Keeping the Wolves from the door

Astonishingly (or perhaps not if you recall Everton last season) United went to Molineux in the first round first leg of the Worthington Cup and came away victors, thanks to Matt Murphy's 37th minute goal after Steve Anthrobus's header from Paul Tait's cross hit the inside of the post. United played with a back three of Jon Richardson, Lee Jarman and Jon Shepheard, with John Robertson and Paul Powell as wingbacks and a midfield trio of Matt Murphy, Paul Tait and Dean Whitehead, leaving Steve Anthrobus and Manny Omoyinmi as strikers and of course the inspired (again) Richard Knight in goal. In the second half Derek Lilley and the Rage On sponsored Rob Folland replaced Murphy and Robertson and with six minutes remaining Joey Beauchamp came on for Omoyinmi. Whitehead was booked for time-wasting in front of 9,399 spectators. It remains to be seen if United can maintain the lead in the second leg, but for the time being we might as well celebrate our first goal and first victory of the season. A match report can be found here.

Former United stars to find the net included Dean Windass, who scored Bradford City's first in their 2-0 win over Chelsea (hah!). Andy Thomson scored Gillingham's second as they beat Torquay 2-0, Marco Gabbiadini scored his first goal for Northampton in their 1-0 win over Fulham and Mark MacGregor scored twice for Nuneaton Borough in their 3-1 win over Boston United.

Canadian rookies

News of a new United player: Canadian goalkeeper Hubert Busby Junior has finally received international clearance from his second division Portuguese club Caldas Sport Clube, who apparently wanted a transfer fee for him despite him being out of contract. He joins United on trial and will cover for Jimmy Glass, who has a sprained ankle.

Meanwhile it has been revealed that former United centre back and Canadian international Mark Watson had a pre-season trial at Wolves, but he was found wanting and not offered a contract.