Goal-less in Malta

Last updated : 26 July 2012 By @blades_mad1889

Blades boss Danny Wilson made several changes to his side from which beat Zejtun Corinthians by six goals to nil on Monday night - he made seven changes in the second half, giving a multiple of players the opportunity to present there skill. Trialist Mikey Mampuya was again included in the side.

In the intense heat it came as no surprise that the former Swindon manager used all his options available against the side which finished up as runners-up in the BOV Maltese Premier League. However was forced to do without Chris Porter and Ryan Flynn who were suffering from slight strains, and Kevin McDoanld was included just hours after putting pen to paper on a new two year deal.

Mark Howard in the United goal denied Adrian Pulis and Jean-Paul Farrugia with 'smart' saves whilst the Blades attacked and came close via Neill Collins who came close to poking past Mario Muscat. Midfielder Stephen Quinn tried his luck on the angle and for Hibernians; Andrew Cohen fired wide before the break.

The second half was a different tale all together with the tourists dominating large periods of the game, but failed to find that pivotal strike - Wilson made six changes on the hour mark before introducing Erik Tonne with fourteen minutes remaining. Mampuya cleared Farrugia's effort shortly after the re-start and Howard who looks set to be number one choice next season kept out Jackson Lima's long shot.

Hibernians then enjoyed moments in the Blades half but United still created good charges at their opposition goal and only last gasp and committed defending by the home side denied an advantage for the visitors. John Cofie, on loan from Manchester United saw his shot deflected wide after good play from Richard Cresswell

Youngster Matthew Harriott tested Muscat in the Hibs goal with a fierce strike from distance before Joe Ironside saw a strong penalty appeal turned down after being tripped in the box. They had earlier seen a spot kick appeal turned down when Stephen Quinn's shot appeared to strike the hand of a Hibs defender early in the second half.

United leave the Mediterranean Island after scoring six goals from two game and importantly keeping clean sheets in both outings; - they next face Rotherham United at the New York Stadium on Tuesday, 31st July.

United: Howard, Mampuya (Harriott 60), Maguire, Collins, Westlake, Chapell (McAllister 60), Montgomery (Ironside 60), McDonald (Philliskirk 60), Quinn (Doyle 60), Cofie (Tonne 76), Cresswell (Williams 60).