Swift Response!

United are home to Dungannon Swifts tomorrow exactly a week after they performed one of the great escapes we have witnessed in all our years following the Sky Blues. Forty two minutes was on the match clock and we were 3-0 down, but we dug in and were worthy of a point if not all three. We cannot afford a repeat of that benevolence tomorrow, there's no way we will get back if we go three down in the first half tomorrow, not with that referee, Carrickfergus native Ross Dunlop. Manager Ferguson surely has to change things at the back and if Ruddy is fit he should start, if not Vaulsey and Archie should be dropped. Tony Kane is another who is looking vulnerable and Spike has two men he can turn to, Rodgers and Sparky. The midfield is not working as a unit, Jenks and Thompson are two alike and we feel he can't play the two together.

It would be a big decision to droop either of them, but for the good of the team that's what has to happen. If Ally's not fit, we have to find a wide player on our panel and by an ironic twist of fate, Tony Kane could be that man, not good enough to play rightback, but good enough to give us some width on the right midfield. There's rumours doing the rounds that Baker could be fit, but we've heard those rumours before and nothing materialises. But and we emphasis the 'but', if he is fit he should go straight into the starting line-up, for we need a presence up front. James McCabe and Peter Duffin are scoring goals for fun in the reserves, but they're not going to strike fear into the hearts of the Swift's defence, but a fit Baker could be our 'ace in the hole', maybe.

Cookie Munster has to be treading on thin ice and the only thing that's saving him was that Archie, his obvious replacement, is struggling for form. Cush, who remarkably hasn't scored a goal for us 450 mins, is due to break his duck and where better to do it than at Warden Street. He's come close it has to be said and his old Distillery team-mate Thompson should been thanking him for an assist last week but for a glaring miss, when it looked easier to score. Jamie D, who got back to goal-scoring form last week, following his brace in the first match against Linfield, needs to concentrate in doing the simple things well. We all know he's a brilliant footballer, but he needs to concentrate on his ball holding skills and passing, where he leaves much to be desired. But he's still the best we got, he's an exciting player to watch and he grows in confidence with every game.

There's three points up for grabs tomorrow and we can get them, it's true to say we lost our way somewhat in our last two matches, but with application we can get it back. We need to strong in the tackle, cut out those dangerous crosses and above all start taking our chances. If we concentrate in doing these few simple things, the 'Sports team believe we will be a match for anybody and tomorrow's game will go a long way to prove that. It's going to be tough, there are no easy games in this league, but with the right attitude we can get back on track, come on United, let's shag those Chicken lovers!