Deadbat
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The Blades did just enough to see off Oldham as two struggling sides met at Bramall Lane on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon at the Lane. United had waited a long time for a win and they got it thanks to Matt Done’s well taken finish just after half time. It was a game of few chances although both sides did hit the woodwork and Oldham missed a sitter to level. United had to ensure the final 25 minutes with ten men after Che Adams was sent off for violent conduct.
In front of a sparse crowd; United were without the injured Edgar and Campbell Ryce. There was no place in the match day squad for the disciplined Jose Baxter. Oldham had two former Blades in Danny Philliskirk and Mark Yeates starting and also former loanee Dominic Poleon on the bench but Jonathan Forte was injured.
There was an early chance inside the first few minutes as James Wilson dithered and Done had a shot that was saved by Cornell and Adams could not force the rebound home. After this there was a scrappy period of play but Oldham had a great opportunity when Hammond fouled Winchester and the excellent inswinging free kick from Brian Wilson saw Philliskirk get a touch and it came back off the post with Long motionless.
The game was incredibly stop start and chances were few and far between after this. Both teams were sloppy with the ball and also slow to move it forward. The crowd were getting frustrated and often saw long balls punted forward from both teams although the wind was not helping.
United were trying to get Adams on the ball but could not profit despite winning two corners. Coutts was looking lively and showing his ability on the ball but Sharp was not getting into the game.
Just before the break Oldham had a corner and a shot from Yeates was blocked. Harris then got injured as Long could not properly clear. After several minutes of treatment, Harris had to be stretchered off and needed oxygen. Four minutes of additional time were played without further incident.
Sharp was withdrawn for Scougall at the break as Untied tried to find some impetus from somewhere.
The second half was only two minutes old when United got the lead. Collins came out of defence and played a neat through ball dissecting two players that DONE got onto and came inside Wilson before curling it beyond the keeper into the corner. It was a neat finish and a rare moment of quality in a poor game.
The game then settled down to more scrappy play but Oldham then had a corner that Long failed to clear as he attempted to punch and as the shot came in from Jones, Long was able to block. He probably did not know anything about it.
United seemed to be in control though and Oldham were not creating much outside of this chance but the game turned when United were reduced to 10 men.
Adams seemed to clash with an Oldham player long after the ball had gone and as both players went to the deck, the referee blew his whistle and brandished an instant red card to the United man seemingly for violent conduct but it was unclear the exact nature of the offence.
Soon after Oldham had a glorious chance when Cassidy was unmarked and somehow headed down and over when it seemed easier to score. It was a real let off for United.
United were now struggling to keep the ball but they were still in the lead and nearly doubled the lead.
Brayford came onto the ball from well over 25 yards and hit it with his unfamiliar left foot and it smashed against the bar and bounced down before being cleared. It seemed many in the ground felt it was over the line including the United officials but the game went on.
Sammon came on for the hard working Done as United sought to see out time. Long then had to be quick off his line and was able to smother as Poleon the substitute tried to get the leveller.
There was four minutes of additional time but other than a Long punch away and a Brian Wilson long ranger over the bar, United
United – Maybe just shaded a really poor game but it was barely shaded it at all. United were not great and going forward created very little. We had an extremely slow tempo again and struggled to get into the final third with huge gaps between the three compartments of the team in an attacking sense but better defensively. I felt Done tried hard but Sharp was poor and Adams ineffectual. Coutts had a decent first half but the other two continued to look slow and immobile but maybe they did a better job of restricting flow other way albeit v poor opponents. The defence were mixed really. I felt Collins and McEveley were ok but Harris was really poor before he went off. Brayford was solid enough. Long had another very edgy game and a few times he missed punches or spilt shots but he did managed to keep a clean sheet.
We got a decent goal after a run from Collins and pass to Done who took it well. However other than a half chance at the beginning and then Brayford’s long range shot I cannot recall too many other efforts. Fortunately, they were not much at the other end. Both teams gave the ball away a lot and neither seemed to know how to penetrate. We got the goal and seemed in control until Adams rash play saw us down to 10. After this Oldham had more of the ball but in truth other than one sitter missed with a header they did not create anything else really and in the end United did just about enough to go through.
United will have to be much better in terms of speed of play, creating chances and tempo with and without the ball in future weeks. Oldham looked a relegation side and we struggled to see them off. That is a concern but I suppose with the lack of confidence and no wins in recent times; it was just important to get that victory and also a clean sheet.
Pleasing to see Done and Brayford as they give us energy, passion and effort and those are things we have been lacking for me in recent weeks. However, in terms of pattern of play, fluidity and overall structure, Adkins seems to be no further forward. Today was another scrappy mess really and quite dire to watch.
Oldham – A poor side who looked even more lacking in confidence than us. They will argue that they restricted us to few chances and that is right but they created little themselves. They were sloppy on the ball and looked as slow and ponderous as us really. Never seemed convinced they were going to create much and I felt looked like they were waiting for something to happen. Maybe another day they score one of their couple of chances and we miss ours and they win 1-0 but they did not really do enough for me They had nothing up top; the lad Cassidy tried hard but there was little threat save for the one that hit the post and the headed miss second half.
They were missing a few key players in Croft, Forte, Wellens and I suppose you could say Higdon! However, they looked all the world a side destined for a relegation scrap. They lack much ability throughout the side and with a small squad, it will be a struggle to stay up this season. Worryingly we were not much better really!
Opponent man of the match: Thought the lad Kelly in midfield who had his shorts really high (Cattermole style) was decent. Busy and got on the ball; ended up with no number on his shirt after a collision in the first half but most of the good things Oldham did came though him.
Opponent Weak link: The big number 5 (James) Wilson looked particularly clumsy and was struggling all game. His touch on the ball was poor and he often just whacked it out or overran it he did try and run with it. Closely followed for ineptitude by Yeates. Now very much a journeyman; I can barely recall the former Blade touching the ball before he was taken off.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 6/10 – 6 may seem low for a clean sheet but he was less than convincing all game. He missed a few crosses or punched when he should have caught (a few he did get fouled – the Poleon one where he backed into him was ridiculous) but was just very edgy and a few times he did not call or was not dominating to get the loose ball. The shot straight at him where he somehow shovelled out for a corner summed it up. After this he juggled another cross before catching a few near the end. His kicking was decent in that he was given some silly back passes but did get good distance. He did make one good gather at the end as he came off his line.
Brayford 7/10 – Solid enough. A few sliced clearances but got stronger as the game went on. Overplayed it a bit but defensively he was ok. Second half he started to run forward more and even though things did not always come off at least he supported the right hand side. Had a great left footed shot that hit the underside of the bar (and may have gone over the line). Good to see him back though. He may not quite be level he was when he came initially but he is still a stand out right back at this level.
Harris 5.5/10 – Thought he was poor to be honest. Lost his man a few times and his passing was awful. He gave away one telegraphed ball straight to them and then did it again moments later. Overplayed a few times by the corner and simply will not use his right foot. Took a bad knock to the head and had to get oxygen and was stretchered off straight to an ambulance seemingly. Hope he is ok but I do feel he is one player that is distinctly average and feel Wallace does deserve a run.
McEveley 7.5/10 – He was fine today and played well. A few overplays in the first half in the corner but overall he was solid enough. Won headers and cleared it when he had to. No problems today. Gets criticised quite a lot of course but will judge each game on merit and today he was decent.
Collins 7/10 – As above. He was fine defensively against a poor attack but cleared it sensibly, got blocks in and won headers. Came out when he could with a mixed bag of balls. Fans complained about him at times today but I felt this was harsh as he had little option where to go with the ball. He did make the goal with a run out of defence and decent ball to Done.
Basham 6/10 – Steady but quite slow and sluggish for long spells. Did not get in the game enough for me. I suppose you can say he protected the defence but unsure why we would play him and Hammond. They are both quite similar. He did have one good run near the end but often he seems quite clumsy as he kicks or heads it a few years away from him and very rarely does he get on the ball and keep it. Not sure going forward whether he is good enough in any position for a side looking for promotion. He lacks pace, mobility and class. A steady player but where has steady players got us?
Coutts 7/10 – Thought he was very good first half. Got on the ball and moved it well. He was involved in most good things we did and was actually quite forceful in runs forward when he had it showing some pace (!). He was very good and probing on the ball. Second half he did fade quite a bit and did look shattered once again and kept looking to the bench. Needs to show what he did first half and also in the second half v Fleetwood for a run of games.
Hammond 6/10 – Steady ish but not influential enough either. He was quiet for the most part in terms of getting on the ball and at times I forgot he was playing. Will argue he helped restrict chances and kept a clean sheet but I am not sure what he offers. On the ball his passing is mixed and he cannot carry the ball nor does he play many adventurous passes.
Adams 4/10 – First half he tried to get on the ball but things did not come off for him and it kept bouncing off him. Had one good run when he shrugged Philliskirk off but not in the game as much as you would like. Second half he again did not really do much and then after an off the ball unnecessarily caught an Oldham player long after the ball had gone and was rightly sent off. Now won’t be seen until into the New Year. Been really poor last couple of months after an excellent start to the season and totally off the boil.
Sharp 5/10 – Thought he was poor. Ball kept bouncing off him and nothing seemed to stick at all. He ran around a lot but centre half got in front of him too often and he looked off the pace. Did not really look a threat and was taken off at half time. Another who after a decent start has been poor in last few months.
Done 7.5/10 – May seem a touch high his mark but his effort alone deserves a big commendation. He really did put a shift in both when he was on the right supporting a front three and then in a lone role second half which became even harder when we went down to 10. Chased and chased and got his reward when he scored a good goal, creating a bit of space and finishing well.
Subs
Wallace 6.5/10 – Fine when he came on. Nothing spectacular but he kept it nice and simple and played it to feet when he could. Hope he gets a spell at left back now but Adkins seems to prefer Harris. Not sure Wallace had done much wrong to get ousted. He had a poor half in one home game but compared to some of rest of defenders, his performances this season had been ok and looked a decent prospect.
Scougall 5/10 – Came on for Sharp and played just behind Done but he was never really in the game. Probably only touched it a handful of times the entire half. He did chase and do the defensive stuff but he is another player that is simply not good enough. It is nothing personal but we have to be more ruthless and move on players of his ilk. Small, lacks pace, lacks strength and does not do anywhere near enough to contribute.
Sammon – Brought on at the end and put in a shift to try and help us keep the win. Did not touch it more. Another that I think knows his future is not here at the end of the season as he has simply not done enough.
Manager – Adkins 6/10 – It was a win and a clean sheet but it was poor to watch again and a bit of a bore fest. We did not create much and looked slow and laboured with no zest or life when attacking but at the back did do better albeit versus a very poor Oldham side. He will take the win and hope it brings some degree of confidence moving forward but we do not look a good side at the moment. At best we are bang average.
Ref – He was ok. The red card was the main talking point. I did not see it but it seems Adams has gone after a player after an earlier tussle. He barely complained as did many of the United players and seemed to be totally unnecessary. The rest of the game at times he was a bit fussy and I felt missed a clear foul on Long but cannot recall too many terrible decisions. Neither side put a really bad tackle in all game. No other cards apart from the one red which is unusual. Hard to criticise the officials on the Brayford one as the linesman has to be in line with the last man for offside so would be a long way off being level with the line and difficult for the referee to see it too. Maybe I am being too kind but it was hard to say for definite without technology if it had gone in or not. Many have said that it was in but I could not tell at speed to be honest.
Crowd – A dreadful crowd. You expect lower crowds in the earlier rounds of the FA Cup but even I as surprised it was so poor with just less than 7,000 there and there was maybe 700-800 from Oldham. It was as expected very quiet. The Oldham fans sung quite a bit despite poor form and results. United fans looked completely bored and frozen. It seems many gave this miss (even Season Ticket holders) as the awful performances, poor form and the lure of Xmas shopping saw many stay away. I had maybe 8-10 seats empty either side of me and my son. Could put my feet up!
In front of a sparse crowd; United were without the injured Edgar and Campbell Ryce. There was no place in the match day squad for the disciplined Jose Baxter. Oldham had two former Blades in Danny Philliskirk and Mark Yeates starting and also former loanee Dominic Poleon on the bench but Jonathan Forte was injured.
There was an early chance inside the first few minutes as James Wilson dithered and Done had a shot that was saved by Cornell and Adams could not force the rebound home. After this there was a scrappy period of play but Oldham had a great opportunity when Hammond fouled Winchester and the excellent inswinging free kick from Brian Wilson saw Philliskirk get a touch and it came back off the post with Long motionless.
The game was incredibly stop start and chances were few and far between after this. Both teams were sloppy with the ball and also slow to move it forward. The crowd were getting frustrated and often saw long balls punted forward from both teams although the wind was not helping.
United were trying to get Adams on the ball but could not profit despite winning two corners. Coutts was looking lively and showing his ability on the ball but Sharp was not getting into the game.
Just before the break Oldham had a corner and a shot from Yeates was blocked. Harris then got injured as Long could not properly clear. After several minutes of treatment, Harris had to be stretchered off and needed oxygen. Four minutes of additional time were played without further incident.
Sharp was withdrawn for Scougall at the break as Untied tried to find some impetus from somewhere.
The second half was only two minutes old when United got the lead. Collins came out of defence and played a neat through ball dissecting two players that DONE got onto and came inside Wilson before curling it beyond the keeper into the corner. It was a neat finish and a rare moment of quality in a poor game.
The game then settled down to more scrappy play but Oldham then had a corner that Long failed to clear as he attempted to punch and as the shot came in from Jones, Long was able to block. He probably did not know anything about it.
United seemed to be in control though and Oldham were not creating much outside of this chance but the game turned when United were reduced to 10 men.
Adams seemed to clash with an Oldham player long after the ball had gone and as both players went to the deck, the referee blew his whistle and brandished an instant red card to the United man seemingly for violent conduct but it was unclear the exact nature of the offence.
Soon after Oldham had a glorious chance when Cassidy was unmarked and somehow headed down and over when it seemed easier to score. It was a real let off for United.
United were now struggling to keep the ball but they were still in the lead and nearly doubled the lead.
Brayford came onto the ball from well over 25 yards and hit it with his unfamiliar left foot and it smashed against the bar and bounced down before being cleared. It seemed many in the ground felt it was over the line including the United officials but the game went on.
Sammon came on for the hard working Done as United sought to see out time. Long then had to be quick off his line and was able to smother as Poleon the substitute tried to get the leveller.
There was four minutes of additional time but other than a Long punch away and a Brian Wilson long ranger over the bar, United
United – Maybe just shaded a really poor game but it was barely shaded it at all. United were not great and going forward created very little. We had an extremely slow tempo again and struggled to get into the final third with huge gaps between the three compartments of the team in an attacking sense but better defensively. I felt Done tried hard but Sharp was poor and Adams ineffectual. Coutts had a decent first half but the other two continued to look slow and immobile but maybe they did a better job of restricting flow other way albeit v poor opponents. The defence were mixed really. I felt Collins and McEveley were ok but Harris was really poor before he went off. Brayford was solid enough. Long had another very edgy game and a few times he missed punches or spilt shots but he did managed to keep a clean sheet.
We got a decent goal after a run from Collins and pass to Done who took it well. However other than a half chance at the beginning and then Brayford’s long range shot I cannot recall too many other efforts. Fortunately, they were not much at the other end. Both teams gave the ball away a lot and neither seemed to know how to penetrate. We got the goal and seemed in control until Adams rash play saw us down to 10. After this Oldham had more of the ball but in truth other than one sitter missed with a header they did not create anything else really and in the end United did just about enough to go through.
United will have to be much better in terms of speed of play, creating chances and tempo with and without the ball in future weeks. Oldham looked a relegation side and we struggled to see them off. That is a concern but I suppose with the lack of confidence and no wins in recent times; it was just important to get that victory and also a clean sheet.
Pleasing to see Done and Brayford as they give us energy, passion and effort and those are things we have been lacking for me in recent weeks. However, in terms of pattern of play, fluidity and overall structure, Adkins seems to be no further forward. Today was another scrappy mess really and quite dire to watch.
Oldham – A poor side who looked even more lacking in confidence than us. They will argue that they restricted us to few chances and that is right but they created little themselves. They were sloppy on the ball and looked as slow and ponderous as us really. Never seemed convinced they were going to create much and I felt looked like they were waiting for something to happen. Maybe another day they score one of their couple of chances and we miss ours and they win 1-0 but they did not really do enough for me They had nothing up top; the lad Cassidy tried hard but there was little threat save for the one that hit the post and the headed miss second half.
They were missing a few key players in Croft, Forte, Wellens and I suppose you could say Higdon! However, they looked all the world a side destined for a relegation scrap. They lack much ability throughout the side and with a small squad, it will be a struggle to stay up this season. Worryingly we were not much better really!
Opponent man of the match: Thought the lad Kelly in midfield who had his shorts really high (Cattermole style) was decent. Busy and got on the ball; ended up with no number on his shirt after a collision in the first half but most of the good things Oldham did came though him.
Opponent Weak link: The big number 5 (James) Wilson looked particularly clumsy and was struggling all game. His touch on the ball was poor and he often just whacked it out or overran it he did try and run with it. Closely followed for ineptitude by Yeates. Now very much a journeyman; I can barely recall the former Blade touching the ball before he was taken off.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 6/10 – 6 may seem low for a clean sheet but he was less than convincing all game. He missed a few crosses or punched when he should have caught (a few he did get fouled – the Poleon one where he backed into him was ridiculous) but was just very edgy and a few times he did not call or was not dominating to get the loose ball. The shot straight at him where he somehow shovelled out for a corner summed it up. After this he juggled another cross before catching a few near the end. His kicking was decent in that he was given some silly back passes but did get good distance. He did make one good gather at the end as he came off his line.
Brayford 7/10 – Solid enough. A few sliced clearances but got stronger as the game went on. Overplayed it a bit but defensively he was ok. Second half he started to run forward more and even though things did not always come off at least he supported the right hand side. Had a great left footed shot that hit the underside of the bar (and may have gone over the line). Good to see him back though. He may not quite be level he was when he came initially but he is still a stand out right back at this level.
Harris 5.5/10 – Thought he was poor to be honest. Lost his man a few times and his passing was awful. He gave away one telegraphed ball straight to them and then did it again moments later. Overplayed a few times by the corner and simply will not use his right foot. Took a bad knock to the head and had to get oxygen and was stretchered off straight to an ambulance seemingly. Hope he is ok but I do feel he is one player that is distinctly average and feel Wallace does deserve a run.
McEveley 7.5/10 – He was fine today and played well. A few overplays in the first half in the corner but overall he was solid enough. Won headers and cleared it when he had to. No problems today. Gets criticised quite a lot of course but will judge each game on merit and today he was decent.
Collins 7/10 – As above. He was fine defensively against a poor attack but cleared it sensibly, got blocks in and won headers. Came out when he could with a mixed bag of balls. Fans complained about him at times today but I felt this was harsh as he had little option where to go with the ball. He did make the goal with a run out of defence and decent ball to Done.
Basham 6/10 – Steady but quite slow and sluggish for long spells. Did not get in the game enough for me. I suppose you can say he protected the defence but unsure why we would play him and Hammond. They are both quite similar. He did have one good run near the end but often he seems quite clumsy as he kicks or heads it a few years away from him and very rarely does he get on the ball and keep it. Not sure going forward whether he is good enough in any position for a side looking for promotion. He lacks pace, mobility and class. A steady player but where has steady players got us?
Coutts 7/10 – Thought he was very good first half. Got on the ball and moved it well. He was involved in most good things we did and was actually quite forceful in runs forward when he had it showing some pace (!). He was very good and probing on the ball. Second half he did fade quite a bit and did look shattered once again and kept looking to the bench. Needs to show what he did first half and also in the second half v Fleetwood for a run of games.
Hammond 6/10 – Steady ish but not influential enough either. He was quiet for the most part in terms of getting on the ball and at times I forgot he was playing. Will argue he helped restrict chances and kept a clean sheet but I am not sure what he offers. On the ball his passing is mixed and he cannot carry the ball nor does he play many adventurous passes.
Adams 4/10 – First half he tried to get on the ball but things did not come off for him and it kept bouncing off him. Had one good run when he shrugged Philliskirk off but not in the game as much as you would like. Second half he again did not really do much and then after an off the ball unnecessarily caught an Oldham player long after the ball had gone and was rightly sent off. Now won’t be seen until into the New Year. Been really poor last couple of months after an excellent start to the season and totally off the boil.
Sharp 5/10 – Thought he was poor. Ball kept bouncing off him and nothing seemed to stick at all. He ran around a lot but centre half got in front of him too often and he looked off the pace. Did not really look a threat and was taken off at half time. Another who after a decent start has been poor in last few months.
Done 7.5/10 – May seem a touch high his mark but his effort alone deserves a big commendation. He really did put a shift in both when he was on the right supporting a front three and then in a lone role second half which became even harder when we went down to 10. Chased and chased and got his reward when he scored a good goal, creating a bit of space and finishing well.
Subs
Wallace 6.5/10 – Fine when he came on. Nothing spectacular but he kept it nice and simple and played it to feet when he could. Hope he gets a spell at left back now but Adkins seems to prefer Harris. Not sure Wallace had done much wrong to get ousted. He had a poor half in one home game but compared to some of rest of defenders, his performances this season had been ok and looked a decent prospect.
Scougall 5/10 – Came on for Sharp and played just behind Done but he was never really in the game. Probably only touched it a handful of times the entire half. He did chase and do the defensive stuff but he is another player that is simply not good enough. It is nothing personal but we have to be more ruthless and move on players of his ilk. Small, lacks pace, lacks strength and does not do anywhere near enough to contribute.
Sammon – Brought on at the end and put in a shift to try and help us keep the win. Did not touch it more. Another that I think knows his future is not here at the end of the season as he has simply not done enough.
Manager – Adkins 6/10 – It was a win and a clean sheet but it was poor to watch again and a bit of a bore fest. We did not create much and looked slow and laboured with no zest or life when attacking but at the back did do better albeit versus a very poor Oldham side. He will take the win and hope it brings some degree of confidence moving forward but we do not look a good side at the moment. At best we are bang average.
Ref – He was ok. The red card was the main talking point. I did not see it but it seems Adams has gone after a player after an earlier tussle. He barely complained as did many of the United players and seemed to be totally unnecessary. The rest of the game at times he was a bit fussy and I felt missed a clear foul on Long but cannot recall too many terrible decisions. Neither side put a really bad tackle in all game. No other cards apart from the one red which is unusual. Hard to criticise the officials on the Brayford one as the linesman has to be in line with the last man for offside so would be a long way off being level with the line and difficult for the referee to see it too. Maybe I am being too kind but it was hard to say for definite without technology if it had gone in or not. Many have said that it was in but I could not tell at speed to be honest.
Crowd – A dreadful crowd. You expect lower crowds in the earlier rounds of the FA Cup but even I as surprised it was so poor with just less than 7,000 there and there was maybe 700-800 from Oldham. It was as expected very quiet. The Oldham fans sung quite a bit despite poor form and results. United fans looked completely bored and frozen. It seems many gave this miss (even Season Ticket holders) as the awful performances, poor form and the lure of Xmas shopping saw many stay away. I had maybe 8-10 seats empty either side of me and my son. Could put my feet up!
