Slow Draw!

Yet another end of season game, almost lulled the small bunch of travelling fans into a deep sleep. United's strike force of Kelby and Teggart, with a combined total of 22 goals, were strangely shot shy this afternoon. I in fact can't remember the Bangor keeper having to make one save worthy of the name in the first half. Alan Blayney, on the other hand came to United's rescue on 3 or 4 occasions. Blayney played in place of the injured Sean O'Neill, who was still suffering the after effects of last weeks Glenavon game, when he was clattered by Tony Grant. Referee Ross Dunlop was fast with a deserved yellow card for Lockhart, after a vicious trip on Colligan with only 3 minutes on the clock. Thereafter the referee produced no more cautions, by ignoring blatant fouls rather than taking appropriate action. Rumours had circulated before kick-off that the home team hadn't been paid for six weeks, but when the game started they played as if their lives depended on it. With fast flowing football, instigated by Lockhart, United were under the cosh and a score appeared to be imminent, but somehow or other we held out until halftime.

Eleven minutes into the half and the home team took a deserved lead, when Magennis scored with a 25 yard scorcher, with United keeper Blayney beaten all ends up. United were under the real pressure at this stage and soon after Cushley had to be substituted due to an injury with Paul McNeill taking his place and Kelbie dropping back into midfield. The United defence somehow clung on to it's one goal deficit, more by luck than design and as a result always had a foothold in the game. With 20 minutes remaining Jim Grattan's son replaced Neal Teggart and the combination of Grattan and McNeil added some spice to United's attack. Grattan almost conjured up an equaliser when his header produced a good save from the Bangor keeper. With time ticking away manager Roy Walker took off McDonnell, bringing on Paul Muir, with Tommy Wray dropping back to defence, releasing Gary Haveron into midfield. What a stroke of genius this turned out to be as in the 93rd minute, Haveron assisted the ball through to McNeil, who coolly kept his head before drilling a shot into the net for an undeserved equaliser. Despite the referee allowing another two minutes of stoppage time United held out for a lucky draw, thankfully this is their last match this season as I can't take much more of their 'devil-may-care' attitude!


Blayney 7 Aid Watson 7 MoM: Smith

Smith 8 Teggart 6

Colligan 6 Kelbie 4

McDonnell 6 Cushley 6 Referee: R. Dunlop 3

Haveron 7 1st Sub: McNeil 7

Wray 7 2nd Sub: Grattan 7

Ward 5 3rd Sub: Muir 6