Marsh header saves the day for United

A HARD won point for United after finding it a bit difficult to keep up their recent good form that sees them still in the running for promotion.

Conditions although dry, were difficult due to the strong wind blowing down the length of the pitch which made it difficult to control the pace of the ball when passing to link up play.

United, however, controlled most of the first half and twice could have taken the lead. First a Ben Mills effort on the turn went just a foot wide, after 13 minutes and five minutes later both Mills again, and James Brown had well directed low shots turned away by keeper Connolly for corners.

Gers started to come into the game now and after 25 minutes United's Dave Buchanan held Gers' effort from McCrae. Gers were finding their men better and forced a corner in 44 minutes and from Dunn's cross McCrae headed just wide and so at half time it was level pegging.

Gers came out for the second half in a more determined mood and Dave Buchanan did well to block McCrae to stop him netting.

Gers won a corner and both United's Craig Hill and Gers' Inglis collided in the box. After treatment both continued.

Gers continued to attack and with wind advantage took the lead after 61 minutes when left winger McFarlane took advantage of a United defensive error and promptly hit the ball past Buchanan. Realising they could face defeat United put their backs into their game and on 70 minutes won a corner. Alan Templeton sent over the perfect cross and David Marsh outjumped the Gers defence to head strongly home the equaliser.

Both sides tried hard to get a winner but probably a draw was the right result.

This Saturday United are at home and take on Vale of Leven in a 1st division league match, weather permitting! It won't be long now till midweek fixtures will be announced and it is now that the promotion race starts so look out for fireworks.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Andy Deerie who now have an addition to their family and good wishes to Phil Barclay who sustained a broken wrist in the last Larkhall game.

This Saturday's kick off is at 2 p.m.

CUMBERNAULD UNITED: Kirkwood, Buchanan, Gumley, McConville, Marsh, Hill, Jarvis, Brown, Gibson, Mills, Steele, Templeton. Subs: Burns, McPhee, Caldwell, McAndie, Elliot, Allan, McLaughlin.