TWO defeats in three days have brought Cambridge United back down to earth with a bump. Confidence was high at the Trade Recruitment Stadium following last weeks win over Premiership Everton, but defeats at the hands of Coventry City and Bedford Town have

TWO defeats in three days have brought Cambridge United back down to earth with a bump.

Confidence was high at the Trade Recruitment Stadium following last weeks win over Premiership Everton, but defeats at the hands of Coventry City and Bedford Town have given Gary Brabin's men a reality check.

United have yet to keep a clean sheet so far during pre-season, a fact which will worry Brabin, given that last seasons success was largely built on a solid backline.

To be fair, the U's are unlikely to come up against strikers of the calibre of Coventry pairing Freddy Eastwood and Leon Best during their Blue Square Premier campaign.

It was Eastwood who opened the scoring, showing quick feet to ride a couple of challenges and trundle a low shot past the unsighted Danny Potter.

A brilliant free kick from Daniel Fox made it 2-0, before Eastwood struck again in the opening minutes of the second period.

Substitute Ben Farrell pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, but United were well beaten by that stage and the match ended 3-1.

On Monday night a team comprising young players and trialists went down 2-1 at Bedford. Youth teamer Sam Ives got the Cambridge goal.

Trialists Domaine Rouse (Bury), Eddie Hutchinson (Oxford), and Felino Jardim (Sparta Rotterdam) all played against Coventry, and were set to feature again in last night's (Wednesday) game against a West Ham XI.

Brabin has opened contract negotiations with former Holland Under-19 winger Jardim, and hopes to conclude a deal in the near future.

The U's are also in action tomorrow (Friday) at Braintree Town.

Supporters Trust Cambridge Fans United (CFU) have launched a new free ticket initiative entitled Smile.

This will see up to 10 tickets per game awarded to community groups and societies.

Supporters can also nominate organisations or individuals who they feel are deserving of tickets.

CFU's Martin Jordan said: "Smile will allow community groups and disadvantaged fans to enjoy watching a game of football which perhaps they would otherwise be unable to attend."

For more information or an application form, email smile@cambridge-united.co.uk.