Two first half goals from Cambridge midfielder Charlie Henry gave County a mountain to climb.

Stewart Edwards pulled one back for Peter Beadle's men but despite a host of chances they couldn't pull level.

And with results going against County they slipped out of the Nationwide South play-off zone.

County made an awful start in front of a large crowd at Spytty Park conceding the first goal of the afternoon after only four minutes.

Charlie Henry scored it, latching onto a long goal-kick he lobbed County 'keeper Jacob Giles to stun the home support.

But Beadle's men responded well with Jason Bowen and Craig Hughes both testing Cambridge 'keeper Danny Naisbitt.

Julian Alsop and John Brough also went close but it was Cambridge who were next to score.

And it was Henry who got his second of the match on the stroke of half-time. with his shot beating Giles, although the 'keeper should have done better.

County laid siege on the Cambridge goal after the break and finally got their reward with Stewart Edwards curling the ball past Naisbitt for 1-2.

But despite a host of chances they were unable to draw level, ending their play-off chances.