Penultimate Boredom!

Just one match to go, what a relief, we at 'Sport can't wait for this season to be over and confined to the history books. United once again have not looked like picking up that elusive trophy, okay they did win the Harry Cavan youth cup, but in reality this season has been yet another disaster. Can next season be any worse, we wonder, but we suppose the answer is if we don't shore up our leaky defence, yes it could. United manager Roy Walker has pinned his hopes on reserve keeper Sean O'Neill for next season and the local boy gets an early chance to impress as regular custodian Alan Blayney has got a back injury. With Paul Muir still rated as doubtful, it will be interesting to see who the manager opts for in central defence tomorrow, after transfer listing both Albert Watson and former Glenavon player, Gavin McDonnell. Either of these two men could be drafted in as Muir's replacement, but we wonder just how much either of them are committed to the cause. Midfield is also in need of a shake-up and transfer listed Gavin Melaugh, could also come into the reckoning after his second half display at Dungannon last Saturday. We have struggled to score goals this season, a matter which needs to be sorted in the close season, while for tomorrow's game surely we must start with Kelbie and Teggart. Twenty-one goals between them isn't much, but it's way ahead of their nearest rivals. All we can think of to encourage people to turn up tomorrow, is, it's a nice ground and we usually do well there, as a matter of fact this is where our revival started this season. We realise it's highly unlikely that lady luck will be in our camp tomorrow, as in the corresponding fixture Glenavon's Trevor Molloy got himself sent off and we took advantage of the situation with our extra man. Nevertheless it must be said, for the last but one time, come on United, let's shag those Mourneviewers!

Swift Reply!

United manager Roy Walker, quite rightly in our opinion, gave his players a real dressing down after their inept display against Newry City on Tuesday past. The players have the perfect chance to give their manager, not to mention their disgruntled fans, a clear message tomorrow, when they visit Stangmore Park to take on the bottom club in the league and ironically the club which has taken a maximum 9 points off them in the three previous league meetings this season. In fact new ground will have to be broken if United are to somehow conjure up a win on the tight Stangmore Park playing surface, as it is quite some time since they won at that venue. On the minus side, Paul Muir looks set to be missing tomorrow and flu victim Tommy Wray as well, while on the plus side, striker Kevin Kelbie and David Cushley are both available for selection, while Gary Haveron could play from the start. No matter what line-up manager Roy Walker decides on, surely United fans can expect nothing less than complete commitment from the Sky Blues. So come on United, let's shag those apple pickers!

Kelbie Doubt!

United stand-in Captain, Kevin Kelbie, may have to sit out tomorrow's game at home to Newry City with a calf injury. With David Cushley serving an automatic one game ban courtesy of two yellow cards last Saturday, manager Walker may require two additional players to supplement Saturday's winning line-up. Three points would put United safely away from any threatened play-off, so they need to field their strongest available starting eleven. Tommy Wray has recovered from his bout of flu and may be added to the panel as well, although Roy's policy usually means a game in the reserves when coming back from injury. Kelbie, if fit, will no doubt retain his starting role, but the manager could include Paul McNeill from the start after some good touches when coming on as a sub in last Saturday's game. Gary Haveron may well get a start in Cushley's place, while Nathan McConnell may be the preferred option if Kelbie's a non-starter. No matter who gets the nod, they will know they are involved in a game, as the boy's from the border City are fighting to avoid a relegation play-off if one is deemed necessary. So come on Sky Blues, let's shag those south downers!

Another Season!

After our two week break it's just like starting out on a new season and like a new season an old favourite could be returning tomorrow. We refer of course to United Captain Gary Haveron, who hasn't played since breaking his leg in an away game at Bangor on December 13. Talk about 13 being unlucky for some, it was certainly unlucky for the popular Larne man on that day and how United have missed his never 'say die' attitude since then. Gary is unlikely to start, but we expect him to get a run-out sat some stage of the game, hopefully with United in control, but you never know. Tomorrow's game isn't vital for either team as the real drama takes place at the Newry Showgrounds where the home team, take on bottom club Dungannon Swifts and a victory for Newry and a draw between 'Stute and United would not be a disaster, but a victory for the Sky Blues would make their own safety almost certain. Nothing will probably be decided tomorrow and the 'big' game could well be when United travel to Dungannon next Saturday. But first to tomorrow's game and United have only one injury doubt, Tommy Wray, who is suffering from a bout of flu. United could well revert to a flat back four with a midfield of Picking, Aid Watson, Melaugh and either Cushley or McClean. while Neal Teggart, who hasn't scored this year will probably continue up front with Kelbie. Reserve keeper Sean O'Neill had a good game in last Friday's friendly (0-0), against Portadown at Shamrock Park, but will it be enough to give him a starting role against the North west boys tomorrow? Only United manager Roy Walker can tell and he remains tight lipped. So it's all systems go for tomorrow's game, so come on Sky Blues, let's shag those bogsiders!