First Blood!

Roy Walker has his first real test in front of the United home supporters in tomorrow night's friendly against a Glasgow Rangers select at the Showgrounds, kick-off 19-30. The United manager has quelled the mini-rebellion of team captain Albert Watson and Craig McClean and is looking forward to his first 'big' game in charge and to the ongoing task of 'whipping' the United squad into a team to be reckoned with. He must do so without new central defender Gavin McDonnell who is still on holiday, while Watson remains doubtful with a thigh strain. Gary Haveron, who deputised so ably alongside Aaron Stewart in last night's friendly against Chimney Corner, may have to continue in that role in tomorrow night's game. United as expected easily saw off the Corner, netting 7 goals without reply in the process, with Haveron scoring twice, one a trademark free kick and the other from the penalty spot while the new striking combination of Davitt Walsh and Neil Teggart also got two apiece, Gavin Melaugh got the other goal. Newcomer Joe McDonnell impressed alongside Melaugh in midfield, while Liam Hogan and Liam Mullen made their debut at leftback and left midfield respectively. Neil Blayney got his United career off to a good start between the sticks and it was great to see youngster Sean O'Neill, back to full fitness, taking over in the second half and distinguishing himself with a couple of good stops. Sky Blue Sport were surprised to read of the comments attributed to team Captain Albert Watson in the local papers as to his reasons for wanting to quit United. The 'Sport team have been assured by a United official that he had met Watson on two occasions over the summer as well as contacting him by phone, but the Sandy Row man had not alluded to his anxieties regarding his United future at any time. We at 'Sport hope there has been no 'illegal' contact from a well known 'bigot', when Watson attended a couple of friendly games recently involving a 'certain' dark blue team, but of course he (the bigot), is a stalwart of propriety and honesty and would not stoop to such underhand tactics! Enough of these fairy tales, it's now time to put out the rallying call for tomorrow night's game (tickets for which are still available), the home baptism for our new manager and hopefully a victory for the Sky Blues, so come on Sky Blues, let's shag those Ranger babes!