United new boys show promise
This friendly was played at the Firhill complex in terrible weather conditions, but the supporters who turned up were treated to a competitive game and credit must go to both teams for putting on such a good spectacle.
Manager John Queen had a squad of 18 to choose from which included four trialists. The starting line up did include recent signings David Dixon (Petershill), Simon Elles (Kilsyth), Gavin Mackie (Jeanfield Swifts) and Ryan Sullivan (Hurlford).
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Hide AdBellshill got the game off to a terrific start and had three corners in the first ten minutes – the nearest chance being a header from ex Ranger Brian McGinty.
With six new starts in the team it took United time to settle but Mackie was giving the Bellshill defence plenty to think about. A quality cross from the left should have seen United one up but Steele just failed to get on the end of the cross.
Bellshill took the lead after 20 minutes when a good shot from Young was parried by United keeper McGuire but the rebound was driven low into the net by Essler.
This seemed to injected more life into the homesters and there was some neat passing from Dixon who was now beginning to dominate in midfield. It was from an excellent pass that he picked out Elles who curled a shot from outside the box past the ‘Hill keeper to put United level.
For the full match report see this week’s Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle - on sale now!