Deadbat
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Sheffield United’s FA Cup run came to an end after a thrilling encounter against top flight Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon. In a game featuring eight goals and a half time lead for the Blades, the game ended ultimately in disappointment at the result but many United fans left the National Stadium full of pride for the effort and commitment of their side. Make no mistake, this time the Blades did turn up and gave it a real go. For 45 minutes United fans were dreaming of the unthinkable and an FA Cup Final as a superb performance saw them lead but a double substitution and a greater tempo from Hull saw United blown away at the start of the second half and suddenly before you knew it they were 4-2 down. A late comeback saw the hopes raised again but a final Hull goal ended the dream but not before a standing ovation from most United supporters inside the ground to acclaim the efforts they had put in.
United began the game with the expected line up with the eleven that has started much of the Cup run with Jose Baxter the most advanced of the United side playing in his now usual, ‘false 9’ role. Hull without the cup tied Jelavic and Long began with Sagbo up top alone supported by Emohamady, Meyler and Boyd, opting not to start with Fryatt or Aluko who were joined by Stephen Quinn on the bench. Perhaps a nod of respect from Steve Bruce in that City in affect tried to match up with United’s midfield numbers.
A minutes applause to remember the Hillsborough disaster was observed before at 4.07pm, the game kicked off.
The noise and numbers of fans were in United’s favour as they kicked away from the 33,000+ massed behind Mark Howard’s goal and to the sides on the West side (opposite to where United fans normally are housed at Wembley). As per the norm with United’s Wembley trips; the game began with many supporters bathed in bright sunshine but this time many felt this side could have a real go and were hoping that for once, the Blades would not freeze.
United did start confidently and Doyle and Scougall were industrious in the centre. Hull had the first opening but half-hearted appeals for a penalty were waved away when Elmohamady went down rather theatrically. United seemed the better to settle and were enjoying more of the ball. A decent move nearly saw Baxter in before Scougall’s probing led a spell of possession in the corner.
United’s good start was rewarded with a goal as after Coady received the short throw he played it back to the thrower, Brayford. He in turn took a touch and then whipped in a ferocious cross that was very dangerous for the Hull backline to defend; BAXTER got in front of his defender and clipped it into the net. There was pandemonium in the United end as the fans celebrated wildly. Many seemed genuinely shocked that the Blades had actually scored a goal at Wembley!
United then were on the attack again and after a series of neat passes, Scougall fired over. A spell of possession saw the ‘Ole’s’ from the United crowd who after so many limp previous performances here could probably scarcely believe what they were watching.
Despite this start, United had to be wary due to the quality Hull possessed but it was still the League One side who were enjoying more of the ball and looking more assured all over the field.
Against the run of the play, United’s excellent performance was checked with a bang as suddenly City were level.
The build up was neat and patient with a number of short passes and interchange down United’s left. Livermore fed Elmohamady who put in a low cross. Neither Maguire nor Brayford reacted and SAGBO run in unchecked and swept home. After being comfortably the better side, Hull had scored with pretty much their first real effort on goal.
Incredibly almost immediately after this goal, United went straight back up the other end to restore their lead and made it two goals at Wembley.
Murphy got the ball on the left and advanced deep into Hull territory going past Rosenior and into the area. He pulled the cross back with his unflavoured left foot and arriving right on cue was the diminutive SCOUGALL who smashed the ball home to send the United fans into ecstasy again!
United had to see out a final couple of minutes and despite a scare when Sagbo got in but was adjudged offside before he put the ball in the net; they got to the break in the lead with a deafening roar to greet the side as they came off.
At the break manager Bruce knew he had to change it and did so swiftly bringing off Boyd and Figueroa for Aluko and Fryatt. Hull now had two up top with Aluko just behind. The shape of the side had changed with them playing 10 yards further up the field but so had the energy levels of Hull. They were pressing and harrying and getting the ball and turning it forward quickly. They won a corner after some sloppy defending and then as the ball came in, it caromed around the box with a series of Hull touches leading to FRYATT applying the finish. It was a little fortunate but United’s defence had numerous opportunities to clear. United had needed to keep it tight for the opening but within four minutes of the restart they were pegged back.
Hull’s powerful start to the second half continued and Fryatt had the ball in the net again but was ruled offside. Then Maguire and Collins had to somehow keep out Sagbo as Hull came again.
It was unrelenting and the third Hull goal was not long coming. HUDDLESTONE had been kept in check by United in the first half but was now getting on the ball and making City play. His pace and power was in evidence as he played a one two with Meyler. Doyle let him go and he skipped past the static Collins to get in on goal. His finish was cool and accurate and the City fans celebrated their first lead of the contest.
United were stunned and were struggling to get any kind of footing in the game at this stage with the game being played almost entirely in their half. However a rare break saw Flynn in and his shot seemed goal bound but was blocked by a great saving tackle. Hull were back on the attack and Huddlestone fired wide before Meyler was narrowly off target with a header.
Former Blade QUINN entered proceedings replacing Sagbo and it was not long before he was scoring against them after so long being a hero to many United supporters. It came down the right hand side and as United stepped out trying to play an ill advised offside trap, Livermore curled in a delightful cross that Quinn unmarked nodded home. His celebrations were muted despite it being the goal that would surely confirm them as going to the FA cup final.
The next part of the game settled down as Hull kept the ball knowing they were now comfortable after so long where it had been a real struggle. The Blades tried to get back into it and at least had a spell of possession; for what seemed like the first time in the second half. Murphy’s overhead kick went over after a corner before Clough tried to inject some life into the side bringing on Porter and Davies for Baxter and Scougall.
Hull nearly scored again after they broke but Howard saved from Aluko before United then scored again to set up a tense finale. Harris did all the work down the left and came inside before putting a great cross over. Flynn’s header across deflected into the path of MURPHY who volleyed down and into the net. The Blades fans roared their approval as they sprinted back to the centre circle. Soon after they were on the attack again. Porter’s knock down was half cleared and then Maguire came onto it, came inside and beat a man before his left footed effort was blocked. From this Hull broke and after a swift interchange of passes, MEYLER was in on goal and finished clinically past Howard’s right hand side once again.
As one the United fans rose and applauded their side in a spontaneous moment that was surreal in that as the Hull fans and players celebrated the win, the United fans also rose to salute their heroes. Matt hill came on right on the kick off but the game ended seconds later and whilst it was ultimate disappointment at Wembley again, United’s players and fans alike could be proud of their efforts. What a cup run it had been and the hope for the future is clear.
United – A performance that left us proud. They gave everything. We played superb in the first half and deserved the lead. We won tackles, got on the front foot and pinged it about. We created chances and scored goals. It was a great team performance. We started well and did not freeze and finally you felt we had a side with no fear, who knew what they were doing and could actually score….at Wembley. Everything went to plan apart from the sloppy marking on the goal but we led and seemed in control. I even thought we had a real chance at this stage if we could see out the opening 10-15 minutes of the second half.
After the break we got overpowered. Yes maybe we could have done better on many of the goal, or changed out shape a bit but sometimes you just have to admit that the other team’s players are better. It was not about effort or poor play really, more about them thinking quicker, being quicker and just getting in the right areas. They showed why they are two divisions higher. We were not awful and kept battling but just really struggled to cope with them as much as us chucking the ball away or making lots of mistakes with the ball. Most of the mistakes were more in their head/or off the ball. The defence did not know how to mark as players were coming at them from all over and they were going deep, then stepping up and the lack of pace of much of the side (not just defence- Coady and Doyle could not keep up either)came to the fore against better players.
In the end we looked well beaten after this spell and the game sort of petered out but then incredibly we came again and got a goal and you dreamed we may get extra time but then they killed it on the counter.
The team gave their all and even though they may have regrets about the start of the second half, equally you could say at least they did not do that in the first half and kept themselves in the game and were actually the better side. I could not have a go at anyone. All did their best and yes some may regret certain things but as I said going down, so long as they leave it all on the pitch then I won’t criticise them and they did that.
Murphy and Scougall showed the promise we have seen on the big stage, Baxter for all stick he gets, got another good goal and the midfield worked hard. The defence did well on the ball but maybe less so off it and struggled with pace and runners but we were right in the match throughout and gave it a real good go.
Massive praise to Clough and the management team. They have turned a bereft in confidence, meek and mild bunch that looked like a sorry set losers into a side that is now playing with confidence, little fear and togetherness. Yes he has added a few key players but much of the side is the same. To do all that in less than 6 months is testament to him and also to those who preserved and waited to get him. Maybe for one we may have got a managerial appointment right. A lot of work to be done and we must start next season far better but you feel with the young players coming through, a greater openness and honesty off the field, that there is an upward movement in the club.
The last 5 games now I would actually play most of the eleven that have played today save for a few more glimpses of the kids. That may seem off but we do need to finish strong and have nothing to rest anyone for now. I want us to keep the momentum going. In a few weeks they are on their holidays so can res then. I want us to win as many games as possible and finish as high as we can as much for the confidence for next season. As I say be good to see a bit more of the youngsters in patches though but put in at the right times and alongside some of the experienced ones.
Efforts now must be made more importantly off the field to try and somehow keep Brayford (unlikely) and Coady (possible) and hopefully ward off bids for Murphy and Maguire. If we do that and can add 3 or 4 quality players (2 strikers, another centre back and maybe a strong central midfielder; still would give Brandy another go too if he can change his attitude – assuming we keep all those above) then we have a real shot at being nearer the top than bottom.
It will not be easy and all those who think we will suddenly be in the top two may get a shock. Yes we have matched some of the teams near the top but also we have looked second best to Wolves and Brentford in two recent games I feel. These teams finished a long way off us in terms of points (yes, much of it down to Weir) and to suddenly suggest we can get another 20 points is a tough ask but I believe we have the right management team to do this and can move up the leagues we are patient and we get support from the new ownership.
United began the game with the expected line up with the eleven that has started much of the Cup run with Jose Baxter the most advanced of the United side playing in his now usual, ‘false 9’ role. Hull without the cup tied Jelavic and Long began with Sagbo up top alone supported by Emohamady, Meyler and Boyd, opting not to start with Fryatt or Aluko who were joined by Stephen Quinn on the bench. Perhaps a nod of respect from Steve Bruce in that City in affect tried to match up with United’s midfield numbers.
A minutes applause to remember the Hillsborough disaster was observed before at 4.07pm, the game kicked off.
The noise and numbers of fans were in United’s favour as they kicked away from the 33,000+ massed behind Mark Howard’s goal and to the sides on the West side (opposite to where United fans normally are housed at Wembley). As per the norm with United’s Wembley trips; the game began with many supporters bathed in bright sunshine but this time many felt this side could have a real go and were hoping that for once, the Blades would not freeze.
United did start confidently and Doyle and Scougall were industrious in the centre. Hull had the first opening but half-hearted appeals for a penalty were waved away when Elmohamady went down rather theatrically. United seemed the better to settle and were enjoying more of the ball. A decent move nearly saw Baxter in before Scougall’s probing led a spell of possession in the corner.
United’s good start was rewarded with a goal as after Coady received the short throw he played it back to the thrower, Brayford. He in turn took a touch and then whipped in a ferocious cross that was very dangerous for the Hull backline to defend; BAXTER got in front of his defender and clipped it into the net. There was pandemonium in the United end as the fans celebrated wildly. Many seemed genuinely shocked that the Blades had actually scored a goal at Wembley!
United then were on the attack again and after a series of neat passes, Scougall fired over. A spell of possession saw the ‘Ole’s’ from the United crowd who after so many limp previous performances here could probably scarcely believe what they were watching.
Despite this start, United had to be wary due to the quality Hull possessed but it was still the League One side who were enjoying more of the ball and looking more assured all over the field.
Against the run of the play, United’s excellent performance was checked with a bang as suddenly City were level.
The build up was neat and patient with a number of short passes and interchange down United’s left. Livermore fed Elmohamady who put in a low cross. Neither Maguire nor Brayford reacted and SAGBO run in unchecked and swept home. After being comfortably the better side, Hull had scored with pretty much their first real effort on goal.
Incredibly almost immediately after this goal, United went straight back up the other end to restore their lead and made it two goals at Wembley.
Murphy got the ball on the left and advanced deep into Hull territory going past Rosenior and into the area. He pulled the cross back with his unflavoured left foot and arriving right on cue was the diminutive SCOUGALL who smashed the ball home to send the United fans into ecstasy again!
United had to see out a final couple of minutes and despite a scare when Sagbo got in but was adjudged offside before he put the ball in the net; they got to the break in the lead with a deafening roar to greet the side as they came off.
At the break manager Bruce knew he had to change it and did so swiftly bringing off Boyd and Figueroa for Aluko and Fryatt. Hull now had two up top with Aluko just behind. The shape of the side had changed with them playing 10 yards further up the field but so had the energy levels of Hull. They were pressing and harrying and getting the ball and turning it forward quickly. They won a corner after some sloppy defending and then as the ball came in, it caromed around the box with a series of Hull touches leading to FRYATT applying the finish. It was a little fortunate but United’s defence had numerous opportunities to clear. United had needed to keep it tight for the opening but within four minutes of the restart they were pegged back.
Hull’s powerful start to the second half continued and Fryatt had the ball in the net again but was ruled offside. Then Maguire and Collins had to somehow keep out Sagbo as Hull came again.
It was unrelenting and the third Hull goal was not long coming. HUDDLESTONE had been kept in check by United in the first half but was now getting on the ball and making City play. His pace and power was in evidence as he played a one two with Meyler. Doyle let him go and he skipped past the static Collins to get in on goal. His finish was cool and accurate and the City fans celebrated their first lead of the contest.
United were stunned and were struggling to get any kind of footing in the game at this stage with the game being played almost entirely in their half. However a rare break saw Flynn in and his shot seemed goal bound but was blocked by a great saving tackle. Hull were back on the attack and Huddlestone fired wide before Meyler was narrowly off target with a header.
Former Blade QUINN entered proceedings replacing Sagbo and it was not long before he was scoring against them after so long being a hero to many United supporters. It came down the right hand side and as United stepped out trying to play an ill advised offside trap, Livermore curled in a delightful cross that Quinn unmarked nodded home. His celebrations were muted despite it being the goal that would surely confirm them as going to the FA cup final.
The next part of the game settled down as Hull kept the ball knowing they were now comfortable after so long where it had been a real struggle. The Blades tried to get back into it and at least had a spell of possession; for what seemed like the first time in the second half. Murphy’s overhead kick went over after a corner before Clough tried to inject some life into the side bringing on Porter and Davies for Baxter and Scougall.
Hull nearly scored again after they broke but Howard saved from Aluko before United then scored again to set up a tense finale. Harris did all the work down the left and came inside before putting a great cross over. Flynn’s header across deflected into the path of MURPHY who volleyed down and into the net. The Blades fans roared their approval as they sprinted back to the centre circle. Soon after they were on the attack again. Porter’s knock down was half cleared and then Maguire came onto it, came inside and beat a man before his left footed effort was blocked. From this Hull broke and after a swift interchange of passes, MEYLER was in on goal and finished clinically past Howard’s right hand side once again.
As one the United fans rose and applauded their side in a spontaneous moment that was surreal in that as the Hull fans and players celebrated the win, the United fans also rose to salute their heroes. Matt hill came on right on the kick off but the game ended seconds later and whilst it was ultimate disappointment at Wembley again, United’s players and fans alike could be proud of their efforts. What a cup run it had been and the hope for the future is clear.
United – A performance that left us proud. They gave everything. We played superb in the first half and deserved the lead. We won tackles, got on the front foot and pinged it about. We created chances and scored goals. It was a great team performance. We started well and did not freeze and finally you felt we had a side with no fear, who knew what they were doing and could actually score….at Wembley. Everything went to plan apart from the sloppy marking on the goal but we led and seemed in control. I even thought we had a real chance at this stage if we could see out the opening 10-15 minutes of the second half.
After the break we got overpowered. Yes maybe we could have done better on many of the goal, or changed out shape a bit but sometimes you just have to admit that the other team’s players are better. It was not about effort or poor play really, more about them thinking quicker, being quicker and just getting in the right areas. They showed why they are two divisions higher. We were not awful and kept battling but just really struggled to cope with them as much as us chucking the ball away or making lots of mistakes with the ball. Most of the mistakes were more in their head/or off the ball. The defence did not know how to mark as players were coming at them from all over and they were going deep, then stepping up and the lack of pace of much of the side (not just defence- Coady and Doyle could not keep up either)came to the fore against better players.
In the end we looked well beaten after this spell and the game sort of petered out but then incredibly we came again and got a goal and you dreamed we may get extra time but then they killed it on the counter.
The team gave their all and even though they may have regrets about the start of the second half, equally you could say at least they did not do that in the first half and kept themselves in the game and were actually the better side. I could not have a go at anyone. All did their best and yes some may regret certain things but as I said going down, so long as they leave it all on the pitch then I won’t criticise them and they did that.
Murphy and Scougall showed the promise we have seen on the big stage, Baxter for all stick he gets, got another good goal and the midfield worked hard. The defence did well on the ball but maybe less so off it and struggled with pace and runners but we were right in the match throughout and gave it a real good go.
Massive praise to Clough and the management team. They have turned a bereft in confidence, meek and mild bunch that looked like a sorry set losers into a side that is now playing with confidence, little fear and togetherness. Yes he has added a few key players but much of the side is the same. To do all that in less than 6 months is testament to him and also to those who preserved and waited to get him. Maybe for one we may have got a managerial appointment right. A lot of work to be done and we must start next season far better but you feel with the young players coming through, a greater openness and honesty off the field, that there is an upward movement in the club.
The last 5 games now I would actually play most of the eleven that have played today save for a few more glimpses of the kids. That may seem off but we do need to finish strong and have nothing to rest anyone for now. I want us to keep the momentum going. In a few weeks they are on their holidays so can res then. I want us to win as many games as possible and finish as high as we can as much for the confidence for next season. As I say be good to see a bit more of the youngsters in patches though but put in at the right times and alongside some of the experienced ones.
Efforts now must be made more importantly off the field to try and somehow keep Brayford (unlikely) and Coady (possible) and hopefully ward off bids for Murphy and Maguire. If we do that and can add 3 or 4 quality players (2 strikers, another centre back and maybe a strong central midfielder; still would give Brandy another go too if he can change his attitude – assuming we keep all those above) then we have a real shot at being nearer the top than bottom.
It will not be easy and all those who think we will suddenly be in the top two may get a shock. Yes we have matched some of the teams near the top but also we have looked second best to Wolves and Brentford in two recent games I feel. These teams finished a long way off us in terms of points (yes, much of it down to Weir) and to suddenly suggest we can get another 20 points is a tough ask but I believe we have the right management team to do this and can move up the leagues we are patient and we get support from the new ownership.
