United snippets

UNITED Reserves had a week to savour last week, beating Ards Rangers to reach the quarter-finals of the Wkd Intermediate Cup and following that up with a 2-0 league win over Institute Reserves on Saturday.

"The win against Ards Rangers gave me as much satisfaction as anything this season, simply because we had such a young team against an experienced side," manager Colin Sewell told Times Sport.

With 16-year-old rookies Joe Morgan and John Lockhart in the backline, United looked to be heading out of the competition when Ards opened the scoring with 10 minutes left.

But Ross Nelson levelled with five minutes to go to take the tie to extra time, where goals from Blaine McKenna and Lee McCaughern booked United a last eight tie against Dergview.

McKenna was on target again in Saturday's league game, while George Stewart scored United's other goal to boost their hopes of a high league finish.

Roy squeezes Lemon into his thoughts

LOCAL lad Aaron Lemon has become the latest young player to make the breakthrough to United's first team.Lemon, who comes from a well-known family in junior footballing circles in Ballymena, was a sub for Saturday's draw at Institute. Previously he came through the ranks at Carniny Youth before switching to join United's youth team.

"I'm very pleased with Aaron's progress," said Walker.

"He's a strong, left-sided player, a local boy and we're trying to bring through as many as we can."

McLaughlin set for chance

JAMES McLaughlin could get an early chance to stake his claim for a place in United's side.

The striker, signed from former Ballymena and Provincial Intermediate League side Mosside, has had to wait until January to be eligible for the first team, only for a three-match ban for a red card in the Reserves to delay his debut further.

Now, free from suspension, Walker is ready to give McLaughlin his chance.

"He would ideally need games but I think he's more a goal threat and we need that.

"During the bad weather we played a full 11-a-side match between two teams from our squad up at Olympia Leisure Centre and he scored the only goal.

"We played Wellington Rec last week in a friendly designed to get him and Andy Smith a game and they both scored," added Walker.

'Ogers' top man in January

GOALKEEPER Sean O'Neill has been selected as the Seven Towers Supporters' Club's Player of the Month for January.

The award was sponsored by Sammy and Annette McAuley.

Johnny at Accrington

FORMER United starlet Johnny Flynn continue to learn his trade in the professional game.

The defender has joined League Tow side Accrington Stanley, on loan from Blackburn Rovers.