One way traffic

Stagecoach Central Super League, Division One

UNITED won this game with a bit to spare even though they lost defender David Marsh just before half-time when he was shown a straight red card.

That’s not to say the visitors didn’t put up some resistance and on a few occasions were unlucky not to score.

United kicked off and forced two consecutive corners and then a third within the first four minutes. Annbank nearly shocked them two minutes later when winger Paterson gained possession and, seeing United keeper Buchanan a bit too far out, lobbed the ball towards goal and was very unlucky to see his effort glide just wide of goal.

United then took control and, after ten minutes pressing upfield, Gary Gibson gathered ball, strode in and from a tight angle drove ball past keeper McGarrity into the far corner of the net.

United were in control but Annbank on their occasional forays upfield were kept well in control. After 30 minutes they had a good chance to level when Reilly in possession was about to strike for goal but United’s trialist left-back nicked the ball away with a saving tackle. United replied gaining a corner two minutes later and from Thompson’s cross David Marsh powered home a header putting United 2-0 ahead.

Three minutes later the young defender was red carded in debatable circumstances tackling an attacker one yard out from the penalty box that the ref appeared to have judged as a last defender preventing a goal scoring opportunity. All this happening on the young fellow’s birthday! So, at half-time, United went in 2-0 ahead.

The second half was really one way traffic and United really after adjusting to play with ten minutes should have at least doubled their tally with both subs Watt and McNally missing out on two chances. Still, a good three points that sees United climb out of the bottom two in the league. Good to see Ross Hayman back alongside James Brown after both had been injured.

CUMBERNAULD UNITED: Buchanan, Hayman, McKay (T), Marsh, Dearie, Barclay, Gibson, Brown, Thompson, McClymont, Ferns (T). Subs: Renwick, McPhee, Mushet, Allen, Watt, McNally.

ANNBANK: McGarrity, Connely, Bain, Walker, Holland, Gray, Paterson, Milligan. Subs: Simpson, McKay, Carmichael, Boyd, Gallagher

Next Saturday United make the trip to Yoker to play Clydebank, current League leaders. Both sides played out an exciting 3-3 draw earlier in the season at Guy’s Meadow so let’s hope for another thriller with United on the winning side this time. (kick-off as usual 2pm).

CUMBERNAULD United Original Supporters’ Club: Bus Saturday v Clydebank leaves Guy’s Meadow 12 noon and Town Centre 12.05pm.

Open the Box: Betty Scott, box no. 2, box did not open. Next jackpot £250.