Justice Prevails!

After the debacle of having their cup match called off at halftime, United finally meted out justice to first division neighbours Ballyclare. Pretty it was not, clinical it was although there was nothing clinical about the goal that set United on their way to victory. 18 minutes were on the clock, when Paul Muir flighted a free kick into the home team's penalty box, central defender Forsythe rose unchallenged to head the ball to the 'lurking' Kelbie and he hit a delightful right-foot volley past the home keeper. This goal failed to settle United and the home team stayed in the game, despite only troubling United keeper Alan Blayney on one occasion. The pitch was a bit sticky on top and as a result United's passing game always came undone at the last minute and they failed to add to their tally during the remainder of the half.

Thirteen minutes into the 2nd period the tie was settled, when after a good run and 'nutmeg' from United midfielder Gavin Melaugh, young Lee Colligan was on hand to force the ball into the net and open his United scoring account. How United failed to add to their tally despite almost total domination, sums up precisely why we are the lowest scorers in the Premier league. Despite forcing several corner and free kicks they were unable to breech the Ballyclare defences again. United's only change from Saturday's starting 11 saw Ryan Deans recalled at right midfield in place of the cup-tied Michael Smith. Midway through the half McNeil was replaced by Walsh, but he struggled on the glue-pot surface. With 5 minutes left Deans made way for George Young and with virtually the last kick of the ball Craig McClean saw his toe poke just slip past the post. Two minutes later referee Turkington brought the game to an end and United had progressed to the next round. Not a game for the purists, but as the old saying goes, 'a wins a win' and United won't complain about that!


Blaney 7 Melaugh 6 MoM: Kelbie

Alb Watson 7 McNeil 5

Gav McDonnell 7 Kelbie 8

Muir 7 Colligan 7 B. Turkington 4

Wray 7 1st Sub: Walsh 6

Deans 6 2nd Sub: Young 6

McClean 6