Deadbat
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United’s cup adventures continue after another sensational victory and yet another scalp as they saw off Championship high flyers Nottingham Forest at Bramall Lane. After disposing of Aston Villa and Fulham, the Blades had to come from behind after Jamie Paterson’s flicked header against the run of play but deservedly levelled after Connor Coady capitalised on Dorus de Vries’ howler. With the game in the balance and chances at either end, a handball on Greg Halford was spotted by referee Michael Oliver and Chris Porter kept his composure right at the death to send the Lane into raptures. After a mini pitch invasion was finally cleared there was six minutes of stoppage time but United incredibly broke again and the superb Murphy squared for Porter to prod home.
With the prospect of an all Sheffield quarter final on the horizon now; and at the least the lowest side they have faced for rounds at the very least the Blades can look forward to a real opportunity of a semi final and a trip to Wembley.
It was a superb cup tie with tackles, booking, chances and saves at both ends but United will feel ultimately for their tenacity and skilful football that they edged it and if any team deserved the victory it was the home side although Mark Howard made a trio of timely saves in the second half amongst United’s strong efforts.
The game was deemed fit to go ahead after the pitch had been covered in the days leading up to the contest and in truth it looked remarkably decent all things considering even though large areas were very barren and more mud than grass.
United brought back Michael Doyle into the starting line up fortunate Steven McGinn who had played well a week prior in the win against Shrewsbury. Forest started with all three former Blades; Greg Halford, Andy Reid and Darius Henderson. They had a few players out injured but still boasted a talent packed side and a long unbeaten record showed what a tough proposition they were going to be.
After a minutes silence for Tom Finney, the Blades began kicking towards the large Forest contingent massed behind the Bramall Lane end.
The opening spell was very cat and mouse as United kept a solid base of 5 in midfield and tried to ensure that they did not give anything away. Majewski nearly got in but was saw off from an excellent tackle from Coady before United had the first chances as Brayford hit a weak left footed shot and then Baxter did likewise with his right as de Vries saves twice. Murphy then beat Halford but his cross was deflected wide for a corner before Baxter robbed Reid and had a shot with more power but again the keeper saved.
Lascelles poor foul led to an expected booking as Baxter picked himself up off the turf and then Halford somehow escaped a caution for an equally poor foul on Murphy as the referee played an advantage.
United had began well but Maguire had to see off Cox with some appeals for a penalty and then Halford fired well over when well placed as Forest offered a riposte. United had been the better side though and had more chances but Forest’s first effort on goal it was the opener.
Murphy’s ball gave Doyle little chance and Forest stole possession and advanced forward before switching play down the left hand side. A cross came in from Reid and PATERSON managed to get into the box and before Maguire and Collins could react, he darted to the near post and angled a flicked header up and away from Howard into the far corner of the goal. It was a well made goal and a real setback for United who had been the better side. In truth it was the first real chance that Forest had created all game.
United tried to respond with Collins heading off target and then Baxter played in Scougall who was suddenly in on goal but his shot lacked power and was saved full stretch from the keeper. Forest then had a spell of relative control before the break as they sought to see out any comeback and had a good spell of possession with Reid at the heart of everything and Paterson causing issues as he drifted along the forward line.
After the break United received their first booking as Harris wildly hacked at Cox. United won two corners and Maguire header was blocked before Scougall hit a shot that was well saved low down. Forest were having more of the ball in the United half than the first half and Reid was now enjoying play in a more attacking area. Reid fed Paterson who came inside and hit a fierce shot that Howard beat away before Cox tried a curler that the keeper did well to save again as
Forest looked to double their advantage.
United still looked dangerous and Scougall ran unchecked past two men before feeding Murphy who made de Vries make another save. United were trying to get men forward at every chance but were struggling to get support up to Baxter. However with the dangerous Murphy they still looked like they could get chances.
When the goal came it was from the other flank. Flynn was involved and as the ball came in from Brayford; de Vries seemed to have it but incredulously dropped it and COADY reacted quickest to nick it away and then the ball ricocheted so he had the ball right in front of goal and could fire into an open goal. The goal scorer wheeled away in celebrations at the Kop end.
It was now game on but straight after a bad tackle by Maguire led to a booking and Reid who had drew the foul took a lovely free kick from the edge of the box but Howard managed to just turn over from right under his bar. It was a good save from the keeper who had been having an excellent day. Collins then joined his centre back partner in the book for hauling back Cox as the referee tried to play advantage. Halford should have done better but headed over. Reid then tried his luck but was off target as Forest like United really did not need a replay.
Next it was United on the attack as this pulsating contest showed no sign of abating. Flynn was fed by the rampaging Scougall but the winger’s shot was pushed away by de Vries.
It was now end to end as Murphy once again ran at Forest, this time down the right as he had moved central with Baxter going down the left but his deflected effort was scrambled over by de Vries.
The tiring Baxter came off for Porter with 5 minutes to play as the game seemed like it could really go either way but the fans could not have foreseen the drama to end it. As the game entered the final minute Murphy once again drove deep into Forest territory and his cross seemed to be handled on the floor by Halford. Loud appeals went up from the ground and after an almost cricket umpire style delay referee Oliver blew the whistle and pointed with real certainty to the spot!
PORTER took the ball and after long delays as the ground held their breath, the substitute stepped up and cooly sent the keeper the wrong way. Some fans poured onto the pitch and worryingly flares were sent off from the far end of the South Stand after the goal went in.
As Forest kicked off referee Oliver signalled there would still be another 6 minutes of stoppage time for United to hang on as McGinn came on for Coady.
However as Forest chucked men forward, United broke again and Murphy ran at Halford and somehow kept the ball in play before squaring for the waiting PORTER to prod in. Manager Clough leapt off the bench and punched the air to signal the importance of the win both the club and him personally. The ground went berserk although worrying some fans took their celebrations a bit too far again by coming onto the pitch.
The final moments saw United have further half chances to score again as Forest now looked a side that was well beaten. Hill replaced Harris at the death but the game was now over as a contest. The final whistle saw jubilant scenes on and off the pitch as United celebrated another giant killing and a tremendous come from behind victory.
United – It was another very good performance and like the Villa and Fulham games, we were well organised and defended well but also broke exceptionally well at times and played some lively football. We had a lot of chances and it was a travesty we were behind at the break. I felt we were the better side and had created far more. Oddly Forest had their best spell and a few chances after the break before we then scored. They then had a few other chances but so did we and it was anyone’s game really. I just felt we could maybe nick it on the break and so it proved. The winner came from a penalty but having seen it back it was a clear penalty (he handballed it twice) and then we scored another right at the death.
It was a performance full of guts, spirit and for the first time for what seems like ages we came back from behind and won a game (in any competition). I felt we started the game ok and did not let them have many chances at all and we had a few half chances via Baxter and Murphy but then they scored against the run of play. After this we came again and had another few chances but they then had a spell either side of the half and had a few decent chances second half when Howard made saves. Despite this we kept our shape and composure and did not go mad (throwing men forward) and eventually we took advantage of a mistake. After this it was anyones game. They had a Reid effort and a Halford header. We had Murphy have a few chances and a few breaks but it really could have gone either way but we kept plugging away and won the penalty and then finished the game very strong. Great to see despite so many games finally we seem to be getting fitter and it is showing with late goals in recent games. This was a hall mark of some of the better United sides and pleasingly seems to be coming back into our play after not seeing it for years.
We did play some neat football and with the likes of Brayford, Flynn, Scougall and Murphy playing some neat stuff we showed we are not the side many Forest fans expected (big and direct many said pre match on forums – they were bigger and more direct than us at times I would counter and the hacks and fouls they matched if not bettered).
Surely if we play like that in the league games to come we will get enough points to move away. My concern is fatigue etc but even with that we can still rotate 4 or 5 off the bench and ensure we keep legs fresh enough (eg McGinn, Coady, Scougall and Doyle in midfield). We do need another striker (crying out for pace up there) as we still look a little punchless in last third for me but at least now we do seem to be scoring goals and with Howard being quite influential and the two new full backs seem better at the back. We need to win at least one; maybe 4 points from the next two really before we have two further away games. We need a result in the league away as we seem to have been poor in this regard and Wednesday is a vital game.
As for the cup; we now play the other lowest ranked team (whoever that may be). I would prefer Charlton but think it will be Wednesday. I don’t think either side or great but having home advantage then we have a great chance. I certainly do not fear them one bit – they are much poorer side than any of the other three we have beat so if we play like we have done in those game we can win and get to the semi final. It will be quite an occasion and we need similar performances to those today but with 25,000 Blades behind us we can do it I am sure of that.
With the prospect of an all Sheffield quarter final on the horizon now; and at the least the lowest side they have faced for rounds at the very least the Blades can look forward to a real opportunity of a semi final and a trip to Wembley.
It was a superb cup tie with tackles, booking, chances and saves at both ends but United will feel ultimately for their tenacity and skilful football that they edged it and if any team deserved the victory it was the home side although Mark Howard made a trio of timely saves in the second half amongst United’s strong efforts.
The game was deemed fit to go ahead after the pitch had been covered in the days leading up to the contest and in truth it looked remarkably decent all things considering even though large areas were very barren and more mud than grass.
United brought back Michael Doyle into the starting line up fortunate Steven McGinn who had played well a week prior in the win against Shrewsbury. Forest started with all three former Blades; Greg Halford, Andy Reid and Darius Henderson. They had a few players out injured but still boasted a talent packed side and a long unbeaten record showed what a tough proposition they were going to be.
After a minutes silence for Tom Finney, the Blades began kicking towards the large Forest contingent massed behind the Bramall Lane end.
The opening spell was very cat and mouse as United kept a solid base of 5 in midfield and tried to ensure that they did not give anything away. Majewski nearly got in but was saw off from an excellent tackle from Coady before United had the first chances as Brayford hit a weak left footed shot and then Baxter did likewise with his right as de Vries saves twice. Murphy then beat Halford but his cross was deflected wide for a corner before Baxter robbed Reid and had a shot with more power but again the keeper saved.
Lascelles poor foul led to an expected booking as Baxter picked himself up off the turf and then Halford somehow escaped a caution for an equally poor foul on Murphy as the referee played an advantage.
United had began well but Maguire had to see off Cox with some appeals for a penalty and then Halford fired well over when well placed as Forest offered a riposte. United had been the better side though and had more chances but Forest’s first effort on goal it was the opener.
Murphy’s ball gave Doyle little chance and Forest stole possession and advanced forward before switching play down the left hand side. A cross came in from Reid and PATERSON managed to get into the box and before Maguire and Collins could react, he darted to the near post and angled a flicked header up and away from Howard into the far corner of the goal. It was a well made goal and a real setback for United who had been the better side. In truth it was the first real chance that Forest had created all game.
United tried to respond with Collins heading off target and then Baxter played in Scougall who was suddenly in on goal but his shot lacked power and was saved full stretch from the keeper. Forest then had a spell of relative control before the break as they sought to see out any comeback and had a good spell of possession with Reid at the heart of everything and Paterson causing issues as he drifted along the forward line.
After the break United received their first booking as Harris wildly hacked at Cox. United won two corners and Maguire header was blocked before Scougall hit a shot that was well saved low down. Forest were having more of the ball in the United half than the first half and Reid was now enjoying play in a more attacking area. Reid fed Paterson who came inside and hit a fierce shot that Howard beat away before Cox tried a curler that the keeper did well to save again as
Forest looked to double their advantage.
United still looked dangerous and Scougall ran unchecked past two men before feeding Murphy who made de Vries make another save. United were trying to get men forward at every chance but were struggling to get support up to Baxter. However with the dangerous Murphy they still looked like they could get chances.
When the goal came it was from the other flank. Flynn was involved and as the ball came in from Brayford; de Vries seemed to have it but incredulously dropped it and COADY reacted quickest to nick it away and then the ball ricocheted so he had the ball right in front of goal and could fire into an open goal. The goal scorer wheeled away in celebrations at the Kop end.
It was now game on but straight after a bad tackle by Maguire led to a booking and Reid who had drew the foul took a lovely free kick from the edge of the box but Howard managed to just turn over from right under his bar. It was a good save from the keeper who had been having an excellent day. Collins then joined his centre back partner in the book for hauling back Cox as the referee tried to play advantage. Halford should have done better but headed over. Reid then tried his luck but was off target as Forest like United really did not need a replay.
Next it was United on the attack as this pulsating contest showed no sign of abating. Flynn was fed by the rampaging Scougall but the winger’s shot was pushed away by de Vries.
It was now end to end as Murphy once again ran at Forest, this time down the right as he had moved central with Baxter going down the left but his deflected effort was scrambled over by de Vries.
The tiring Baxter came off for Porter with 5 minutes to play as the game seemed like it could really go either way but the fans could not have foreseen the drama to end it. As the game entered the final minute Murphy once again drove deep into Forest territory and his cross seemed to be handled on the floor by Halford. Loud appeals went up from the ground and after an almost cricket umpire style delay referee Oliver blew the whistle and pointed with real certainty to the spot!
PORTER took the ball and after long delays as the ground held their breath, the substitute stepped up and cooly sent the keeper the wrong way. Some fans poured onto the pitch and worryingly flares were sent off from the far end of the South Stand after the goal went in.
As Forest kicked off referee Oliver signalled there would still be another 6 minutes of stoppage time for United to hang on as McGinn came on for Coady.
However as Forest chucked men forward, United broke again and Murphy ran at Halford and somehow kept the ball in play before squaring for the waiting PORTER to prod in. Manager Clough leapt off the bench and punched the air to signal the importance of the win both the club and him personally. The ground went berserk although worrying some fans took their celebrations a bit too far again by coming onto the pitch.
The final moments saw United have further half chances to score again as Forest now looked a side that was well beaten. Hill replaced Harris at the death but the game was now over as a contest. The final whistle saw jubilant scenes on and off the pitch as United celebrated another giant killing and a tremendous come from behind victory.
United – It was another very good performance and like the Villa and Fulham games, we were well organised and defended well but also broke exceptionally well at times and played some lively football. We had a lot of chances and it was a travesty we were behind at the break. I felt we were the better side and had created far more. Oddly Forest had their best spell and a few chances after the break before we then scored. They then had a few other chances but so did we and it was anyone’s game really. I just felt we could maybe nick it on the break and so it proved. The winner came from a penalty but having seen it back it was a clear penalty (he handballed it twice) and then we scored another right at the death.
It was a performance full of guts, spirit and for the first time for what seems like ages we came back from behind and won a game (in any competition). I felt we started the game ok and did not let them have many chances at all and we had a few half chances via Baxter and Murphy but then they scored against the run of play. After this we came again and had another few chances but they then had a spell either side of the half and had a few decent chances second half when Howard made saves. Despite this we kept our shape and composure and did not go mad (throwing men forward) and eventually we took advantage of a mistake. After this it was anyones game. They had a Reid effort and a Halford header. We had Murphy have a few chances and a few breaks but it really could have gone either way but we kept plugging away and won the penalty and then finished the game very strong. Great to see despite so many games finally we seem to be getting fitter and it is showing with late goals in recent games. This was a hall mark of some of the better United sides and pleasingly seems to be coming back into our play after not seeing it for years.
We did play some neat football and with the likes of Brayford, Flynn, Scougall and Murphy playing some neat stuff we showed we are not the side many Forest fans expected (big and direct many said pre match on forums – they were bigger and more direct than us at times I would counter and the hacks and fouls they matched if not bettered).
Surely if we play like that in the league games to come we will get enough points to move away. My concern is fatigue etc but even with that we can still rotate 4 or 5 off the bench and ensure we keep legs fresh enough (eg McGinn, Coady, Scougall and Doyle in midfield). We do need another striker (crying out for pace up there) as we still look a little punchless in last third for me but at least now we do seem to be scoring goals and with Howard being quite influential and the two new full backs seem better at the back. We need to win at least one; maybe 4 points from the next two really before we have two further away games. We need a result in the league away as we seem to have been poor in this regard and Wednesday is a vital game.
As for the cup; we now play the other lowest ranked team (whoever that may be). I would prefer Charlton but think it will be Wednesday. I don’t think either side or great but having home advantage then we have a great chance. I certainly do not fear them one bit – they are much poorer side than any of the other three we have beat so if we play like we have done in those game we can win and get to the semi final. It will be quite an occasion and we need similar performances to those today but with 25,000 Blades behind us we can do it I am sure of that.
