Another Tuesday, another Blue Square Premier scalp for AFC Telford United – and once again it was richly deserved.

Cambridge United used the Setanta Shield to field a much-weakened team, and were promptly sent packing by a rampant Bucks performance.

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If last week’s 3-0 FA Cup drubbing of Northwich Victoria was convincing, then this was just as resounding – even if that is not entirely reflected in the final scoreline.

Two late Lee McEvilly goals, one from the penalty spot and the other virtually the last kick of the game, made the outcome appear far closer than it really was.

In fact, boss Rob Smith’s side pretty much dominated from first whistle to last and could have won by a far greater margin.

Andy Brown and the fit-again Jon Adams both hit the woodwork to add to the four goals their side did score, while countless other chances went begging.

Cambridge, by contrast, rarely threatened – McEvilly’s hat-trick in a losing effort at least some reward for his determination.

It all adds up to a very pleasant headache for Smith, who has some task to settle on a starting line-up for Saturday’s big FA Cup clash with visiting League One outfit Southend.

Telford started brightly against a Cambridge team that showed nine changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday.

They might have been ahead on eight minutes, Gavin Cowan calling reserve keeper Steven Drench into action with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area.

The Bucks did not have long to wait though, Martyn Naylor crossing for Danny Carey-Bertram to score against his former employers with a diving header that went in off the post.

The U’s were level as Telford left-back James Meredith fluffed a clearance and Chris Jones crossed for McEvilly, returning to the side after serving a three-match suspension, to fire in.

The big frontman hit the bar with a striker off a Mark Convery corner moments later, but the Shropshire side then took control.

Carl Rodgers restored their lead with a powerful finish and defender Indy Khela ensured they stayed in front with a bone-shaking challenge on Felino Jardim.

A mix-up between Cambridge skipper Phil Bolland and the hapless Drench almost gifted the hosts a third and the in-form Brown also hit the post with a great strike right on half-time.

There was no let-up in the second period as Terry Fearns came off the bench to replace Danny Carey-Bertram, who is cup-tied on Saturday, and instantly staked his claim for a place with two goals.

His first, coming after Adams had hit the post from 25 yards, was gifted by a howler from Drench.

The second, which all but ended the game as a contest, was a tap-in from close in.

McEvilly’s late strikes, one from the penalty spot after a foolish Khela foul and the other a simple finish, at least gave the higher-ranked visitors a little consolation.

But there was no denying Telford were worthy winners of the tie

They will now be keeping their fingers-crossed it is not an unlucky 13 unbeaten as the countdown to Saturday’s big match well and truly begins.

By Chris Hudson