Missed Chances!

This was a game of missed chances for both teams, both had enough chances to wrap up the points, but failed miserably when it came to taking them. United's recent signing Gary Muir, a man with a reputation for scoring goals was the first culprit. A back-pass was played to the visiting keeper, who completely scuffed his clearance and it fell at Muir's feet. Muir somehow known only to him contrived to miss an open goal, it was definitely harder to miss it than to score it, but miss it he did. Despite being called up for the under-21s Chris Ramsay started in defence, alongside Archie, with Gazza slipping into midfield with Aiden Watson, Muir and Andy Smith, that left Kelbie and Sparky up front. United's team selection had earlier been thrown into confusion when Noel Anderson was sick after reporting to the ground.

United seemed unable to string more than two passes together and it was no surprise when the visitors came more into the game. Referee Creaney committed a major gaffe, failing to award Newry a penalty after Archie 'cleaned' Stephen Garret. The foul was a good yard inside the penalty box,but referee Creaney gave a free-kick on the edge. United failed to learn from this near-miss and had another let-off when Garret somehow missed the target from six yards, when it looked easier to score than miss. Coleman of Newry was unlucky to see his shot beat Nelson, but bounce clear off the post and then Nelson made a good save just before halftime.

The second half was no better than the first and we were left wondering if either manager had anything in reserve to change things round. With 25 minutes left Walker took off Aiden Watson and Sparky, replacing them with Mackers and the Cush. Surely the 'Cush' could get us going I thought but even he seemed to be in a quiet mood. United did manage to force a couple of corners, but couldn't apply the finishing touches inside the box. Gary Muir burst clear of the Newry defence but pulled the ball back behind Mackers. The two Smiths combined well down the right and when the cross came in, Gary Muir, with a free header failed to trouble the keeper. This was practically Muir's last action as he was replaced by young Lee McCaughen.

At the other end United were indebted to goalie Dwayne Nelson for a couple of good saves when the Newry substitute showed our defence a clean pair of heels. Cushley, who generally shoots from fifty yards wasn't his old self at all and when he found himself near the edge of the box, he tried to find Kelbie with a delicate pass, when a shot looked the better option. Mackers passed up the chance of testing the keeper also when he passed after bursting into the box and Kelbie also fired over the bar when he appeared to have plenty of time to pick his spot. During stoppage time the Cush cut inside but his well struck shot failed to trouble the keeper and the game ended in a draw. A point apiece was all either team deserved, for this was a really boring game. I just hope United had one eye on next week's cup game at Glenavon as I couldn't stick another game like this one.

Nelson (7), M.Smith (6), Colligan (5), Ramsay (5), Archie (6), Aid Watson (5)(Sub: Cushley 6,), A, Smith (5), Gazza (6), Muir (4)(Sub: McCaughen 6,), Sparky (6)(Sub: (Mackers 5,), Kelbie (5)

Man of the match: Dwayne Nelson