Reserves win again

United's second string had an emphatic victory over their Barnet counterparts with a 4-1 win. The scoring started in the first minute with a goal from Manny Omoyinmi, and Robert “Lovey” Lovegrove added a second before half time when Barnet 'keeper Ricky Millard spilled a Dean Whitehead free kick given for a foul on Manny.

United's third came in the second half after Paul Powell showed some good individual skill on the edge of the area before blasting home left-footed past Millard. The hapless Barnet 'keeper also had no chance with United's fourth, another Deano free kick that went straight in off the far post. Barnet's consolation came from the penalty spot after a foul was spotted by the linesman.

This was an excellent performance from the Us reserves, with Dean Whitehead and triallist Craig Strachan, son of Gordon, dominating the midfield and Sam Ricketts having a superb match at right full back. Coach David Oldfield had to leave the pitch early after feeling a twinge, but with Manny moving up front to partner Jefferson Louis and Powelly pushing up from leftback to left wing this seemed to help United.

Amongst the crowd was Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough, so expect Ricketts to be off on loan again soon!

Commercial suicide?

United's relatively new Commercial Manager Peter Davies has been given his cards by the club, with effect from March 18th. Davies, who was responsible for the new United credit card and the programme stickers, amongst other things, was asked to reduce his hours from five to three days a week, with a concomitant 40% reduction in his salary. Not surprisingly he refused and therefore the club terminated his contract. Davies was undoubtedly on a high salary, but one wonders whether this move will cost the club more than it will actually save in the long run.