A few thoughts on yesterday

[ZoneManWilf]

What a dump of a ground. I know Oldham have been even up in the prem not too long ago, but felt like a real come down from the grounds we're used to in the Championship.

Really good, loud, optimistic support, helped by the result and performance, but still nice to see after all the moaning of the summer.

We were solid and didn't look in trouble for a good deal of the match. At 2-0 usually I'm the sort of supporter who worries about throwing it away, not yesterday, never looked in doubt once we got the 2nd.

Quinn was a clear MoM, if rumours are to be believed it could be his last performance, we'll miss him, and I hope he stays. The corner for the 1st was an excellent delivery and his composure in waiting for someone to get in the box for the 2nd was beautiful. All round he looked a very skillfull footballer at this level.

Whilst we played well, especially 2nd half, a spine involving Collins Monty and Doyle simply is not going to cut it if we want to challenge this season. We were in charge of the match, but still didn't have enough control or creativity in the centre of the park for me. I don't mind one of Monty or Doyle in there, I think two of them is not really compatible with how Wilson seems to want to play. Against better teams than Oldham (and there will be a fair few in this division) we will lose control of the midfield if we can't use the ball better.

Having said that Collins looked reasonably solid defensively, just his all round game lets him down. Plus with Maguire and Collins we really lack pace in the centre of defence.

The full backs were a different story. Lowton looks to have improved again and was more of an attacking threat down the right that I'd seen before. Was also impressed by Lecsinal, he's pacy and decent on the ball.

Flynn looked a bit lightweight, but a decent footballer, need to see him a bit more before making a full judgement.

Slightly disappointed in Porter, looked decent when he got the ball, but his workrate didn't seem the best, hopefully a fitness issue and we'll see more from him.

Cresswell had a good game especially 2nd half, worked hard, held the ball well and took his goal very well after making sure he was first to that ball.

Despite being on row 3 right behind the goal I couldn't see myself on TV

 

[Muttley]

Hope he stays, dosen't look at pennies and takes a pay cut to help us back up. That to me would make him a Blades legend.
They should all be embarrassed enough to take a cut to be within the wage structure after last season's debacle!

 

[Worksop II]

That to me would make him a Blades legend.

Yep, right alongside the Tea and Toast Lady .....

 

[Pollingtonblade]

Agree with the comment re creativity in midfield, reminded me of the mongy/legs of wood partnership.

Some good football and I think Lescinel will become a legend.

Get Kruk signed.

 

[Ollessendro]

Agree with all of that Wilf. See my more detailed match report.

Quinn was outstanding and carried the team. We would not have scored either of the goals without him. Would be a shame to lose him.

Question makers remain over Collins, but he did ok today. I think him and Maguire could do a job at this level, but pace is a real concern.

Share your thought on Flynn and Porter who were both disappointing.

The big drawback to yesterday was the selection of Monty and Doyle in central midfield. I think I can see why Wilson did this (physicality, wanting to stop Oldham play and nullyfying them in the first game) but just hope and prey that this is not the first choice central midfield. Like you, I do not mind either starting with a creative midfielder (Williamson, McAllister or Quinn) but together they offer nothing going forward and we have zero creativtiy. Yesterday they broke up Oldham attacks up well, but they have no flair and will create next to nothing. Against better teams we need a different approach and different personnel.

One thing I missed off my match report is how poor Oldham were. I do not want to dampen things, but we should not get carried away as Oldham are awful. We will be tested much more this year and playing Wednsday, Notts County, Charlton and Huddersfield with the same personnel and same style I think we will struggle.

 

[1973_Blade]

Agree with all of that Wilf. See my more detailed match report. ]

The big drawback to yesterday was the selection of Monty and Doyle in central midfield. I think I can see why Wilson did this (physicality, wanting to stop Oldham play and nullyfying them in the first game) but just hope and prey that this is not the first choice central midfield. Like you, I do not mind either starting with a creative midfielder (Williamson, McAllister or Quinn) but together they offer nothing going forward and we have zero creativtiy. Yesterday they broke up Oldham attacks up well, but they have no flair and will create next to nothing. Against better teams we need a different approach and different personnel.

From DW's quotes it seemed to me that they had decided that a physical approach was needed for the game yesterday. If that is the case I would expect to see a different approach too. I would also expect to see a different pairing up front with Porter and Slew/Boggy/Philly and if one of Monty/Quinn/Willo are sold then Kruk should come into the LB allowing Lecs to move into the middle with Maguire.

 

[Maidenhead]

Agree with all of that Wilf. See my more detailed match report.

Quinn was outstanding and carried the team. We would not have scored either of the goals without him. Would be a shame to lose him.

Question makers remain over Collins, but he did ok today. I think him and Maguire could do a job at this level, but pace is a real concern.

Share your thought on Flynn and Porter who were both disappointing.

The big drawback to yesterday was the selection of Monty and Doyle in central midfield. I think I can see why Wilson did this (physicality, wanting to stop Oldham play and nullyfying them in the first game) but just hope and prey that this is not the first choice central midfield. Like you, I do not mind either starting with a creative midfielder (Williamson, McAllister or Quinn) but together they offer nothing going forward and we have zero creativtiy. Yesterday they broke up Oldham attacks up well, but they have no flair and will create next to nothing. Against better teams we need a different approach and different personnel.

One thing I missed off my match report is how poor Oldham were. I do not want to dampen things, but we should not get carried away as Oldham are awful. We will be tested much more this year and playing Wednsday, Notts County, Charlton and Huddersfield with the same personnel and same style I think we will struggle.

Don't underestimate how much of Oldhams "poor" was down to us.

I'm a great believer in "sometimes you can only play as well as the opposition lets you".

 

[Muttley]

Yep, right alongside the Tea and Toast Lady .....

Absofrigginlutely!

 

[Tizertrance]

Don't underestimate how much of Oldhams "poor" was down to us.

I'm a great believer in "sometimes you can only play as well as the opposition lets you".

The man's got a point, when we were in the Premiership managers kept on bleating that's the worst they've played all season when they played us and we beat them

 

[broomhillblade]

From DW's quotes it seemed to me that they had decided that a physical approach was needed for the game yesterday. If that is the case I would expect to see a different approach too. I would also expect to see a different pairing up front with Porter and Slew/Boggy/Philly and if one of Monty/Quinn/Willo are sold then Kruk should come into the LB allowing Lecs to move into the middle with Maguire.

Let's see what team DW turns out on Tuesday. I hope he makes changes to the attack and midfield to see what the others can do. I believe there's seven subs allowed for the League Cup so he can have a good back-up in case the newcomers fail. Surely the new winger will get a start. I'd like to see Slew given a chance, too.

 

[1973_Blade]

I agree Broomhill, I think Macallister, Slew and Philly would get a run out at least - with Mendez-Laing also having a chance to get some fitness. I think the more telling selection will be on Sat - whether he plays a more creative and attacking team at home. We may also have sold one or two and signed a couple by then as well.