Bloody Boring!

Bruce Balmer, the 'lucky sod', has taken himself off for a fortnight in the sun, while Omar is heading off on Sunday also to warmer climes. All this means is that there will be no match report next week, although I will endeavour to keep any avid Sky Blue Sport fan (if such an animal exists, which I doubt), informed of any developments and Omar, if sober (highly unlikely), promises to write his normal diatribe (I personally will believe it when I see it), from afar. This apathy that has gripped the 'Sport team is typical of the 'apathy' that has gripped our team and fans. So much in fact that you feel you could predict the next headline, United lose to Limavady, conceding two goals in as many minutes and former player Paul Brown gets at least one of the goals. Last weeks display at Stangmore Park (or the synagogue to give it it's proper title), was pretty abject and even when we were leading one nil, we were as nervous as kittens. With no match this week, I am at a loss as to what to do with myself and as the weather is not too promising it looks like a I'll be sitting in the heat having a few bevvies and hoping Institute can overcome the 'scum', but somehow I doubt they will. On our way to last week's game we were discussing where we thought we might finish in the league this season, Omar the eternal optimist reckoned 4th was still a possibility, I plumped for 6th while Brucie said 8th or maybe even 9th as last season, after the match it was hard to argue with Bruce's prediction. But it's not all doom and gloom, yet another player has turned down a move to Windsor Park and that has to be good for the local clubs as it was beginning to look as if the 'bigoted' David Jeffrey just had to snap his fingers and players signed up , 'willy nilly'! Maybe Linfield have become the poor payers of the league, or is it just that there's no room for anybody as Jeffrey's ego is so big they just can't breathe, whatever it is, long may it contnue!

Starting Over!

When United beat Portadown 2-1 at home on Saturday October 27, they began an unbeaten run which propelled them to fourth in the league, then it was a case of starting over. After our humiliating defeat to Linfield last week, mostly at our own hands it must be said, we are in need of yet another resurrection tomorrow when we visit Stangmore Park to play Dungannon Swifts. United's record against the Swifts on their own ground isn't too encouraging, in fact one could see a case for renaming the ground the Synagogue, as it's almost impossible to get anything out of it. But the Sky Blues will have to ignore all those negative thoughts tomorrow and go grind out a result. Hopefully United manager Tommy Wright will abandon any negative thoughts from his mind too and return to the 4,4,2, formation, which should see Davitt Walsh and Kevin Kelbie spearhead the United attack. United Captain Albert Watson, who signed an extension to his contract this week which will keep him at the Showgrounds until 2010, will we believe partner Dean Pooley at the centre of defence and the only back four position under threat would seem to be Swifts old boy Tommy Wray, who has not been delivering the goods of late. We also wonder if the United manager will restore 'live wire' Stephen Lowry to the number 7 shirt and Gary Haveron to left midfield, both of them have been badly missed over the last few weeks. Will the fit again Aiden Watson have to settle for a place on the bench, or will the manager give him the nod in place of Scatesy who hasn't been performing too well lately either. A rumour is abounding that Mike Ward may have recovered sufficiently to take his place on the bench which will give the United manager plenty of options. So it's all systems go for a new beginning, come on United, let's shag those Tyronians!

First Final!

With two thirds of the league programme elapsed, the Sky Blues are facing 10 prospective cup finals from now to the end of April. We have so far taken 34 points from 20 games, 16 from the first 10 and 18 from the second 10, we at 'Sport figure we need at least 20 from these last 10 games. Not an impossible task by any means, but we think we are in need of something from tomorrow's game and that won't be easy. United did manage a couple of draws against the 'Blues' last season, but Linfield are fighting for the league title now with Cliftonville and trail the North Belfast team by 3 points and will be determined to avoid the widening of that gap. United, for almost the first time this season have a full panel to select from, but new signing Mike Ward may well be given another week to overcome a niggling hamstring injury. United's other new signing, Dean Pooley looks set to partner Albert Watson in central defence, while Simon Kelly, who has just signed an extension to his contract will slot in just in front of the central defenders. With the rest of the United team expected to be that which started the game at Shamrock Park two weeks ago, that means Gary Haveron will have to settle for a seat on the bench. Competition for places on the bench should be quite keen, with Aiden Watson back to full fitness, that leaves four players vying for 3 slots. No doubt it's an enviable situation to be in, but the United manager will have to get his selection just right, leaving himself well covered for any potential injuries. Whatever panel is selected, let's hope they are up for the game, let's send those townies back home to their caravans pointless, come on United, let's shag those villagers!

Derry Scarey!

We start our column tonight with an apology, because of indecision by the Sky Blue management, we have no match this Saturday, as we are out of the Irish cup. We do however have a 'friendly' match on Friday night in Londonderry against League of Ireland side Derry City. We use the word 'friendly' in its loosest form, as anyone with any knowledge of United/Derry City games would realise, they're are anything but friendly. United manager Tommy Wright wants to give new signing Dean Pooley a game, as he would like him to play alongside team Captain Albert Watson, with a view of selecting him for our next competitive game at home to Linfield. Tommy may also give a run-out to someone he hopes to sign in the summer, who that is we don't know, but the manager has assured us its not Paul Brown, but was non committal on Kevin Ramsey. We are just teasing here of course, or at least we hope so. Omar's column will return next week, he's taking a break at the moment, but will return refreshed prior to the game against Linfield. At the moment his voice has disappeared as he lost it at the Norn Iron game on Wednesday night, but we wish him a speedy recovery. Hopefully the Sky Blues will return relatively unscathed from their journey into the heart of the Bogside and with their buses still in pristine condition. Don't worry about the result lads, just get in and out as quietly as possible, you know it makes sense!