Deed Done!

Last night in Sky Blue Sport news we were hoping United could 'down the Ports', after today's encounter, it's a case of deed done. A classic this game was not, it was all guts and thunder and referee Keith Halliday was hard pressed to keep abreast of every incident in what can best be described as a brutal game. Chances were few and far between, although the visitors did force quite a few corners and long throw-ins by defender Hunter also put the United defence under severe pressure. Manager Roy walker gave the thumbs up to the same eleven as started at Ballyskeagh on Tuesday night, which meant a place on the bench for top scorer Kevin Kelbie. Persistent fouling by the visitors brought them a couple of bookings and despite them carving out some useful openings keeper Nelson dealt capably with all that came his way. The two teams looked evenly matched and it was hard to see where a spark of inspiration was going to come from. Young Georgie boy almost broke the stalemate but his jinxing 50 yard dribble ended with him blasting the ball harmlessly over the bar. With 44 minutes elapsed the game sprang to life when Portadown winger Boyle threw his shoulder into United's Phillip Carson after a midfield tangle and Carson defended himself. Referee Halliday gave them both their marching orders and from the resultant free kick United's David Cushley left visiting keeper Miskimmon grasping at thin air after a thunderbolt right foot shot from 40 yards. The United fans were on their feet applauding the mercurial Cushley who notched the opening goal for the 2nd game in succession. There was even time for another visiting player to get cautioned before the halftime whistle.

United manager Roy Walker made a strange halftime substitution, taking off Georgie boy and bringing on Kelbie, which left us with a strange 4,2,3 combination which surrendered midfield to the visitors. The Ports duly stepped up the pressure and the United defence was subjected to some heavy pressure and at least twice had to clear the ball from their goal-line. United were dangerous on the break and Cushley now playing down the middle was unlucky to see another thunderbolt crash off the crossbar with Miskimmon helpless. Twenty minutes into the half manager Walker finally acted taking off McConnell (to a rare standing ovation) and bringing on defender Surgenor who slipped into midfield. This formation was soon changed with Archie going to left back, therefore releasing Colligan into midfield and Surgenor into the back four. Colligan almost put the game beyond the visitors but his left foot shot after good work by Cushley, crashed off the post with Miskimmon beaten all ends up once more. United were then made to pay for their benevolence when after Andy Smith lost possession, the home defence was undone by a slick passing move and before the defence could react the visitors levelled the score. With the clock ticking down Portadown player Richard Clarke scythed Cushley needlessly drawing a 2nd yellow card and an early bath. Colligan then saw yet another shot crash off the woodwork after being released down the left, before playing a vital part in the clinching finale. Collecting the ball in his own half he exchanged passes with Darren Lockhart before laying the ball onto Kelbie's toe. United's talisman cur inside before bending a left foot shot past Miskimmon and into the net to bring the Showgrounds crowd to their collective feet. That goal came in the 89th minute and with only 2 minutes added on there was barely time for Cushley to be applauded off to be replaced by Aiden Watson. Despite a late surge by the visitors the home team held out for a deserved victory, our 1st at home in the league, let's hope it's the first of many!


Nelson (8), M. Smith (7), Colligan (8), Alb Watson (8), A. Stewart (7), G. Stewart (6) (Sub: Kelbie 7), Carson (5), Lockhart (7), Cushley (8), (Sub: Aid Watson 6), A. Smith (6), McConnell (7) (Sub: Surgenor 6).

Man of the match: David Cushley