Torpor Torture!

Yes this was a boring game, even though it did produce a rare home win for the Sky Blues, it still was boring. The players and referee Trevor Moutray did their best to make it interesting with at least 6 bookings and 2 sending offs. Despite the number of bookings only the referee knows how former United player Kevin Ramsay stayed on the pitch despite two running battles with United players. The former United man almost broke the deadlock when he wriggled past Albert Watson, but fortunately his shot drifted wide. Then Blayney reacted smartly to pull off a brilliant save from a free kick. The closest United came to breaking the deadlock came when Cushley's shot drifted well past the post. After the referee refused point blank to give a foul against Lee Colligan, there was a wee incident involving Assistant manager Jim Grattan and the 4th official, all settled amicably by the referee.

The 2nd half was a much better game, with plenty of incidents to keep the fans interested. The crucial move of the game came when Kevin Kelbie won a rare header and David Cushley volleyed the ball into the net from 25 yards. Cushley had earlier almost broken the deadlock when after a poor clearance by the keeper his return chip fell into the grateful keeper's arms. United were in control at this stage and both fullbacks, Colligan and Smith proved their worth as the visitors tried to up the pace. With 8 minutes remaining, Cushley having lost possession, tackled too robustly for the referee's liking and drew a second yellow card which meant dismissal. Manager Roy Walker rung the changes with first Paul McNeill replacing Neal Teggart and then the biggest cheer of the day when Gary Haveron, missing for 4 months with a broken leg, replaced Ryan Deans. The visitors one man advantage didn't last long as defender Ogilby picked up a second caution to join Cushley in an early bath. United comfortably held out for a one nil victory which virtually guarantees premiership football for the Sky Blues next season!

Blayney 8 Aid Watson 7 MoM: Smith

Smith 8 Teggart 6

Colligan 7 Kelbie 7

Alb Watson 7 Cushley 8 Referee: T. Moutray 4

Gav McDonnell 7 1st Sub: McNeil 7

Muir 7 2nd Sub: Haveron 7

Deans 7