United enjoyed another good pre-season work out as they drew 0-0 at Livingston tonight.
The U's made seven changes to the team that won at part time Dumbarton on Saturday against a Livingston team tipped for promotion from that same division. Ryan Clarke came in for Simon Eastwood in goal, Damian Batt and Anthony Tonkin started at full back while giant defender Harry Worley partnered Jake Wright in the middle of the defence. Worley, having recently left Leicester, certainly has a physical presence and did his chances of a full time deal no harm at all.
Up front the Wembley trio of Jack Midson, James Constable and Matt Green got the nod and it was Green who caught the eye with three presentable chances in the first quarter of the game. The best came after twenty minutes and ended with all three strikers combining to tee up Green for a shot into the side netting.
An early injury to Richie Baker meant that the midfielder limped off to allow Simon Heslop to come in with Dannie Bulman and Asa Hall, with Baker limping off as a precation. That slowed United's rhythm as they adjusted but it was Heslop's through ball that set up Constable for the clearest chance of the half. For once Constable's sights weren't quite set square and he plonked the ball over the top.
Livingston were a step up in opponents and tested Worley and Wright at times, but home keeper Tony Bullock needed to make a good save early in the second half as Midson again went close for The U's. Midson also nodded just over on 80 but a goal was not to be found despite Billy Barr going close for the home side.
For those who put store in pre-season results then United remain unbeaten, but more importantly players who missed out on Saturday at Dumbarton got minutes tonight and the understanding and movement that comes with a close knit squad is starting to come together.
United now come home for two great games. Come and watch the U's take on Leicester City on Saturday and then a Manchester United XI on Tuesday evening, or roll back the years and see the United legends take on a Celebrity XI on July 31st
For your chance to show off your own skills and play at that game click HERE
United:
Clarke, Batt, Worley, Wright, Tonkin, Hall, Baker (Heslop 15), Bulman (Franks 89) , Green (Kinniburgh 65), Constable (Deering 60), Midson (Woodley 83)
