Upside Down!

Buckets (5), O Kane (5), Paddy Mac (6), Kyley (6), Steeky (6), Thommo (6), Fergie (5)(Sub: Darhen 67mins 6,), Jenks (5), Mikey (6)(Sub: Leroy 70mins 7,), Cush (6)(Sub: Barber 62mins 6,), Tippers (7). Subs (not used): Hanley and Graham.

Man of the match: Tippers

Referee: Evan Boyce 3


This headline came about as I overhead the comment about a Ducks player (on-loan striker Stephen O'Flynn), saying his head was on upside down, referring to his bald head and full beard. Boy did he make us pay for this joke from someone in the paltry crowd of Sky blue supporters, as he had a hand in the Ducks two first-half goals and generally gave our defenders the run-around.

As expected our manager had to reach deep into his panel to get 11 fit players for this game and young Matty was conspicuous with his absence, not even in the panel. Willie, didn't make the panel either and the man who scored our one league goal since our comeback win at Portadown, Nathan Hanley, was left kicking his heels on the bench.

Goalscorers in United Sky Blue colours (or yellow), are as scarce as hens teeth and we can ill afford to be without one, but our manager knows best. My headline could refer to United's penchant for conceding goals, the worst in our league, 6 more than bottom club Warrenpoint. Now if the goals for and against column were reversed, 59 goals for and 41 against, it would make for better reading.

All summer, Sky Blues supporters were shouting from the rooftops, that United needed to strengthen their defence by signing a defensive King-pin, but our fears went unheeded,. We are paying for that oversight now, big time. Admittedly if referee Evan Boyce, had of done his job, O'Flynn would have been sent-off in the 16 minute as he clearly elbowed United defender Paddy Mac.

Not only did he not book O'Flynn, hereafter called OFF, he didn't even give a free-kick and had to stop play aS the Mallards were threatening to score. But before this incident, he was kind to United when OFF, was scythed down in the box, with a combination of Paddy Mac and Buckets, but incredulously he gave a goal-kick, I thought it was a certain penalty.

But two wrongs don't make a right and the ref was at fault for not doing his job in the first place and the Sky Blue players were at fault for not doing what they are paid to do, defending. Fergie, in an interview in the BT, said he implored his players to start brightly and putting the Ducks defence under pressure.

Why then, as United clearly won the toss, did his Captain for the day, Jenks, let the Ducks dictate the choice of ends, surely we would want to upset their rhythm, as they like to defend the turnstile end in the first half, I can only assume that he was obeying orders, or is it a matter of choice for the Captain, is it not discussed beforehand?

Knowing the professionalism at United, I wouldn't be surprised if the latter was the case, there's too much left to chance. United had to make two changes in their back-four, with Owen Kane, replacing Tony and Kyley, replacing Captain Jimer. Mikey Smith, got a start in left-midfield, in place of Hanley and Tippers, came back TO lead the line.

The Ducks started brightly and tore into United as if they meant to get the match over quickly. At first the United defenders were on top of OFF and Kyley, was pulled up for a foul, when he went over the top on Ducks, player Sproule, who in turn was lucky to escape a booking when going in late on Buckets later in the half.

But the top strikers find a way to hurt you and OFF started to play deeper and get more room to exploit the United defence. He should have won a penalty with 14 mins gone when, he was fouled by a combination of Paddy Mac and Buckets. Buckets, was late in arriving. but the ref gave our defenders the benefit of the doubt, but I don't think there was any doubt.

The ref compounded his mistake, two mins later when OFF, still seething with rage that his penalty appeal was turned down, exacted some revenge on Paddy Mac, with an elbow to the face, but the ref never faltered and only pulled play up when Paddy was down holding his face. OFF, was even more livid with the ref for stopping play and berated the official, who let him off scot free.

The Ducks continued to batter the beleaguered United defence and Owen, was beaten for pace when fullback Elliot, went flying past him leaving him in his wake, luckily United cleared this danger. But a goal had to come and with half an hour gone the home side took a deserved lead when Sproule beat Steeky and from his cross McKenna slotted home.

Cush, was injured when he tried to prevent this score and had to receive treatment from our Physio. Not much was seen of our attack as Cush, playing on the right was virtually starved of the ball. We tended to play down the left, with Steeky and Mikey, but they failed to get a cross in and generally lost the ball, what a waste.

From a Ducks corner, OFF, was unlucky to see Tippers on the line to clear the ball as Buckets, was beaten all ends up. The United defence were under pressure and Mikey, was lucky to stay on the field, when he went with studs showing on OFF, he only received a booking. From the restaurant free-kick, taken by OFF, the ball skimmed off Thommo's head and into the back of the net.

I think this was an own goal by Thommo, for Buckets, seemed to have the original shot covered, but OFF, was credited with it and who am I to argue with the officials. Just before the halftime whistle, OFF, tried another shot but seemed to injure himself in the process and didn't come out for the second-half, but the damage was done already.

2nd half
United came out for the second half like a whirlwind and got a goal back in the first minute. They gave the ball away straight from the centre, as is their wont, but from a throw-in taken by Steeky to Thommo, Steeky then fed Mikey, up the left-wing. Mikey, took his fullback on and got in a cross and Tippers was on hand to beat Ducks keeper Rouse, with a near post header.

Could United make a comeback, I foolishly thought, but they soon returned to the norm. The home side soon restored their two goal advantage, when Sproule crossed again and Paddy could only direct his attempted clearance into his own net. I could see the United players heads go down at this reverse and disaster struck again, when Cush, cushioned a ball with his chest and had to receive treatment once again.

The home team showed their unsportsmanlike side, by throwing the ball for a goal-kick instead of throwing it to the United keeper, its all in the breeding as Omar, would say. A minute or so later Cush, tried a shot from 30 yards which Rouse saved easily, but like OFF, before him, he seemed to stretch his groin and had to come off to be replaced by the Barber.

with Cush's departure went United's forlorn hope of getting anything from the game and this was emphasised just a min later, when Kyley, was adjudged to have brought McCartney down. i thought this penalty was harsh, not as clear cut as the one not given but McCartney dusted himself down and slotted home the penalty despite the despairing dive as Buckets, threw himself to his left.

With the match two thirds of the way over Spike, decided to ring the changes taking off his son to be replaced with Darhen and a few mins later Mikey made way for Leroy. Two mins later, when chasing a Ducks player Leroy, lost his footing only to be chastised with the veteran Tippers and told to not to fall again.

The young man took this piece of advice in his stride and carried on and in the end got his reward, his first senior goal. But that goal came in added time, too late to have any bearing on the result of the game, but a goal is a goal and credit to Leroy, for sticking to his guns and not getting frustrated. Thommo, had a chance to reduce United's leeway with 15 mins left, but his shot cleared the crossbar, much to the relief of Ducks keeper Rouse.

The Mallards should have dented the Sky Blues defensive frailties even further, as they missed several good chance to score, one of them when Buckets, presented them with the ball with a botched clearance, but McCartney drove his shot wide with Buckets stranded. As I say United did fashion a goal after the 90 mins were up and it was a personal triumph for Leroy, as he latched on to a through ball from Thommo, to score his first senior goal.

The Sky Blues were left to rue what might have been, if one or two decisions had gone their way and they had taken their managers advice to go at them from the start. Results elsewhere, mean they haven't lost any ground in their pursuit of the fabled top six place, but they have to start to win games or indeed not lose, bring on the Coleraine scum!

United Kaned!

Buckets (6), Tony (6), Jimer (6), Paddy Mac (6), Steeky (6), Fergie (5) (Sub: JT 70mins 6,), Thommo (5), O Kane (6)(Sub: Tippers 52mins 6,), Hanley (6)(sub: Matty 61mins 6,), Cush (6), Jenks (6). Subs (not used): Leroy and Mike the 3rd.

Man of the match: Buckets (Blaney)

Referee: Keith Kennedy (KK)1


We knew it had to happen sooner rather than later, but for United and their victories County Antrim Shield team, it happened just 11 days after their famous victory at the National stadium. I was worried about the referee, Keith Kennedy and my fears were realised and how, when he yellow-carded 4 United players and let his employers Linfield/IFA. off scot free (I apologise if I offended any native of Scotland with this comment).

From the moment he booked Tony Kane, after 20 minutes, he was on a mission and he conducted his mission to the very letter, booking United players at every opportunity and letting his employers away with everything. He even let a Linfield player away with throwing a punch at Tippers and later on, when Smyth clearly dived in the penalty area, he sent the unlucky Tony off.

If that wasn't bad enough the linesman on the home stand side, was flagging in the first-half for bogus offsides. But he failed miserably in the second-half when Gaynor was a yard offside, but the flag stayed down and Linfied opened the scoring from Gaynor's cross. United had changed their tactics of always attacking the Home Farm end in the first-half and I think this contributed to their downfall as well.

United manager Spike, had made two changes to his starting line-up of last Tuesday's victory over Carrick Rangers, his son Matthew, here after known as Fergie, replacing the injured Gavin. Owen Kane, free from work commitments, replaced Willie on the right, whether Willie was injured or dropped, I couldn't say.

Linfield started as if they wanted to blow United out of the water forcing several corners, which United surprisingly dealt capably with. In the first real attack from United, Nathan Hanley, burst onto a pass and was the subject of a block tackle from Linfield's Stafford, who immediately started writhing on the ground, trying to get the United man booked.

I though immediately that Hanley was fouled, but incredulously, KK, gave a foul to his employers, not surprising really, if you know what I mean. Three minutes later Tony was booked for a foul, the Linfield player going down as if he was pole-axed and KK couldn't get the yellow card out quick enough.

Buckets, was in the right position for two Linfield shots and in United's best move of the first-half, Tony sped into the penalty area, but tried to lay the ball back to his mate Cush, who failed to get in a shot. I always think in that situation, if you can't find an unmarked man, its better to go for goal, or hit a hard and low shot into the box.


United carved out another chance and the ball fell to Owen Kane, but his mishit shot fell to the offside Jenks, the only decision that the bearded Lino got right in the whole game. Approaching halftime, a Linfield player went down in the centre-circle, claiming he was fouled and KK promptly booked Fergie.

As the Linfield player stayed down, the Linfield physio was called on to treat him, but the player in the end needed no attention, he had been bluffing but KK fell for it. Despite a minute of added time and a fruitless corner the teams came off at halftime scoreless, but I was secretly worried, that we wouldn't be attacking our favoured goals in the 2nd half.


2nd half

United were dealt a cruel blow 7 mins into this half, when Owen, suffered an injury in a block tackle, no yellow card this time and had to be replaced, with Tippers coming on. This meant a reshuffle with Thommo, switching to the right-midfield and Jenks, dropping back to centre-midfield.

United then had their best spell in the game, with Tippers getting a shot in and Cush, should have down better after a weak punch from the IFA's goalie, but he could only shoot over the bar. Then from a corner taken by Tony, Paddy Mac's looping header was clawed away with the keeper batting it down, but he managed to get into his arms and cleared the danger.

With just over the hour gone, Spike took off, Hanley and brought on young Matty. This in turn meant another reshuffle, with Cush dropping back to left-midfield and two mins later Gaynor, a yard offside, crossed for the unmarked Ward to tap home to give Linfield the lead 1-0. Straight from the kick-off United nearly committed suicide from a misplaced pass, but luckily they got the ball cleared.

Then in 68 mins disaster struck again for United, when Captain Jimer failed miserably to cut out a through ball leaving Smyth free on goal. But the Linfield player played the ball too far in front of him with Tony closing in, but he dived full length and KK incredulously gave a penalty and sent Tony off with his second yellow card.

I was reminded of a game years back when the Oran 'the diving bird' Kearney, took a similar dive and earned his employers Linfield/IFA a penalty. Its an old saying, 'the more things change, the more they stay just the same', in short its hard to beat the system, but we have to try. Buckets, guessed the right way, but Gaynor's penalty was right in the corner and unstoppably.

Four mins later it was three, when Cush failed to get the ball clear and Smyth was on hand to slot the ball home. JT, had come on to try to shore up United's defence, replacing Fergie, but it was all to no avail. United defeat was complete when Waterworth found acres of space and drilled a shot past the hapless Buckets.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Thommo picked up a booking and Paddy, followed him into the refs book. Linfield missed a sitter, when from a corner, Buckets stayed on his line and a Linfield player headed over at point blank range. With United defending, Captain Jimer, in a rush of blood was trying close down Linfield's rightback, before getting back to defence.

There was a bit of argy bargy, with some United fans, attempting to get at the Linfield fans as the Sky Blue fans should have been leaving the ground. I need to say I condemn this sort of behaviour unconditionally, these sort of fans we don't need. Whether this unrest, prompted the ref to blow his whistle early i don't honestly know, but our match clock said 88 mins when he blew.

But there was no way back for United, they were a beaten team and I think they were suffering from fatigue, they had a hard gruelling game in midweek as well as celebrating the Shield win and it took its toll as the game was in its closing stages. But nobody died as they say and we'll just have to dust ourselves down and get on with it, bring on the Ducks!

Dream Start!

Buckets (6), Kane (7), Jimer (8), Paddy Mac (7), Steeky (7), Gavin (7)(Sub: Ferguson 54mins 6,), Thommo (6), Hanley (8)(Sub: Smith 64mins 6,), Faulkner (6), Cush (5)(Sub: Taylor 91mins 6,), Jenks (6). Subs (not used): Darhen and Matty.

Man of the match: Captain Jimer

Referee: Raymond D H Crangle 3

For a change, the Sky Blues, famed for being slow starters, were quick off the mark last night, scoring in the 2nd minute with the only goal of the night. Our manager Spike, not renowned for keeping it tight at the back, did that last night, when he left two strikers on the bench and brought on two midfielders and a out-and-out defender in JT.

But I have to say this game was boring and the goal was nothing special, although Hanley took it well. There was some hesitancy in the Carrick defence and I thought originally they stopped expecting an offside flag or the referee's whistle. Cush, flicked a header on and Nathan Handley pounced, to steer the ball past Neeson in the Carrick goal to give United the lead 1-0.

We all waited for the floodgates to open, for United are normally a free-scoring side, but not last night. They seemed to give a master-class in not finding their men, with misplaced passes galore. The referee, Raymond D H Crangle, didn't help matters with an incompetent display as is usual for him.

How he failed to not to flourish at least yellow card when a Carrick player nearly decapitated a United player with a high foot, it beggars belief, but D H is nothing if not controversial. When Cush, became the meat in a Carrick sandwich, amazingly he waved play on much to the annoyance of the Sky Blue faithful and their manager.

He allowed Carrick to take free-kicks and throw-ins from anywhere they pleased, but late on in the first-half he deprived United of quick throw-in, for what I don't know, except that Carrick were caught on the hop, surely that is their look-out. But United cannot blame D H, for this slipshod performance, that is squarely at their door, for they had enough clear-cut chances to increase their goal difference, which weren't taken.

Five mins after our early goal, Carrick fashioned a chance, but luckily the shot was straight at Buckets, who saved easily. Cush, then fluffed a chance when he didn't trouble the keeper, when he picked up a loose ball from a partially cleared corner. Then it was Tony's turn when his free-kick was just saved on the line as it dipped over the Carrick wall.

Tony, had just signed a two-year extension to his contract, as our manager tries to get established players signed up before the poachers come in. With less than ten minutes to go in the first-half, Willie, was found alone in the penalty area, but he dithered instead of shooting and a Carrick defender got in a tackle, another chance gone begging.

Buckets, had me on tenterhooks, when he was a bit lax on two back-passes, dithering when he should have cleared the ball and for a man with his experience there can be no excuse. But Fergie, seems to think he is the bees knees and we will have to get used to his flamboyancy it seems, for he looks to be our permanent keeper.

United nearly paid the ultimate price for this first-half benevolence in front of goal, when Thommo took a short free-kick near the halfway line (one of my pet hates is the short free-kick) and he could only find touch on the halfway line. Carrick, took a quick throw-in, miles forward it has to be said, but D H, being D H, let them away with it and the United defenders were caught flat-footed.

Chines, bounded past his marker, but with the goal at his mercy, he missed the target completely, a real let-off for the Sky Blues. Buckets, had let two balls pass through his hands and D H, allowed that he had touched them, but I think he misjudged them and thankfully we weren't punished in the resultant corners and we survived to halftime.


2nd half
I thought surely, Spike, woukld make a change at halftime, by bringing on young Matty or springing a real surprise and letting Darhen loose, but we took the field with the same eleven. When we got a free-kick about 20 yards from goal on the right, Hanley and Cush lined it up and I was surprised to see Hanley, taking it.

Although he got the ball over the Carrick wall, he missed the target, another missed opportunity, I think we need to work the keeper, anything else is a waste of time and effort. Less than 10 mins into the half Gavin, had to come off with an injury, to be replaced with the managers son, Matthew.

I think Fergie, missed a trick here, he could have dropped Jenks back and brought on a striker, but he decided to play the same game, packing his midfield. Carrick, came into the game a bit more and United were missing Gavin's ball-winning capabilities, but we coped okay with anything Carrick threw at us.

Steeky, was denied a cast iron penalty, when he was tripped in the box, but D H, was unmoved, waving play on. I would like to see that again on TV, as it looked to be clear-cut to me, but I admit to seeing it through Sky Blue eyes and United have a history with D H, denying us cast iron penalties in the past

With 25 mins to go, goalscorer Hanley, was replaced by recent signing from Larne, Mike Smith, who had come up the ranks from our youth Academy, before he joined Larne. Although Mike, acquitted himself well and fitted in with Steeky, the pair of them constantly gave the ball away down the left flank, instead of getting crosses in.

United had another let-off with less than 20 mins to go, when Sparky, shot for goal, but the United defence somehow got the ball away. Carrick continued to threaten and Tony, of all people was beaten, by I think it was McCloskey, but his shot lacked the pace to trouble Buckets, yet another near thing.

Two minutes later we had the miss of the match, when Jenks, set-up our Talisman Cush, about 10 yards from goal and our leading goalscorer could only drag his shot wide with the goal gaping. I thought to myself Spike, has to take Cush off now, for he was struggling to make an impact, but he didn't and we almost paid the price for his indecision.


Sparky, went down in a 50/50 challenge, squealing like a stuck pig, but he usually does squeal as if his leg was broken and I was not too concerned. When he got up moments later, Omar, led the applause for Sparky, which was nice to see and totally deserved in my opinion. D H, saw fit to add to add 4 mins on to the 90 and Spike, made his last substitution a minute later with JT replacing the out of form, Cush.

It was really backs to the wall now and then Buckets punched shot over the bar for a corner. When this corner was taken the unmarked Cherry, headed over the bar, yet another close escape. Thankfully D H blew his final whistle two mins later and United had won, ugly as they say and moved up to seventh place in the process, bring on the Linfield, I can hardly wait!

Cush Delivers!

Buckets (8), O Kane (8)(Sub: Ferguson 92mins 7,), Paddy Mac (8), Jimer (8), Steeky (8), Gavin (8) (Sub: Darhen 94mins 7), T Kane (8), Thommo (8), Faulkner (8)(Sub: Matty 83mins 7), Cush (8), Jenks (8). Subs: (not used): Dwayne and Hanley.

Man of the match: Cush

Referee: Ian McNabb 1

A Linfield fan was mocking us on Saturday night saying was 'Cush playing' todaY? I thought secretly, you'll maybe get your answer on Tuesday night and did he how. But Cush was only one of eleven stars for United, but he showed that wee bit of magic, to firstly win the free-kick in the first-half for our first goal and then to shoot us is into the lead, via a slight deflection, in the second-half.

You can't legislate for a player like Cush, he's a one-off, not an out-and out goal-scorer by any means, but he has that ability to turn games on their head, in short, he's a match-winner. It took an insurance goal for Owen Kane, to secure the win and United fans had to endure 7 mins of added time, but our luck held and boy did we celebrate!

The referee Ian McNabb, had a good game in the first-half, but someone must have got to him at halftime as he completely changed and was awarding Linfield free-kicks for 'ghost fouls' and booking four United outfield players in the process. He also booked Buckets, for time-wasting, but he wasn't, compared to some of the things that goes on most Saturdays.

In the first-half, Cush made one rash challenge after he had lost the ball and Ian merely talked to him and it never happened again. When a Linfield defender was shielding the ball as Jenks, harried him, he was guilty of a high foot, nearly decapitating the former United Captain. But Ian merely admonished him, good refereeing in my book, a lesser ref would certainly have yellow-carded him, if not red.

United manger Spike, made only one change from his starting line-up of last Saturday, when United lost after extra-time. As JT, was suspended, Paddy Mac, got the nod. United had been guilty on Saturday of letting too many crosses come in and the manager swapped the two Kanes moving Tony, to rightback and Owen, to midfield.

He also played Cush, in a more advanced role, alongside Jenks and this worked for the most part to my mind. As the large travelling support, were stuck in the Railway stand, Linfield won the toss and decided to change things round and attack the empty Spion Kop end in the first-half and I think this played into United's hand.

Linfield started the brighter, a Bates shot chested away by United Captain Jimer, with Linfield fans calling for a penalty, but it was clearly his chest from the former Linfield defender. It took United some time to get going, winning a free-kick when Jenks, was nearly beheaded, Cush took the kick and although Glendenning fumbled the ball, Jenks, couldn't make contact.

United had a huge let-off when Mulgrew, got a bit of space and thundered a shot off the crossbar, with Buckets beaten. From a Linfield corner, the traitor Callaher, the former Glens player who joined Linfield, headed over from a corner. Then it was Cush, again who had a shot easily saved by the Linfield keeper, but it was only a tester.

But Cush, had an appetite for it last night and he cleverly won a free-kick about five yards in from the touch-line and about twelve yards from the goal-line. For a change Cush and Tony, didn't do their usual routine and Tony took the free himself and Paddy Mac, got his head on it to score and give United a one goal lead.


Paddy, ran to the United fans to celebrate and the Linfield players looked shattered at this turn of events and their fans were silent and that infernal drum was silent also. It was United who were in the ascendency now and Tony, came close with another free-kick, this time it was too close to the keeper who clutched the ball safely in his arms.

That was nearly it for the first-half and United went off for the halftime interval, with their fans cheers ringing in their ears. I didn't want the half to end, I was enjoying it that much, but I realised there was still a lot of action to come, but I couldn't get that stupid smile off my face and its still on.

2nd half

Linfield came out with renewed vigour and just when it seemed we had weathered the storm, the ref decided to take action as he ruled we had committed a foul, when a home player got caught in possession and Jenks, got booked for winning the ball. The United defence let their concentration lapse and Buckets, decided to punch the free-kick and that proved to be a disaster.

Bucket's punch went straight up in the air, putting more pressure on our defenders, eventually the ball broke to Master Bates and he rattled it into the net to draw the hosts level at 1-1. Captain Jimer, went to the Lino on the South stand side to protest and promptly got himself a yellow card from referee Ian.

Our fans were visibly upset by this turn of events and they started the old chant, 'Linfield are the IFA' and that was one of repeatable songs of derision directed at referee Ian and his employers, the IFA. The fans were disconsolate, but not the team and they continued to attack the Linfield rearguard with impunity and a score looked likely.

With barely an hour on the clock, that man Tony, again picked out Willie, with a cross-field pass and he chested it down to Cush and Cush sent an unstoppable shot towards goal, which took a slight deflection off Stafford, but I don't honestly think it made any difference, it was a goal all the way the moment he hit it, that in a nutshell, is so Cushlike!

Needless to say we were rampant, singing and shouting our lungs out and hoping that United could get a clincher to make the tie safe. As Linfield upped the pace, Tony had to be alert to head one effort off the line and Callaher headed the rebound over the bar. Two mins later the referee's bias came to the fore again as he let hosts take a quick free-kick instead of making them wait for his signal.

For once Buckets, was alert to this skulduggery and punched the ball over the bar for a corner. I thought surely the referee would call back this attempt and book the culprit, Callaher, but he gave the corner. But despite playing the 12 men of Linfield, United weathered the storm and they got their reward with a third goal.

We owe a big debt of thanks to Linfield's Mark Stafford, who Linfield signed in the summer, when he could only head the ball down instead of clearing his lines and as the ball fell to a bunch of United players, it was Owen Kane, who scored with a powerful shot, the ball finding its way into the net via the underside of the bar.

I was beside my self with joy as were the other fans in the Railway stand and Gavin Taggart, could be seen taunting the Linfield fans in the home stand, no doubt a bit of banter had been exchanged with the Linfield fans earlier in the game. Linfield looked a beaten team at this stage, but they managed to gather themselves for one more concerted attack.

With five minutes to go and a fresh pair of legs on in the shape of young Matty, who replaced Willie, Cush and Steeky decided to try to waste time, instead of trying to get another score and put the tie to bed. Of course they lost possession and Linfield started an attack and not surprisingly referee Ian, gave another doubtful free-kick, to his employers, booking Steeky, who committed the alleged foul in the process.

From the resultant free-kick, the ball found its was to Haughey and he delivered a gem of cross to Stafford, who scored with s diving header to reduce the leeway to 3-2 to the Sky Blues. If the United players had been panicky earlier, it was all-out defending now, everybody back when the hosts got a corner, which meant we had no outlet.

When got to 90 mins, the ref added on 4 mins, as there had been 4 goals scored and 4 subs, he got his maths spot on. Spike, brought on his son Matthew after 92mins, to replace Owen Kane and when the 4 mins had elapsed he took off Gavin and brought on Darboy. That let the ref add on another minute but he actually played 7 mins to my recall.

Its true to say that the United goal led a charmed life in this added time, when the hosts did everything but score, hitting the post and the crossbar, but justice was done in the end, when the ref finally blew his whistle and we all went mental. It was a great victory, made even sweeter by the fact that we were outnumbered by Linfield and the referee's biased nature.

We had tamed the lions in their den and we had done it without our central defender JT and we never missed him it has to said. Paddy Mac, had stepped up to the plate, ably supported by Captain Jimer, Steeky and Tony, they defended as if their very life's depended on it and we thank the players one and all, you did us proud, now go on and beat the 'Gers on Saturday, I can hardly wait for it and I'm still smiling!

So Near!

Buckets (8), O Kane (7), Jimer (7), JT (6), Steeky (7)(Sub: Hanley 63mins 7,), Gavin (6)(Sub: Matty 70mins 7,), Thommo (8), T Kane (7), Faulkner (6)(Sub: Nixon 106mins 6), Cush (7), Jenks (7). Subs (not used): Paddy Mac and Darhen.

Man of the match: Buckets Blaney

Referee: Andy Hunter 3


United came so near to beating Linfield/IFA yesterday at the National Stadium, but in extra-time, when they needed to change their tactics they were still playing a holding game. They had finished the stronger in the ninety mins, but remarkably when Linfield's Smith was rightly dismissed for a second booking with a brutal tackle on Cush, United didn't take advantage of their extra man.

They continued to let Linfield control the pace of the game and I remarked to a fellow supporter, that United and not Linfield looked short of a player. Maybe Linfield professionalism came to the fore, but in extra-time, there was only one team in it and it was not the Sky Blues. Indeed some of the talk among fans was that United were holding out for penalties.

I don't think this was the case, I think in truth they were exhausted and had nothing more to give, in short they were 'dead' on their feet, they had given their all in normal time. Referee, Andy Hunter, had a typical game officiating for the IFA, he booked two United players in the first half, not for bad tackles and let Linfield away with questionable tackles to say the least.

In the absence of Gareth Rodger, captain Jimer, moved to sweeper, Owen Kane, to rightback and Gavin got a start in midfield. Young Stewarty Nixon dropped to the bench, replaced by none other Willie Faulkner, who was supposed to out with a broken elbow, but he played 106 mins so he must be a quick healer, it usually takes up to six weeks for a break to heal.

Linfield looking to get the game over early laid siege to United's goal early on but they found Buckets (Blaney), in magnificent form and he was a steadying rock in United's defence. Willie, managed to get in a cross for us in the midst of Linfield attacking, but found nobody there to apply the finishing touch to his ball across the box.

United were attacking the end where the Kop used to be but now like the rest of the National Stadium, looks like a building site, which it is. Where the South stand used to be, there is new seating. I cannot fathom why we were not allowed to use that instead of being stuck in the Railway stand, no doubt knowing the IFA, they'll be some illogical reason for it.

But I digress, from a Linfield corner a Millar shot was blocked and then from another corner, Heggarty could only hit the post, a dreadful miss. United almost made the hosts pay for this indiscretion when they won a corner themselves, taken by Tony. This was headed out for another corner which fell to Cush, but his shot was off-target, a half chance gone.

From a Linfield free-kick, Quinn, cleared the 'wall' but also the crossbar and Buckets, had it covered I think. Linfield continuing to batter the United defence and Waterworth, picked up a hurried clearance from Captain Jimer, but he bleanged his shot over the bar. In a rare United attack Thommo, shot from about 25 yards, but didn't trouble Glendenning in the Linfield goal.

Two mins later JT, became the first player to be booked by the ref, when he had his shirt pulled, but Andy dismissed his protests and seemed to say that was for persistent fouling, but what about Linfield's persistent fouling, that was another story. Then United won a free-kick but Cush shot over from Tony's rolled pass.

Linfield continuing to control the pace of the game and I though surely we need a change of tactics or even a change of personnel to see if we could get something going in attack. Gavin, was the next United man to find his way into ref Hunter's book, if was a foul it was a soft one, but Andy was on a roll now and his adrenalin seemed to be overflowing.

Linfield continued to break up United's play, with questionable tackles to say the least, but there wasn't even a warning from Andy and they continued on their merry way. Despite a spell of Linfield pressure, United held out to halftime and I thought foolishly as it turned out that Spike, would make a change at the interval.


2nd half

It was no surprise when United took the field with the same team and they went straight on the attack, the ball fell to Owen Kane, but he delayed his shot and Linfield got a questionable tackle in, Andy, never flinched and went on the attack themselves. A cross from the left took a deflection off a United defender and fell to Waterworth, about 12 yards form goal and from his rising shot, Buckets, got a hand to it but was unable to keep it out.

Not for the first time this season, United had been undone when their attack broke down and there has be something tactically wrong in our defending when this can happen so often. Despite a spell of Linfield pressure, United got their act together and when Steeky was chopped down by Callaher, who became the first home player to be booked, Tony's free kick was headed wide by Cush.

Hanley, came on to replace Steeky and United upped the pace and got their reward, when after a corner was only partially cleared, Tony's low cross was deflected off a Linfield player and Ward headed it clear but only to Thommo, who headed United level,1-1. Smyth, was booked for a foul on Thommo and then we had a bizarre performance form ref Hunter.

He lined the Linfield wall ten yards from the free-kick and Tony, ran over the ball and a player broke from the Linfield, and nearly collided with Cush who had stopped. Surely I thought Andy, has to book the Linfield player who was two yards form Cush, but he ticked off the United players, for delaying the game, the mind boggles.

They repeated the dose a second time and the same player broke before the kick was taken, but this time Cush, got his shot in, but he could only find the 'wall' and the player escaped a second time, biased or what. With 20 mins left young Matty, replaced Gavin and I thought we were going to play 4,4,2, but Jenks dropped back, leaving Matty,the lone attacker.

I think this was a mistake on our manager's part, we were in the ascendency at this stage of the game and we still continuing to flood our midfield instead of working the Linfield defenders. Hanley, who was on Linfield's books, almost snatched a goal when he had two goal-bound efforts saved by blocks, one of them off the goal-line.

Matty, was putting the Linfield defenders under pressure with his pace, but he needed someone up with him, but Spike, dithered and he had to go it alone. He almost dispossessed Blues keeper Glendenning, forcing him to conceded a throw-in. From a long throw by Tony, Jenks nodded on, but the chance was cleared and the ref blew for fulltime.

Extra-time.

United appeared to lose the toss for the second time, as Linfield decided to attack the Railway end in the first-half and their favourite Kop goals in the second period. Linfield made a telling substitute at this stage, with Guy Bates coming on, the United manger reacted to this by taking off Willie and replacing him with Nixon.

Bates, was causing havoc in the United defence and had two shots saved by Blayney. United picked up two bookings in as many minutes, Cush and Thommo and then as Cush, cleared the ball, he was the subject of an horrendous tackle by Smith. I thought this warranted a red card, but Andy flourished the yellow, followed by the Red.

Surely I thought United would up the pace at this turn of events but they still continued to let the hosts dictate the pace of the game, packing midfield, instead of going to all-out attack. United managed to force a corner, from a shot by Jenks, but form this corner, Glendenning Clutched the ball and sent it down field where it fell to Millar.

Millar, was hugging the touchline and United Captain Jimer, had a chance to close him down, but he didn't and the winger had the time to look up and find Bates who fired the hosts to a 2-1 lead with a barely a minute to go. There was no way back for United and in an ironic twist of fate they had been undone by another counter-attack.

Disaster struck for United a minute later, when JT, reacted to a tackle by Bates and seemed to threaten to grab him and Bates, took a dive and ref Hunter couldn't get the red card out quick enough and Bates got off with his bluff. That was the last straw as far as United were concerned and the ref brought proceddngs to a halt a minute later.

United had given it their best shot, but they not for the first time this season or any season since Spike, took over the reins, had been undone with the quick counter-attacking of the opposition. Now if we had a player who cold sit in front of the defence and ensure that rarely happens, who knows what the future could hold.....!

Seventh Heaven!

Buckets (7), Jimer (7), JT (7), Rodger (7), Steeky (8), T Kane (7), Thommo (8), O Kane (7)(Sub: Ferguson 79 mins 7,), Cush (8), Nixon (7) (Sub: Matty 63mins 7,), Jenks (8). Subs (not used): Paddy Mac, Darhen and Hanley.

Man of the match: Alan Jenks

Referee: Heth 7

Not for the first time, United and the Ports took part in a high scoring game, but United got the winner with a minute to go to start the New Year 0n a winning note. Omar and I arrived at Shamrock Park, to be greeted with the unwelcome news that the game was in doubt, but referee Hetherington(Heth), decided the game would go ahead and it turned out to be the correct decision.

Alas, our Sammy, missed the game, tucked up in bed with 'man flu' and although he escaped the freezing cold, he missed a great game and for a change, a good bit of refereeing by aforementioned Heth. Not that Heth, was called upon to make contentious decisions, but unlike the last time he officiated in a United/Ports match, he wasn't afraid to brandish the yellow card.

He flashed it 6 times in the game and only one of them was for a United man, Gareth Rodger, playing his last game as his loan expires this week. For a change United played as a team, well as far as I could see, when you're 20 to 50 yards behind the goal, you can only guess what's going on at the other end. Spike, made two changes to his starting line-up of Boxing Day.

JT, returned from suspension, in place of Paddy Mac and Nixon, got his full debut, replacing the unlucky Darhen, who I thought played well on Boxing Day, but obviously Spike, knows better. Up against talented fullback Redman, its true to say, young Nixon, struggled, but he kept trying and he looks to be not without talent or confidence and acquitted himself to the conditions well.

The first chance fell to United, who were attacking the far goal and I think it was Tony's, header that Miskelly saved. With less than ten mins gone, there was an almighty goalmouth scramble from a Sky Blues corner, but Rodger's shot was blocked and the chance had gone. Ten mins later it was United's turn as Buckets, dropped a simple catch and in the scramble that followed Ports came close but united held firm.

Cush, had a shot well wide, but I consoled myself with the thought that was only a sighter and I was proved correct as it happened.Steeky and Cush combined up the left and when Steeky, found Cush, in space, he unleashed a thunderous shot which cannoned off the crossbar and Jenks, nodded the rebound into the net to give United the lead, 1-0.

This goal was scored with half an hour gone and it spurred the Ports into action and McAllister came close, but luckily for United he shot straight at Buckets. But in the 35 minute, casement was allowed space to cross and he picked out the unmarked Soares, who drilled the ball into the net to level the scores 1-1.

As United tried to get back in the ascendency, Mackle of Ports, became the first player to be booked by Heth for a robust tackle. Then in added time in the first-half, Garret, became the 2nd player to be booked and it was obvious to me that the Ports were trying to get United involved in a hard-tackling game, but United resisted the temptation.

2nd half

The Ports, were quick out of the blocks in the 2nd half and United were struggling to clear their lines and a score seemed inevitable. First Murray, had a shot well saved by Buckets and JT, blocked the rebound and then McAllister and Breen had shots, but United survived somehow. But a score looked to be on the cards and not for the first time this topsy-turvy season, the United defence let a cross come in from Casement and Breen, nodded the Ports into the lead, 2-1.

That goal came 10 mins after the restart and United almost got back on terms a min later, but Jenks headed straight to Ports keeper Miskelly, from a delightful cross by young Nixon. This nearly proved to be a costly miss as Garret's shot from 15 yards missed the goal by inches. A min later Tony, could only put the ball wide as Jenks set him up, but United weren't to be denied long.

Just about the hour mark, Steeky, played in one/two with Thommo and volleyed the return past the bemused Miskelly, for his first goal in a United jersey, after nearly 70 appearances. Omar, celebrated so much it was embarrassing, but the less said about that the better, there's 'no fool like an old fool' but his heart is Sky Blue, through and through.

A minute later, Spike, took off Nixon and replaced him with an even younger player, in Matty. Garret found his way into the refs notebook for a hefty challenge after 65mins. The Ports went ahead halfway through the 2nd period when Mackle, shot into the net to make the score 3-2 to the home side. United levelled 2 mins later, when after a surging run by Thommo, Cush hit a left-foot shot past the hapless Miskelly to make the score 3-3.

The home side picked up a spate of bookings after this goal, with McAllister, Redman and Murray receiving yellow cards and Rodger, getting one too, on his last appearance for the Sky Blues. Just before Rodger, was booked, JT had header saved by the over-worked Miskelly and young Ferguson, came on for Owen Kane. Buckets then came to our rescue when, when he saved a Redman free-kick, but it was United who delivered the killer blow.

Young Matty, was in the right place at the right time and he passed to Jenks and he fired a crisp shot past the stranded Miskelly to make the score 4-3 to the Sky Blues and boy did he celebrate as he ran the gauntlet of celebrating fans giving them high fives along the way, it was sheer bloody relief and no more than we deserved.

United had triumph by the odd goal in seven and the Ports contributed to a great game and I for the first time have to say that Heth, deserves praise for letting the game go ahead and clamping down on any rough stuff, a most unbiased display from the Dungannon man. Next up for United, is a double header at the National stadium with the IFA/Linfield, bring it on, I can hardly wait!