That's Better!

When Bruce Balmer and me were making our way from Solitude on Saturday, after United had surrendered to a Chickenville team who weren't a shadow of the team that won the league cup and Gibson cup last season, we were fearing the worst and not looking forward to Tuesday night. When I received the text on twitter on said Tuesday night, of the team Spike had selected, I thought about turning on my heel and retreating to my car, but I had already made the effort to be there and I thought 'what the hell' and I may well go and see the game, you never know and as it turned out, that was the correct decision. Spike made only two changes from side that capitulated at Solitude, but there was a transformation in their attitude as they put Portadown to the sword.

Captain Jenks, who was the chief culprit on Saturday, as United spurned several chances, didn't have any luck against Ports, but he led the line well and allowed players like Tony K, Thommo and Sparky to express themselves fully. Tony K was so magnificent, that Bruce Balmer broke with tradition and actually awarded him a score of 9 in his player rating, heady stuff indeed. If we had one weak link it was Marky McCullagh, but in all fairness to him, he was up against probably one of the best strikers in the league, Kevin Braniff and Marky seen him off (subbed), after 66 mins. It has to said we got a bit of luck with the Cush free-kick early on, but from then on, they're was only going to be one winner as the Sky Blues took control of the game.

After the distraction of the league cup, United get back to league action with a home game against Ards on Saturday and it looks like a game we must win as Ards are 2 points behind us in the table and a win for them would see us drop to 11th place in the league, relegation play-off spot, it doesn't bear thinking about. But we must be positive and the 'Sport's team are of the opinion that Spike will lead us away from the danger zone, anything else is unthinkable. Barring injuries, will Spike pick the same team, or will he go back to his favoured 4,3,3 formation, as usual its anybody's guess. Stuarty Addis, never put a foot wrong on Tuesday night and it looks like Dwayne will have a fight on his hands in order to claim the keepers jersey, but what do we know?

The Sky Blue crew after this weekends match, are off on their travels to sunnier climes (Southern Spain) and there will be no 'match report' on United's match against Warrenpoint Town at Stangmore Park, on November 23 (not wanting to blow his head up, but Jordan Miller does a good match report on United's official website). But we hope to be back when the Ducks visit the Showgrounds on November 30. I have tremendous news for all our followers, Sky Blue Sport, will have an exclusive interview with the 'Ballymena Boy' the legend that is Norman Clarke. We asked Norman eleven questions and he answered them truthfully with nothing held back and I feel sure that it will make fascinating reading for any and all Sky Blue Fans. We haven't decided yet, but I think we will publish them in 3 or 4 instalments, watch this space for news of this coup for Sky Blue Sport. East or West, Sky Blue Sport is the best!!!