13-07-06: FK Sparta Sarpsborg (a) 2-2 (HT 1-0) Crowd (2,500)

Programme

There were debuts for Sebastien Carole, Ben Parker and trialist Hayden Foxe, while Steve Stone returned after a long absence from injury. There was a fine performance from Norwegian International Eirik Bakke in midfield following his return from loan with Aston Villa and it was he that created United's best oppurtunity of the first half when he found space for Robbie Blake but the striker's shot was parried by Sarpsborg keeper Rino Hansen. United's other striker, Jermaine Beckford, also passed up two good oppurtunities but five minutes before the interval they took the lead but it was with the help of an own goal. It came when Frazer Richardson broke down the right flank and his dangerous cross forced Ole Heiren Hansen to deflect the ball into his own net. Robbie Blake was thwarted by a good save from Rino Hansen just after the break, but Sarpsborg got back into the game with an equalizer ten minutes into the second half with what could only be described as a soft goal. Substitute Mamadou Diagnelatyr took advantage of United being unable to clear a long goal kick and he took possession of the loose ball to clip the ball over Ian Bennett and into the net. It was fitting that Bakke should score to top off a fine performance and he did so in the sixty-seventh minute, but it was from the penalty spot. Sebastien Carole was brought down in the box and Eirik Bakke confidently stroked home the ensuing penalty. United made six changes in the seventy-third minute. Gary Kelly replaced Frazer Richardson at Right Back, Hayden Foxe and Ben Parker gave way to Paul Butler and Matthew Kilgallon in central defence, Steve Stone came off from Australian Joel Griffiths on the Right Wing and Rob Hulse and David Healy replaced Jermaine Beckford and Robbie Blake in the strikers roles. United were unable to hang on to their lead and two minutes later Ole Jurgen Halversen poked the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble. David Healy went close to a winner in the final minutes as United pressed for a winner, but in the end they had to thank Dan Harding for a goal-line clearance that ensured the draw.