U23s Away at Birmingham City on Monday

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

We're off to see the U23s v Birmingham City at Solihull Moors FC in the Group Stage of the Premier League Cup tonight. Four points from this one plus the home game against Birmingham next week will see us through to the last 16. If we get beat, we'll need to rely on other results in the group going our way.

I'll be trying to give live updates on Twitter

twitter.com/ball_sup

And, there'll be a report (of sorts) with whatever Beer I can muster on my Blog sometime before Beddy Byes.

www.ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk

(Big Blade Alert) - my 190th ground watching an SUFC XI.

Phil

 

[Baw Heid]

We're off to see the U23s v Birmingham City at Solihull Moors FC in the Group Stage of the Premier League Cup tonight. Four points from this one plus the home game against Birmingham next week will see us through to the last 16. If we get beat, we'll need to rely on other results in the group going our way.

I'll be trying to give live updates on Twitter

twitter.com/ball_sup

And, there'll be a report (of sorts) with whatever Beer I can muster on my Blog sometime before Beddy Byes.

www.ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk

(Big Blade Alert) - my 190th ground watching an SUFC XI.

Phil

Look forward to reading your report Phil. A decent result will make our home game interesting in a weeks time. Any word on our team for tonight?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Remember, it's the Premier League Cup for our U23s tonight. But, following an afternoon of League action, PDL North looks like this

Top SWFC 39 pts from 21 games
2nd Hull City 33 pts from 21
3rd Crewe 29 pts from 20
4th Huddersfield 28 pts from 21
5th SUFC 28 pts (on goal difference) from just 17 games

More round up & match & beer reports on Twitter & the Blog later.

twitter.com/ball_sup

www.ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk

 

[larkymasher]

Would not be surprised to see Reed, Brooks, Scougal and McNulty tonight. Maybe even Wilson again.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Thanks for this Phil. Hoping to get to most of the home games before the end of the season.

 

[Ihadadream]

Wilson not playing and Brooky injured...McNulty and Scougall both in from start and Ty Smith operating at wing back be interesting to know how he gets on in that position

 

[Grappler]

Birmingham City FC ‏@BCFC 55m55 minutes ago
45+3 Goal. Sheff ield United restore their two-goal advantage when Wright goes through and drills in low. 1-3 #BCFCu23s

0 replies8 retweets15 likes

 

[penthouseblade]

Solihull Moors? Didn't there used to be a team down there called Solihull Motors??

 

[Grappler]

Ben SUFC Hallam ‏@BHallam147 3m3 minutes ago
Great 3.1 away win for Blades' under 23s away at @BCFC. @sparkymcnulty @reganslater8 and @jakeeewrighttt on the scoresheet.

#sufc

0 replies0 retweets0 likes

 

[Solihull Blade]

Just got back from the game. First goal a screamer from Sparky having been put through by Louis Reed. Took a touch and smacked it in the top right corner from edge of the box. Then Sparky turned provider for Regan Slater who similarly took a touch and belted it into the opposite corner again from the edge of the penalty area. The blades were wholly on top at this stage but Blues pulled one back tapping in from close range. There was a bit of argy bargy and the scorer was booked. Didn't really see what happened. The goal was against the run of play but it didn't last long as jake Wright was put through by the excellent Louis Reed and he finished clinically from a tight angle. The Blades had been totally dominant. The second half was a little more end to end but although the Blues probably had more of the ball a lack of a cutting edge and good United defending maintained our advantage. In the last few minutes the Blades had a couple of chances to grab a forth but goal line clearances and good goalkeeping kept them at bay. It was a thoroughly deserved win. Louis Reed was the standout player although he faded a little in the second. Jake Wright was also a live wire chasing lost causes and battling for everything. Reminded us of Billy. Of the others Regan Slater was excellent. I liked the tempo and tenacity of the team. Good display all ready for the rematch in Sheffield next week. PS scougall didn't play.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

My Blog report from the game. I've included a round up of how it's all shaping up for the U23s in the three competitons.

http://ball-sup.blogspot.com/2017/02/u23-round-up.html

 

[Ihadadream]

Just got back from the game. First goal a screamer from Sparky having been put through by Louis Reed. Took a touch and smacked it in the top right corner from edge of the box. Then Sparky turned provider for Regan Slater who similarly took a touch and belted it into the opposite corner again from the edge of the penalty area. The blades were wholly on top at this stage but Blues pulled one back tapping in from close range. There was a bit of argy bargy and the scorer was booked. Didn't really see what happened. The goal was against the run of play but it didn't last long as jake Wright was put through by the excellent Louis Reed and he finished clinically from a tight angle. The Blades had been totally dominant. The second half was a little more end to end but although the Blues probably had more of the ball a lack of a cutting edge and good United defending maintained our advantage. In the last few minutes the Blades had a couple of chances to grab a forth but goal line clearances and good goalkeeping kept them at bay. It was a thoroughly deserved win. Louis Reed was the standout player although he faded a little in the second. Jake Wright was also a live wire chasing lost causes and battling for everything. Reminded us of Billy. Of the others Regan Slater was excellent. I liked the tempo and tenacity of the team. Good display all ready for the rematch in Sheffield next week. PS scougall didn't play.

Apparently Scougall had a tight Hamstring so wasn't risked today

 

[Baw Heid]

My Blog report from the game. I've included a round up of how it's all shaping up for the U23s in the three competitons.

http://ball-sup.blogspot.com/2017/02/u23-round-up.html

Thanks for this Phil Great report and its good to see our form is being retained. Will be a real test of our squad with so many games to be played over a few days. How did Ti Smith do? Someone said he was playing as a wing back.
Thanks for the state of the nation information. Its interesting that the reserves/Under 23s are keeping pace with the first team and I am looking forward to the game on Friday

 

[Grappler]

My Blog report from the game. I've included a round up of how it's all shaping up for the U23s in the three competitons.

http://ball-sup.blogspot.com/2017/02/u23-round-up.html

Good round up and the stout sounds good as well.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Reed standout player so often. Brooks too. Wright always bright. Slater, Semple, Ty Smith. Bring them on.

How come Wednesday are top of the league?

 

[cooperblade]

Ball_Sup (Phil) Tell me to piss off and mind my own business by all means but I'm fascinated by how anyone has the time and finances to watch as much football and cricket (and drink as much beer) as you do. Did you win the Euromillions?!

Great blog btw and the updates are always appreciated.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Ball_Sup (Phil) Tell me to piss off and mind my own business by all means but I'm fascinated by how anyone has the time and finances to watch as much football and cricket (and drink as much beer) as you do. Did you win the Euromillions?!

Great blog btw and the updates are always appreciated.

Right. I'm 58. I was made redundant in 2010. And I haven't worked since then. I was a career Civil Servant. A Government Statistician actually. So, you know how lucrative that is. Lots of opportunity for creaming money off the top of large government contracts. I wouldn't go to any meeting unless there was a large Brown Envelope in it for me. The only stipulation in my contract was that I was not allowed to look out of the office window in the morning. So I'd have something to do in the afternoon. I was sitting in a luxurious office in Moorfoot. Heavily Hopped IPAs from a keg in the corner. And a six figure salary. As you know, civil servants don't pay tax either. And of course, once we retire, that six figure salary is doubled as an index linked pension for life. Oh yes, you never see a poor Government Statistician (winks).

Hang on. Hang on. I'm not so sure I should be revealing anything after "A Government Statistician". Look I was a bloke who worked in an office. I worked hard. Saved my dough. Paid off my mortgage, Took redundancy. And, I've come out the other end. I get a pension & I'm spending my savings. Because I'm going to die eventually. The maths is simple. You don't earn a fortune as a civil servant. And everybody retires on a fraction of what they were earning. I like to turn it around 180. What the hell are other 58 year olds spending their money on? My wife has a phrase when we're abroad doing football, cricket & beer. "Everyone has got to be somewhere". What she means is - if you're spending money on food, drinks, trains, buses & petrol - you might as well be doing that in South Korea as Sheffield.

I seem to be able to do a lot with not very much - best way I can explain it. I have not won the Euromillions, nor inherited any money. I am however, a World Class Blagger.

Hope that helps.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

And... tidying up a few comments.
Baw Heid - Tyler Smith had a quiet one. I put that in my notes, but left it out of the blog. He was NOT wingback. Those were Stephen Mallon on the left & Tom Charlesworth on the right (replacing Jake Bennett who has done that in recent matches). We were shifting it about a bit upfront. Wright up top as a constant, sometimes with McNulty, sometimes with Tyler. If anything, I'd say McNulty was more of a link man & Tyler more up top. Anyway. A bit isolated & not at the races. I'm not able to go to the game on Friday I'm afraid (part-timer....).
Grappler - superb stout that. I'm a HopHead. My natural territory is Double/Imperial IPAs. I don't like some of the over sweet stouts with this & that added. I often find Porters have got the more bitter qualities I crave. But, that Ilkley one was very well balanced. Lovely. Thanks for mentioning the round up I did. I might leave that in as a feature, it can be difficult to find summaries elsewhere of how it is all hanging.
Woodwardfan - Wednesday are flying at U23 at the moment. Although Crewe dicked 'em yesterday. One of the things I like about age group football is you can often get a new cohort growing into their shirts each year. Teams that are pony one year, can fly the next & vice versa. Big game on 10 April, away at Hillsborough. Be a great one if both teams are still in with a shout.

Phil

 

[Woodwardfan]

Right. I'm 58. I was made redundant in 2010. And I haven't worked since then. I was a career Civil Servant. A Government Statistician actually. So, you know how lucrative that is. Lots of opportunity for creaming money off the top of large government contracts. I wouldn't go to any meeting unless there was a large Brown Envelope in it for me. The only stipulation in my contract was that I was not allowed to look out of the office window in the morning. So I'd have something to do in the afternoon. I was sitting in a luxurious office in Moorfoot. Heavily Hopped IPAs from a keg in the corner. And a six figure salary. As you know, civil servants don't pay tax either. And of course, once we retire, that six figure salary is doubled as an index linked pension for life. Oh yes, you never see a poor Government Statistician (winks).

Hang on. Hang on. I'm not so sure I should be revealing anything after "A Government Statistician". Look I was a bloke who worked in an office. I worked hard. Saved my dough. Paid off my mortgage, Took redundancy. And, I've come out the other end. I get a pension & I'm spending my savings. Because I'm going to die eventually. The maths is simple. You don't earn a fortune as a civil servant. And everybody retires on a fraction of what they were earning. I like to turn it around 180. What the hell are other 58 year olds spending their money on? My wife has a phrase when we're abroad doing football, cricket & beer. "Everyone has got to be somewhere". What she means is - if you're spending money on food, drinks, trains, buses & petrol - you might as well be doing that in South Korea as Sheffield.

I seem to be able to do a lot with not very much - best way I can explain it. I have not won the Euromillions, nor inherited any money. I am however, a World Class Blagger.

Hope that helps.

Like,like,like,like.

Watch out for the trolls from now on. They'll remember your post in 5 years time!!!

 

[I should coco]

Watch out for the trolls from now on. They'll remember your post in 5 years time!!!

Well........they might remember Ball_Sup(Phil)'s posts at any rate.

 

[Baw Heid]

And... tidying up a few comments.
Baw Heid - Tyler Smith had a quiet one. I put that in my notes, but left it out of the blog. He was NOT wingback. Those were Stephen Mallon on the left & Tom Charlesworth on the right (replacing Jake Bennett who has done that in recent matches). We were shifting it about a bit upfront. Wright up top as a constant, sometimes with McNulty, sometimes with Tyler. If anything, I'd say McNulty was more of a link man & Tyler more up top. Anyway. A bit isolated & not at the races. I'm not able to go to the game on Friday I'm afraid (part-timer....).
Grappler - superb stout that. I'm a HopHead. My natural territory is Double/Imperial IPAs. I don't like some of the over sweet stouts with this & that added. I often find Porters have got the more bitter qualities I crave. But, that Ilkley one was very well balanced. Lovely. Thanks for mentioning the round up I did. I might leave that in as a feature, it can be difficult to find summaries elsewhere of how it is all hanging.
Woodwardfan - Wednesday are flying at U23 at the moment. Although Crewe dicked 'em yesterday. One of the things I like about age group football is you can often get a new cohort growing into their shirts each year. Teams that are pony one year, can fly the next & vice versa. Big game on 10 April, away at Hillsborough. Be a great one if both teams are still in with a shout.

Phil

Pity you will miss the Friday game. You certainly keep a close watch on our teams but if you could find a few minutes could you explain the rules that cover overage players in the league and the same for the competition for reserve teams for instance we used 5 subs in the cup game against Bradford
Thanks

 

[Kenilworth]

Seen goals courtesy of SUFCTweets and they are all crackers.

Stand out strike for McNuts. Controls through ball on outside of foot and strikes unstoppable screamer into top corner. Real quality finish.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Pity you will miss the Friday game. You certainly keep a close watch on our teams but if you could find a few minutes could you explain the rules that cover overage players in the league and the same for the competition for reserve teams for instance we used 5 subs in the cup game against Bradford
Thanks

This link

https://www.premierleague.com/news/58895

explains the Professional Development League quite well. Although it's actually got the regional split wrong. Once Brentford binned their Academy, Coventry went South and it's now 10 in each. It says three outfield players over the age of 23, plus the goalkeeper. The age group is defined as born after 1 January 1993. As far as I'm aware, as the Professional Development League & Premier League Cup are governed by the Premier League, it's a simple 3 subs allowed on system.

The Central League Cup is under the auspices of the EFL. I know they allow 5 subs in that cup. I did not know that beforehand. I only knew that when Rotherham brought their 4th & 5th subs on against us.

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/full-blown-right-hander.html

I also know (because they told me) that Binnion & Dungworth didn't realise they could make 5 subs until they saw The Millers do it. The lack of attention to detail that our great club is renowned the world over for. Because that Bradford game you mentioned was a Dead Rubber, they decided to use all 5 subs in that one. (Now that they knew you could ffs). And got arses burned a little bit when the keeper Eastwood went off after all 5 subs had been used.

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/wilder-priority.html

I'll use your question to plug...... Every week, the Premier League publish two PDF Bulletins. One covering the U18 level, one the U23. Results, league tables, fixture changes & upcoming fixtures - including times & venues. It's the Carrier Bag Firm Bible.

https://www.premierleague.com/publications

scroll down until you reach the section headed Youth.

The EFL do one for the Central League as well.

http://www.efl.com/global/reservesnews.aspx

And there is an excellent website dedicated to Youth Football, with up to date results & tables etc.

http://youthhawk.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page

While all of those links are worth following, they all seem to have an appalling lack of information about microbreweries, beer ticking, craft beer bars & Hop varieties. So, I hope you'll remember our sponsors at...

www.ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk

and

twitter.com/ball_sup

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Seen goals courtesy of SUFCTweets and they are all crackers.

Stand out strike for McNuts. Controls through ball on outside of foot and strikes unstoppable screamer into top corner. Real quality finish.

To be fair the finish makes up for a bad first touch (which slows him down instead of taking it in his stride).

 

[Kenilworth]

To be fair the finish makes up for a bad first touch (which slows him down instead of taking it in his stride).

Nah, bollocks. His first touch was excellent.

 

[larkymasher]

Ball_Sup (Phil) Tell me to piss off and mind my own business by all means but I'm fascinated by how anyone has the time and finances to watch as much football and cricket (and drink as much beer) as you do. Did you win the Euromillions?!

Great blog btw and the updates are always appreciated.

Piss off and mind your own business.

I am joking Cooper........ honestly

 

[Treeton Blade]

Ball_Sup (Phil) Tell me to piss off and mind my own business by all means but I'm fascinated by how anyone has the time and finances to watch as much football and cricket (and drink as much beer) as you do. Did you win the Euromillions?!

Great blog btw and the updates are always appreciated.

Only kidding

 

[UnitedBlade]

 

[BushBlade]

Nice goals. I noticed McNulty talking to them after Slater's goal and grabbing the hand of the kid who was running up to join the celebrations. I'm starting to see why Wilder wanted to give him a chance.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Nah, bollocks. His first touch was excellent.

Makes him have to check his run.