U's go down again

United's long trip to the North East proved ultimately fruitless when they were beaten by a header sixteen minutes from time by substitute Brian Healey. Despite being the stronger team in the first half United suffered from a combination of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping from man of the match Andy Collett.

Mark Wright recalled Scott Guyett to the defence, dropping Sam Ricketts to the bench, and Dean Whitehead replaced the injured Robert Quinn. Substitutions for United saw Chris Hackett replace Jamie Brooks and, with just five minutes left, ROS Rob Folland came on for Sam Stockley.

Referee George Cain booked United captain Phil Bolland. The attendance was 3,358 and a match report can be found in the usual depressing place.

United have now slipped to 21st in the table, just three points above bottom placed Halifax Town, who lost 2-1 at Rushden & Diamonds. Plymouth remain top, despite their goalless draw at Cheltenham last night. United's next opponents, Mansfield Town in the FA Cup next Saturday, lie fourth after winning 1-0 at Carlisle.

Former United players to find the net include Andy Thomson, who scored an 89th minute equaliser for QPR at home to Tranmere, but Rangers still went on to lose 2-1. Mark Stein, the Conference's leading scorer, hit the target again with Dagenham & Redbridge's goal in their 1-1 draw with Northwich Victoria, who featured David Bardsley making his debut for them.