Kane’s late strike rescues point for Barn against UUJ

However, as UUJ manager Stevie McIvor admitted afterwards: “In all fairness, it would have been tough on Barn had they gone home empty-handed. There wasn’t a lot of quality in the game. It looked as though they wanted it more, but once we changed from 4-3-3 to match their 3-5-2, we started to compete better with them.”

It was Barn’s first outing since the home win against Rosario on February 8 and as manager Jim Pherson conceded: “UUJ were on the back of good results, drawing at Derriaghy and then winning at Crumlin, whereas we were that bit rusty, we weren’t sharp. However, without us being good, I still think we were better than them: we had more half-chances but it wasn’t a great match.” .

It was Barn who produced what little bite there was in the opening session, with Kane racing through only to fire his 10th-minute shot the wrong side of the upright.

Chris Monteith, back from a spell at Ballyclare Comrades, failed take advantage of Adam Boyce’s cross as UUJ keeper Eamon Browne blocked the ball with his knee.

The Jordanstown side drew first blood when United defender Gary Patterson, under pressure from Campbell, sliced Lawrence Lyons’ teasing delivery into his own net.

UUJ would have been celebrating again but for the save of the match from Stephen Brennan, brilliantly clawing Lyons’ header out of the left hand corner.

Kane’s equaliser came after he fastened onto a quick throw from Omar, wormed his way past three defenders and rifled the ball into the top corner.

Result: Barn United 1, UUJ 1.

On Saturday, UUJ are at home to Dundonald, while for Barn are away to Larne Tech.

UUJ: Browne – F Brannigan, Irwin (McVeigh), Donnelly – Lyons, K O’Neill (Liggett), Crossan, M Brannigan – Murray, Scollay, Campbell (Harvey).

Barn United; Brennan – Alexander, P Mathers, Patterson – Boyce (J Mathers), McFetridge (Bingham), McKee, Armstrong (Sharkey), Monteith – Kane, Omar.