Golden Chance!

United go into tomorrow night's rearranged C.I.S. cup quarter-final with a golden chance to progress to the semi-final stage. All any team can ever hope for in a knock-out game is home advantage and we have that tomorrow night. Of course given our poor home form, it's not a great advantage, but as tomorrow night's game is the first of 3 crucial games all at home this month, United need to start as they mean to carry on and hopefully we can finish the year in top form. United will be minus Nathan Hanly who completes his suspension with this game, while Sparky is a doubt after coming off injured in the victory over Dungannon Swifts.

That hard fought victory over the Swift's could leave United manager Roy Walker with a bit of a puzzle as to his starting line-up. Does he start with Gibbo and Cutch, up front, leaving Andy Smith on the bench or give Smith another go, with the option to bring Gibbo on. If Sparky is passed fit, might he continue with the back four of, Sparky, Albert, Archie and Lee, knowing he has Denver as back-up and Gazza for emergencies. With Murray and Mikey automatic selections, the big choice is about who partners Gazza in central midfield. Despite his 'rash' tackle, which gifted Dungannon a penalty on Saturday, Gavin could get the nod ahead of Ryan, who is a good man to have on the bench. This will probably be another close game, as the previous 3 have been and it will be vital that we keep our defence intact against the Crues.

According to the United official website, Alan Black will referee tomorrow night's game and that will put added pressure on United, as he rarely sees thing our way, but as the saying goes, 'there's a first time for everything', but we won't hold our breath. The discipline of our players leaves a lot to be desired and maybe we should remember the character from the kids programme Rainbow and keep it 'zipped'and not allow Mr Black to have his way. As our wee striker Cutch has plundered 10 goals so far, he will no doubt be out to add to that tally tomorrow night and with a wee slice of luck we could be into the semi-final in this the final year of sponsorship by the Co-op. It's all there to play for, if we have the courage and the skill to reach out and grab it, so come on Sky Blues, let's shag those Tiger Bay pussycats!