Cambridge United’s former forward Darran Hay reflects on key role in club’s last victory at Peterborough United’s London Road ground

Cambridge United will be looking for their first win in 30 years away at rivals Peterborough United on Saturday (9 November).

London Road has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the U’s, who have not emerged victorious from any of their nine most recent visits – eight of which have ended in defeat.

In fact, Cambridge last celebrated on enemy territory on 3 December, 1994 when they ran out 2-0 winners in the second round of the FA Cup.

First-half goals from Dean Barrick and Darran Hay did the damage, while at the other end Cambridge were indebted to a fine performance between the posts from goalkeeper Jon Sheffield.

For Hay, his near-post header was the highlight of his two years at the Abbey, having been plucked out of non-league by manager Gary Johnson.

Hay, who is now a sports lecturer, said: “It was a big day for the club and a big day for me as well. I remember it being a close game and I remember my goal well.

“That gaffer had told me that while I was doing a good job up front, he needed more goals from me and thankfully I managed to get my head to one in such an important game.

“I scored against Hull later in the season from distance and that’s probably my most favourite goal I ever scored, but the goal against Peterborough is my highlight from my time at Cambridge.

“To score against a rival and play a role in getting us into the next round was a big moment.”

After a loan spell with Woking in 1993, Hay joined the Cards permanently in 1995.

He soon became a firm favourite at the Kingfield Stadium, with his 124 goals making Hay the seventh highest scorer in the club’s history.

Hay was also part of a Woking side that won three Wembley FA Trophy finals, as well as meeting Pele along the way. And the 54-year-old is well aware that none of that would have been possible without the platform that Cambridge provided.

He added: “I had a fantastic time at Cambridge. I came into professional football late and they fulfilled my dream in that sense. I got to train every day, I worked hard and they allowed me to showcase my ability.

“Without them I wouldn’t have made the move to Woking and I wouldn’t have scored at Wembley or gone on to meet Pele. He presented the trophy at one of the finals with Gordon Banks and I got to shake both of their hands – what a moment that was.”

Yet while Woking was where he ultimately made a name for himself, Hay still keeps a keen eye on events at Cambridge.

Current U’s midfielder Korey Smith is a family friend and the pair recently enjoyed a catch up prior to the 2-0 victory at Stevenage. And he was also present at the Abbey for the enthralling 4-4 draw with Blackpool.

“Stevenage are another of my former clubs so there was maybe a little bit of split loyalties, but I was there to cheer Korey on. He’s a great lad and it was great to see him score that night,” said Hay.

“I’ve always kept an eye on Cambridge’s results and it was nice to be invited down for that Blackpool game – what a match that was.

“It’s great to see the team has turned things around after a tough start and it looks like Garry Monk is doing a good job.

“I’ll definitely be looking to get back down to the Abbey a few more times this season.”