Hot Scates!

Garth Scates continued his ´hot form´ in United´s first Carnegie league game away to Glenavon, writes Sammy Patterson. The tiny midfielder scored twice in United´s previous visit to Mourneview Park and although not among the scorers this time he was the architect of both United goals in a narrow 2-1 win. United manager Tommy Wright carried out his threat and made four changes to his starting line-up of the previous Saturday. Out went McClean, Aiden Watson and Lowry, while Paul Brown was absent due to injury. In their place was the ´veteran´Nigel Boyd, Gavin Melaugh, David Cushley and up front was United´s talisman of last season Kevin Kelbie. Kelbie in fact almost made an instant return to the side when his snap shot after 8 minutes was just saved by Glenavon´s keeper Teide Murphy. United themselves also had a lucky escape a minute later when Gibson just failed to get the finishing touch to a Hamlin cross. Kelbie and Walsh were looking dangerous for the visitors and Kelbie broke the deadlock after 15 minutes when he hammered a Scates cut back into the net after a cross from Picking. United´s lead didn´t last long however and Gibson levelled the scores 15 minutes later. United came within a whisker of a second goal before halftime, but Murphy dived bravely at Walsh´s feet and the chance was lost.

United got their second and as it turned out decisive goal 9 minutes into the second half when Cowan´s reckless challenge on Scates brought the visitors a penalty. Up stepped United´s top scorer Davitt Walsh and he cooly tucked away the spot kick. United, as is their wont, held out for a narrow victory, but had a let off when a Cowan headed goal was ruled out for a push. Manager Tommy Wright rang the changes late on, with firstly Walsh making way for Randall Reid on 80 minutes and then Mark Picking 2 mins later was replaced by Baird. The final substitution came 2 mins from the end when Lowry replaced the impressive Cushley. United took all 3 points and can look forward to entertaining Rory Hamill and Co (Glentoran for those who don´t know), next Saturday with a win under their belts, one down 29 to go, come on, Sky Blues!