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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 10:11
From the Hand Stadium
Town manager Wayne Powell was full of praise for his young side after they ended a run of more than two months without a win on Saturday.
Tom Billing hit the winner 17 seconds into the second half to give Clevedon their first victory since they beat Bridport 4-1 in the FA Cup on September 13.
Powell, who ran on to the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate with his players, was pleased with the camaraderie and confidence that his side displayed.
"The togetherness the lads showed was phenomenal and that's what we're capable of," he said.
"I've brought all the lads in – I was left with three players when Phil (Bater) left and it's been a struggle to find a side capable of producing in this division.
"The lads have got their confidence back, they started playing some great stuff and it was one-sided at times."
The match got off to a lightning start with both sides having half-chances inside the opening minute, while Clevedon survived a penalty appeal after eight minutes.
Pete Sheppard nearly gave the hosts the lead 15 minutes in, shooting first time after a poor clearance from City keeper Zac Barrett, but his looping shot landed the wrong side of the crossbar, many home fans thinking the ball had gone in as the net rippled.
Town were well on top at this point, pressurising Cambridge well and getting the ball in advanced areas, but the visitors' direct approach also looked occasionally threatening and Greaves had to be alert to stop a Robbie Mason shot from a tight angle.
A series of flowing moves saw Craig Loxton and Sheppard shoot wide for Clevedon, while Loxton's shot was blocked as he looked to place it in the far corner from inside the box.
The Seasiders made the deserved breakthrough before many fans had returned to their seats after half-time, Sheppard pulling the ball back for Billing to fire into the top corner.
Danny Greaves saved an Ashley Fuller shot as the visitors threatened to level the scores immediately, while Lewis Powell fired wide for the hosts after Kris Leek ran from box to box on the counter-attack.
Cambridge began to commit men forward as they enjoyed a spell of pressure, but Town always looked likely to threaten on the break and should have extended their lead on several occasions.
Powell fired wide from Billing's pass, young substitute Jake Harris – still waiting for his first Clevedon goal – blazed over from Leek's pull back and Billing shot agonisingly wide of Barrett's goal.
Loxton made a crucial diving block as the Town goal came under pressure in the final minutes and Greaves dived to his right to keep out Neil Sharp's effort in injury time.
Full squad available
On Saturday, Clevedon travel to Bedford Town, who have picked up only two points from their last six league games.
Boss Powell looks set to have his full squad available, with Chris Collins expected to return from injury.
The Seasiders' manager hopes that Saturday's victory over Cambridge will provide his side with the confidence they need.
"We know now what we can produce as long as we all put the effort in," he said.
"Bedford are not going through the best of times, but that run has got to end sometime."
Meanwhile, Matt Prosser and Lee Jenkins have left the club.
Prosser has moved on following the arrival of Tom Billing, while Jenkins has left for personal reasons.
Kris Leek provided much of the impetus against Cambridge
