Bloody Marvellous!

United started their pursuit of the Gibson cup today, with a resounding 4-1 victory over the team managed by former United custodian Tommy Wright, Lisburn Distillery. We were charged the full admission price of £10 for a ground that's definitely sub-standard in regard to the comfort of spectators, but we didn't mind. If this was an example of how this United team are going to play this season, they'll be a delight to watch. Manager Roy Walker definitely sprung a surprise in team selection, picking Chris Rodgers to partner Sparky and leaving Ross Black on the bench with Archie filling the leftback role. Aaron Kerr got the nod for the keepers jersey and the rest of the team was that, that started in our last friendly match against Ballymoney United. United nearly got off to the worst possible start as the home team opening the scoring in a blistering start, only for the goal to ruled out for an offside infringement.

New signing Ally Teggart first touch, saw him give the ball away, but in a piece of irony his next involvement brought a roar from United fans, heralding the first goal of this season in the 10th minute. There didn't seem little danger when Cutch lost possession about 30 yards from goal, but when the Whites Aaron Callaghan failed to clear his lines, the alert Teggart intercepted the ball, strode for goal and neatly tucked away his first goal in a United shirt, despite a despairing dive from home keeper Brennan. United weren't going to sit back and continued to take the game to the home team, with 'Elvis' Costello and Jordan Baker combining well down the right. New team Captain Alan Jenkins just flashed a shot wide and then got on the end of Cutch header, but could only force the ball past the post.

United looked well in control but there had a been few scares at the back, with Tony Kane giving former United winger David Cushley too much room. Eventually we were made to pay for this benevolence, for when Cushley was found by a free-kick, his goal bound header was brilliantly tipped away by keeper Kerr, but Whites player Ligget was on hand to force home the equalising goal, despite the attention of Chris Rodgers. That goal came in the 34th minute but United replied almost instantly, in the 38th minute to be precise, when Elvis forced his way past his marker on the left and laid on a perfect pass for Cutch to slide the ball home to give the Sky Blues the lead once more. As United threatened to take control, Baker was unlucky to see his header clip the bar after a nod on from Jenks. Despite referee Hunter adding on 2 minutes of stoppage time there was no further scoring and United were warmly applauded off at the half.

2nd Half

Ally Teggart should made it three, after two minutes had elapsed in the 2nd period, but he decided to try a chip instead of blasting the ball for the target and cleared the crossbar. But United weren't be denied long and got a penalty in the 52nd minute and sad to say, Elvis missed the target completely, so our penalty woes continue, so unprofessional. Cutch then messed up after exchanging passes with Jenks, instead of just blasting ball at the target, he chose to try an audacious chip which cleared the crossbar, yet another chance went abegging. The home team was trying to get a foothold in this match but they were rocked back on their heels by the goal which secured the points for United. This was the goal of the game for me and my 'man of the match', Elvis, had a huge hand in and it came with 64 minutes on the clock. Not for the first time he found himself out on the right wing and after a bit of wing wizardry he put over a gem of a cross and Jordan Baker threw himself at the ball and headed it into the net.

It was all over bar the shouting and there was plenty of that, with the United fans bursting into song. When Cutch lost possession in the 77 minute there seemed little danger but Elvis chased the ball to to right corner flag and his cross found the wee man lurking at the far post and his looping header found the target to make the score 4-1. Manager Walker decided to change things here and took off Conor Downey and brought Davey Munster which necessitated Sparky slotting into into midfield. With 3 minutes left on the clock, Tony Kane, was adjudged by referee Hunter to commit a serious foul and he administered a straight red card. This was in contrast to the incident in the first half when Elvis was floored by a deliberate elbow, the referee on that occasion merely told the culprit off.

This sending off meant United had to see out 3 minutes of normal time and the obligatory 3 mins of stoppage time with 10 men. To help with this Jordan Baker was substituted, with Ross Black taking his place. United easily seen out the last 6 minutes and when the referee blew the final whistle I could hardly contain myself with excitement. We had won the first match of the season for the first time in 14 years and not only win it, we won it with style. Roll on the next match I say, but definitely do a bit of working on your penalty kickers, this benevolence has to stop!

Kerr (6), Kane (6), Archie (7), Rodgers (8), Sparky (7), Baker (8), (Sub: R. Black,6), Downey (7)(Sub: Munster, 7), Jenks (8), Teggart (8), Cutch (8),
Elvis (9)

Man of match: Elvis Costello