Handy Andy!

Phil Charnock, as announced ‘exclusively’ on Sky Blue Sport, made a quiet debut for Ballymena in a friendly game last night at the Showgrounds. A spokesman for the United board denied reports that the match was being played on the ‘quiet’, but there was in reality little or no announcement of the match taking place and the paltry crowd reflected this. For the record, United won one nil, thanks to an Andy Rosbotham free kick which went through the ‘Derry wall’, excuse our pun. The match against the City fringe players was played at a fairly lively pace and United’s back up keeper Kieran McLaughlin, made a couple of smart saves to give his team a victory. Phil Charnock had a good first half, like any ‘class’ player, he seems to have a lot of time and space and can lay the ball off rather nicely. His two attempts on goal in the first half we put down to rustiness, his first a shot after a knock down header from a corner was easily blocked, while his second from a 30 yard free kick sailed miles over the bar. United’s summer signing, Gary Haveron, who played at centre back had easily his best game since joining the club, while debutant right back Stephen Collier was also impressive. United are still struggling up front, with Rory Hamill fighting a lone battle as Kevin Kelbie continues to struggle. All in all it was a worthwhile exercise, but surely a bit more media participation would’ve brought along a much better crowd. We can only hope that Derry City didn’t demand too much of an appearance fee, as the crowd there wouldn’t do much more than cover expenses!