United got back to Millbridge on Saturday past after several postponements for a league fixture against Bloomfield. The visitors although one point above United have played seven more games and a win for them was vital whilst the home side needed to ensure that they got something out of the game to avoid getting drawn into the relegation dog fight.
The home side fielded without four absentees from the previous week namely, Ian McMullan and Ross Hayes [suspended] David Kelly [family illness] and Stuart McMullan [wrist injury] and they were replaced in the match day squad by Greg Allison, Johnny Stevenson, Alex Miller and Dee Stewart.
It was the visitors who started the brightest whilst United were taking a little time to settle and Bloomfield capitalised on this to take the lead in the 5th minute.
United bounced back and launched a series of attacks on the Bloomfield rear-guard with Dee Stewart and Matty Shaw going close. United’s midfield of Aaron Cheevers, Ben Wilson, Stu art Hunter and Dylan Carberry worked tirelessly both in defence and attack creating a number of openings. Their efforts lead to United equaliser when Shaw was pulled back just outside the penalty area and Ethan Majury fired in a dipping free kick which found its way into the net under the goal keepers body.
Defensively the much changed line-up of Gavin Crawford, Dalton Tate, Scott Brashaw and Ethan Majury settled well and except for one scare in the closing minutes when Brashaw had to head off the line they ensured that Brian McMullan in the United goal had a fairly easy day.
In the second half United had the best of the chances with Shaw and Hunter going close with long range shots and Crawford going agonisingly close from close range following a great left wing cross from Alex Miller. Johnny Stevenson and Greg Allison can on for the last quarter to change the United attack but the visitors fought feverously to ensure that they at least held on to a point which in the end was probably no more than either side deserved.
This week United travel to Dundonald for a league game against Donard Hospital another side that are in the relegation zone.