This afternoon's game is final one both Clubs will play in this millennium, and it therefore provides an opportune moment to to look back on Cambridge United's fortunes in 1999.

The year began with a trip to Hartlepool United, with U's earning a 2-2 draw against a home side that included a certain Peter Beardsley. During a ten-game unbeaten run, we progressed to the Area Semi-Final of the Auto Windscreens Shield, losing to Walsall on penalties. John Taylor missed one of the penalties in an otherwise exceptional season for the Abbey Legend.

Three straight wins in the League against Chester, Carlisle and Scarborough had already kept us in 2nd place as we went into February. However Andy Duncan's first half dismissal in the game at Leyton Orient unsettled the side and our run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat. The response was three straight wins, the second of which took us to the top of the table at the beginning of March for the first time that season. A 3-0 defeat at Barnet was followed by a 7-2 victory at The Abbey over Mansfield and promotion was very much on the cards.

Today's visitors came here at the start of April, with honours even in a 0-0 draw. A 1-1 draw in the local derby at home to Peterborough later that month knocked us off top spot. However, just three days later promotion was confirmed at Rochdale when John Taylor stepped off the substitute's bench to bag a couple of goals to see us into Division Two. In May, the last game of the season was fittingly a title decider at The Abbey against Brentford. The result went against us, but the positive aspect to take from the game was the exemplary behaviour of our supporters who not only kept off the pitch but stayed behind and applauded both sets of players. The players then jet off for a well-deserved holiday and Martin Butler returned to make a clean sweep of the Player of the Year awards. Season Ticket sales surpassed expectations and the new season couldn't arrive soon enough.

The Chairman confirmed that Roy McFarland had agreed to sign a new contract in his speech at the Civic Reception at the Guildhall. Jamie Campbell and Sam McMahon left The Abbey as Roy completed his retained list. June is occupied with behind the scenes activities, as preparations are made for the new season. In July, the scholars were the first to report back for pre-season training, quickly followed by the first team squad. Plenty of new faces as always in pre-season, but only Jamie Cassidy and Clive Wilson stay the course. Both are signed on contracts before the start of the season. David Preece also extends his contract with the Club in August.

An impressive opening performance and a new kit, complete with squad names and numbers lead to cries of 'It's just like watching Brazil' at Bournemouth, although we eventually lost the game 2-1. An early exit from the Worthington Cup is made at the hands of Bristol City and also a disappointing start to the League season is made, with only one win in the opening two months. Roy finally gets his man in October, when Neil Mackenzie signs in time to make his debut against Colchester United in a 5-2 Friday night victory. Four days later Andy Duncan breaks his leg in the Burnley game and is likely to be out of action for the rest of the season.

F.A. Cup progress is made with 1-0 victories over Northern Premier League sides Gateshead and Bamber Bridge. A new away kit is worn at Blackpool, but the defeat does not impress Roy McFarland. Roy gets his man again at the beginning of December, when Jason Kavanagh joins the club on the Friday before the Bournemouth game. Jason's debut is left until the following Friday, when we progress to the Fourth Road of the F.A. Cup having beaten Crystal Palace 2-0 at The Abbey. Who knows what the year 2000 will bring us?

We have now confirmed a date for the Auto Windscreens Shield tie against Barnet which was postponed last Tuesday. The game will now be played on Tuesday, 11th January 2000, kick-off 7.45pm.

A reminder that we have received tickets to sell in advance of the Nationwide League game against Reading on January 15th 2000. The tickets are for their South Stand, and are priced at £12 for adults and £7 for juniors (15 and under) and senior citizens. It is advisable that anyone intending to go to this game purchases their ticket in advance of the game, as admission on the day will cost £14 for adults and £8 for concessions. Tickets, including spaces for wheelchairs/disabled supporters, will be on sale from January 4th 2000.

The F.A. Cup tie at Wrexham will be played on Saturday, January 8th 2000, kick-off 3.00pm. This displaces the scheduled home game against Bury on the same day and as yet this fixture has not been re-arranged. Ticket prices for the Wrexham game, which is not all-ticket, will be £12 and £7 (concessions) in the seats.

Andrew Pincher