Shameful Sixth!

United suffered the ignominy of their sixth home defeat in the league during their first ever televised game, live on Sky Sports. Manager Walker made just one change from his starting line-up from last Tuesday night, Albert Watson replacing the 'tired' Gavin McDonnell. United got off to a bright start in front of their biggest 'home' gate for some time, with Kevin Kelbie forcing ex-United keeper Paul Murphy to make a good save from his crisp shot. But it was the home side who 'leaked' the first goal, when a forward pass ricocheted of a United player before falling into Newry fullback King's path and he blasted the ball past United's keeper Neal Blaney. That goal came in the 10th minute and it rocked United back on their heels, as the visitors made good use of the strong wind at their backs. Keeper Blaney kept United in the game with a good dive at Garret's feet as the young striker looked likely to score. United were devoid of ideas going forward although Gavin Melaugh had a drive which sailed over the bar with Murphy grasping vainly.The visitors piled on the pressure especially at set-pieces but the United defence kept the score at 1-0 until halftime.

United got off to a horrendous start in the 2nd half giving away a needless free kick within a minute of the re-start. Luckily they survived this time but 6 minutes later striker Morgan capitalised on some inept defending before beating Blaney with a shot just inside the post. Four minutes later the 'dose' was repeated but this time it was Garrett who burst through to virtually put the tie beyond United with his sides' third goal, almost a carbon copy of their second. Manager Walker at last reacted, taking off fullback Burke and winger Mullen, with Aiden Watson and Paul McNeill taking their place. Watson slotted into the rightback slot but young McNeill, an 'out and out' striker was pushed onto the right wing with, Stuarty King switching to the left. United got a lifeline after 65 minutes when a Stuarty King free kick was glanced into the net off the head of Teggart to make the score 3-1. Five minutes later we witnessed an inept display of refereeing by Colin Burns, when a Newry Player 'clearly' punched Joe McDonnell after the two players tangled as the Newry man shepherded the ball over the goal-line. With 15 minutes left manager Walker took off McDonnell and brought on Mark Picking, releasing McNeill to a more natural forward role.l United went into attack mode and for the first time the visitors looked 'jittery'. Young McNeill almost set the game alight, when he pushed a Kelbie cross past the post when a score looked on, while at the other end Blaney and Aiden Watson somehow managed to keep a Garret shot out when a score looked inevitable. United did manage to get another goal when Kelbie was fouled about thirty yards from goal, up stepped Neal Teggart to rifle the ball into the net. To the complete consternation of the home fans the 4th official intimated that there would be just two minutes of stoppage time, even though there had been two stoppages for injuries, plus 5 substitutions. United won a free kick when Picking was violently fouled on the edge of the box, but not for the first time King's delivery eluded the home team's attackers and a minute later the tie was all over. United had once more 'flopped' in front of a good crowd, but more importantly they'd stayed rooted to the bottom of the table and on this showing they deserve to be there!

Blaney 8 Joe McDonnell 7 MoM: Blaney

Burke 6 Teggart 8

Colligan 7 Kelbie 7

Alb. Watson 6 King 6 Referee: C. Burns 3

Haveron 6 1st Sub: McNeill 6

Melaugh 6 2nd Sub: Aid Watson 7

Mullen 5 3rd Sub: Picking 7