Franny Green was buoyed by his first-half goal – a brilliant, acrobatic volleyed finish, from Kevin Sandwith’s cross, writes JON MURRAY.

The strike was his first since joining the U’s from Kettering.

“I had somehow to get my youngster shape, and agility, back!” he said.

“I got good connection on the ball, that was the main thing going through my mind – get a good connection and there’s every chance that it’s going to go in at least or go back across the goal for someone else to get a chance.

“Fortunately for me, it went in.

“It was good play from Kev, he didn’t rush it, and that gave me the chance to get round the back, and hit it.”

Franny Green replaced top scorer James Constable, with the U’s choosing to rest their 19-goal striker on a potentially dangerous surface.

Green said: “In the first half when the sun was out it got softer, but second half the sun went down and it crisped up a bit.

“As you could see when Matty Green went through a couple of times, you would set your sights and then it would bobble up so you couldn’t get your shot in.

“But the lads dealt with it well, and did what needed to be done with a professional job.”

United manager Chris Wilder explained the decision to leave Constable out was precautionary.

“It was a decision that we made when we came to the ground,” he said.

“We looked at the pitch, and it was touch and go whether the game would go ahead.

“But we’re glad that it did and we’re happy we’re through to the next round.”