U's:2 AFC Wimbledon:2 - Green shoots of recovery?

I can't remember the last time I'm came away from a football match involving United in such a positive mood. If PM Gordon Brown had been present he would undoubtedly now be penning a speech about the worst being behind us, about the team being in the right hands, and about looking to a bright and glorious Amber future.

Whether United's upturn in fortunes is as short-lived as some of the economic "recoveries" we've experienced in the last couple of years remains to be seen, but a battling point against the Wombles is certainly a good starting point from which to ascend towards the heady heights of the top half.

For the first time Lingy was able to name a team containing a considerable number of his own players, and if the performance was indicative of what we can look forward to during the next couple of seasons of his "glorified three year plan" then I don't think anyone could complain too much. United hassled Wimbledon almost non-stop from beginning to end, even when down to ten men, and had Danny Crow or Simon Russell put away one of those late chances we would probably be basking in the glow of a hard-earned victory.

Russell looks a real find, and is making those critics (ok, that's just me then) who labelled him a useless utility player look a bit silly. He and Aiden Palmer form a very solid and dangerous combination on the left at the moment, and long may it continue. In midfield Rory McAuley gave us some much needed height, and if he can work on his passing I think he'll soon establish himself as a regular starter. Meanwhile the goals continue to flow for the Crow, and let's hope the equaliser will be making of big Phill, who seemed to gain a couple of extra gears after netting his first of the season. And I haven't even mentioned the new keeper/man mountain Simon Brown, who made a solid debut and should provide some much needed experience.

Not covering themselves in glory were Jai Reason, who sleep-walked through an anonymous 60-odd minutes after some good recent performances, and Antonio Murray, who had been quiet up until his silly sending off. From where I was sitting it looked a reckless challenge, so Antoniop can't have too many complaints about the ref's decision.

We didn't actually win the game, so I shouldn't get too carried away, but it goes to prove that we can compete with the teams at the top end of the table if we put our minds to it. A similar performance against Forest Green next Saturday will surely result in three points. Bounce bounce!

*Send me your 20-word match reports on the Wimbledon match. Email cufcblog@googlemail.com, tweet via http://twitter.com/Us_Blog, or leave a comment under this post.