Newmains land third win on the spin
Craig Gupwell admits it was pretty nice to get an ugly victory as Newmains made it three wins in a row.
United edged an action-packed clash against Dalry Thistle to leapfrog them in West of Scotland Conference B.
Punters got their money’s worth on an afternoon which also saw three red cards, a missed penalty and some top-quality defending from the home side.
United led 2-0 at the break thanks to a goal and assist from 17-year-old Dylan Buchanan.
A crazy four-minute spell saw the Ayrshire side land a goal back and a man advantage after Dom Cherrie was sent packing for a second yellow.
But despite Thistle piling on the pressure – which included a harsh spotkick award that was blazed over – a brilliant rearguard display saw United extend their unbeaten run to four games
Co-boss Gupwell said: “it’s quite the good run we’ve put together.
“I don’t think we deserved the three points on Saturday but earlier in the season there were times we were the ones not getting anything from games we deserved more from.
“We took our chances and came away with the win.
“It’s an ugly three points but sometimes that’s the way you have to do it.
“Whether it’s good attractive football or not doesn’t change anything – when we win ugly it feels just as good.”
Buchanan was making his first start for the club but he quickly impressed as he teed up Daniel Salah for a third minute opener then netted himself on 36 minutes.
But Jack Easdon halved the deficit almost immediately after the restart before Cherrie landed a controversial second yellow moments later for a clash of heads as he challenged for the ball.
The hosts ’frustration with ref Ross Nelson grew when he penalised an alleged handball inside the box though the resulting kick was booted well over.
Dalry then found themselves down to ten with 11 minutes left after their defender’s foul language towards the whistler.
Visiting boss Chris Wilson was sent packing shortly after as Newmains held on amid the drama to enjoy that winning feeling once again.
United face Royal Albert at Victoria Park this Saturday in their latest Conference B contest, with kick-off at 2pm.
Entry is £5 for adults, £2.50 for O A Ps and FREE for under 16s.