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