Last Gasp!

There's an old saying that goes 'he who laughs last, laughs longest'. Former United player Stuarty King was 'laughing' when his club, Glenavon, scored a late goal at the Showgrounds, only for it to be correctly ruled out for offside. Then in the 2nd minute of added time United won a penalty when visiting keeper Plummer, whipped the legs from United's Gary Muir and up stepped 'King Kelbie' to fire home the resultant penalty, his 13th goal of the season and he laughed his head off. It also sent the United fans into raptures and why not, for despite their team creating several chances it had looked likely that they'd have to settle for a draw, but justice was done in the end.

United manager Roy Walker had continuing with his Kelbie/Sparky strike partnership, put Andy Smith on the left wing, Gary Muir on the right, a centre-midfield of Locky and Taggart with Mike Smith reverting to right-back and Captain Gary Haveron, slotting in alongside Albert at centre-back. United began brightly and Gary Muir found himself with a clear shot at goal after just 2 minutes but he ballooned his shot over the bar. United won a corner after a few minutes and Gazza's header was cleared off the line with Plummer beaten. In a rare Glenavon attack Colligan went in a bit late on visiting forward Molloy, but made no contact, but Molloy screamed like a young girl, a despicable attempt to have another player cautioned, luckily referee Burns didn't fall for the ruse.

Midway through the half United won another corner and Albert's free header was just headed clear at the last minute. The visitors had a wee spell of pressure and Molloy tried to con the referee once more by squealing like a 'stuck pig', maybe that's how they teach them where he's from. He then demonstrated his 'Jekyll 'n Hyde character by cutting inside Colligan, before smacking a left-foot shot off the crossbar. The remainder of the half was mainly devoid of goalmouth incident, but United did play themselves into trouble on a couple of occasions by their causal play in their own half. Molloy messed up when he waltzed through the United defence, only to stop and lift the ball claiming he heard a whistle, I think it was the echo of his earlier screams, as nobody else heard it.

The 2nd half was a dour midfield struggle and even though the visitors looked dangerous they only created one worthwhile chance. This was when Costello found himself with some space about 20 yards from goal but his fierce shot was saved by Nelson. Nelson also plucked a couple of corners out of the air and for once the United defence looked fairly solid. Muir and Smith switched wings and Locky made a great run down the right flank but couldn't stop the ball from going out of play. Opposing manager Marty Quinn took first Carvill off and bringing on King and then Costello with the veteran Tony Grant replacing him. Manager Walker responded by taking Locky off with Anderson taking his place. a case of like for like.

United won a free kick about 30 yards from goal and Muir managed to get his shot on target, but no United player reacted quickly enough to Plummer's parry. With time ticking away Walker took off Sparky and brought on Jimmy McLaughlin,(Mackers) and he got involved from the start. In the best move of the match United came close to finding the vital goal. Muir had switched back to the right, with Smith moving up to partner Mackers and Kelbie on the left. Smith found Muir with a sweet ball and winger cut inside before crossing to Kelbie at the back post. Kelbie headed it to Anderson but unfortunately Noel's shot was straight at Plummer and the chance was lost.

With full time approaching we had the disallowed goal for the visitors and then in added time the drama really started to unfold. United swept down the left wing and Kelbie got on the end of a pass from Mackers before driving the ball across the six-yard box close to the goal-line. Gary Muir looked like scoring only to have his legs 'whipped' from him by Plummer and the referee pointed to the spot. When the furore had died down at least one other visiting player was cautioned along with their goalkeeper. Up stepped 'King Kelbie' to fire the ball high into the net and send the Sky Blue faithful home happy. It was one of those games that could've gone anyway, but for once this season, thankfully, it went ours!

Nelson (8), M. Smith (7), Colligan (7), Albert (8), Gazza (8), Muir (7), Taggart (7), Locky (7)(Sub: Anderson 7,), A. Smith (7), Sparky (7)(Sub: Mackers 7,), Kelbie (7)

Man of the match: Albert Watson