Nose Blow!

Ballymena United manager Tommy Wright, told Sky Blue Sport that he would love to say same again when it comes to picking his team for tomorrow’s game at home to Loughgall. Unfortunately the big Ballyclare man thinks he may be without one of his defensive heroes, Albert Watson. The Whitehead youngster picked up a nasty injury to his nose during the closing stages of Wednesday night’s victory against Larne and he may have to sit out tomorrow’s match. If he does the manager envisages Gary Haveron dropping into defence and the fit again Phil Charnock slotting into midfield alongside Aiden Watson. The rest of the team according to the manager virtually picks itself, which means no place for new signing Paul Brown or Rory Hamill. In fact the United team could have a subs bench the envy of every other Irish league manager, namely, Brown, Hamill and new signing Gerald Rowe. With Stuart King starting to repay the United supremo’s faith over the last few games and Scatesy settling into his wing berth also, it’s hard to see where Rowe is going to get a game. No doubt his chance will come as United after the next two home games face the possibility of four games on the trot away from the Showgrounds. The next scheduled league game after next Saturday 4th February at home to Armagh City, is on Saturday 11th March at home to Ards. Maybe one or two of United’s ‘homers’ will have to consider attending an away game if they want to see their heroes in action before then. But tomorrow the United manager will try to instil in his team the need for consistency and the need to get back to winning ways in the league, after two successive draws. So three points in the bag tomorrow is a must and if we play with 100% commitment surely it’s a banker bet. Come on United, let’s ‘shag’ those apple pickers!