Unwanted Double!

United are staring an unwanted double in the face when Portadown visit the Showgrounds tomorrow night. In order to avoid that double they have to make sure they don't lose to Portadown, as they lost to their mid-Ulster rivals Glenavon on Saturday. Of Course if our forwards are still in a benevolent mood similar to Saturday, then defeat is most likely and that would most likely push us out of the top six. Admittedly there is a long way to go before the split, 12 games, but once out of the top six, it'll take a big effort to get back in and that's where the money is. One crumb of comfort for United tomorrow night is the return from suspension of midfield maestro Nathan Hanly. His motivation, probing runs and finishing was badly missed on Saturday and it will be good to have him back in the fold.

On the down side, Sparky, carried off after a bad tackle, unseen by the three brass monkeys, will miss the game with torn ligaments, courtesy of Glenavon's Kyle Neill. This tackle happened within a 10 yard radius of referee, linesman and 4th official, but neither saw anything untoward, they were obviously in 'see no evil' mode. Sparky's absence will entail Mikey dropping back to right-back, which should mean a start for either Ryan Berry or Mo, wide on the right. Gibbo, who was way below par on Saturday, will hopefully be more like himself and get in among the Ports defenders instead of standing around watching, while his strike partner Cutch, will hopefully have sharpened up his shooting boots. He scored a great individual goal on Saturday, but fluffed three easier chances, failing to trouble the keeper at all, a mortal sin.

We wonder if Walker will tweak the United defence for this game as Archie seemed a little out of sorts at the weekend and the Ports, even missing the suspended Braniff will be quite a handful and everybody needs to be on top of their game. Dwayne, who got the nod in goal last Saturday, made a blunder for their first goal and this could mean a recall for Ryan Brown, or maybe Walker will give him another chance, for once we're glad it's Roy who has to decide as it is a crucial decision. Lee Colligan, despite an early caution on Saturday, appears to have rediscovered his form and will surely keep his place as will 'man of the match' Albert. That only leaves the decision of whether to persevere with Archie alongside him, drop Gazza back or recall Denver, decisions, decisions, who'd want to be a manager. With Hanly and Murray, certain starters, it'll be interesting to see who gets the nod if Gazza is in defence. But whoever gets it, lets hope they grab the opportunity with both hands. So come on Sky Blues, let's shag those Porta Downers!