‘Naive’ United expect to be pipped

May 21 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

THORNIEWOOD United wrapped up a memorable season by landing second-top place in the Central League First Division – but have little hope of securing back-to-back promotions.

United’s 3-0 midweek win over Vale of Leven and Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to promotion rivals Maryhill pushed them into the promotion spot.

But United finished their season on 43 points and this weekend Maryhill (42 points) face Ashfield, who are on 40 points with two games in hand.

Thorniewood co-boss John Fallon said: “We need Ashfield to beat Maryhill then decisively lose their two other games, and I can’t see that happening.

“It’s frustrating because some of the younger lads showed naivety at times – we need to bring in some experience for next season if we are to progress any further.”

Stephen Mullen was again a key player as United beat Vale, with a double boosting his tally to 33 for the season.

Des Bradshaw and Jason Davidson helped set up the opener for Mullen, who grabbed his second from the spot after he had been brought down. Mark Daly scored the third with a header.

On Saturday United trailed 2-0 at the break, but substitute Davidson made a quick impact by heading in the rebound from a blocked Mullen shot.

He then provided the cross for Mullen to level at 2-2, before Maryhill grabbed a controversial winner.

Fallon explained: “Paul Stevenson was holding onto the post at a corner; Maryhill had a shot which Paul headed onto his hand which was holding the post, and was sent off with a penalty awarded.

“How could it be a penalty when his hand hadn’t moved off the post?”

He added: “I’m disgusted. That’s three important games recently, against Maryhill twice and Glencairn, where refereeing decisions have cost us points.”