AFTER all the off-pitch excitement of the previous fortnight the U s were back in Conference action on Saturday. Unfortunately, the players gave every impression that they would rather be at the beach with the August holidaymakers. A sluggish display end

AFTER all the off-pitch excitement of the previous fortnight the U's were back in Conference action on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the players gave every impression that they would rather be at the beach with the August holidaymakers. A sluggish display ended in a 1-0 home defeat by Northwich Victoria.

In the lead up to the game the U's ticket office was busy as supporters, buoyed by news of the club's new board, snapped up season tickets.

It was, therefore, particularly deflating for the fans when the team failed to gel and served up their worst performance since the middle of last season.

The main problem for United was the lack of a cutting edge up front. This was to be expected as manager Rob Newman had been unable to sign the strikers he wanted during the close season.

Jamie Guy had seemed certain to join the U's during the summer but managerial change at Colchester has seen him find favour there.

Newman has been promised funds by new chairman Lee Power to find two new forwards and he will need to do so soon if Cambridge are to challenge at the top of the Conference.

More worrying was the shakiness of the U's defence. The centre-half position has widely been regarded as United's strongest with the likes of Bloomer, Morrison, Duncan and Peters competing for the two slots.

With Newman having to use midfielder Stephen Smith at full-back, the defensive unit appears to lack understanding and allowed Northwich far too many chances.

The U's make the long trip to Weymouth on Saturday as they face yet another promoted side.

The players will be looking for revenge following their ignominious FA Cup exit at Weymouth last season.

The next fixture at the Abbey will be against Halifax Town on August 26.

- United drew 0-0 at St Albans City on Tuesday, in a game where both sides finished with 10 men, Danny Carey-Bartram seeing Red for the U's in the 50th minute.