Hard-fought win keeps United in Super League

Kilwinning Rangers............... 2

Stagecoach Super League

Division One

IN a hard fought game by both sides United came out worthy winners and maintained their super league division one status and consigned their Ayrshire rivals to be relegated.

It was a hard-fought game in front of a very reasonable crowd and one that kept the total interest of the spectators.

United started well and kicking into the Ravenswood end, took the game to their opponents.

Kenny Jarvis, after 15 minutes, forced Gers’ keeper Wilson to save with a rasping low drive from 18 yards. Gers gradually came into the game and forced United’s keeper Buchanan to save a well-placed free-kick. After 30 minutes Gers were unlucky not to go ahead when gaining a corner on the right off McKay. Maxwell’s cross was headed against the far post and lucky for United rebounded clear.

United replied three minutes later with a corner and Thomson’s cross was met by McNally who was fouled. The referee pointed to the spot and Paul Thomson put United 1-0 with a rasping shot that keeper Wilson had no chance of saving.

So the game rolled on to half time having been pretty evenly contested with United maybe having just more goal attempts.

The second half couldn’t have had a better start for United. Stuart McNally took a pass on the left, ran on past defender and as he entered the penalty box he was tripped. The referee pointed to the spot and again Paul Thomson made no mistake and put United 2-0 up.

United should have been on easy street now but seven minutes later Andy Dearie mistimed a passback and this allowed Hart to nip in and slot home to reduce the leeway. Then a minute later Hart just failed to connect with a cross from the right that could have levelled the scores.

United knew they had to step up a gear which they did and exerted more pressure on Gers defence.

Phil Barclay taking the ball up the right flank was fouled on 67 minute mark. Kenny Jarvis took the freekick and with wind assistance beat the shot past keeper Wilson to make it 3-1 to United.

United looked to be coasting to a comfortable win but Gers with seven minutes to go, won a penalty when Hayman downed Gers’ Sloan, Hart reduced the leeway with the perfect spot kick.

The last seven minutes were quite pulsating but in the end it was United who claimed the victory and regained their position in the first division of the super league. It’s been a hard season for United with managerial disruption due to John Queen having to take time out latterly. Ian Currie stepped in and along with Junior Gibson did a good job in getting the effort from the players that they did. Another telling factor were injuries to Jim Steele, James Brown, Kenny Jarvis and Ross Hayman causing them to miss crucial games that upset the team balance. Credit goes to the squad as a whole for their efforts and they now deserve their break.

The club would like to thank the supporters club for their sponsorship of the match officials in the last two home games. So to all the fans have a nice summer break and we will see you next season. Finally congratulations to near rivals Kilsyth Rangers for a championship winning season. Well done lads.

CUMBERNAULD UNITED: Buchanan, Hayman, McKay, Marsh, Dearie, Jarvis, Barclay, Renwick, McNally, Thomson and Trialist. Subs: Mills (T), Lightbody, Steele and Burns.

KILWINNING RANGERS: Wilson, McGregor, McDermott, Maxwell, Holden, McCreadie, Lewis, Mitchell, Hart, Fulton and Sloan. Subs: Fers, McDaid, Scott, Grant and Richmond.