Top six finish escapes Sky Blues

Last time out United were on the end of a late goal at home to Glentoran and this week it was the Sky Blue’s turn to score late.

Loanee Aaron Boyd, on as a sub, provided the drama to earn a point as City were denied their first win of the year despite taking the lead in the 73rd minute.

Newry’s goal came against the run of play as United controlled most the game and continued the high tempo that saw them fight back against the Glens last week.

United have been a different side away from home and they looked the more likely side to claim the three points.

However their hard work looked to be for nothing as City’s Andy Graham ran through the United defence and crossed for Marc McCann to head the home side in front.

After Boyd cancelled out Newry’s advantage, United could have taken all three points when Gary McCutcheon smashed an 18 year shot deep into injury time, only for Newry stopper, Andy Coleman to tip it over the bar.

United Boss Roy Walker described the result as “the one that got away” after seeing a number of chances thruated time and time again by Newry’s Coleman.

“We met a goalkeeper in fine form. He made I don’t know how many top drawer saves. We had enough chances to win it for sure.

“I can’t fault the effort. The pitch was very dusty and bumpy and hard for both teams to try and get the ball down, but to be fair there was goalmouth action.”

The result means the Sky Blues have only taken one win in the last ten games and a top six finish has eluded them.

Newry City: Coleman, P McCann, Convery, Munster, King (Black 50), Hagan, Hazley, Ferguson (Devlin 76), McCallion, Graham, M McCann.

Subs not used: Alderdice, McDonnell, Havern.

United team: Brown, Micahel Smith 1, Colligan, Gage (Murray H-T), Watson, Michael Smith 2 (Boyd 61), Carson (Haveron 27), McCafferty, Taggart, McCutcheon, Surgenor. Subs not used Maybin, Young.

Referee: Stephen Weatherall (Belfast)