New signing Felino Jardin made the perfect start to his Cambridge United career with a debut goal at Northwich Victoria.

The Dutchman - who turned 23 yesterday - was welcomed to English football with a series of fouls and gruesome challenges, but he marked his debut by connecting with a 28th minute run and cross by fellow debutant Andy Parkinson to score a superb first goal.

Speaking afterwards, he admitted, "It is a pretty incredible debut for me and its all credit to the team for my goal. It was a great ball from Parky and it was all or nothing when I shot and it was great to see the ball hit the net.

"The gaffer warned me that they would be a lot more physical after the break and it proved so, but I've had this before and you learn to jump early but that's English football.

"It's more physical than it was in Rotterdam, and of course this is different to the friendlies I've played because everybody gives 100% in the tackles but I am learning all the time."

The win got the new season off to a perfect start after many comings and goings during the summer, and Jardim added, "It is always great to start the season with a win and that's as much credit to a great team performance as well as the goal."

Interview by David Gray

The U's are next in action at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday (7.45pm) and again at home to Barrow on Saturday 16th (3pm).

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