Welcome to this afternoon's Blue Square Premier match at the Trade Recruitment Stadium. Today's visitors are Altrincham FC whose players, supporters and officials have made the trip from Cheshire.

Altrincham are to be congratulated on deservedly securing their place in the Blue Square Premier for another season following their defeat of Grays Athletic last Saturday. They are a well-run club who with minimal resources have shown they can compete with 'bigger' clubs.

To put this achievement in context, it must be remembered that they were saved from relegation in each of the past three seasons, despite finishing in the relegation zone. On each occasion there were other clubs whose transgressions caused them to go down a division instead.

Today sees the climax of the season's scheduled League games. The desire of Setanta TV to screen a crucial game live has resulted in all games being played on this Sunday with a 4pm kick-off.

For weeks, or even months, the TV bosses must have been scratching their heads wondering which game to feature. With Burton Albion showing an unassailable lead at the top, it would have to be one that featured a club hoping to sneak into the Play-offs or would it be one with a threat of relegation?

At this point, please stand and give a cheer for Gary Brabin and his Cambridge United team. Having never been out of the top seven all season, they have put together a tremendous run in the last three months. From being 21 points behind the League leaders at one time, the gap is now only three.

Consequently there will be much focus on Burton's game away at Torquay. Will the Brewers get the point they need to secure the title - or will the U's win here today, match them for points and possibly make good a four goal difference?

Our win at Salisbury last Saturday ensured a place in the Play-offs for the second year running. A very commendable achievement after the changes that occurred at the Club during the summer. Our new manager and his assistant Paul Carden were only appointed ten days before pre-season training. They have worked under a high level of expectancy from the supporters following the good results of last season.

Two seasons ago we needed a point from our last game of the season at home to Tamworth to ensure we were not relegated. To have gone down would have been a drop that the Club would probably have never been able to recover from.

There were plenty of nerves that day, as I'm sure there will be today. However we must not let these take a hold. Get behind the team, remain patient, let's be United for the whole 90 minutes and be positive in our support.

The response to the early purchase Season Ticket offer for next season has been very encouraging, and we are already past the number sold for this season. Close to a third of those bought are new holders and very welcome you are, too.

Tickets are still on offer at a great discount with the offer of payment in two stages still applicable. Buy before May 17th and you will definitely have bagged a bargain. You could be watching Football League football here at the Trade Recruitment Stadium for less than this season's prices.

Tomorrow evening sees a very special match at this ground in aid of our Youth Development. Supporters young and old will be eagerly anticipating the clash of our successful Youth Team with a team of Cambridge United Legends led by Dion Dublin. The game kicks off at 7pm with tickets priced at only £8 for Adults, £5 concessions and £2 for children.

Whatever the excitement and anticipation generated over the next few weeks, please remember to maintain the good name of Cambridge United. Your support, particularly away from home has been widely commented on. Keep to the ground regulations, think of the enjoyment of others and keep on supporting the U's.

Fans Director
Brian Attmore

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