Ollessendro
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Ollessenmdro's second visit to Boundary Park was a happy one and resulted in the same outcome as when following Howard Kendall's United in 1996/1997. Much like the game almost 15 years ago it was a scrappy affair, that saw a United cruise to victory without looking particularly convincing. Danny Wilson's team won 2-0 with goals from Harry Maguire and Richard Cresswell. A very good and important start for the United manager and an excellent away result.
Team selection
Wilson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with the following players:
---------- SS
Lowton Collins Maguire Lescinel
Flynn Monty Doyle Quinn
------ Porter Cresswell
The game
The game got off to a scrappy start with neither team getting a real foothold on the game. Both teams had chances in the first 10 minutes. After a run from winger Winchster Reid was unable to terst Simmonsen. Cresswell and Poter both fired across goal and Collins header from a corner was comfortably held by Cisak.
United's closest effort of the first half came from new signing John Francois Lescinel. He controlled the ball and advanced before unleashing a thunderbolt of a left foot strike that shaved the Oldham bar.
The rest of the first half was mainly uneventful, though Oldham had a couple of chances. Smith headed straight at Simmonsen and Taylor balzed over from outside the area with a good shooting opportunity.
The end to a largely uneventful and poor forst half was met by a mixture of boo's, cheers and insults towards Wilson. Still, United came out in the second half and put themselves into ascendeny.
From the kick off United passed the ball about with some ticky tacky, one touch football and number of times. I wasn't sure whether I was day dreaming and the sun wasin my eyes, but the red and white had blurred and seemed to create an orange colour. Suddenly, after 15 consecutive passed Montgommery got the ball. He was the further United player back and went on a mazy run. He was last ditch tackled (denying a suure goal) and the ball went out for a corner. Suddenly I was awakened from my half slumber and Quinn centered a corner for Maguire to powerfully head home. He rose above his marker and placed the header perfectly pass Cisak. Suddenly out of the blue United were in front.
The Blades were now on toop and looked to double their lead. Cisak bravely smothered a shot from Flynn, but on 53 minutes United doubled thier lead. Lescinel threw a long throw from his own half, Porter controlled and flicked the ball forward where Quinn had ran into space. Quinn had time and space as he approached the left of the Oldham area, but no United players were as far forward as him. Quinn (brilliantly) waited and held the ball, before sending an inch perfect pass into the area for Creswell to bundle pass the keeper and over the line (possibly via a defender). The goal was made by Quinn's excellent run, his footballing brain and his bit of flair. Cresswell should be given credit, as he got between two Oldham defenders and still had to finish, but Quinn made it. Shades of Arshavin's goal against Barca (where Nasri brilliantly held the ball up) at the Emirates last season? One dimented United fan on Praise and Grumble seemed to thing so!?
Williamson came on for the disappointing debutant Flynn, but Oldham had the next chance. They were unlucky not to score as the ball played ping pong in the United area, with a couple of good blocks being made (I could not see who by) and the ball eventually ending up on the roof of the net. Another Oldham corner saw Lowton clear off the line after more ping pong in the Blades area.
After riding the brief spell of pressure Williamson set up substitute (for Poter) Bogdanovic, but Cisak (again) bravely smothered at his feet.
The game petered out with little more incident (other than that ginger wanker Oldham winger's theatrics) to the joy of the 3597 travelling support.
Wilson
Got the result right, which matters. Liked the way he barely came out of the dug out, gave us a quick clap and was down the tunnel. I think he knows it was a good start, but he has some way to go. He rightly left it to the players to take the credit. Came across well on the radio and you could hear, although pleased, he was cautious.
I have to say that I was completely unimpressed by his tactics and team selection today. That said, he got the result. I suppose this comes down to Bergen's post about 'a clean slate for all', but that line up today was last season's failures and lacked width, creativity and pace. On the radio he said he wanted a physical team do deal with Oldham's physicality and I guess that we should not be expecting flair from the first game, but I was hoping for more on the deck stuff.
People might think I being harsh on Wilson, as the bottom line is that we got 3 away points and a clean sheet. On paper it is a dream start. My concern is that he went for the likes of Monty, Doyle and Cressy when we have footballers Williamson, McAllister (and Harriot) and Slew. I thought the partnership of Doyle and Montgomery in central mid was a bad choice and would be disappointed if they start together at home.
United
We did a job. Just liked when I watched United win at Boundary Park in Septmeber 96, today we were unconvincing but did enough to win fairly comfortably. We did not really play free flowing, attacking football and were a long way away from the 'Brazil' that crackpot who called Radio Sheffield talked about, but we won 2-0 away from home in a potential tricky opener.
First half we were very poor. The back line of Lescinel, Collins, Maguire and Lowton hoofed everything to Porter and Cresswell. The two big Oldham centre back's lapped this up and we got nothing. Flynn was disappointing and Monty and Doyle offered little attacking flair. Quinn atte,pted to get his foot on the ball, but mainly saw the ball fying over his head.
Second half we improved a lot. The goal gave us confidence and we looked a different team. We were still a long way from looking like 'Brazil', but we attacked well and looked dangerous. We were decisive and after the second goal went in we looked comfrotable (other than a few hairy ping pong moments).
Overall I think we have work to do, though it is a solid start. The maximum number of consecutive Blades passes was 4 (which is very disappointing) but we carved Oldham up a few times and got the all important result.
Men of steel
Yesterday's Ollessendro's men of steel are Harry Maguire, Stephen Quinn and Richard Cresswell. For good measure I will throw in new signing Jean Francois Lescinel.
Maguire was rock solid and tookm his goal really well. At 18 what a prospect he is. Get him signed on a long term deal!
Stephen Quinn just showed a touch of class. He worked hard, but it was ultimately his Samir Nasri impression that stole the show. Breaking forward, holding the ball and laying an inch perfect pass for the 2nd was a truly 'Brazilian' moment.
Cresswell get's a nomination for man of steel for three reasons: hard work, hitting the back of the net and a fantastic radio interview.
New singing Lescinel, who looked like a mixture between Nyron Nosworthy and 'Cafu' deserves a mention. A couple of times he dallyed with the ball and got himslef in a pickle. I initially though oh my god we have another Noz when he got the ball at left back (in the first half), held onto it and got tackled. However he is a real athlete and is quick and strong. He gets forward well, as was proved by his fearsome shot in the first half. Second half he grew in confidence and looked more like the 'Cafu' that Blade on P&G talked about, defending well and getting down the flank to support Quinn.
Crimes against hoof
Yesterday's crime against hoof came from Stephen Quinn. The ginger midfielder has completely shed his former 'elpiton' skin and now looks a class act. Gone are the aimless flicks of the shoulder and annoymity shown under previous managers and they have been replaced by hard work, incisive passing and excellent runs forward. Mr Wilson, you sould be looking to keep this one (out of all the high eanrers).
It appears that Dave McAllister, Matty Harriot and to some extent Lee Williamson are still being tried for crimes against hoof. The new regime is looking for a parden, but this has not happended immediately. Perhaps we will see a temporary lift on Tuesday evening?
Crime against football
(I am afraid to say - and am sure I will get slated for this - but) This weekends crime against football is Danny Wilson. Well done for a good start Danny, but why on earth did you choose Monty and Doyle as your first choice central midfielders. I was furious when I saw the line up and this think that this was a bad choice. Monty or Doyle is bad enough, but both in centre mid is an outcry. I was ready to make a citizens arrest on Wilson after the game for crimes against football for this haneous crime, but the result cheered me up. This was topped off when he put put Williamson out wide. I thought this crime had stopped after Blackwell and Adams, but apparently not
Player ratings
SS 6/10: did not have a lot to do and made a couple of comfortable catches/saves. Looked a little vulnerable on crosses and his distribution was mixed (sometimes hoofing aimlessly long, but other times throwing out to full backs). Clean sheet will hopefully build confidence for when he is tested.
Lowton 6/10: steady game without being spectacular. He cleared the ball of the line second half (stopping a certain goal) and did the basics well.
Maguire 7.5/10: a goal and a solid defencive performance. Strong and good in the air he dealt easily with the Oldham forward's. A very accomplished centre back performance.
Collins 6/10: credit where it is due, as Collins did pretty well today. First halfhis distribution was shocking and he looked a little nervous. He won headers, but they flew off his head in any direction. However, he seemed to grow in confidence with the team and second half looked comfortable. Perhaps he can do a job in partnering Maguire at this level.
Lescinel 6/10: see men of steel
Flynn 4.5/10: thought he had a poor debut. He was largely annoynmous and the few occassions he got the ball he was knocked off it too easily. Saw nothing of his apparent trickyness and speed. Hope to see better from him.
Monty 5/10: typical Montgommery performance. His distribution was very poor and his touch awful. He often aimless flicked the ball forward or miscontrolled the ball and his second touch was a tackle. That said, he got his foot in well and him and Doyle did a good job of stopping Oldham's central midfield from creating anything. Second half his distribution was slightly better (though very mixed).
Doyle 5.5/10: Doyle did ok today. He offered little going forward, but he got his foot in well and made some crucial tackles. His distribution was better than Monty's, but he did not really create anything. I have to say that he and Monty won the battle today though. Although I don't want to see him play alongside Montgomery, I think Doyle can do a job at this level.
QUINN 8/10: just pipped Maguire to MOM with a piece of sheer class. Thought he had turned into a French, Magrebian playing for Arsenal around 53 minutes.
Porter 4.5/10: a disappointing debut for Porter and he did not look match fit. He played his part in the goal, but looked mostly off the pace. He was half a yard short and was dominated by the Oldham defenders when trying to win headers and hold the ball up.
Cresswell 6.5/10: typical Cressy performance. Struggled to win headers and hold the ball up, whilst working his socks off. Popped up to score (like the old Cresswell) which is the most important factor.
Williamson (sub). Looked ticky when he came on and did better than Flynn in 15 minutes. Teased their defender out on the winger and carved open the defence to set up Bogdanovic. I would like to see him start at Hartlepool, in the interest of proper football and competition for places.
Support
Credit for the other 3596 fans that went today. We really made some noise and it seemed like we were at home. Almost as many United fans as Oldham fans and an excellent atmosphere. There were some boo's and moan's creeping in before half time, but second half was carnival. Great support.
The best moment for me (and worth the journey) was after the whistle when the players came over to clap us and 3k+ United fans got together and sang 'we love United'. Magic. Cressy thanked us after the game and said the support was brilliant and reall urged him and the team on. I just only hope I have more away days like that.
Unfortunately there are still a few numpties. One pillock behind me was berrating 'Piggy Wilson' to 'sort it out' after 30 minutes, though he soon shut up second half. There was also that bombastic fool on Praise and Grumble who had not been to the game and said Wilson hated United. A car park protestor I have no doubt. I thought he was countered well by that bird (Helen) who addressed him and Rob (the presenter) who stated he is a tiny minortiy and the comical raving mad phoner who thought United had come out waering gold in the second half and was expecting to see more samba football from Wilson's team this season.
Ale
3 pints of Manchster breweries J.W Lees bitter was the opening ale for the season. A half decent, light to medium ale. It is slightly non descript, but has a trace of hops in it. It matched the performance today. Enough to please, but for from a classic (5.5/10).
Ollessendro's final thoughts
Bottom line is that United got 3 points. Wilson made a good start and hopefully we can build on this. If you had offered me a clean sheet and a win before the game I would have snatched your hand. Well done Blades
---------- Post added at 12:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 AM ----------
Fear I may have been upstaged by the articulate Deadbat. Didn't realise that he would be at the game yesterday and would have saved myself the time I had written on this (and just added some comments) to his thread if I had known.
Team selection
Wilson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with the following players:
---------- SS
Lowton Collins Maguire Lescinel
Flynn Monty Doyle Quinn
------ Porter Cresswell
The game
The game got off to a scrappy start with neither team getting a real foothold on the game. Both teams had chances in the first 10 minutes. After a run from winger Winchster Reid was unable to terst Simmonsen. Cresswell and Poter both fired across goal and Collins header from a corner was comfortably held by Cisak.
United's closest effort of the first half came from new signing John Francois Lescinel. He controlled the ball and advanced before unleashing a thunderbolt of a left foot strike that shaved the Oldham bar.
The rest of the first half was mainly uneventful, though Oldham had a couple of chances. Smith headed straight at Simmonsen and Taylor balzed over from outside the area with a good shooting opportunity.
The end to a largely uneventful and poor forst half was met by a mixture of boo's, cheers and insults towards Wilson. Still, United came out in the second half and put themselves into ascendeny.
From the kick off United passed the ball about with some ticky tacky, one touch football and number of times. I wasn't sure whether I was day dreaming and the sun wasin my eyes, but the red and white had blurred and seemed to create an orange colour. Suddenly, after 15 consecutive passed Montgommery got the ball. He was the further United player back and went on a mazy run. He was last ditch tackled (denying a suure goal) and the ball went out for a corner. Suddenly I was awakened from my half slumber and Quinn centered a corner for Maguire to powerfully head home. He rose above his marker and placed the header perfectly pass Cisak. Suddenly out of the blue United were in front.
The Blades were now on toop and looked to double their lead. Cisak bravely smothered a shot from Flynn, but on 53 minutes United doubled thier lead. Lescinel threw a long throw from his own half, Porter controlled and flicked the ball forward where Quinn had ran into space. Quinn had time and space as he approached the left of the Oldham area, but no United players were as far forward as him. Quinn (brilliantly) waited and held the ball, before sending an inch perfect pass into the area for Creswell to bundle pass the keeper and over the line (possibly via a defender). The goal was made by Quinn's excellent run, his footballing brain and his bit of flair. Cresswell should be given credit, as he got between two Oldham defenders and still had to finish, but Quinn made it. Shades of Arshavin's goal against Barca (where Nasri brilliantly held the ball up) at the Emirates last season? One dimented United fan on Praise and Grumble seemed to thing so!?
Williamson came on for the disappointing debutant Flynn, but Oldham had the next chance. They were unlucky not to score as the ball played ping pong in the United area, with a couple of good blocks being made (I could not see who by) and the ball eventually ending up on the roof of the net. Another Oldham corner saw Lowton clear off the line after more ping pong in the Blades area.
After riding the brief spell of pressure Williamson set up substitute (for Poter) Bogdanovic, but Cisak (again) bravely smothered at his feet.
The game petered out with little more incident (other than that ginger wanker Oldham winger's theatrics) to the joy of the 3597 travelling support.
Wilson
Got the result right, which matters. Liked the way he barely came out of the dug out, gave us a quick clap and was down the tunnel. I think he knows it was a good start, but he has some way to go. He rightly left it to the players to take the credit. Came across well on the radio and you could hear, although pleased, he was cautious.
I have to say that I was completely unimpressed by his tactics and team selection today. That said, he got the result. I suppose this comes down to Bergen's post about 'a clean slate for all', but that line up today was last season's failures and lacked width, creativity and pace. On the radio he said he wanted a physical team do deal with Oldham's physicality and I guess that we should not be expecting flair from the first game, but I was hoping for more on the deck stuff.
People might think I being harsh on Wilson, as the bottom line is that we got 3 away points and a clean sheet. On paper it is a dream start. My concern is that he went for the likes of Monty, Doyle and Cressy when we have footballers Williamson, McAllister (and Harriot) and Slew. I thought the partnership of Doyle and Montgomery in central mid was a bad choice and would be disappointed if they start together at home.
United
We did a job. Just liked when I watched United win at Boundary Park in Septmeber 96, today we were unconvincing but did enough to win fairly comfortably. We did not really play free flowing, attacking football and were a long way away from the 'Brazil' that crackpot who called Radio Sheffield talked about, but we won 2-0 away from home in a potential tricky opener.
First half we were very poor. The back line of Lescinel, Collins, Maguire and Lowton hoofed everything to Porter and Cresswell. The two big Oldham centre back's lapped this up and we got nothing. Flynn was disappointing and Monty and Doyle offered little attacking flair. Quinn atte,pted to get his foot on the ball, but mainly saw the ball fying over his head.
Second half we improved a lot. The goal gave us confidence and we looked a different team. We were still a long way from looking like 'Brazil', but we attacked well and looked dangerous. We were decisive and after the second goal went in we looked comfrotable (other than a few hairy ping pong moments).
Overall I think we have work to do, though it is a solid start. The maximum number of consecutive Blades passes was 4 (which is very disappointing) but we carved Oldham up a few times and got the all important result.
Men of steel
Yesterday's Ollessendro's men of steel are Harry Maguire, Stephen Quinn and Richard Cresswell. For good measure I will throw in new signing Jean Francois Lescinel.
Maguire was rock solid and tookm his goal really well. At 18 what a prospect he is. Get him signed on a long term deal!
Stephen Quinn just showed a touch of class. He worked hard, but it was ultimately his Samir Nasri impression that stole the show. Breaking forward, holding the ball and laying an inch perfect pass for the 2nd was a truly 'Brazilian' moment.
Cresswell get's a nomination for man of steel for three reasons: hard work, hitting the back of the net and a fantastic radio interview.
New singing Lescinel, who looked like a mixture between Nyron Nosworthy and 'Cafu' deserves a mention. A couple of times he dallyed with the ball and got himslef in a pickle. I initially though oh my god we have another Noz when he got the ball at left back (in the first half), held onto it and got tackled. However he is a real athlete and is quick and strong. He gets forward well, as was proved by his fearsome shot in the first half. Second half he grew in confidence and looked more like the 'Cafu' that Blade on P&G talked about, defending well and getting down the flank to support Quinn.
Crimes against hoof
Yesterday's crime against hoof came from Stephen Quinn. The ginger midfielder has completely shed his former 'elpiton' skin and now looks a class act. Gone are the aimless flicks of the shoulder and annoymity shown under previous managers and they have been replaced by hard work, incisive passing and excellent runs forward. Mr Wilson, you sould be looking to keep this one (out of all the high eanrers).
It appears that Dave McAllister, Matty Harriot and to some extent Lee Williamson are still being tried for crimes against hoof. The new regime is looking for a parden, but this has not happended immediately. Perhaps we will see a temporary lift on Tuesday evening?
Crime against football
(I am afraid to say - and am sure I will get slated for this - but) This weekends crime against football is Danny Wilson. Well done for a good start Danny, but why on earth did you choose Monty and Doyle as your first choice central midfielders. I was furious when I saw the line up and this think that this was a bad choice. Monty or Doyle is bad enough, but both in centre mid is an outcry. I was ready to make a citizens arrest on Wilson after the game for crimes against football for this haneous crime, but the result cheered me up. This was topped off when he put put Williamson out wide. I thought this crime had stopped after Blackwell and Adams, but apparently not
Player ratings
SS 6/10: did not have a lot to do and made a couple of comfortable catches/saves. Looked a little vulnerable on crosses and his distribution was mixed (sometimes hoofing aimlessly long, but other times throwing out to full backs). Clean sheet will hopefully build confidence for when he is tested.
Lowton 6/10: steady game without being spectacular. He cleared the ball of the line second half (stopping a certain goal) and did the basics well.
Maguire 7.5/10: a goal and a solid defencive performance. Strong and good in the air he dealt easily with the Oldham forward's. A very accomplished centre back performance.
Collins 6/10: credit where it is due, as Collins did pretty well today. First halfhis distribution was shocking and he looked a little nervous. He won headers, but they flew off his head in any direction. However, he seemed to grow in confidence with the team and second half looked comfortable. Perhaps he can do a job in partnering Maguire at this level.
Lescinel 6/10: see men of steel
Flynn 4.5/10: thought he had a poor debut. He was largely annoynmous and the few occassions he got the ball he was knocked off it too easily. Saw nothing of his apparent trickyness and speed. Hope to see better from him.
Monty 5/10: typical Montgommery performance. His distribution was very poor and his touch awful. He often aimless flicked the ball forward or miscontrolled the ball and his second touch was a tackle. That said, he got his foot in well and him and Doyle did a good job of stopping Oldham's central midfield from creating anything. Second half his distribution was slightly better (though very mixed).
Doyle 5.5/10: Doyle did ok today. He offered little going forward, but he got his foot in well and made some crucial tackles. His distribution was better than Monty's, but he did not really create anything. I have to say that he and Monty won the battle today though. Although I don't want to see him play alongside Montgomery, I think Doyle can do a job at this level.
QUINN 8/10: just pipped Maguire to MOM with a piece of sheer class. Thought he had turned into a French, Magrebian playing for Arsenal around 53 minutes.
Porter 4.5/10: a disappointing debut for Porter and he did not look match fit. He played his part in the goal, but looked mostly off the pace. He was half a yard short and was dominated by the Oldham defenders when trying to win headers and hold the ball up.
Cresswell 6.5/10: typical Cressy performance. Struggled to win headers and hold the ball up, whilst working his socks off. Popped up to score (like the old Cresswell) which is the most important factor.
Williamson (sub). Looked ticky when he came on and did better than Flynn in 15 minutes. Teased their defender out on the winger and carved open the defence to set up Bogdanovic. I would like to see him start at Hartlepool, in the interest of proper football and competition for places.
Support
Credit for the other 3596 fans that went today. We really made some noise and it seemed like we were at home. Almost as many United fans as Oldham fans and an excellent atmosphere. There were some boo's and moan's creeping in before half time, but second half was carnival. Great support.
The best moment for me (and worth the journey) was after the whistle when the players came over to clap us and 3k+ United fans got together and sang 'we love United'. Magic. Cressy thanked us after the game and said the support was brilliant and reall urged him and the team on. I just only hope I have more away days like that.
Unfortunately there are still a few numpties. One pillock behind me was berrating 'Piggy Wilson' to 'sort it out' after 30 minutes, though he soon shut up second half. There was also that bombastic fool on Praise and Grumble who had not been to the game and said Wilson hated United. A car park protestor I have no doubt. I thought he was countered well by that bird (Helen) who addressed him and Rob (the presenter) who stated he is a tiny minortiy and the comical raving mad phoner who thought United had come out waering gold in the second half and was expecting to see more samba football from Wilson's team this season.
Ale
3 pints of Manchster breweries J.W Lees bitter was the opening ale for the season. A half decent, light to medium ale. It is slightly non descript, but has a trace of hops in it. It matched the performance today. Enough to please, but for from a classic (5.5/10).
Ollessendro's final thoughts
Bottom line is that United got 3 points. Wilson made a good start and hopefully we can build on this. If you had offered me a clean sheet and a win before the game I would have snatched your hand. Well done Blades
---------- Post added at 12:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 AM ----------
Fear I may have been upstaged by the articulate Deadbat. Didn't realise that he would be at the game yesterday and would have saved myself the time I had written on this (and just added some comments) to his thread if I had known.
)
It is just before Wilson's interview if (also very interesting listening) anyone missed that.
