And while United kept a bit of a streak alive by not losing, they were held to yet another 1-1 draw which has become the hallmark of the campaign thus far.
The opponent this game was a Bays team that has not had overly strong results in the division this term. United themselves looked a bit ragged out on the pitch as perhaps some players had an eye on events predicated after the game, or perhaps the lackadaisical practice schedule was catching up on them. You know what they say: "Tis the season to avoid the weather and go to the pub!"
The air was cold at Braefoot on Friday night and United took to the pitch in a 4-3-3 formation. Bays were set up to pressure the United midfield but United held possession comfortably for most of the match at the back as Benny "Slinky" Stanchfield and Ryan "Twister" Braun settled early and organised well.
In the midfield, Sam "Hungry Hungry Hippo" Yager and Ian "Battleship" Broome were effective at breaking up the Bays attacks while the game itself proved to be a battle of attrition.
The first half was relatively uneventful with United unable to translate strong defence at the back into chances at the front. Bays, too, had little to write home about but did hit the outside of the woodwork on a rare chance.
The second half saw United make a slight change to their personnel by swapping Mani "Yahtzee" Bains and Broome with hope of more direct running at the Bays back line. While Broome did a good job of closing the back line, United were still unable to really threaten the Bays goal.
United - might be in trouble when they start relying on this guy...
Ultimately United would get caught on a freak goal as the ball bounced in their area and Bays did well to get a good finish in.
With time still left on the clock, United had a go at Bays and made life more difficult for their opponents. There were several runs into the Bays box which were unable to find the right finish but eventually the pressure paid off.
Chris "Cabbage Patch" Woodcock (yes that Chris Woodcock) found the ball at his feet after a bit of a scramble in the box and stabbed it home to tie the match.
Woodcock - did you think we would use a different pic?
That's the way the game ended with United unable to find the win and the three points. The tie was the fifth of the season and leaves United in fifth place with two games at hand. Next match is this Friday against Gordon Head Blue followed by the Christmas and Festivus party at Butch's place.
Man of the Match: Tough to remember but I think it was Kielan - he did have a fine game and some pretty nice abs. Special mention to Joey "The Body" Ventura for making his debut in net and having a great game.
Holle-Nash Pecan-Doodles Award: Troy "Dukes of Hazzard" Taillefer
Moan of the Match: Another tie....
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