Sky Blue Sport News

Friday, September 28, 2007

Best Man!

United veteran Nigel Boyd is attending a family wedding tomorrow and this should lead to an instant recall for youngster Craig McClean in the leftback slot. Nigel is in fact one of five players definitely missing for tomorrow's game against a so far unbeaten Glentoran side. The others unavailable to United manager Tommy Wright, are Aaron Callaghan, Simon Kelly, top scorer Davitt Walsh and long term absentee Fitzy. Thomas Wray has returned to the 'fold' and may get an instant call-up at rightback and both he and McClean have a chance to establish themselves in the team with a good display tomorrow. United find themselves in joint leadership after one game in the Carnegie league and a good result tomorrow is vital. A victory may be too much to hope for, but a draw against the Glens, who have a 100% record this season, would in itself be akin to a victory. United proved last season that they were capable of beating the better teams, with home victories over the Glens and the Ports, so it isn't beyond their capabilities, the only problem is they have to do it with a much depleted squad. But we all know the old saying about 'when the going gets tough', but what will United's response be tomorrow. We at 'Sport are hoping for a positive response from the Sky Blues and what a lift that would be for next weeks County Antrim Shield semi-final at home to the Crues, so 'come on Sky Blues, let's shag those townies!'

Friday, September 21, 2007

First Blood!

United begin their premier league campaign away to Glenavon and manager Tommy Wright is threatening major changes. Will Nigel Boyd get a well deserved recall at the expense of youngster Craig McClean, while up front the fit again Kevin Kelbie looks set to begin a new partnership with Davitt Walsh. The United manager remains undecided on the make up of the rest of his team, he told Sky Blue Sport that all positions are up for grabs! After the poor display against Linfield the United manager is looking to his team to bounce back in typical fashion. United Captain Albert Watson is a player whose selection is in the melting pot as his displays so far this term have been disappointing to say the least. Sky Blue Sport have been somewhat disappointing themselves, firstly we have lost the match report for the previous Glenavon game and now we find that Bruce Balmer is unavailable for tomorrow´s game due to business commitments. Sky Blue Sport will endeavour to keep the genuine, the dyed in the wool Sky Blue Fan informed of developments tomorrow. ¨So , come on Sky Blues, let´s shag the Mourne viewers!¨

Friday, September 14, 2007

Bigot Bashing!

The Bigoted David Jeffrey blows into town tomorrow with the Linfield blues and its a game United desperately need to win if they are to keep alive their slender hopes of qualifying for the C.I.S. cup knock-out stages. Its also a good time for United fans to demonstrate that they're not the 'bigots' that they were labelled by the 'fat' controller. I'm sure there will be lots of references to Jeffrey's sexual preferences, or lack of them and his absent wife, but thats not sectarian as far as we at 'Sport are aware, while out on the pitch Tommy Wright and his men will need to demonstrate their resolve. The United manager is in his third season with the Sky Blues and has yet to register a victory over the team he supported in his youth, tomorrow would be a good time to deliver the goods. Its vitally important that United select the proper formation and surely if everybody's fit only one change from Tuesday night should be necessary. This should be the inclusion of under-21 right- back Aaron Callaghan, at the expense of Gary Haveron. Hopefully Callaghan has returned from his overseas jaunt unscathed and hasn't been involved in any 'brawls' on the plane with 'mouthie' townie wingers, or should that be 'whingers'. United need to win at all costs so a one goal victory will do, but it would be nice to improve our goal difference which would give the fans something to cheer about. So 'come on Sky Blues, let's shag those Linfield Bigots!'

Monday, September 10, 2007

Home Win!

United manager Tommy Wright has a full panel at his disposal for tomorrow night's second round County Antrim Shield clash at home to Donegal Celtic. A first home win of the season against senior opposition, is vital for the Sky Blues if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the Crest sponsored event. The United defence has been somewhat leaky in two of the four games played so far in the C.I.S. cup, conceding 8 goals in the process and the United manager will no doubt bear this in mind when he picks his 11 players for tomorrow night's game. United Captain Albert Watson has failed to impress so far this term, but with the transfer window now closed and a move to Linfield on hold until January at least, maybe the Whitehead man can get back to his best form. Kevin Kelbie, who played the full 90 minutes for the reserves last Saturday is not expected to figure, but it'll be interesting to see who lines up alongside Davitt Walsh up front . It looks like a straight choice of, Randal Reid, Paul Brown or Fitzy. In midfield, Mark Picking and Stephen Lowry should get the wide positions, but Scatesy and Aiden Watson can expect some competition from, Lee Patrick, Gavin Melaugh and Gary Haveron for the central positions. Haveron may of course be required for central defence if the United manager decides not to ask Simon Jones to travel up from Dundalk, but surely he understands the importance of this game for the Sky Blues and needs to select his strongest line-up. Aaron Callaghan and Craig McClean should line up as the fullbacks, but Thomas Wray will no doubt be pushing for a place also. We at 'Sport expect Paul Murphy to retain the keeper's jersey with reserve goalie Sean O'Neill on the bench. So it's all systems go for tomorrow night, where only a win will do, ' so come on Sky Blues, let's shag those Celts!'