Cambridge 2, Preston 0

PRESTON seldom seem to turn it on against the lesser lights and this was as gloomy as it gets. But they still managed to become Division Two champions as other results clinched it.

The scenes which followed the final whistle at the Abbey Stadium as results from Wigan and Gillingham came through were supercharged with emotion.

The result of this match just didn't matter as North End -- without Sean Gregan, Iain Anderson and top scorer Jon Macken -- disappointed.

They had their chances, Michael Appleton was through on goal in the opening minutes but he dragged his effort wide of the far post.

Then, on eight minutes, Cambridge scored a goal that in itself was worth the entrance fee.

Hunt floated in a searching cross from the right and in came John Hansen at the back post to meet it on the volley and his shot was of such power and pace that it almost took the net off its mooring as it crashed past the helpless Tepi Moilanen.

Cambridge added a second just before half-time from what was a clearly offside position as Taylor headed a cross into the path of Benjamin and the big striker smashed the ball wide of Moilanen into the net.

Preston continued to battle away, but they just couldn't find a way through and in the time added on for stoppages Michael Jackson got a red card for a foul.