Two goals from Scott Rendell helped Cambridge United defeat bottom-of-the-table Northwich Victoria 2-1. It is often said that winning while playing badly is the sign of a good team, and although United made heavy weather of dispatching limited opposition,

Two goals from Scott Rendell helped Cambridge United defeat bottom-of-the-table Northwich Victoria 2-1.

It is often said that winning while playing badly is the sign of a good team, and although United made heavy weather of dispatching limited opposition, they still did enough to record a fourth ­consecutive victory.

Without the injured Mark Albrighton and the suspended Dan Gleeson, the U's looked disjointed, with Stephen Reed struggling to adapt to an unfamiliar role on the right flank and Mark Convery looking off the pace on his return from injury. Rendell gave United the lead in the 40th minute of a poor first half, sliding in to finish off Rob Wolleaston's low cross.

Northwich had offered little going ­forward up to this point, but equalised within 30 seconds of the restart. A straight forward long ball caught the Cambridge defence napping, and Lee Steele kept his cool to slot the ball past Danny Potter.

It was not until the introduction of Robbie Willmott that United regained ­control of the match. The young winger tormented the visiting defenders with his pace and skill, and provided the cross for Rendell to head what proved to be the winner from close range.

The victory lifted United to third in the table, a point ahead of Burton Albion, whom they face at the Pirelli Stadium on Friday night.

Boss Jimmy Quinn will welcome back Gleeson, but Albrighton is unlikely to be fit after having nine stitches removed from his knee earlier this week.

However, Daryl Knights will be in the squad after his loan move from Yeovil was extended until the end of December.

Tonight (Thursday) United's youth team take on Crewe in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

A plum tie away to Aston Villa awaits the winners, and the match at the Abbey Stadium kicks off at 7pm.