Scunthorpe 1 Cambridge 2

Last updated : 01 May 2003 By Patrick Hill

Laws commented afterwards: "Their goalkeeper Shaun Marshall pulled off some top-drawer saves but this was the best I've seen us play for some time.

"We just seemed to lack some concentration. But the players have done extremely well because a number of them have not trained this week because of a virus in the club.

"We deserved our half-time lead but Steve Torpey should have buried two chances to have given us a stronger lead. On the penalty situation we have to accept that just as we had two shouts so did they."

Cambridge United snatched the points and set a new club record of scoring in 16 successive league games in a 2-1 win at Glanford Park yesterday.

The Iron had a fine opening in the 29th minute, Alex Calvo-Garcia and Martin Carruthers combined to set up Matthew Sparrow who, with a clear sight of goal, pulled his shot wide.

However, Sparrow made amends a minute later, Carruthers was again involved, and the midfield man took the ball around Shaun Marshall to score from a tight angle.

United piled on the pressure and Calvo-Garcia saw a shot deflected and a penalty appeal turned down.

The visitors came back strongly though. Cambridge's Omer Riza forced Evans into a good save at the foot of his left-hand post.

Cambridge snapped up a 53rd minute equaliser, Riza drilling home a right-foot shot after he found himself in acres of space.

Cambridge keeper Marshall was called into the action again to deny the brilliant Peter Beagrie on two more occassions. But the winger's efforts were in vane as Cambridge snatched an 80th minute winner, when Tudor crashed the ball home off the underside of the bar.

Cambridge boss John Taylor said: "I couldn't see a goal coming from us in the first half but it was the best counter attacking football we've produced for some time and our best defensive display of the season."

United's unbeaten home record has now gone but there were plenty of positives to take from this match. The now fully fit Beagrie was superb while Matt Sparrow looks to be growing into his right wing position by the match.

Iron-Bru Man of the Match: Peter Beagrie