Next Friday for the Sky televised fixture against Brentford, the Bees are admitting under-16s for just £1. The Quid-a-Kid offer applies to the seating and terracing areas for both home and away supporters at Griffin Park. Prices for visiting supporters are as follows: Terrace - Adult £9, OAP £6; Seats - Adult £14, OAP £11.

Carlisle United are also following suit when we travel to Brunton Park on Monday 28th December, with the first 200 children in the ground also receiving a free gift. Get there early - leave on Sunday!

Keep your diary free in the week commencing Monday 4th January 1999 as that is the week set aside for the Second Round of the Auto Windscreens Shield. By the time you read this article the draw will have been made, as the first round ties were played earlier this week. We, of course, had received a bye . The postponement of the game away at Rochdale a fortnight ago is likely to mean that this fixture will also need to be slotted in some time during January. Once the date is confirmed it will be released to all the usual media sources.

On Tuesday evening the Youth Team are in action in The Times F.A. Youth Cup when they entertain Ipswich Town at the Abbey Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm and admission is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. David Batch's side had an excellent 1-0 in the previous round following a replay at Swansea, having drawn 0-0 at The Abbey. Please note however, that the Reserve game against Gillingham scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled.

We have finally got a date when the Football League Appeals Committee will meet to determine the fee for 'Billy' Beall's transfer to Leyton Orient. The hearing will be held in London next Friday morning. 'Billy', as you may know, has been playing regularly for the O's since the end of October.

Last Saturday was one of those days that we will look back on, having hopefully achieved our main objective this season, and have a little smile about. Such a defeat can help to remind us what this season is all about and whilst it is nice to have a Cup run, we've been to Coventry before anyway!

Last Saturday also revealed how the other half live ... well, Steve Greenall. With Norwich away at Swindon, Steve was in Cambridge at 12.30pm waiting to board a plane hired by Delia Smith! Whilst he was flying above the clouds I, like many other U's fans, was flying (70mph just in case Trevor George is reading this) up the M6 to Macclesfield.

If you're having trouble thinking of what to buy someone for Christmas, then how about a half Season Ticket? Season Tickets are available from the Boxing Day game until the end of the season for £125 (Main Stand Adult) or £85 (Terrace Adult). Children's Season Ticket prices are just £20. Concessionary prices are also available for senior citizens and students. For further details on prices and an application form please contact the Ticket Office.

Finally, as is the norm at this time of the year, may I on behalf of the Club wish you all a Happy Christmas. See you Boxing Day.

p.s. The mobile phone and the &163;5 note have still not been claimed.