Chris Scannell came close with an early effort for the Reds which Simon Kelly cleared while at the other end Davitt Walsh might have finished better when a mistake by Ronan Scannell when attempting to scoop up a Johnny Flynn ball created an opening.

The missed opportunities continued with Francis Murphy having a shot saved by the United 'keeper followed by a Kelly back post header which just drifted off target.

However the Reds finally broke the deadlock on 61 minutes when a Murphy corner reached Barry Holland who duly fired in a low shot which the 'keeper did block but couldn't prevent creeping home.

And they might have extended their lead right at the end only for United skipper Albert Watson to first clear off the line before blocking Ryan Catney's attempt at a return.