Laws delighted with battling performance

Last updated : 25 September 2003 By Luke Thornhill
Goals from Steve MacLean and Peter Beagrie were not enough to prevent United from going out of the Carling Cup at the hands of visitors from two divisions above them, but Laws was pleased with the performance of his young side.

He said: "The second half in particular we got the ball up to Beags and Torps and it caused them some problems.

"Had it not been for a few goaline clearances it could have been a different story.

"We looked dangerous whenever we got near their box, and that was the pleasing thing for us.

"We took the game to them in the second half, and Stan Ternent there was biting his nails because it went close there."

Laws was also full of praise for the youngsters drafted into the side for the game, in particular Andy Butler who was making his first-team debut in defence.

He added: "I'm delighted for the kid, he has gone in there and not been fazed by things.

"The same with Terry Barwick who has gone in and done a good job."

The second half substitution of Steve McLean, who was replaced by Paul Hayes, prompted boos from the home terrace - something Laws was far from happy about.

He said: "I was a little bit disappointed with the supporters when MacLean came off, I wish they would find out why I did it.

"He has had an ice pack on his knee. We've got an important game on Saturday, and it gave Paul Hayes a chance. I wish they would wait until the end to make their opinions known, or wait for the facts."