Stand tickets in advance of the game can do so from the club's ticket office from tomorrow, Thursday 3rd September, during normal ticket office hours. The club urges all those wishing to see the game to buy their tickets in advance, as this would ease congestion at the turnstiles on the night.

Season Ticket holders are reminded that they must pay for this and other cup games, and Main Stand Season Ticket holders should note that their seats can only be guaranteed until Monday 21st September at 4pm. After that time those seats will go on general sale. Prices for the game are as per normal match day admissions.

Meanwhile, in a separate move, the Club has confirmed that priority vouchers are to be issued to paying fans at Saturday's League game against Scarborough. This was originally announced in last weekend's programme and Secretary Steve Greenall explains, "The vouchers will not be used for the Sheffield Wednesday game, but would be used for the next all-ticket game at the Abbey Stadium. That could be a cup match, or a high profile League game later in the season."

The vouchers will entitle the holder to buy one ticket in the future, and Greenall said that if they are not all taken up at the Scarborough game then the rest could be made available at the following home game against Leyton Orient. That would, of course, then enable individuals to get their hands on two vouchers and therefore two tickets.

Greenall added, "If we were fortunate to make some cup progress then voucher holders would enjoy the priority to buy over the general public, although we would always look after our season ticket holders first."

The reserves were in action this afternoon, with Oxford United the visitors for the Avon Insurance Combination fixture at the Abbey. The United line-up was:
Shaun Marshall, Jeremy Illingworth, Martin McNeil, Neil Mustoe, Larry McAvoy, Tommy Smith, Keith Newby, Darren Webb, Mark McCammon, Darren Cockrill, Adam Wilde.
Subs: Michael Barrows, Dean Armstrong, John Taylor.

John Taylor's young side recorded their first win since joining the Combination, thanks to a goal from Keith Newby.

Cambridge United (4-4-2): Van Heusden, Chenery, Ashbee, Duncan, Joseph, Campbell, Wanless, Youngs, Butler (Benjamin 81'), Preece, Russell.
Subs not used: Taylor, Mustoe.

Chester City: Brown, Davidson, Cross, Richardson, Crosby, Woods, Bennett (Bennett 77'), Priest, Murphy, Flitcroft, Smith.
Subs not used: Jones, A Shelton.
Sent off: Crosby 27' (foul), Brown 90' (foul, 2nd bookable offence)
Booked: Priest 25' (foul), Smith 76' (foul), Davidson 79' (foul), Brown 88' (dissent).

Ref: Fraser G. Stretton (Nottingham).

Shots On Target: Cambridge 7, Chester 1
Corners: Cambridge 3, Chester 3

The game got off to a steady start with both sides taking ranging shots at the opposition goal. Chester looked uncomfortable when attacked at pace and were restricted to a couple of long-range chances while Ian Ashbee fired wide after ten minutes and Paul Wanless fired tamely after controlling the ball and turning to shoot.

In the 27th minute Martin Butler burst through in pursuit of the ball and was hauled back by the last man, and although the referee missed the incident his assistant did not. He drew Mr Stretton's attention and Andy Crosby was duly shown the red card. Midfielder Alex Russell (right) stepped up to bend a stinging 20 yard free-kick round the wall and low into the corner of the net for his first United goal.

Unsurprisingly Chester pressed forward immediately in an attempt to level the score and the game was far from over as the half wound down. Russell curled the ball over the bar from another free-kick in the fourth minute of first half injury time. (Half-time 1-0)

Chester resumed strongly after the break as they sought the equaliser. However United weathered the storm and had the first serious chance in the 54th minute when Tom Youngs scampered clear and won a corner, the ball was not cleared and David Preece struck the rebound only to see it clear the bar. However United's next, similar, effort was on target!   Butler and Russell combined to create danger in the penalty area, the ball was half-cleared to Paul Wanless and United's skipper hit an absolute screamer from more than 25 yards to score a stunning first goal of the season.

From then on United were fairly comfortably in control of the game and Arjan Van Heusden really only had one save to make, while Russell hit the Chester woodwork twice and David Preece had a masterful game on the left of midfield. Tom Youngs looked promising up front, as he did during the pre-season games, and will have done his prospects no harm tonight.

Trevor Benjamin came off the bench to replace the tiring Martin Butler with ten minutes left and the game was sewn up deep into injury time when the big teenager once again earned a penalty for the U's. It was the 94th minute when goalkeeper Wayne Brown took Benjamin's legs away from him after a raiding run into the box, conceding an obvious penalty. Brown had already been booked for dissent in the 88th minute and the referee produced a second yellow and then the red, although arguably the offence merited a red card in its own right.

David Flitcroft went into goal as Paul Wanless took responsibility for the penalty, but the Chester midfielder could do nothing as Wanless calmly sent him the wrong way for his second and United's third of the night.