Cambridge United 3 Bristol Rovers 1

Last updated : 24 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Inspired by all-action striker Danny Webb, Cambridge United eased their relegation worries with an impressive all round display against Bristol Rovers.

Webb, playing his last game of his present spell on loan from Hull City, played a part in all three goals, helping Cambridge settle their nerves by racing into a two-goal lead after only 24 minutes.

He supplied the passes for Alex Revell in the 13th minute, and for Luke Guttridge in the 24th.

Defender Adam Barrett pulled a goal back for Rovers from a 31st minute header, but the off-colour West Countrymen never looked good enough to earn a point.

Having thrown away a lead late in the game against Carlisle in midweek, Cambridge needed a solid start to the second half and got it in the 50th minute when Webb hit a shot that Kevin Miller could only palm into the path of David Bridges.

Cambridge held the lead comfortably for the remainder of the match, although they looked fortunate in the 63rd minute when referee Tony Leake awarded a free kick when it seemed as though defender Andy Duncan had brought down Junior Agogo just inside the 18 yard line.

United boss John Taylor said: "It was an excellent performance, carrying our recent improvements to a higher level. We could have had more goals and always looked in control.

"Danny Webb linked everything for us up front and I'll be doing all I can to keep him at the club for as long as possible." Rovers Manager Phil Bater shouldered much of the blame for his team's below par performance.

He said: "We didn't follow up our display against Huddersfield and a large part of that is down to me because I didn't get the players up for it.

"Cambridge's first and third goals followed a comedy of errors in our defence but they deserved the win, they were still working hard right to the last ten minutes while we were way below par."