Due to the teams' success on the pitch, attendances at The Abbey are on the increase, now almost on a game by game basis. We had over 4,000 for the Carlisle game and are expecting a crowd in excess of 4,500 this afternoon. As a consequence of the increased size of the crowds we are invariably getting some congestion at the turnstiles in the minutes leading up to kick-off. Whilst it is appreciated that some last minute arrivals are unavoidable, where possible we are requesting that supporters leave earlier than usual to allow sufficient time to gain entrance to the ground. An example of the numbers entering the ground in the final ten minutes was highlighted at the game against Carlisle. At 2.50pm prior to the game there were less than 3,000 people inside the ground. By kick-off time the attendance was over 4,000. Supporters should be aware that Main Stand tickets are on sale in the week leading up to the game and can be purchased in advance from the Ticket Office or over the telephone with a credit card.

Following the Carlisle game a complaint was received via the Website about the new barrier configuration on the North Terrace. The barriers have actually been configured to conform to the required legislation. Failure to have done this would have resulted in the terraced areas being closed altogether. Weather permitting, the work will also have been completed in the Habbin Stand in time for today's game. Part of the complaint stated that the exit by the uncovered area of terrace on the Main Stand side of the North Terrace had been reduced. This is not the case as the exit is in fact the same size, although the barriers at the back of the uncovered section have been reconstructed to stop supporters jumping through and over the top of these barriers into the path of supporters who have used the correct exit. This had to be done for safety reasons.

As a Club we are always keen to explain reasons for doing certain things and indeed to also accept constructive criticism for things which can be improved. However, if, as a Club, we are not informed of any problems which you have encountered then we can't rectify them. I am writing these notes after attending my first meeting of the CUSA. Certain problems encountered by supporters were raised at the meeting and we will be endeavouring to address these problems as quickly as possible. Other problems can be discussed there and then and the reasoning behind them can be explained.

Hopefully we will today have received new application forms for the Cambridge United F.C. Bank of Scotland Credit Card. The Club benefits from supporters taking out one of the Credit Cards as it receives a fee once the card is used as well as a commission on the amounts spent on the card. Forms should be available from the Club Shop and Ticket Office and we hope to publicise the benefits of the card further in a forthcoming programme

The Reserve game against Arsenal earlier this month was a great success, with over 1,500 supporters witnessing an exciting 3-3 draw. There was a family atmosphere to the evening, as accompanied children were admitted free of charge with an adult paying just £3. Concessions and unaccompanied children paid £1, whilst Season Ticket holders were admitted free of charge. We are now looking forward to the visit of Chelsea on Wednesday, February 24th 1999. Admission prices will be the same and please note that the kick-off will once again be at 7.00pm.

On Tuesday evening we travel to Walsall for the Area Semi-Final of the Auto Windscreens Shield. We have been allocated seats in the William Sharp Stand and entry is via turnstiles 21-28. Admission is £10 for adults and £6.00 for juniors.

With both of today's teams beating Scarborough 5-1 in recent weeks, today's game will be both very interesting and important, Let's hope we hear 'Coconuts' on the tannoy at the final whistle!