However the comparison in performance to the that against Tadcaster the week before was stark as United for most of the game put in a really hard working performance, but failed to get the rub of the green at crucial points in the game. Worryingly though two common denominators in both games saw United concede early goals, and secondly the nature of the goals conceded, were in the main dissapointing especially the 1st two. As we have experienced in most of these away games against northern teams the home side started at a frantic pace and gained an early 6th minute advantage. A long throw hurled into box so no one put a head on the ball, with a loose ball smashed home by there number 5.
Credit to United a great response and the equaliser was quick to arrive as Courtney Hastings got well and truly clattered in the box and TJ Nightingale converted at the 2nd attempt, after the keeper with help of the crossbar brilliantly saved the penalty.With Basford getting on top another big set back on 21 min as a replica goal conceded from another long throw in in virtually the same area of the pitch put the home side back in front, with this time the number 4 netting. Basford continued to look dangerous and the home keeper crucially made a one on one from TJ and right on the stroke of half time manager Martin Carruthers planted a header wide from 6 yards which he would normally convert.
2nd period United took the game to the home side but could,nt finish numerous good moves, typified as the home keeper tipped over a Theo Smith effort on 70 minutes and moments later Martin Carruthers forced his way through but lifted over the bar from close range bearing down on the keeper.
With time running out Carruthers who gave a MOM performance in an emergency centre half roll was pushed forward in search of the equaliser. However immediatley the home side hit on the counter and converted for 3-1 on 75 minutes and a crucial 2 goal cushion. Again question marks re this goal as opportunities to clear well outside our box were not taken. After this two cast iron penalties were waived off as United were confined to the 6th defeat on the road despite a good display.

The feeling in the camp re this one was it was one that got away, whilst Maltby have now won 6 on the bounce they wew there to be beat on the night and defensively looked a little suspect to pace.

Assistant Mark Clarke summed the night up perfectly;
" We gave away three bad goals - we can't concede like that and expect to win the game. The lads worked hard and kept going, we will be looking to put things right on Saturday".
United do need to reintroduce the art of winning ugly keeping clean sheets on these away day visits as home teams gaining early goals shatters all best laid game plans.
General manager Chris Munroe commenting "The NECL is proving a big learning curve for the club and it has proved a real surprise the quality and physical strength of the opposition, which are far far enhanced from last seasons EMCL. We have been educated that you dont get any gimme games at this level and unless you are physically and mentally applied for 90 minutes then dont expect any favours."

Munroe also commented "that whilst ex associates of the club appear to gloat at defeat on social networks we expected a year of work in progress and it is a testatimony to the growth of the club to be at the level we are now, and we would be foolish to think we can continue winning so many games as at previous levels. The onward progression may stall this year but it will be temporary as the current management can expect big backing during the preseason".

Munroe is absolutely delighted with the new management team Martin Carruthers, Mark Clarke and Chris Freestone, these are the guys to take us forward without any question and each have different skill sets that compliment each other. The management have instiled professionalism into the club that is a prequisite at this level, and not only do they have players playing with a smile but tactically players are developing and understanding roles and getting fitter. Yes the next big test will be player recruitment and tinkering around the edges, but we wont knee jerk as it is only the odd one or two required to make us a force. With still 28 league as well as cup games to play then everything is still up for grabs to acheive out top 5 objective for the season.

The continued growth of the club should hopefully be typified Sat with the opening of the £300k new main pitch changing room and entertainment facility that takes the club to a new level. Munroe commenting " We are almost there and it will be touch and go if it is ready for Saturday but we will give it a good go and keep fingers crossed. This then will cement the development of the facility from a park pitch to a football stadia fit for this and further levels of football.