Ollessendro
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- Aug 13, 2009
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Sandwiched inbetween lots of real ale I witnessed some proper football at Bramall Lane for the first time in absolutely ages. Although not fantastic United easily dealt with Brentford and were comfortable 2-0 winners. The sun was shining at Bramall Lane and United put in a very professional performance and deserved to take all 3 points.
Match
I am sure that Deadbat will write a report on the match, so rather than duplicate it (like last week) I will just share a few thoughts on yesterday. If, for some reason he does not write a match report, then I will do one later.
Also Foxy has put a match report on the main website.
Crimes against hoof
Yesterday's crimes against hoof has to go to the classy Kevin McDonald. Oh the joy of seeing a proper footballer in cetre mid. I have not seen anyone look that good in a Blades shirt in centre mid since McCall and Brown (although Reid put in a few cameo roles). McDonald has vision and guile. He is strong and he can pass. He made himself available and although he drifted in and out of the game, he looked a class above everyone else on the pitch. This guy is a real prospect and I can see why Wilson (apparently) pushed McCabe and asked for the extra funds for him.
The we :heart: hoof brigade will not be happy about the acquistion of a central midfielder that can actually play football. Someone with vision, creatvity and flair. It's time to get the lager out and get down to the car park to protest hoof lovers.
Crimes against football
Difficult to pick out anyone for crimes against football, as we generally played well. Maguire and Collins distributed poorly in the first half and aimlessly knocked balls forward. However in the second half this was less the case. Monty did his usual thing of breaking up attacks, a lot of which were United's. Carried by a real midfielder his aimless running, shadow chasing and shocking distribution did not look as bad as usual.
Men of Steel
Today's men of steel are Kevin McDonald, Harry Maguire and Richard Cresswell.
McDonald for reasons stated above.
Maguire put in another good defesnive performance and looks a rock at the back.
Cresswell worked very hard up front and scored an important goal. He won his fair share of headers and made himself a nuisance for the big, physical Brentford centre halves.
Should also give a shout out to Jean Fracois Lescinel, who had a decent game. He has a tendency to dally with the ball and get caught out (happened in the first half and at Oldham) but he is a solid defender and he really gets down the line well. He supported Quinn well and showed some good skill. A real athlete.
Although not brilliant, I want to give credit to Collins. He defended well and looks a completely different player to last season. Him and Maguire have the basis of a good partnership. Collins is limited, but he wins a lot in the air and he tried to get it down and play.
Wilson
Credit to Danny Wilson today for getting the tactics right and the Blades putting in a professional performance. He bravely changed a winning team (although arguably some of it was forced) and included pace (in Slew and Laing) and creativity in McDonald. I was impressed that he dropped Doyle and went for the attacking, creative option in McDonald.
The thing that impressed me most was how professional we were. We scored twice and then shut up shop. We were very well organised and gave Brentford nothing. We hassled and harried and kept our shape. Brentford did not have a sniff.
Players
Simmonsen did ok and seems to be growing in confidence. He still makes me a little nervous in the air and I thought he flapped at one cross.
Thought Lowton really struggled today. He was off the pace and his positioning was poor. In the first half, their number 18 (Brentford's only half decent player) gave him the run around. Lowton got lucky (their number 18 missed a good chance early on) and had to rely on Maguire in another incident. That said, although caught out he got back and tackeld on a couple of occassions. His driving run (set up by McDonalds exquisite pass) made the second goal, so he deserves credit for that.
Maguire, Collins and Lecinel I have talked about.
I have also written about Monty and McDonald.
Thought Quinn was poor today. He still looked lively and worked very hard, but his touch let him down and he wasted a lot of passes. He still looks a class above at this level, but today he was a bit off for me.
Mendez-Laing was a bit hit and miss, but the guy has potential. He has pace and is not afraid to take on his defender. He strethced their full back quite a bit, but made too many wrong decisions (such as opting to cross when he could have took the defender on and wasting a few opportunities). One to watch though.
Slew was poor and well off the pace. That said he scored.
Cresswell did very well today. Worked damn hard, scored and set up the first goal for Slew. Proper centre forwards performance.
United
I thought first half we were average. Brentford had a good chance early on (their impressive number 18 skinned Lowton and fired wide when he should have scored) but other than that we were fairly solid. We had a good chance towards the end of the first half when there was bit of ping pong in their penalty area and both Slew and Quinn had chances to score. Slew tested the keeper, but Quinn failed to control the rebound.
I was impressed by the way we tried to get the ball down and play. Simmonsen was rolling the ball out to the defenders and we looked to play. That said, early on we often inneffectively passed the ball around the back 4 in our own half. Then, all to often we'd hoof it up front. As the first half went on we got stronger and came into the game more.
As with last week the goal changed everything. A well worked goal that was slightly fortunate, saw Cresswell tee up Slew and his shot deflect into the goal. I think it was going in anyway, but it could have gone anywhere. We were a different team afterwards. We grew in confidence and had a really good 15 minute spell. We passed it around reasonably and McDonald was pulling the strings in centre mid. An excellent pass from McDonald was met by Lowton's driving run and he fired the ball across goal to Cresswell who seems to have got the knack of being in the right place at the right time back.
After the second goal we shut up shop. We very professionally (although somewhat boringly) killed the game. We sat back, organised ourlseves and hassled and harried them. It was a bit dull, but we gave them nothing. I just enjoyed watching a United side that had a lead and did not look like they were going to throw it away.
63% possession says it all really. 2 goals scored, a clean sheet and 3 points. A solid home performance against a pretty average team (though do not underestimate the fact we made them look poor). If we play like that at home all season I will be happy.
Brentford
They were poor, no doubt about it. Their left winger (18) was lively first half and caused problems. Early on they passed it about well and created a couple of chances. United were pretty solid and gave them little though.
Second half, after the goal, they did little. United had enough qaulity to cut them open and Brentford did not have enough quality to break us down. Like Oldham last week, credit should be given to United for organsing themselves well and defending solidly.
Crowd/Atmosphere
Disappointed with the crowd and slightly disappointed with the atmosphere. Perhaps it is understandable for where we are, but first game of the season after winning at Oldham I was hoping for 20k. Brentford brough what seemed like 700/800 and hence 16.5k Blades seemed slightly disappointing to me.
I thought the crowd was quiet and atmopshere not great. There was a brief spell, after the second goal, when the kop was noisy but that was it. Again, perhaps it was a refelction of last season but I cannot understand fans not getting behind the team when we are 2 nowt up.
Some fans will never be happy and geez there are some numpty fans. I sat at the back of the kop and was surrounded by pillocks. First I had a women shouting sit darrn when I stood up to sing the greasy chip butty song. Numpty of the day was some owd bloke behind me. When we were 2 nil up with 10 minutes to go and crusing to 3 points, all he did was moan. "We look like the away team", "get forrrard", "defence should be on aif way line .... we shunt be defending back there" etc. Geez. Just proves some people will never be happy.
Ale
Supped plenty of decent ale yesterday. Highlights were Kelham Island pale rider, Malison's pale ale and Devonshire Cat's own bitter. Had a decent pint of Abbeydale, but was well on my way and can't quite remember what it was.
Ale of the weekend has to be Concentina Band Bengal Tiger. The Concentina Band Club is a club in Mexborough (where Frank Barlow is from - on the border between Rotherham and Donny) that brews its own ale downstairs. It brews three ales and sells them in the club and to a few local pubs. The Bengal Tiger is a light to medium, creamy ale that is strong in volume (but not taste). It has a slightly spicey kick (not dissimilr to Thornbridge Jaipur) and a hoppy aftertaste. It won Bronze medal for Camra national beer of the year back in 97, despite only being produced small scale.
Ollie's final thoughts
It is not time to get carried away, but we have made a very promising start. Maximum points, clean sheet and tow deserved victories. Wilson has shown nouse in his team selections and tactics. Most importantly we have looked like a well organised outfit and are growing in confidence.
It is early days, but if we keep playing like this we could end up fighting for automatic. I have not seen the likes of Huddersfield, Charlton and Notts County but watching the rest of League One and I am not impressed. The Walsall, Tranmere and Wednesday games highlights all had comical moments that looked like pub football.
Match
I am sure that Deadbat will write a report on the match, so rather than duplicate it (like last week) I will just share a few thoughts on yesterday. If, for some reason he does not write a match report, then I will do one later.
Also Foxy has put a match report on the main website.
Crimes against hoof
Yesterday's crimes against hoof has to go to the classy Kevin McDonald. Oh the joy of seeing a proper footballer in cetre mid. I have not seen anyone look that good in a Blades shirt in centre mid since McCall and Brown (although Reid put in a few cameo roles). McDonald has vision and guile. He is strong and he can pass. He made himself available and although he drifted in and out of the game, he looked a class above everyone else on the pitch. This guy is a real prospect and I can see why Wilson (apparently) pushed McCabe and asked for the extra funds for him.
The we :heart: hoof brigade will not be happy about the acquistion of a central midfielder that can actually play football. Someone with vision, creatvity and flair. It's time to get the lager out and get down to the car park to protest hoof lovers.
Crimes against football
Difficult to pick out anyone for crimes against football, as we generally played well. Maguire and Collins distributed poorly in the first half and aimlessly knocked balls forward. However in the second half this was less the case. Monty did his usual thing of breaking up attacks, a lot of which were United's. Carried by a real midfielder his aimless running, shadow chasing and shocking distribution did not look as bad as usual.
Men of Steel
Today's men of steel are Kevin McDonald, Harry Maguire and Richard Cresswell.
McDonald for reasons stated above.
Maguire put in another good defesnive performance and looks a rock at the back.
Cresswell worked very hard up front and scored an important goal. He won his fair share of headers and made himself a nuisance for the big, physical Brentford centre halves.
Should also give a shout out to Jean Fracois Lescinel, who had a decent game. He has a tendency to dally with the ball and get caught out (happened in the first half and at Oldham) but he is a solid defender and he really gets down the line well. He supported Quinn well and showed some good skill. A real athlete.
Although not brilliant, I want to give credit to Collins. He defended well and looks a completely different player to last season. Him and Maguire have the basis of a good partnership. Collins is limited, but he wins a lot in the air and he tried to get it down and play.
Wilson
Credit to Danny Wilson today for getting the tactics right and the Blades putting in a professional performance. He bravely changed a winning team (although arguably some of it was forced) and included pace (in Slew and Laing) and creativity in McDonald. I was impressed that he dropped Doyle and went for the attacking, creative option in McDonald.
The thing that impressed me most was how professional we were. We scored twice and then shut up shop. We were very well organised and gave Brentford nothing. We hassled and harried and kept our shape. Brentford did not have a sniff.
Players
Simmonsen did ok and seems to be growing in confidence. He still makes me a little nervous in the air and I thought he flapped at one cross.
Thought Lowton really struggled today. He was off the pace and his positioning was poor. In the first half, their number 18 (Brentford's only half decent player) gave him the run around. Lowton got lucky (their number 18 missed a good chance early on) and had to rely on Maguire in another incident. That said, although caught out he got back and tackeld on a couple of occassions. His driving run (set up by McDonalds exquisite pass) made the second goal, so he deserves credit for that.
Maguire, Collins and Lecinel I have talked about.
I have also written about Monty and McDonald.
Thought Quinn was poor today. He still looked lively and worked very hard, but his touch let him down and he wasted a lot of passes. He still looks a class above at this level, but today he was a bit off for me.
Mendez-Laing was a bit hit and miss, but the guy has potential. He has pace and is not afraid to take on his defender. He strethced their full back quite a bit, but made too many wrong decisions (such as opting to cross when he could have took the defender on and wasting a few opportunities). One to watch though.
Slew was poor and well off the pace. That said he scored.
Cresswell did very well today. Worked damn hard, scored and set up the first goal for Slew. Proper centre forwards performance.
United
I thought first half we were average. Brentford had a good chance early on (their impressive number 18 skinned Lowton and fired wide when he should have scored) but other than that we were fairly solid. We had a good chance towards the end of the first half when there was bit of ping pong in their penalty area and both Slew and Quinn had chances to score. Slew tested the keeper, but Quinn failed to control the rebound.
I was impressed by the way we tried to get the ball down and play. Simmonsen was rolling the ball out to the defenders and we looked to play. That said, early on we often inneffectively passed the ball around the back 4 in our own half. Then, all to often we'd hoof it up front. As the first half went on we got stronger and came into the game more.
As with last week the goal changed everything. A well worked goal that was slightly fortunate, saw Cresswell tee up Slew and his shot deflect into the goal. I think it was going in anyway, but it could have gone anywhere. We were a different team afterwards. We grew in confidence and had a really good 15 minute spell. We passed it around reasonably and McDonald was pulling the strings in centre mid. An excellent pass from McDonald was met by Lowton's driving run and he fired the ball across goal to Cresswell who seems to have got the knack of being in the right place at the right time back.
After the second goal we shut up shop. We very professionally (although somewhat boringly) killed the game. We sat back, organised ourlseves and hassled and harried them. It was a bit dull, but we gave them nothing. I just enjoyed watching a United side that had a lead and did not look like they were going to throw it away.
63% possession says it all really. 2 goals scored, a clean sheet and 3 points. A solid home performance against a pretty average team (though do not underestimate the fact we made them look poor). If we play like that at home all season I will be happy.
Brentford
They were poor, no doubt about it. Their left winger (18) was lively first half and caused problems. Early on they passed it about well and created a couple of chances. United were pretty solid and gave them little though.
Second half, after the goal, they did little. United had enough qaulity to cut them open and Brentford did not have enough quality to break us down. Like Oldham last week, credit should be given to United for organsing themselves well and defending solidly.
Crowd/Atmosphere
Disappointed with the crowd and slightly disappointed with the atmosphere. Perhaps it is understandable for where we are, but first game of the season after winning at Oldham I was hoping for 20k. Brentford brough what seemed like 700/800 and hence 16.5k Blades seemed slightly disappointing to me.
I thought the crowd was quiet and atmopshere not great. There was a brief spell, after the second goal, when the kop was noisy but that was it. Again, perhaps it was a refelction of last season but I cannot understand fans not getting behind the team when we are 2 nowt up.
Some fans will never be happy and geez there are some numpty fans. I sat at the back of the kop and was surrounded by pillocks. First I had a women shouting sit darrn when I stood up to sing the greasy chip butty song. Numpty of the day was some owd bloke behind me. When we were 2 nil up with 10 minutes to go and crusing to 3 points, all he did was moan. "We look like the away team", "get forrrard", "defence should be on aif way line .... we shunt be defending back there" etc. Geez. Just proves some people will never be happy.
Ale
Supped plenty of decent ale yesterday. Highlights were Kelham Island pale rider, Malison's pale ale and Devonshire Cat's own bitter. Had a decent pint of Abbeydale, but was well on my way and can't quite remember what it was.
Ale of the weekend has to be Concentina Band Bengal Tiger. The Concentina Band Club is a club in Mexborough (where Frank Barlow is from - on the border between Rotherham and Donny) that brews its own ale downstairs. It brews three ales and sells them in the club and to a few local pubs. The Bengal Tiger is a light to medium, creamy ale that is strong in volume (but not taste). It has a slightly spicey kick (not dissimilr to Thornbridge Jaipur) and a hoppy aftertaste. It won Bronze medal for Camra national beer of the year back in 97, despite only being produced small scale.
Ollie's final thoughts
It is not time to get carried away, but we have made a very promising start. Maximum points, clean sheet and tow deserved victories. Wilson has shown nouse in his team selections and tactics. Most importantly we have looked like a well organised outfit and are growing in confidence.
It is early days, but if we keep playing like this we could end up fighting for automatic. I have not seen the likes of Huddersfield, Charlton and Notts County but watching the rest of League One and I am not impressed. The Walsall, Tranmere and Wednesday games highlights all had comical moments that looked like pub football.
.. it is true though.. we play better when we play at a higher tempo.. because we have a higher standard of players they can't live with us when we play like that.. i was astonished at macdonald.. (who's he??) really pleased about this signing.. could be 'finally' the replacement for lord brown (yes we have been waiting that long).. also impressed with J-F-L and laing seemed to have a trick or two which was nice to see.. also impressed with DW.. he has immediately identified what we have been bleating on about for years.. we need a centre mid and a left back which he seems to have finally addressed.. 
