By DYLAN INGLIS
NEWMAINS put players on trial – then saw them take no prisoners.
United ran out winners against local amateur side Carluke Thistle in their first game at Victoria Park for 18 months.
With No1 Cammy Farquhar facing time on the sidelines Newmains gave trials to two different goalkeepers.
But it was another unsigned player up front who provided both goals – first squaring to Jamie Henderson then superbly crossing for Mikey Barton to double the advantage.
Co boss Paul Davies said: “The striker on a trial played very well. He looked lively and was difficult to play against so we’ll see what happens now.
“The young lad who played in goal the first-half is only 16 or 17 and I thought he was exceptional – he was probably the shining light for us in the first-half.
“Second half we brought on another trialist who is an experienced keeper. He’s played at both amateur and junior level. The two of them did very well.”
Covid calloffs and injuries had forced United to cancel their previous two pre-season games.
Davies admits it was good to get game time in ahead of their West of Scotland League opener at home to Gartcairn on July 17.
He added: “We cancelled our last two games so it’s a case now of just getting more minutes in the legs.
“Some of our rivals have already played as many as six or seven matches.
“We’ve only played the Breathing Space Cup and we were one game short in that.
“Carluke Thistle and made it very difficult for us. They brought a good side up but we made life difficult for ourselves at times.
“In the first half they did well to contain us and it was very difficult for us to break them down.”
United play their final pre-season clash against Finnart Star this Saturday July 10 at Springburn Park, G21 3UQ. Kick-off is 2pm.
