United get back to winning way after beating old boss

The game was to prove an exciting fixture for numerous reasons.

Firstly, it was to enforce a reunion between the Londonderry team and their former manager Gary Simpson, who now holds the reigns at Ardstraw.

Secondly, as the title race has now completely opened up, every point is going to matter for the big contenders, this game appeared somewhat make or break for the Village men in regards to their current season campaign.

Played in ideal conditions, this match kicked off with the Maroon and Blues immediately adopting a fast-paced offensive, their tactical crescendo pressing the ball high up the pitch.

United started to get their quick passing game going again, and they made a great move across the pitch which resulted in Richard Dunlop cutting inside and rattling the crossbar from 18 yards out, this was quickly followed up by a great chance from Craig Culbert who failed to convert a free header from close range.

The home side then went ahead when the Ardstraw defence failed to deal with a Garth Faulkner free kick, with the ball subsequently falling before stand in-skipper Steven Wallace, who made no mistake from inside the box.

The second goal of the game was nearly a carbon copy of the opener, Falconer again delivering a tantalising cross into the area, which was turned home by a hapless Ardstraw player, leaving the scoresheet at 2-0 at the half-way mark.

The second half started just as the first had, with the home side on the front foot, and the faithful support didn’t have long to wait as midfielder David Scanlon increased his scoring tally once again, smashing in a goal which will take some beating this season, the ball rocketing into the top-hand corner of the net from considerable range.

Credit of Ardstraw, they eventually receiving a reward for their efforts with a consolation goal, the otherwise faultless Graham Moore unlucky to head the ball past his own goalkeeper.

United face Roe Rovers in the Challenge Cup quarter-final this Saturday.