Think Cambridge and most people think of posh students and boat races; only those used to watching 'the beautiful game' in the lower divisions would associate the place with football. And if you're one of those people then you're probably more likely to be able to talk through the John Beck era than discuss watery Oxbridge pursuits…

Beck was the man who almost took Cambridge to the top division - something the club would have achieved by three successive promotions had they been successful in the 91/92 play-offs - and the man who has been immortalised as the guru of long-ball football. Beck was no fool: an intellectual, he developed complex theories to demonstrate why the most ugly of all styles of football should also be the most successful and his programme notes were often more suited to the students of Cambridge University rather than the fans of Cambridge United.

It was Beck who was in charge 11 years and 51 weeks ago when, on a Friday night, CUFC beat Rovers 6-1 with Dion Dublin getting a brace and John Taylor - who would join Rovers later that season as part of the deal that saw Devon White go the other way - the last. Making his debut in the Rovers' defence (yes, we did say defence) that night was another Taylor, Gareth…and the Rovers goal that evening? It was scored by one of the home team. How times have changed for Rovers. In those days Gasheads were pretty happy with life sitting halfway up Division Two - or one as it is now known (the team finished thirteenth at the end of 91/92, four places above Bristol City, five ahead of Sunderland and seven in front of Newcastle United). As the game at Cambridge went into injury time that night, one Gashead shouted "Come on Rovers, next goal wins!" That particular brand of gallows humour was met with much laughter in the away end. Heaven knows what the reaction would be if we were to let in six at the Abbey this season.

John Taylor is now the manager of the Us and still makes the odd appearance (including one at the Mem this season) at the ripe old age of 39. The ground itself has changed a fair bit in recent years and the away end is all seated - proof that even at this level ground improvements can happen (although you need to put the planning application in first).

Finally a note to BRSC coach drivers: Cambridge United play at The Abbey Stadium. This is not the same as The City Ground, home of Cambridge City and destination of the BRSC coaches a few years ago.

Recommended Boozers

Cambridge has some decent pubs but none seem to be anywhere near the football ground. The Cambridge Blue on Gwydir Street (off Mill Lane) is a perennial favourite and Live and Let Live on Mawson Road (off Mill Lane) comes highly recommended; both are within easy walking distance of the train station. The Greyhound on Coldham's Lane is just across the common that you cross to get to the ground and while it is pretty basic it's not far to stagger to the game…

Upsetting the locals

Inspiration in upsetting the local population could be taken from a story that gets told about a group of Leeds United lads a few years back who had been drinking in town and realised they were late for the game. They noticed a load of student bikes and 'borrowed' them so that the whole crew could set off cycling to the ground. When they got there the bikes were duly deposited in a heap outside the entrance and presumably a load of students found themselves being forced to walk around on that particular Saturday afternoon.