Crunch Time!

Since qualifying for the Irish cup semi-final, it's fair to say that United haven't been at their best. In the opinion of most fans, they had one eye on tomorrow's semi-final against Portadown. Now the big day has arrived and there's no more room for excuses, it's time to stand up and deliver. The record between the two clubs, this season tells us nothing. Portadown adherents may point out that they had two victories to our one, but believe it or not, past victories mean sweet Fanny Adams when the 'crunch' comes. It will be down to whoever performs on the day and even though the Ports have the experience, we hope that the hunger of our players will win the day.

People like Mike Smith, Lee Colligan and Archie Stewart, playing in their first Irish cup semi-final at such a tender age, could shape the rest of their careers in the years ahead. While the veterans like Locky, Andy Smith and Kevin 'the king' Kelbie can write their names in our sparse history books. As we don't know the make-up of the team it's hard to say if all of these six players will be on the team, but one man who 'is' a United veteran and still in his early twenties and 'is' certain to start, is Albert Watson. Albert, with over 260 appearances for the club, is the rock on which our team is built and the one thing that you can count on from Albert is 100% commitment to the cause.

Just who will partner Albert in defence is unknown, but if Sparky (Surgenor),is fit we at 'Sport expect him to get the nod, but then again Roy may have other ideas. If Sparky isn't fit the United manager can opt for two or three players in Archie, Gazza and Kit Ramsay. Another man who looks like an automatic choice given his form of late is midfielder Aiden Watson (no relation to Albert), whose tough tackling and defence splitting passes will be vital in tomorrow's game. Will the manager be bold and pick the Cush tomorrow in left-midfield? If we had to guess we'd say no and he's more likely to go with Archie at leftback and Colligan in the wide left position.

That was the surprise selection he used at Glenavon in the previous round of the cup and it worked, but will it work tomorrow? That as they say is the $64,000 question. Noel Anderson also played a vital role in those two games against Glenavon and he may get the nod tomorrow and in fact the team could only show one change from those two games, Albert instead of Gazza. Dwayne Nelson has the keeper's job tied down and he will be vital to us tomorrow and his leadership qualities will stand us in good stead, while Gavin Taggart looks set to return after serving his one match ban. The time for talking is over, it's time to stand up and be counted, so come on United, let's shag those apple pickers!