CAMBRIDGE UNITED made it five wins in a row by defeating Burton Albion 2-1 at the Pirelli Stadium. Once more United proved to be more than a match for formidable opposition, and Jimmy Quinn s side have now recorded victories against all the other teams oc

CAMBRIDGE UNITED made it five wins in a row by defeating Burton Albion 2-1 at the Pirelli Stadium.

Once more United proved to be more than a match for formidable opposition, and Jimmy Quinn's side have now recorded victories against all the other teams occupying the top five places in the Blue Square Premier league.

In an evenly contested first half, United had plenty of possession, but without the creativity of Daryl Knights (ill) and Courtney Pitt (dropped), they struggled to create chances. Burton took a 17th minute lead when Shaun Harrad side-footed home after good work from Keith Gilroy on the left flank.

The equaliser came in the opening moments of the second period, when Stephen Reed's 30-yard free kick took a wicked deflection off Aaron Webster and looped past Kevin Poole. Burton then began to display the quick passing football that has become their trademark under the stewardship of Nigel Clough, and U's keeper Danny Potter made great saves to deny Harrad, Daryl Clare, and John McGrath.

The turning point of the match came when Clare clashed with Mark Peters, and the Burton striker was shown a red card for what the referee deemed to be a deliberate elbow. Two minutes later Scott Rendell got the winner, tapping in a superb cross from substitute Pitt.

New signing Paul Carden made his debut in the Burton match. The experienced midfielder has signed on a month's loan from Accrington Stanley, and with Danny Brown still three or four weeks away from fitness, he will add some much needed strength to the U's midfield.

This Saturday, United take on Weymouth in the FA Cup second round. The winners could face a third round tie against Premier League opposition. Vouchers will be issued at the game to give fans priority tickets for future ties should United go through.

The match at the Abbey Stadium kicks off at 3pm.