More Muir!

Gary Muir made his United debut today in front of United's lowest away crowd for many's a day at Drumaho on the outskirts of Londonderry. Gary, according to the local rag, was brought in order to give us more craft in right midfield, but for some odd reason he started his United career on the left. Manager Roy Walker's team selection had a touch of the bizarre about it once more, out went Sean O'Neill in goals with Nelson replacing him, Aiden Watson was at right-back, Albert and Archie in the middle, with Lee Colligan at left-back. Mike Smith was in right midfield, with Haveron and Locky inside, Muir on the left and like at Coleraine Surgenor partnered Kelbie up front.

Muir had a few nice touches early on and in fact got the first shot on target after 5 minutes play. Two minutes later United took the lead when a Muir crossfield pass found Smith and he cut inside his marker to fire a left shot goalwards. 'Stute defender Ogilby got a foot to the ball but could only deflect it goalwards and Darren Lockhart tapped it into the net. The lead didn't last long as four minutes later Aiden Watson made a clumsy challenge in his own penalty box and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped the giant Ogilby to plant the ball in the corner of the net, giving Nelson no chance. United's defending was panicky to say the least and Nelson had to be alert to snatch the ball from a 'Stute forward soon after. With 18 minutes on the clock Lee Colligan handled needlessly in the box and a 2nd penalty was awarded. Ogilby repeated the dose again and despite Nelson diving the right way the ball ripped into the net.

With the home team two up United needed to up the pace and midway through the half, Smith broke down the right and squared the ball to Kelbie who blasted wildly past the post. Five minutes later Surgenor burst onto a through ball but when a score looked imminent he shot straight at home keeper Cullen. United were putting on the pressure at this stage and were denied a cast iron penalty when Ogilby clearly elbowed Lockhart, but the referee ignored and in fact waved play on. After treatment and with blood pouring from his head Locky asked if the referee hadn't went to 'specsavers' (or something similar) and picked up a caution, what else can we expect from referee's these days. With little more action halftime was reached with a rare two minutes of stoppage time added on.

Two minutes into the 2nd half and United levelled the scores when after Kelbie was fouled on the right, Muir took the free kick and the ball found the back of the net via a deflection. Two minutes later Rip Van Roy awoke from his slumbers, took off Aiden Watson and brought on the Cush, with Mike Smith moving back to right-back. The Cush was barely on the field 5 minutes when he took a pass from Kelbie and rifled a left-foot shot goalwards forcing Cullen into a top class save. Kevin Kelbie was cautioned soon after when he tangled with the home keeper, yet another silly booking for Kev. Locky was replaced by Nathan McConnell and from then on United strove for the winning goal, but couldn't make the vital breakthrough. Eighteen minutes from the end the home team were reduced to 10 men and still United couldn't take advantage of the situation.

Time and time again they'd drive forward but fail to find that telling pass to unlock the home defence. Even new signing Muir, who had switched to the right side couldn't get the breakthrough, though he did come closest when his free-kick just shaved the crossbar. Kevin Kelbie, who had been floored in the box earlier, burst onto a through ball and attempted to chip the keeper, but Cullen got the tips of his fingers to it to save the day. With 5 minutes of added time United were given every chance to get the clinching goal, but failed miserably to put the home team to the sword. As the match drew to a close United even failed to deliver balls into the danger areas therefore putting little pressure on the beleaguered home defence. As the final whistle sounded a fan said to Roy Walker, 'that's not good enough' and he said 'no it isn't', I heartily agree!

Nelson (7), Aid Watson (5)(Sub: Cushley 7,), Colligan (6), Albert (7), Archie (7), M. Smith (7), Haveron (7), Lockhart (8)(Sub: McConnell 7,), Muir (8), Surgenor (7), Kelbie (7)

Man of the match: Darren Lockhart