Gone Fishing!

In the movies the common excuse for not being at your job, especially in the summer, is that you've 'gone fishing'. I wonder if United manager Roy Walker has mentally hung out the 'gone fishing' sign at the Showgrounds as he continues to commit 'gaffe after gaffe', in his team selection and in his tactics. I think it's official now that only one team, Donegal Celtic, is being promoted this season, so no matter what happens only one team is in jeopardy of going down to the first division, luckily for us that team is Institute. Our best possible finishing position in the league this year looks like being 10th and depending on the results from Distillery and Newry in their last two games, one of which is against each other, anything less than a win at Glenavon in our last game could leave us finishing one from the bottom.

But why am I saying that Roy Walker hung up the 'gone fishing' sign you may ask? Well I'll tell you. Yesterday we started with 4 central defenders as our back four. Lee Colligan has disappeared off the radar for one reason or another, so we're short of a leftback (what the fcuk is our reserve team for I wonder), so Archie is played there. Now I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that Archie will never, yes I said never, be a leftback, not while Pussy is a cat. The position is so alien to him and I can see him floundering there every week. Then at rightback we have Kit Ramsay, playing there so as Mike Smith can take up a wide right position and like Archie, Kit Ramsay will never be a rightback. The best position for both these boys is central defence, yes they can fill in, in an emergency, but not every week.

There's also the effect this has on Mike and Lee when they're pushed into midfield as they have to keep a weather eye on their respective backs as they constantly need to cover for them. Roy in my opinion has lost the plot, but in an ironic twist, if we win on Saturday and the Whites beat Newry On Tuesday and both only take a point in their last game, we will finish in 8th, what a travesty of justice that would be. But I digress badly, the Tommy Wright circus rolled into town yesterday, mugged us and went merrily on their way and we stood by and watched. In a surprise move, the forgotten man Nathan McConnell got a rare start as Sparky was suspended, while Noel Anderson got a starting role also, but in a wide left position.

With just 7 minutes on the clock the United defence was breached when Kit failed to deal properly with an attempted clearance and the ball was passed to Brown who easily beat Nelson to score. Ten minutes later the United defence was caught napping again, but Browne's goal bound shot was cleared off the line by Archie, with Nelson stranded. United's cause wasn't helped by a yet another useless linesman who missed about half a dozen blatant offsides including one where a Whites player was 10 yards at least offside. United got a lifeline after 29 minutes when Smith found Anderson in the box and he found the back of the net. United managed to hold out until halftime but they were decidedly lucky, but as luck would have it they missed a glorious chance in stoppage time. Taggart, completely out of touch for most of the half, broke clear after a corner and with Kelbie sprinting down the wing in acres of space, he passed to a Whites defender. The referee blew his whistle for halftime and it was obvious something had to be done during the interval to change things for us.

Manager Walker did change things for the 2nd half, but I for one was flabbergasted as he took off our best midfielder, Aidy Watson and brought on Gary Muir. Why take off Watson I wondered and if he wasn't injured, I'm sure Aidy is wondering also. Noel Anderson moved into central midfield alongside Taggart who was a virtual passenger throughout. Then 8 minutes into the half Roy took off Anderson his goalscorer and brought on Mackers, with McConnell dropping back to right midfield, Smith to rightback, Kit to central defence and Gazza to central midfield. We did create a little more in the 2nd period and Albert had a header cleared off the line from a Muir corner. Manager Walker decided another change was necessary but this one was a complete mystery to me and confirmed my thought about the 'gone fishing' idea, taking off a striker, big Nathan and bringing on a green reserve player, Ross Nelson.

Surely keeping Nathan on the field and going with 3 up front would have been a more positive move, but then again that's not our style. Our forward's ineptness was summed up for me exactly when Mike Smith delivered a perfect free kick and they stood and watched as the Whites defence cleared the ball. Our day was in complete tatters when the Whites scythed through our defence and Browne found himself one-on-one with Nelson and he duly found the net. Mackers missed a glorious chance to claim a point for us when he failed to find the target from 10 yards when he shot wide of an open goal. This result and Newry's win at Glenavon knocked us into 10th position and leaves us in a rather precarious position, safe from relegation, but not from humiliation. This situation cannot be allowed to continue, surely our board has to act sooner rather than later, we are not progressing, we are going backwards, but I do hope there were no 'gambling' irregularities, mainly because I wasn't in on it!

D.Nelson (7), Kit (5), Archie (6), Albert (7), Gazza (6), M.Smith (7), Taggart (4), Aidy (7)(Sub: Muir 6,), Anderson (8)(Sub: Mackers 5,), Nathan (6)(Sub: R. Nelson 6,), Kelbie (5)

Man of the match: Noel Amderson

Thumbs Down!

United's ever loyal travelling support gave the Irish league's much heralded 'split' the 'thumbs down' here last night as only 18 die-hards turned up for this meaningless, Carling B section fixture. All that was at stake for United was pride and we have precious little of that, as evidenced by our play last night. United manager Roy Walker says he's going to be ruthless in clearing the dead wood in his team out during the close season and on this showing last night he has a mammoth task before him. Only four players emerged from this fixture with any credit, our overworked back four of Mike Smith, Albert Watson, Kit Ramsay and Archie Stewart, the rest of the team were only there for the ride. United began with four changes to their starting line-up of last Saturday, Ramsay for Gazza, Muir for Locky, Kelbie for Andy Smith and reserve player Aaron Lennon for Colligan.

They got off to the worst possible start, going a goal behind after only 45 seconds. After their usual 'duff' kick-off, giving the ball tamely to the opposition, they paid a heavy price for their benevolence. The home side swept straight up the field and Davidson was allowed to shoot from 25 yards, a shot that Nelson could only parry. Admittedly it was a good shot but Dwayne should have pushed it round the post instead of trying to dive on it. As the ball ran loose Garret seized on it and laid it into the path of strike partner Paul Curran who had the simple task of shooting into the net as Nelson scrambled to get to his feet, while the United players stood and admired it or so it seemed to me.

United did create one clear-cut chance to get into the game when a rare decent corner from Muir (his corners and general play all night were at best inept), got into the box. As the ball was partially cleared young Lennon fired it back, but it was cleared off the line by an alert Newry defender. That was as good as it got for United and in fact they should've been two further goals behind as the home side missed two sitters. The first one saw Garret totally unmarked in front of goal, but somehow he managed to drag his shot wide and then Davidson hit a post when it looked easier to score. The Newry players were trying to con referee Burns all night as they went down under the slightest challenge, but were miraculously able to continue after treatment. United limped to halftime without conceding anything more and it was obvious that changes would have to be made if we were to glean anything from this game.

Alas we took to the field with the same eleven but 8 minutes into the half, Lennon was replaced by Noel Anderson. Before Noel got a chance to settle in United were reduced to 10 men, when Sparky was red-carded for an alleged late challenge on Newry Captain, Ferguson. I have to say I saw next to nothing but the Newry players started a mini riot and the upshot was that Sparky was dismissed. After lengthy treatment, Ferguson was able to walk off the pitch unaided, so draw your own conclusions. United probably played better with 10 men (in all honesty they couldn't have been much worse), but were indebted to Albert and Kit for keeping them in the match with some gritty defending.

Referee Burns demonstrated his biased refereeing when after Albert was caught by a late tackle he took no action against the culprit, not even a ticking off. United were reduced to humping the ball up field, but with no big target man, the home defence just soaked up the pressure. Manager Walker seemed devoid of ideas as he made no further substitutions, while Gary Muir frittered away possession every time he got the ball. United's unenviable record against the home side continued, four meetings this season and only one point to show for it. We fans are fed up with a team that doesn't produce the goods, something will need to be done soon, if not, they'll be many away days like this one!

Nelson (5), M. Smith (7), Archie (7), Albert (8), Kit (7), Muir (4), Aidy (5), Taggart (5), Lennon (5)(Sub: Anderson 6,), Sparky (6), Kelbie (5)

Man of the match: Albert Watson

Sore Points!

On paper this looks like a comprehensive victory, but in truth this was a very poor Institute side and United could and should've won much more convincingly. Still if I'd been offered a 3-0 result before the start I'd have gladly taken it and then some. Neither of United's Scottish duo made the match due to the Volcanic ash saga, which meant only one change from last Saturday's starting line-up, Sparky for Kelbie. It didn't take Sparky long to celebrate his call up as he opened the scoring after only 9 minutes. It was a move started by United's player of the month, Aidy Watson, who found Mike smith on the overlap. The United rightback cut inside his marker and his driven cross was tucked away by the alert Sparky.

United suffered a setback moments later when Locky limped off with a recurring knee injury with Kit Ramsay replacing him, releasing Mike Smith into right midfield. The United goal had a lucky escape when former player Rory McClean broke through, controlled the ball beautifully, but with the goal at his mercy he drove his shot wide. With 30 minutes on the clock United virtually tied up the points when Ramsay and Mike Smith combined down the right wing and when the 'Stute keeper spilled Smith's shot Lee Colligan was on hand to tap in with his right foot.

United were content to soak up the pressure from the visitors and test them on the break, although their 3rd goal came from a defensive mistake, when a defender attempted to head back to his keeper, but the alert Andy Smith managed to prod the ball into the net for his 10 goal in a United shirt. That goal came on the stroke of halftime and left United and their fans to enjoy their halftime cuppa.

United Captain Gazza, was substituted at halftime, but whether this was tactical or due to injury I couldn't say. Mackers made a rare appearance in Gazza's place and this necessitated Kit moving to central defence and Mike Smith back to fullback and Andy Smith moving to right midfield.. The second half was typified by some over-elaborate play by United and some real heavy tackles from the visitors, which went unpunished by referee Crangle. This was in contrast to his booking of United's Aidy Watson for a mistimed tackle. Five minutes later Andy Smith was caught by a horrendous late tackle and had to leave the field to be substituted by David Cushley. Not only did Andy's tackler go unpunished, United didn't even get a foul.

Cushley had one or two mistimed tackles before he was booked, while the visitors continued to kick our players indiscriminately, without caution from the referee. Ten minutes from the end United were reduced to 10 men when Mike Smith was caught with yet another unpunished tackle and he left the field, while Albert Watson was pushed forward as he was obviously not at his best either. Just before the end the ambulance arrived to take Andy Smith to hospital with a suspected broken ankle and despite being down to 10 men United continued to fritter away the chances.

Their best effort was a Cushley shot which was laid off to him by Sparky, but the keeper did well to save the winger's shot. Despite some late pressure from the visitors United held out for a crucial if costly victory and the realisation that 2 points from their remaining 3 games would see them finish no worse than 9th or 10th place. A poor result after the high hopes at the start of the season, but safely in the premier league for another term. Of course this will not do, we have been in the doldrums too long, it's time for the tough to get going!

Nelson (8), M. Smith (8), Archie (7), Albert (7), Gazza (6) (Sub: Mackers 6,), Locky (6) (Sub: Kit 7,), Aidy (7), Taggart (6), Colligan (7), A. Smith (7) (Sub: Cushley 7,), Sparky (7)

Man of the match: Mike Smith

Gaffes Galore!

Three major gaffes were responsibly for the 'mugging' of United in the Irish cup semi-final at the 'ludicrous' time of 5-30 pm on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Gaffe number one was in United's team selection. United's best back three players are Albert Watson, Mike Smith and Lee Colligan and for the fourth it's pick one from, Kit, Sparky, Gazza or Archie, but Roy in his wisdom chose to pick a back four of, Mike, Albert, Gazza and Archie, a disaster waiting to happen, leaving us very weak on our left flank. Our strongest central midfield pairing are Aiden Watson and Noel Anderson while the likes of Locky, Carsie and Taggart can also fit in there.

Our big midfield problem is in the wide positions and yesterday we had nobody in them. Admittedly Lee Colligan was playing in left-midfield, but Lee is only a leftback, he'll never be a left winger, not while pussy is a cat. Even worse we had nobody wide right at all and even worse or worser nobody on the bench to change that, no Cushley, no George Stewart. On a big pitch like Windsor wide players are a vital part of the equation. Up front we probably got it right with Kelbie and Andy Smith, but once more nobody on the bench to change things, with a choice between Paul McNeil and Sparky. Nathan McConnell seems to have disappeared off the scene completely as has Mackers, which left us with limited striking options.

Despite all these problems, we actually played quite well with nice flowing football although the Ports weren't allowing the game to flow as they tackled hard and often. United's Andy Smith was getting some rough treatment, but on several occasions referee McCourt ignored blatant fouls on the former Ports player. Andy also missed a couple of good opening for United when he twice broke into space on the right. The first time he pulled his cross behind Kelbie and on the second he pulled his cross-cum-shot across the face of goal. The Ports who had had to substitute McCutcheon after barely 15 minutes, missed a sitter when Gazza failed to deal with a through ball and Baker drove a shot wide. United didn't learn from this lapse and O'Hara got past Archie down the right wing and found Baker in space with Gazza leaden footed, but luckily his shot cannoned off the post to safety.

Gaffe number two came in the shape of referee Adrian McCourt, who after cautioning two Ports players for rough play, thereafter allowed them to literally 'kick' us off the park. He also disallowed what looked like a perfectly good goal for United but for what nobody knows. As if to add insult to injury he then allowed Ports forward Baker to foul United keeper Dwayne Nelson as he tried to catch a high ball and when the ball trickled into the net to the complete disbelief of the large contingent of United fans he allowed the goal to stand. Only 150 Portadown fans bothered to make the trip and they could hardly believe their luck. What an indictment the Ports fans showed for the ridiculous starting time and an indication of how fed up fans are with the glut of fixtures now being played.

Referee McCourt harshly cautioned Albert for a handball, but in the 2nd half allowed two opposition players to get away without a booking and in fact ignored one blatant handball completely. United were shell-shocked and it took a few minutes for them to settle after this setback. Halftime was reached with the Ports leading by this controversial goal, but surely Roy must change it I thought.

United returned to warm reception from their fans, who were magnificent throughout the game, but with no changes to their starting line-up. Some United fans were calling for Roy to make changes as United were losing midfield control. Referee McCourt demonstrated his ineptitude once more when Kelbie came in with a strong tackle on the halfway line and a scuffle ensued where Braniff was seen to punch Andy Smith, which somehow resulted in Andy getting a yellow card, but for what. Aiden Watson was kicked by a Ports player, but when he retaliated he got cautioned also, while one Ports player was cautioned.

Worse was to follow when Braniff late tackled Taggart, surely a booking but referee McCourt merely 'ticked' him off, a complete waste of time. United had just been about to make a double substitution but this was delayed as Taggart received treatment. Taggart was unable to continue and United replaced both him and Locky with Kit Ramsay and Anderson, with Ramsay slotting in to right back and Mike Smith being released to wide right. United deservedly got back on level terms when Andy Smith's shot came back to him and he rifled the rebound into the net from close range. United went looking for the winner but the Ports looked dangerous on the break and Nelson was relieved to see a Braniff shot clear his crossbar.

Kevin Kelbie, so often the hero became the villain when he missed a couple of chances and on at least one occasion Lee Colligan was available for a pass. With time slipping away United were trying to get the tie decided, but couldn't find the vital pass. At the start of extra time United manager Roy walker took off Gazza and brought on Sparky, who immediately moved up front which necessitated Ramsay moving to central defence, Mike Smith reverting to right back, a negative move and Andy Smith moving to the right wing, surely switching to a 3,4,3 formation would have been a better option.. United went all-out for it in the first period of added time and Ports keeper Miskelly kept his side in the game with a smart save from Anderson and another from Sparky. After a neat move down the right United should have done better than the weak Kelbie header into Miskelly's arms.

During the second period of added time United looked dead on their feet and the fans tried to lift them with their rapturous applause. United had one last chance right at the end of stoppage time, when Andy Smith released Kelbie, but United's top scorer failed to find the target and the dreaded penalty shoot-out was upon us. This game should have gone to a replay, but the I.F.A. ruled that due to the fixture congestion, both semi-finals would be decided on the day, a fixture congestion that was all the I.F.A.'s doing. I personally detest penalty shoot-outs, but no-one can come up with any other solution to resolve the deadlocked game, so we're stuck with penalties. But having said that we shouldn't have needed them as we had ample chances to make the game safe in normal and extra time.

It was then that the third gaffe came into play and I have no proof of this, just the 'body language' of the players, United didn't in my opinion have a plan for this situation and even though they got off to a great start with Dwayne saving the first kick, there seemed little conviction amongst the players. The first penalty taker was a complete surprise to me, Andy Smith, who had failed so miserable and so crucially on two occasions during the regular season against the Scum and the Glens. Keeper Miskelly got a hand to Andy's shot but it squirmed into the net, 1-0 to United. Nelson was well beaten to level the scores, then came surprise number two, Kit Ramsay was the man and his weak effort was easily saved by the Ports keeper. The Ports scored again to lead 2-1 and Kelbie levelled it at 2-2 with a brilliant kick.

The Ports scored with their next effort and Noel Anderson strode forward to level once more at 3-3. When the Ports 5th exponent scored it meant United were needing to score or they were out of the tie, so who would be entrusted with this vital role. I have to say of all the names going through my head, Archie wasn't one of them and his feeble effort was easily saved by the hero of the day, Ports keeper Miskelly. Archie was inconsolable and I must pay tribute to the United fans who stood and applauded the team off. The players had given their all, but at the end of the day they had been undone but three major gaffes and two of them were firmly of our own doing. The time came for our manager to do his job, but I'm afraid he failed miserably on this occasion and the seasons not over yet!

Nelson (7), M. Smith (7), Archie (6), Albert (7), Gazza (6)(Sub: Sparky 7), Locky (5)(Sub: Anderson 7), Taggart (6)(Sub: Kit 7), Aidy (8),Colligan (7), Kelbie (6), A. Smith (7)

Man of the match: Aiden Watson

Kamikazi United!

United manager Roy Walker said in the local paper, after intimating he would make changes to his starting line-up, that he still thought tonight's result was important, obviously that message didn't get through to the players, as they seemed intent on giving the Coleraine scum some Easter presents. Walker did wield the axe making six changes to his staring eleven of last Saturday. Out went keeper Nelson, defender Archie, midfielders Taggart and Aid Watson and forward Kelbie and the versatile Sparky, while Noel Anderson was also rested from the panel. In came Oggers in goal, Gazza in defence, Locky and Carson to central midfield and a rare start for Cushley wide left. Mike Smith returned from injury to right midfield, allowing Muir to move upfront to partner Andy.

With only 11 minutes gone United committed their first major error, when Darren Boyce, looking suspiciously offside, burst down the left before pushing the ball past the 'lead-footed' Chris Ramsay. Oggers started to come for the ball, which he looked favourite for, hesitated and gave Boyce the easy task of slipping the ball past him to give the scum the lead. United seemed to have levelled the score when Muir found Andy Smith, but a late flag ruled the score out. What a contrast in the second period when the same linesman missed three glaring offsides by the scum, only one of which luckily resulted in a goal.

United fans didn't have long to wait for the next gaffe by their benevolent players and this time it was Jody Tolan who got on a rebound from a Patterson shot, while the United defence stood and watched. Gary Muir came within a whisker of reducing the deficit, when his shot from 30 yards thundered off the crossbar with the keeper stranded. The scum wasted two good chances to increase their lead, when firstly Patterson shot over when once more our defence fell asleep and then when the ball ricocheted about in defence, before being finally cleared. Then it was Locky, playing in his first United/scum derby game who committed the next major gaffe, getting caught in possession inside the centre circle he feebly allowed himself to be robbed and Patterson this time made no mistake when he thumped the ball past the hapless O'Neil to make the score 3-0.

Two minutes later United got a lifeline when the scum keeper failed to deal with a Muir corner, Locky was on hand to reduce the deficit. That goal came in the 38th minute and try as they might United couldn't get another foothold before halftime. They weren't helped in this regard by the continual time wasting tactics of the scum keeper, aided and abetted by referee Dessie Loughrey who failed to encourage him to get on with it. In fact the performance of Dessie and the linesman at that end was brought into focus when the scum keeper clearly punched the ball for a corner and they decided it was a goalkick, which brought the wrath of the home fans to the fore.

United got a dream start to the second half when they reduced the deficit even more in the 53rd minute. This goal was scored by Andy Smith, who despite ploughing a lone furrow upfront, did manage to keep going and he scored a fine goal from 25 yards with a crisp right-foot shot, with the keeper helpless. Manager Walker then did a strange thing to my way of thinking, he took off Cushley and brought on Paul McNeill. Admittedly the Cush wasn't at his best, but McNeil has had numerous chances and is still at best a bit part player and even though he's an 'out-and-out' striker, he hasn't got the match winning qualities of the Cush.

Of course maybe Roy was happy with a 3-2 scoreline, but I definitely wasn't and despite making two more substitutions, George Young for Locky and near the end Aaron Lennon for Carson, the closest we came to scoring was when Muir rattled a 25 yarder off the crossbar once more. The scum on the other hand had been (aided and abetted by the linesman at that end), bursting through from offside positions and it was a miracle that United hadn't shipped another 3 goals in the second half. Oggers also made a couple of good saves but even he was powerless when Patterson, two yards behind the last defender ran through before squaring to Boyce to make the score an undeserved 4-2 to the scum.

This defeat left a bad taste in the mouth, but then again when you're playing the stinking gas-men, you always get a bad taste in your mouth. But what was especially galling about this defeat, was that it could've and should've, been avoided. The first two goals conceded were the result of bad defending, which sometimes happens, but the third was the result of our one big failing this season, 'arsing' about. Hopefully they'll be none of that next Saturday, but I fear it's become such an integral part of our play that it can't be helped, but I fervently 'hope' I can be proved wrong, boy do I hope I'm proved wrong!

Oggers (6), Ramsay (6), Colligan (6), Alb. Watson (7), Gazza (6), M. Smith (6), Muir (6), Carson (6)(Sub: Lennon 6,), Locky (6)(Sub: Young 5,), Cushley (6)(Sub: McNeil 6,), A. Smith (7),

Man of the match: Andy Smith

Boring Draw!

All I can say about yesterday's game, is summed up perfectly by the headline, it was a boring draw. It shouldn't have been a boring draw, we missed two sitters and had a stonewall penalty turned down, but in the end a draw was all we could manage. Things had started badly for us as the ever present Mike Smith got injured in the warm-up and his place was taken by Chris Ramsay, which was the only change from our last match 10 days ago. This meant top scorer Kevin Kelbie continued on the wing, a mis-selection if ever there was one. Eleven minutes into the game and the home team took the lead and I'm afraid this one was down to Dwayne Nelson, which was a pity as he had just made a wonder save with his foot.

The ball not for the first time this season wasn't cleared properly and when former United player Aaron Callaghan played it back in Nelson stood rooted to his goal line and Cooling had the simple task of side footing the ball into the net. This was simply the keepers ball, but he stayed on his line and we were punished as a result. Kelbie switched inside almost immediately as we now had to change tactics and go for an equaliser. This we managed after 25 minutes and it was the much maligned Gary Muir who got on the end of a Kelbie pass to level the scores.

Gavin Taggart had to come off almost immediately with Noel Anderson replacing him. United had probably their best spell in the game at this time and only referee Crangle knows why we didn't get a penalty when Sparky was cleaned as he attempted to chase a through ball. Albert Watson somehow managed to put a free header from a Muir corner over the bar, a chance gone begging. Shortly afterwards Kelbie broke clear and when it looked like the best option was to shoot he passed the ball to Andy Smith. Smith controlled the ball and then hit it straight at the near post with the whole of the goal gaping, a dreadful miss. United paid a heavy price for this lapse when against the run of play the hosts took a 2-1 lead.

There seemed little danger when Nelson threw the ball to Ramsay to carry it out of defence, but he allowed himself to be caught in possession. United did however manage to rectify the situation, but instead of hoofing the ball up-field, Albert passed to Ramsay once more and he repeated the process, but on this occasion the home team scored through McCann. This goal was down to what can best be described as 'arsing' about in defence, instead of doing the simple thing and clearing their lines and it's been an accident waiting to happen in our last half a dozen games, hopefully we have learned the lesson now.

Sparky didn't appear for the 2nd half and Cushley came on as a sub, which left us with two wingers. This gave us fans some hope, but it was false hope as we rarely attempted to play football, just kept launching the ball into their half and hoping to get something out of it. Kelbie drove a free kick straight to Matthews and as if not to be outdone, Cushley drove one against the defensive wall, while the so called ace free-taker Gary Muir, looked on. United did manage to claw a goal back midway through the half, when Kelbie burst down the wing before forcing Matthews into a top class save at the expense of a corner.

Gary Muir took the corner on the left with his right foot and Ramsay headed it back across goal where the alert Kelbie hooked the ball into the net. United did strive for the winner and Albert missed with another free header from a Muir corner. Noel Anderson was pressing forward at every opportunity and he set Muir up with a neat pass but when it looked like he must score, he failed to find the target. He almost atoned for this miss when he forced Matthews to save when he cut in from the left but no United forward could react in time and the home team managed to clear.

Nelson earned his keep in the 2nd half with two good stops when the United defence went asleep and not to be outdone the home team missed a sitter also. With 5 minutes remaining United suffered a blow when top scorer Kelbie went off with a recurrence of his shoulder injury. Paul McNeill came on in Kelbie's place and United will have an anxious wait to see if their talisman is available for the cup semi-final next Saturday. Despite referee Crangle finding 5 minutes of stoppage time, the game petered out to a tame draw, which in the end was a fair result. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for the result of the Ports/Scum, game which means we're at home to the Scum on Tuesday night.

Nelson (7), Ramsay (5), Colligan (7), Alb Watson (7), Archie (6), Muir (7), Taggart (6)(Sub: Anderson 7), Aid Watson (7), Kelbie (7)(Sub: McNeill 6), A. Smith (6), Sparky (6)(Sub: Cushley 6)

Man of the match: Gary Muir