Soccer: Coote is pleased to be starting

The £50,000 joint record-signing from Norwich City made only his ninth full appearance in 12 months for the U's since switching from the Canaries in December 2001.

And it was Dutchman Tyrone Loran's reckless tackle on the Northern Ireland international that led to the 69th minute penalty, put away by top scorer Joe Keith, for a richly-deserved 2-2 draw and point against promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers at Layer Road on Saturday.

"I am very pleased to have got a place in the side and to have another 90 minutes under my belt," said Coote.

"My chance has come at Rap's (Kevin Rapley's) expense because he is suspended.

"But I've got the shirt now and he's going to have to work very hard to take it back off me."

McGleish netted the U's first goal which was cancelled out by quality efforts from Rovers' Simon Haworth and Micky Mellon before Coote was felled and top scorer Keith spotted the equaliser with his fifth goal of the season.

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Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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