Cumbernauld United start first senior season with win at Benburb

The history books will show it to be a well-deserved win, with Stefan Law taking the honour of scoring the club’s first senior goal.

It wasn’t the most glamorous introduction to the big time, though. With covid restrictions in place and no fans allowed, the players travelled ready to play, with the uncovered south stand at New Tinto Park providing a base for their substitutes, backroom team and club officials.

Skippered by United veteran Paddy McCabe, the visitors were on the offensive from the start, with Eddie Ferns looking lively and causing the Bens some anxious moments.

A powerful drive which flew just over was followed by a penetrating run and cross that eluded the inrushing Scott Thomson.

Benburb’s first real attempt came from a corner, with the unmarked Jordan Bow heading against the upright, a let-off for the visitors.

With half-time looming, Bens were awarded a penalty when, after a fine save by Darren Hill, their forward was judged to have been impeded by Conor Stevenson, but fortunately for United, McKay’s effort was well wide.

Just as it looked like being a first-half stalemate, though, United got the breakthrough when keeper McWilliams could only parry a Ferns effort from a free-kick and Law reacted quickest to give the visitors the lead.

Two minutes into the second half, Benburb drew level when a cross from Kieran O’Hear deceived Hill and looped over his head into the net.

United regained the lead on 51 minutes though after a neat pass from Ferns found Tom Neil and, after a quick change of direction, he fired low past the outstretched McWilliams.

It was 3-1 four minutes later when, following a corner, the ball broke to Thomson, who had time to control it before firing an unstoppable shot high into the net.

United were in total control now and were unlucky not to increase their lead when in the closing stages both Ferns and McCabe struck the upright.

United made a couple of substitute changes as they comfortably saw out the game and register a well deserved three points.

It was a great start for United and sets them up nicely for a wee trip to the seaside to face Troon on Saturday, again behind closed doors.