Davitt Debut!

United manager Tommy Wright hopes that the inclusion of on-loan signing Davitt Walsh in tomorrow's County Antrim shield first round game, will help alleviate the disappointment of United's poor show last Thursday in their first competitive home game, when they were beaten with a late strike by Dungannon Swifts. Swifts it would be fair to say have held the 'Indian sign' over the Sky Blues since their step-up to the senior ranks and even though matches between the two are usually close affairs, the Swifts surely hold the edge in victories. But enough about that, United begin their County Antrim Shield quest at home to Amateur league side Orangefield Old Boys tomorrow night and nothing short of an emphatic victory will appease the Showgrounds faithful. The United manager remained tight-lipped about his selection for tomorrow night's game but did hint that Walsh would be given a run out. Congratulations to United's second string who won their Steel & Sons Cup match away to Carrick Rangers last Friday night, winning on penalties after finishing the 90 minutes tied at 2-2. Even more incredibly they played the last 20 minutes of normal time and all of extra time with 10 men, when Stephen Lowry was carried off with an ankle injury. The reason United finished with 10 men was down to a misunderstanding we are led to believe. It seems that Paudie Hearty failed to show up on time and the Reserve manager, David Dorian contacted Tommy Wright who was en route to the game as to his course of action. The manager, assuming that junior football was under the same rules as the senior game, e.g. five subs, informed him to name Paudie on the bench and when he, Paudie, arrived he would be eligible to play. Unfortunately the juniors are still governed by the old rules, e.g. three subs and when Paudie failed to show it left the Reserves with only 13 players. Both subs had been used when Lowry was injured so the wee United were left to battle it out with 10 men, justice though was done in the end. This case highlights a problem that exists in the I.F.A. set up, namely nothing is ever as 'cut and dried' as it should be, but that is no excuse for United not being aware of the situation, a distinct lack of professionalism on their part yet again. But enough of that, it's all systems go as we set-off in search of that elusive trophy, it looks easy on paper but we do remember what happened last year and we don't want any repeats. So Sky Blues, its time to stand up and be counted, in short, 'let's shag those orangers'!

Substitute Captain!

United Captain Albert Watson must serve an automatic one match ban for tomorrow night's home game at home to Dungannon Swifts, kick-off 7-45. That means United manager Tommy Wright, must not only pick a new partner for Simon Kelly, he also needs a new Captain as well. The manager, in our humble opinion, could simply opt for Kelly, who was outstanding during the closing stages of last Saturday's game. He may of course want to give the nod to Aaron Callaghan, who looks destined to slot into Albert's position, but Sky Blue Sport expect that Larne man, Gary Haveron will get the nod from the United manager. That only leaves the decision of who to promote for the right back slot in Callaghan's absence. Thomas Wray, who deputised so ably during the closing stages last week will be the obvious choice as Gavin Melaugh is still suffering from an ankle knock and is not 100% fit. With three points on the board courtesy of their come from behind win last Saturday, a win tomorrow night would take United closer to qualification for the knock-out stages of this C.I.S. sponsored competition. Dungannon are the team who have 'stolen United's thunder' so to speak over the last few seasons and a win tomorrow night would go a long way to restoring that imbalance. So 'come on Sky Blues, let's shag those Apple pickers!'

Double Vision!

Ballymena players could think they were back in the cauldron of Windsor Park, where they were 'hammered' both on and off the park last Saturday, when they make the trip to Mourneview Park tomorrow to take on Glenavon. The reason for this 'double vision' is that Glenavon generally play in an almost identical kit to Linfield, hopefully though they won't carry the same threat as the League champions did last week. United manager Tommy Wright insisted that he won't be hitting the panic button just yet, but intimated that he might make a few changes to his starting line-up from last week. The big Ballyclare man was disappointed with the contribution of Stuart King, mainly by his failure to assist young Craig McClean, who was under extreme pressure throughout the match. The manager has a number of options for replacing King, but Gary Haveron would seem like the obvious choice. Lee Patrick must surely come in for consideration as the United central midfield combination of Scates and Aiden Watson looked decidedly lightweight last week, while upfront Kevin Kelbie was less than inspiring too. So we can expect a few changes from the United supremo tomorrow, but he is resigned to going into the game without a recognised goalkeeping sub as Shaun O'Neill is required for the Reserve game at home to Glenavon Reserves. United need to bounce back after last weeks setback and a win tomorrow would go a long way to restoring confidence but it won't be easy. The home team are sure to have their tails up after their victory over Dungannon Swifts last week, but hopefully United will prove a stiffer proposition. So it's all systems go for the Sky Blues, 'come on boys, let's shag those Lurgan layabouts'!

Blue Tooners!

It has already begun, yes the C.I.S. cup is already up and running and our dear neighbours, the Coleraine 'scum' have snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat. Three minutes into injury time and former Sky Blue, Noel Anderson, scored the 'scums' second goal to give them a draw, which just goes to prove that there is no justice! But enough of that, what of United's fate at the hands of last season's champions the glorious Linfield. How will the wee Skies fare playing against the super blues or the I.F.A. as they are better known. Probably none too well is the short answer, a good result for us would probably be a two goal defeat. United manager Tommy Wright says that Kevin Kelbie will be fit to take his place up front alongside the rejuvenated Paul Brown. The rest of the team should be on the usual lines which means no place for new boy Thomas Wray, with Aaron Callaghan expected to revert to his right-back slot. The midfield is perm any 4 from 6, with Melaugh, Scates, Watson, Patrick, Picking and King being the six. United fans will hope for a better start from their team than in recent seasons and any result tomorrow would be a vast improvement than our usual stuttering start. Our best hope is that Linfield will be a bit complacent and believe it's just a matter of turning up and maybe then we can spring a wee surprise. So come on ye 'Blue Tooners', 'Let's shag those Linfield sheep'!

Same Old!

After watching just two of United's friendlies, we missed the Stranraer trip as it clashed with our summer 'piss-up', or booze cruise as its better known, we have come to the collective conclusion that there seems to be little sign of any progress within our ranks. The admission prices on the other hand have been hiked by 12 % but the football has gone backwards as far as we can see. The fact that we beat Scottish first division side St. Johnston 2-0 did nothing to lighten our mood as only the two goals shone out of the mediocrity! Then last Saturday we completely capitulated against a fairly average Coventry City side. In our hearts we knew we were never going to count against them, but it was the 'couldn't care less attitude' of the players that was hard to swallow. Manager Tommy Wright stood and watched as Coventry tore us apart and never threatened to change his formation till it was too late and we at 'Sport got the impression that he was devoid of ideas. He has also 'dragged his heels' all summer long, making token attempts at signing the players we desperately need to bolster our quest for that elusive trophy. Even his two new strikers will not make an appearance it seems before late September and by that time our most realistic chance of ending the trophy famine with either the C.I.S. cup or the County Antrim Shield will probably have vanished for another season. We desperately need to 'hit the ground running' if we are to glean anything from this season, but at the moment we're doing little more than jogging. Maybe a big victory over Wakehurst tomorrow will give us some hope, but somehow we doubt it, but here's hoping anyway!