UNITED forward Andy Smith faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a six match ban handed out by the IFA Disciplinary Committee

The ban relates to the recent defeat to Newry City at the Marshes where Smith was spotted by referee Keith Halliday simulating a head-butt towards Newry defender Ross Black.

Smith will miss both United's glamour Boxing Day fixture against Coleraine and the first stage of the Irish Cup and is expected to return against Glenavon at the end of January.

The former Northern Ireland striker has scored four goals in his 25 appearances for the club since joining from Portadown in the summer.