United entertained Dunmurry YM at the Millbridge last Saturday (27th September). Despite the absence of a number of first team regulars due to the wedding of centre back Ross Hayes the home team were still able to field a strong line-up and from the start they controlled the game. The defensive combination of the experienced Davy Boal with Paul King was solid throughout while full backs Ethan Majury and Craig McMullan were constantly supplementing the midfield at every opportunity.
The visitors were content to attack on the break and due to their poor start to the season were obviously happy to fight for a point.
United took the lead after 20 minutes when Gavin Crawford converted a move that started with good work on the right wing by David Kelly and Ethan Majury.
In the 30th minute a brilliant through ball from Dalton Tate left the Dunmurry defence flat footed and Ian McMullan was sent free on goal however his side footed effort went agonisingly past the post.
Stuart McMullan and Aaron McCaffrey combined on a number of occasions in the first half but could not create any openings as Dunmurry defended resolutely. In the closing stages of the first half Dunmurry won a number of free kicks and it was from one of these that they equalised. Their high free kick was headed around the edge of the penalty area before falling to their centre forward who was standing in front of goalkeeper Brian McMullan at least three yards off side. He headed the ball into the net and everyone in the ground was waiting for a free kick but instead the referee gave the goal.
In the second half United launched wave after wave of attacks with Ian McMullan having a header brilliantly saved, Aaron McCaffrey seeing his deflected shot go wide of the goalkeepers legs as he dived in the opposite direction and finally in the closing minutes Dalton Tate’s free kick cannoning off the cross bar.
While United were disappointed with the result their overall performance and drive on what was a very warm day could not have been better.