Passport to panic

TOWN'S freefall down the Nationwide South table continued as Cambridge gained revenge for October's beating at the Camrose by inflicting a sixth consecutive league defeat on the Blues.

Cambridge had to come from behind to do it, as Town, managed by Pete Peters in Ernie Howe's absence, got off to a dream start against their second-placed hosts.

An attacking run at pace by new acquisition David Stroud saw him dribble past two men in left midfield and draw a stretched home defence before feeding striker Neville Roach.

With space and time to take aim, Roach pulled the trigger from 20 yards to fire into the net a low pile-driver that gave big Cambridge goalkeeper Duncan Roberts no chance as it flew into the bottom right corner.

It was a great goal that visibly lifted Town, who looked a more balanced outfit with left-footer Stroud, signed from Swindon Town, linking up well with Neville Stamp.

Town had luck on their side to stay ahead in the 12th minute, when Cambridge hit the bar twice in a remarkably frenzied 20-second period.

A free-kick whipped in from the inside-left channel by the impressive Matt Robinson saw Town 'keeper Andy Little, who kept his spot in place of Scott Tarr despite mistakes in last weekend's defeat by Eastbourne, look hesitantly at it.

The ball came back off the upright, and Josh Simpson turned it back in with a header that led to Lee Chaffey sticking out a leg and diverting it on to the bar.

The ball bounced down on the line and was all set to go in before Little clawed it away, only to watch as Matt Langston, with his back to goal, tried a volley that went just over.

It encouraged Cambridge, who were later denied by Scott Smith, playing well at right-back, as the last man to snuff out Dave Sadler.

Fine tracking back from Nathan Stamp ensured Dale Binns, who outpaced him to a through-ball, was put under just enough pressure to spoil the 25th-minute chance.

Cambridge got their equaliser on 37 minutes, and it was a poor one to concede from a defensive perspective, said Peters afterwards.

Robinson's corner was initially cleared by a good header from Liam Parrington, but Carl Williams, on the right apex of the box, was able to collect under no pressure and turn the ball back in.

Parrington mis-timed his jump and the cross went over his head where, from six yards, Langston was able to get in front of Jason Bristow and nod past Little at his near post.

Having finished the half the stronger side, Cambridge got their second goal in the 55th minute.

Sadler rescued a pass out to the left flank and drew Smith before delivering a great cross that Robinson, unmarked inbetween Parrington and Neville Stamp, directed into the top right corner all too easily as Little floundered to make his dive.

Town's response was swift, and Martin Whiddett was unlucky to turn Nathan Stamp's cross over the bar in the 62nd minute after good work from Roach put the right midfielder clear in the box.

On 70 minutes, a big pass over the top of the Cambridge defence saw Roach beat the offside trap and gain a free run to the ball in a race with 'keeper Roberts.

Roach never quite believed he'd get there, and Roberts' imposing presence ensured the forward failed to take the ball around him, even though Roberts clearly looked to play man instead of ball.

Town's passing became increasingly sloppy - from out of defence and in midfield - as they tried to get back in the game.

It put them under the cosh, as Cambridge gladly took the possession coming their way.

Sadler and Robinson both spurned good opportunities.

Peters attempted to turn things around by introducing, first, Cristian Levis, then Ryan Stephens and Jamie McClurg while reverting to a 4-3-3 formation.

It nearly paid off three minutes from time, as Levis set off down the right flank after nudging past Chaffey to a loose ball.

Levis' run took him to the byline, where he pulled back for Stephens, but, from 10 yards and the pass weighted perfectly, the youngster lifted it straight into the arms of Roberts.

Basingstoke Town: Andy Little, Scott Smith, Neville Stamp, Jason Bristow, Liam Parrington, Nathan Stamp (sub Cristian Levis 70min), German De La Vega (sub Jamie McClurg 78min), David Ray, Martin Whiddett, Neville Roach, David Stroud (sub Ryan Stephens 78min). Subs (not used): Scott Tarr, Brett Cooper.