View from the Press Box Doug Shulman What a day we all had at Newcastle last Saturday week. There is nothing quite like football for creating memories that last a lifetime, with the 5,000 supporters, plus players, coaching staff, club officials and us, the media, brought together to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon, in what was an intoxicating atmosphere at St James Park, both during the game and throughout the celebrations after the final whistle. The latter triggering scenes that can and never should be erased from our minds. Those not fortunate enough to be at the game, whether back in Cambridge, elsewhere in the UK or overseas also shared the joy post-match, with videos and pictures dominating social media, within seconds of the final whistle and for days after, which hopefully made up in its own small way, for not being in the North-East that afternoon.
“On the pitch, I thought the U’s were magnificent at St James’, with their performance underlining all the qualities that have become a hallmark of Mark Bonner’s stewardship” There are very few days in the U’s history which compare. Obviously the two Play-off Final successes in 1990 and 2014 are forever etched in the memory, whilst in cup competition, the 4-0 home victory over Sheffield Wednesday in 1991, the win against top-flight Millwall as a fourth-tier side in 1990, the quarter-final at Arsenal, also 1991, along with the two matches with Manchester United in 2015. Older fans will also point to the FA Cup victory over Newport in 1953; the club’s first ever against Football League opposition, when they were still an Eastern Counties League outfit.
On the pitch, I thought the U’s were magnificent at St James’, with their performance underlining all the qualities that have become a hallmark of Mark Bonner’s stewardship. Resilience, discipline, team spirit, a huge dose of commitment to the cause and quality all over the park, against a Premier League side costing millions. It has also been encouraging to see the U’s display good mental strength, by enjoying their moment in the spotlight - which of course they should - then switching straight back on to record a win over Portsmouth just three days later, then again at in-form Lincoln on Saturday, courtesy of Joe’s dramatic late winner. A characteristic that should not be underestimated. It’s a good time to be a U’s fan. ■ www.cambridge-united.co.uk
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