Sweeney on the mark as United edge past Sun Sports in dour clash

Cristian Colas’ side managed to haul themselves over the finish line with a mediocre performance that did just enough to ensure they maintained their winning form.

United were forced to come from behind after United keeper, Adam Counihan’s attempted clearance was blocked by Sun’s Dominic David and the ball trickled towards the United goal.

A last ditch effort by defender Nyasha Sagwete to scramble the ball away proved too much to save Counihan’s blushes and the ball crept over the line.

Nine minutes later the crossbar came to United’s rescue as the home side struggled to find their rhythm and their play at times was erratic and lacked any cutting edge.

However, they had the chance to draw level in the 24th minute from the penalty spot after Mohammed Hashim was bundled to the ground.

With calls for a red card ignored, the referee settled for a yellow and pointed to the spot from where Lucas Joyce confidently sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1.

Five minutes later United took the lead. Good work from Joyce down the right flank saw him beat his marker and cross for Liam Sweeney to pounce at the far post to score his first goal for the senior side.

The second period was a dull affair, as a free-kick from Kane Farrell that had the Sun keeper scrambling back to finger- tip over was all that second 45 minutes could muster.

Even the introduction of United’s Adam Drakulic and play maker Matt Cooper could not cause a spark in play and the game petered out to one that will fail to be remembered come the end of the season.

United’s coaching staff will be looking to significant improvements as United start out on a five match away tour of Hertfordshire, starting with a trip to title chasing London Colney on Saturday followed by a visit to Welwyn Garden City next Wednesday.

United’s Under 23s are at Second Meadow on Saturday with bottom of the table Berkhamsted the visitors in the Suburban League. Kick Off 3pm.