Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,320
- Reaction score
- 35,681
Finally, Blades fans saw a win in the league after six games without success. United put in a competitive performance and showed more fight than they have much of the season but also had a few slices of luck before getting the late winner thanks to substitute Billy Sharp.
United were fortunate that referee Iain Williamson did not show red to both Jay McEveley and also to Dean Hammond (for a second yellow) and also that goal line technology was not used at this level to stop George Long conceding an own goal when it seemed it may have gone over the line.
Long himself had made a few good saves to keep United in it and then rather against the run of play a keeping mistake from Reice Charles Cook saw Billy Sharp stoop to nod home. City had Sam Ricketts sent off late on due to two yellow cards as United held on for a vital three points.
Manager Adkins opted to try and have a good defensive shape as he fielded a line up that saw McEveley, Collins, Edgar and Basham all start and with Billy Sharp on the bench. Sammon and Done started up top with Martyn Woolford also getting a start on the left of midfield.
Coventry were without former Owl Reda Johnson but did start with the free scoring Adam Armstrong starting up top with the dangerous Jacob Murphy supplanting him. They featured experienced campaigners such as Ricketts, O’Brien and Vincelot. They also had Joe Cole and Marcus Tudgay on the bench. City were looking to cut the gap on league leaders Burton and pull away from the chasing pack.
After an emotional tribute to former Blades legend Alan Hodgkinson and long serving club photographer Martyn Harrison; the game kicked off with United trying to ensure they kept a solid shape with two clear banks of four with Basham and Hammond just in front of the defence.
Sammon won an early free kick on the angle but the delivery was held by Charles Cook before Fleck nearly got in at the other end.
Hammond was busy early on and broke up the play on a few occasions as Coventry showed their potential to get it down and play neat and tidy football.
A few meaty challenges went in early showing the intent of both sides before Brayford made ground and put in a good cross which the keeper pushed away as in the opinion of the referee the keeper was fouled. Both teams exchanged corners which came to nothing.
The first real chance came when Lameiras played a lovely slide rule ball that saw Armstrong beat the offside trap with McEveley playing him on and young striker was in on goal. His low shot was well saved by the diving Long.
United had a let off in the form of the referee soon after.
The ball came across to the right wing and as Lameiras touched the ball on, McEveley wildly smashed into the winger. It was high and late and most in the ground probably expected the red card but it was deemed only a yellow. It was a poor moment for the captain after what was a stupid challenge and one that could have been more costly.
Turner was off target twice from set plays and then Hammond was booked after dithering before a ball forward from Sammon saw Done checked by Turner and he too was given a yellow card.
City had shaded the first half and had the best opportunity but United had kept a decent shape and been relatively determined and quite physical in restricting the high flying Sky Blues. They will have been disappointed not to have tested Coventry at the other end with not a shot of note registering.
United were under the cosh to start the second half as Fleck had an effort on goal and then after a poor clearance from Collins, Lameiras hit a powerful shot that produced an excellent reaction save high up from Long.
Scougall came on for Woolford and was busy early on as he chased and harried but United were now definitely struggling to stop the tide.
Collins ridiculously tried to dribble the ball out and lost it as Armstrong intercepted and then the striker nut megged Collins and was in on goal but his cross was cleared away. Moments later a clear chance came when Murphy hit a low cross that somehow evaded everyone.
Joe Cole came on for O’Brien for the visitors and Sharp came on for Sammon as United tried to lift themselves.
However it was another let off as Murphy beat Brayford cut in and his cross seemed to strike the hand of Collins and then Long also appeared to spill it over the line. Replays suggested it may have gone in but the assistant maybe blocked and also the referee not in a great positon to judge, play as waved on as Long held the ball right on his goal line.
United finally had an effort on goal as Sharp hit a low shot deflected and saved quite comfortably before Scougall miscontrolled after a decent run into the box.
United had shown some lift and after being second best for long periods were now in the game and they scored with just over eleven minutes to go.
The corner came over from Coutts and was a dangerous one but the young keeper Charles Cook made a mess of it and got nowhere near it as it sailed over him and hit SHARP seemingly on the shoulder and bounced into the net. It was scarcely deserved but United fans will have not cared one bit.
Hammond was a touch fortunate to escape a second yellow after he cynically stopped a break away from Coventry; after he had already been booked but the referee just had a word.
After this Coventry tried to rouse themselves but United now were in a resolute mood and some more good challenges and break up of play saw the heat taken out of the game. Antoine Fortune was brought on for Coventry and Flynn for United as the game entered the final stages. An additional 5 minutes was to be played and after a series of poor fouls; it was City who were dismissed to 10 as Ricketts committed a wild foul on Basham who got to the ball before him.
Flynn had a good run but a weak finish as United tried to see out him before Sharp twice held the ball up well. Brayford knocked it down into the corner just before the referee ended proceedings. It was a win they maybe did not deserve but a crucial one after such a poor run of form.
United – A win. An ugly win but we take it.
A scrappy game that was very physical and not too many chances. If we had lost you probably would have said it was fair enough as they had more of the play and chances but we at least had a better game in terms of some aspects. We did many things we have not done for a while. Tackled, fouled, stopped them, slowed down play and got in their faces.
It was an odd one as on the ball we were quite poor again and never really looked a goal threat all game. We barely had a shot; let alone one on target till towards the end (stats seem surprising to me!). However we were a lot better in effort, application and dare I say it professionalism. Although with a decent ref we would have been down to 9 so it is fine lines.
We were quite niggly, cynical and dirty for me (even outside of the horrible McEveley tackle) but I was actually pleased with that. After all season (and last) being a soft touch, it was nice to see some tackles going in and we slowed teams down at the right times (yes with fouls I admit). We were very physical today and got a number booked and could have had more booked but I have seen teams do that to us over the years many times so it was nice to see it the other way too. We slowed it down and ensured they were restricted when they got in the last third. It wasn’t nice to watch but all season we have not been able to do this and suffered the consequences.
United set up as an away side in some ways and we just trying to keep a solid shape and be difficult to break down. They achieved this in most respects. The shape and unity was much better than it has been save for a bit of a mad spell second half. It was pleasing to see this resolution not to get easy chances for the opponents. If they had to bring them down then they did. It was horrible but it worked.
We were never really in any kind of flow with the ball and at times still made poor errors of judgement but for a long spell we kept our shape and restricted City to few chances. Second half we had a poor spell with a number of daft errors leading to 2 or 3 good chances for them. We became a bit ragged and looked like side we have been much of season; against a decent footballing side but City missed the chances they had and we stayed in the game.
Sharp made a difference with work ethic alone and pinched a scrappy goal; the type of goal we have been conceding much of the year.
With some tough games to come, you hope we can at least stay in touch with the playoffs and he can bring some players in. Maybe today could the impetus and a bit of fortune for us to go on a run but with so many ordinary players (Collins, McEveley, Woolford, Sammon) you worry how capable we are of going on a run and I see very average results to match the average performances to come. Hope I am wrong and today was at least a step in the right direction with effort and desire. We got stuck in and ruffled the opponents a bit. We have done that this season.
Coventry – Looked a good side; maybe the best we have seen down at the Lane. On another day with a different set of officials they could and maybe should have won the game. They restricted us to few chances and played some decent stuff. Still they did not create loads themselves really but still for an away side will say they did enough to take all three points. They knock it about well and are clearly full of confidence. They are a big strong side at the back but have some neat and tdy players in midfield who can play. They have a much smaller squad than us but do seem to have a nice mix of youth and experience. Mowbray, like you think Adkins is, is a type of manager that knows how to get teams playing to a system and has enough experience and nous to get them up. You can see why they have been winning a lot of games.
One of main worries is maybe their best two players, Murphy and Armstrong are on loan and could go back. Both could play Championship level and their parent clubs may look at them moving up a level. This would severely weaken them moving forward.
Opponent man of the match : Even though Brayford played him quite well, the lad Murphy was very dangerous. Fast, direct and tricky. Scored a lot of goals for them and some real crackers. We did well to contain him but you always felt the danger came from him. Armstrong showed some nice touches too but missed a good chance.
Opponent Weak link : Charles Cook sadly takes the prize. He was ok in general play but he did hesitate a few times on crosses and of course on the goal made a real mess of it. They were solid throughout the side but this was the moment that effectively ended the game.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 7.5/10 – Nearly made a howler when the ball took a deflection off Collins and did spin but he was lucky it was not seen as being over the line. One other cross he stayed at home second half but outside of this he did well. He made two key saves from Armstrong and then Lameiras second half (very good save). In a game of few chances his saves were key moments. For all criticism of him; he is performing better than Howard at the moment so will rightly stay in the team. His kicking is also much better than Howards. Today he was given some bad back passes and did well and found half way every one save for one in the first half. He hit a few good ones too from hands. I cannot recall any games for a long time that you say he made good saves to help us win/get a point; Long had that today.
Brayford 7/10 – Thought he was good against a very dangerous opponent. Overall was nice and solid defensively until Murphy got away from him a few times second half (including moment when they nearly scored). He got forward when he could and linked well with Coutts a few times. As I say apart from one moment, a solid defensive show and one that shows he may be getting back to his best with fitness/form. Definitely one of the few you can build around as we move forward.
McEveley 6/10 – The fact he is captain and back to playing regularly sums up our current plight. He is a poor footballer and a liability.
Should have been sent off for an awful tackle. Why he dived in like that I do not know. He then dived in again second half. His general play was mixed. He did some ok things defensively at times but then made some really poor errors and tried to overplay or do things he is not capable of doing. Him and Collins had 10 minutes of madness second half where each of them seemed to take it in turns making howlers. His hang head body language second half was telling. He looked like he did not want to be there. At times he still did some decent things, making blocks and running ball out but the mistakes seem inevitable. Away from the tackle and a few other moments he did some good things and made a few good tackles too but he is not someone we should be looking at even in the short term.
Edgar 7/10- He was ok for long spells with headers and clearances. First half he kept a decent line and was able to restrict Coventry to few opportunities. He looked more like the defender we saw when he first came. Second half had a few hesitant moments and like Collins seemed to lose his bearings for a spell but then regrouped after we got the lead and they did not have any clear chances after the goal. Booked for a cynical pull back on O’Brien as City broke.
Collins 5.5/10 – First half he was ok and won headers and got clearances in and did not make too many errors – they got caught once square when Long made the save but it was McEveley playing them on. He was fine though. Second half a different story as he made around 2 or 3 awful mistakes. The one where he overplayed and then got beat easily and then he passed it straight to them twice from inside the box. He just went to pieces. Did win a few key headers at the end but overall like a few other showed that if we want to move forward we need to dumping players of his ilk. We have carried inadequate players like him for way too long.
Basham 6.5/10 – Began game well with Hammond and helped restrict them as we kept a solid shape in midfield and passed it better than we have. They intercepted and were busy. Second half he was a mixed bag with some decent interceptions but some poor touches and control too. His passing is often slow and backwards. Not sure long term we can go anywhere with him as a midfielder. Still not convinced what his attributes are; sure he is honest and puts a shift in but not sure that is enough. Fortunate second half when he grabbed a City player by the shirt on a corner.
Hammond 7/10 – Thought he had a better game but lucky to stay on the pitch after getting deserved yellow for a pull back and then doing a worse foul towards the end that saw him get away with it. He was also fortunate second half when he grabbed a City player by the shirt on a corner. Away from the negatives he played better than he has done and I felt was our busiest midfielder today over the course of the game. Got stuck in (see above!) and covered a lot more ground than he has. His passing was a mixed bag but overall better than he has been.
Coutts 7/10 – First half he was out best player and showed neat and tidy footwork albeit in a difficult position as he was placed wide right. He did pass it better than most and looked sharp and was one of few trying to go forward but second half he did fade again and can’t recall too many contributions of note. Kept plugging away and at least lasted the full 90 minutes. Shame he only seems to be able to do it in fits and bursts though.
Woolford 5/10 – Never in the game. He barely touched it. When he did he overran it or gave it away. I could not even say he gave McEveley much protection either. Sure he helped us keep a line of four and some protection but he looks a poor player. Adkins may have liked him 7 or 8 years ago at Scunny but he was released by Millwall and you could see why. Another player taking up an unnecessary wage. Came off before the hour and did well too last that long.
Done 7/10 – Worked so hard all game with little reward. Had no real help or support from teammates and just kept chasing lost causes. Very little service and just feeding on scraps. He does keep going and always putting defenders under pressure. He did not really have any real chances of note and had to chase across the front line as nothing really came to his feet.
Sammon 4/10 – Thought he was dire and just seemed to be going through the motions. Cannot recall many things he did right. He won maybe one header all game, played in Done once and that was it. Was not a presence, did not hold it up, did not look a goal threat and did not link with others. Behind the play and so slow to react. So weak for such a big man. A player I would send back if they could; he is no better than what we have. Sharp did more in 2 minutes when he came on – granted he had not deserved to start after some poor performances.
Subs
Scougall – Worked hard and at least gave us some energy. Got out of a few defensive areas on the ball but going forward he miscontrolled once when well placed and then hit a shot into the upper tier. Seems to spent an incredible amount of time on the floor (counted 6 times he went to the deck – some were fouls of course) and always seems to have the physio on to attend to him. Very brittle to say the least. Think his lot at the moment is as an energy type player coming on
Sharp – Made a difference when he came on and looked like he had a point to prove. He had a few runs and shots but just looked determined to get forward and make things happen. Goal was fortunate but he was in the right spot. Sure he will back in the team next week. Would like to see him and Done have a run together. Sammon has proved he is no kind of target man anyway and for work rate and business, those two may at least give defenders problems.
Flynn – Came on and had one good run where he ran forward but his shot lacked power. An inconsistent player but one that surely offers more than Woolford?
Manager – Adkins 7.5/10 – He will take the win and be happy with the commitment. Still so much work to do but after so much poor performances and lack of application/desire; today saw some positive steps. He built a solid defensive type line up which many frowned at when the team was selected but he kind of had to go down that route with two banks of four due to the coughing up of goals and points we have been squandering due to stupid goals we give away. First half we got it right and were nice and solid. Second half had a poor spell and easily could have been behind but we stuck in there and last 20 minutes it was more even and we had chances too. We do need to play much better but today against a good side he maybe got it right tactically in some ways. Sammon and Woolford were brought in but neither impressed really but the latter was probably to give us more defensive cover.
He has a few out injured/suspended with Adams, Baxter, Adams and Campbell Ryce all out (not even mentioning James Wallace) and at least tried something different up top with Sharp dropped (not been playing very well) and it worked in that he came on and proved a point by scoring the winner.
Ref – Iain Williamson. Difficult game to referee as a number of fouls were committed and some quite poor ones. Led to a raft of yellow cards. Was criticised by both sets of fans; although unsure why United fans were giving him such hard time as he helped us massively with key decisions. I thought United were dirty and cynical all afternoon and could have seen two been sent off. The McEveley one was a definite red and a horror tackle that could have seriously injured the Coventry man. Hammond also got away with a second clear yellow card. Outside of this we committed so many niggly fouls and slowed the play down. The crowd screamed their frustration but most were right. The officials missed a possible penalty off Hammond (watch it back on Sky) and also off Collins and the ball seemingly being over the line when Long mishandled it. United were let off the hook twice in one moment. Ricketts could have no complaints with his two yellows; the second was a really poor challenge and had to go but Coventry will feel it will be a travesty they finished with 10 compared to United and taking off any bias I have to agree. Most of the key decisions went United’s way. Rare to say that as we seem to have had some stinkers that have not exactly favoured us.
Crowd – Did not look like they were 18,000 inside the Lane – know we often debate whether they count all season ticket holders (quite a few missing from round me). It did have a nervous air from the home fans (more below) but that is to be expected. Coventry brought maybe 1,000 fans – which was not as many as they normally bring but 12pm on a Sunday and in the lead up to Xmas; coupled with the game on TV meant it was not surprising even though they are flying high there was not as many there.
Interesting to note Holloway criticising the United fans saying we are negative and expect too much. Apparently we get on their backs and demand it goes forward and we attack. How terrible of us. 20,000 souls turn up week in, week out and a few groans and moans when they pass it aimlessly for no reason and build at such a slow tempo. Be interesting to see if Holloway would have same opinion if he had sat and watched the utter tripe served up for the last 4 seasons (since the one decent season when we missed out) if he was so optimistic and cheery. He said Coventry fans did not moan. They were playing better than us and are 2nd. That is why?! Idiot. Some of the frustration today is a built up from a long time and if the players cannot respond and show some balls and play through a few moments of anxiety from fans; then they are not good enough for me (we know they are not).
Anyway Merry Christmas.
I am off to the States for 2 weeks next week for Xmas and New Year and so there will be no reports from me for around a month I am afraid (good some of you cry!).
United were fortunate that referee Iain Williamson did not show red to both Jay McEveley and also to Dean Hammond (for a second yellow) and also that goal line technology was not used at this level to stop George Long conceding an own goal when it seemed it may have gone over the line.
Long himself had made a few good saves to keep United in it and then rather against the run of play a keeping mistake from Reice Charles Cook saw Billy Sharp stoop to nod home. City had Sam Ricketts sent off late on due to two yellow cards as United held on for a vital three points.
Manager Adkins opted to try and have a good defensive shape as he fielded a line up that saw McEveley, Collins, Edgar and Basham all start and with Billy Sharp on the bench. Sammon and Done started up top with Martyn Woolford also getting a start on the left of midfield.
Coventry were without former Owl Reda Johnson but did start with the free scoring Adam Armstrong starting up top with the dangerous Jacob Murphy supplanting him. They featured experienced campaigners such as Ricketts, O’Brien and Vincelot. They also had Joe Cole and Marcus Tudgay on the bench. City were looking to cut the gap on league leaders Burton and pull away from the chasing pack.
After an emotional tribute to former Blades legend Alan Hodgkinson and long serving club photographer Martyn Harrison; the game kicked off with United trying to ensure they kept a solid shape with two clear banks of four with Basham and Hammond just in front of the defence.
Sammon won an early free kick on the angle but the delivery was held by Charles Cook before Fleck nearly got in at the other end.
Hammond was busy early on and broke up the play on a few occasions as Coventry showed their potential to get it down and play neat and tidy football.
A few meaty challenges went in early showing the intent of both sides before Brayford made ground and put in a good cross which the keeper pushed away as in the opinion of the referee the keeper was fouled. Both teams exchanged corners which came to nothing.
The first real chance came when Lameiras played a lovely slide rule ball that saw Armstrong beat the offside trap with McEveley playing him on and young striker was in on goal. His low shot was well saved by the diving Long.
United had a let off in the form of the referee soon after.
The ball came across to the right wing and as Lameiras touched the ball on, McEveley wildly smashed into the winger. It was high and late and most in the ground probably expected the red card but it was deemed only a yellow. It was a poor moment for the captain after what was a stupid challenge and one that could have been more costly.
Turner was off target twice from set plays and then Hammond was booked after dithering before a ball forward from Sammon saw Done checked by Turner and he too was given a yellow card.
City had shaded the first half and had the best opportunity but United had kept a decent shape and been relatively determined and quite physical in restricting the high flying Sky Blues. They will have been disappointed not to have tested Coventry at the other end with not a shot of note registering.
United were under the cosh to start the second half as Fleck had an effort on goal and then after a poor clearance from Collins, Lameiras hit a powerful shot that produced an excellent reaction save high up from Long.
Scougall came on for Woolford and was busy early on as he chased and harried but United were now definitely struggling to stop the tide.
Collins ridiculously tried to dribble the ball out and lost it as Armstrong intercepted and then the striker nut megged Collins and was in on goal but his cross was cleared away. Moments later a clear chance came when Murphy hit a low cross that somehow evaded everyone.
Joe Cole came on for O’Brien for the visitors and Sharp came on for Sammon as United tried to lift themselves.
However it was another let off as Murphy beat Brayford cut in and his cross seemed to strike the hand of Collins and then Long also appeared to spill it over the line. Replays suggested it may have gone in but the assistant maybe blocked and also the referee not in a great positon to judge, play as waved on as Long held the ball right on his goal line.
United finally had an effort on goal as Sharp hit a low shot deflected and saved quite comfortably before Scougall miscontrolled after a decent run into the box.
United had shown some lift and after being second best for long periods were now in the game and they scored with just over eleven minutes to go.
The corner came over from Coutts and was a dangerous one but the young keeper Charles Cook made a mess of it and got nowhere near it as it sailed over him and hit SHARP seemingly on the shoulder and bounced into the net. It was scarcely deserved but United fans will have not cared one bit.
Hammond was a touch fortunate to escape a second yellow after he cynically stopped a break away from Coventry; after he had already been booked but the referee just had a word.
After this Coventry tried to rouse themselves but United now were in a resolute mood and some more good challenges and break up of play saw the heat taken out of the game. Antoine Fortune was brought on for Coventry and Flynn for United as the game entered the final stages. An additional 5 minutes was to be played and after a series of poor fouls; it was City who were dismissed to 10 as Ricketts committed a wild foul on Basham who got to the ball before him.
Flynn had a good run but a weak finish as United tried to see out him before Sharp twice held the ball up well. Brayford knocked it down into the corner just before the referee ended proceedings. It was a win they maybe did not deserve but a crucial one after such a poor run of form.
United – A win. An ugly win but we take it.
A scrappy game that was very physical and not too many chances. If we had lost you probably would have said it was fair enough as they had more of the play and chances but we at least had a better game in terms of some aspects. We did many things we have not done for a while. Tackled, fouled, stopped them, slowed down play and got in their faces.
It was an odd one as on the ball we were quite poor again and never really looked a goal threat all game. We barely had a shot; let alone one on target till towards the end (stats seem surprising to me!). However we were a lot better in effort, application and dare I say it professionalism. Although with a decent ref we would have been down to 9 so it is fine lines.
We were quite niggly, cynical and dirty for me (even outside of the horrible McEveley tackle) but I was actually pleased with that. After all season (and last) being a soft touch, it was nice to see some tackles going in and we slowed teams down at the right times (yes with fouls I admit). We were very physical today and got a number booked and could have had more booked but I have seen teams do that to us over the years many times so it was nice to see it the other way too. We slowed it down and ensured they were restricted when they got in the last third. It wasn’t nice to watch but all season we have not been able to do this and suffered the consequences.
United set up as an away side in some ways and we just trying to keep a solid shape and be difficult to break down. They achieved this in most respects. The shape and unity was much better than it has been save for a bit of a mad spell second half. It was pleasing to see this resolution not to get easy chances for the opponents. If they had to bring them down then they did. It was horrible but it worked.
We were never really in any kind of flow with the ball and at times still made poor errors of judgement but for a long spell we kept our shape and restricted City to few chances. Second half we had a poor spell with a number of daft errors leading to 2 or 3 good chances for them. We became a bit ragged and looked like side we have been much of season; against a decent footballing side but City missed the chances they had and we stayed in the game.
Sharp made a difference with work ethic alone and pinched a scrappy goal; the type of goal we have been conceding much of the year.
With some tough games to come, you hope we can at least stay in touch with the playoffs and he can bring some players in. Maybe today could the impetus and a bit of fortune for us to go on a run but with so many ordinary players (Collins, McEveley, Woolford, Sammon) you worry how capable we are of going on a run and I see very average results to match the average performances to come. Hope I am wrong and today was at least a step in the right direction with effort and desire. We got stuck in and ruffled the opponents a bit. We have done that this season.
Coventry – Looked a good side; maybe the best we have seen down at the Lane. On another day with a different set of officials they could and maybe should have won the game. They restricted us to few chances and played some decent stuff. Still they did not create loads themselves really but still for an away side will say they did enough to take all three points. They knock it about well and are clearly full of confidence. They are a big strong side at the back but have some neat and tdy players in midfield who can play. They have a much smaller squad than us but do seem to have a nice mix of youth and experience. Mowbray, like you think Adkins is, is a type of manager that knows how to get teams playing to a system and has enough experience and nous to get them up. You can see why they have been winning a lot of games.
One of main worries is maybe their best two players, Murphy and Armstrong are on loan and could go back. Both could play Championship level and their parent clubs may look at them moving up a level. This would severely weaken them moving forward.
Opponent man of the match : Even though Brayford played him quite well, the lad Murphy was very dangerous. Fast, direct and tricky. Scored a lot of goals for them and some real crackers. We did well to contain him but you always felt the danger came from him. Armstrong showed some nice touches too but missed a good chance.
Opponent Weak link : Charles Cook sadly takes the prize. He was ok in general play but he did hesitate a few times on crosses and of course on the goal made a real mess of it. They were solid throughout the side but this was the moment that effectively ended the game.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 7.5/10 – Nearly made a howler when the ball took a deflection off Collins and did spin but he was lucky it was not seen as being over the line. One other cross he stayed at home second half but outside of this he did well. He made two key saves from Armstrong and then Lameiras second half (very good save). In a game of few chances his saves were key moments. For all criticism of him; he is performing better than Howard at the moment so will rightly stay in the team. His kicking is also much better than Howards. Today he was given some bad back passes and did well and found half way every one save for one in the first half. He hit a few good ones too from hands. I cannot recall any games for a long time that you say he made good saves to help us win/get a point; Long had that today.
Brayford 7/10 – Thought he was good against a very dangerous opponent. Overall was nice and solid defensively until Murphy got away from him a few times second half (including moment when they nearly scored). He got forward when he could and linked well with Coutts a few times. As I say apart from one moment, a solid defensive show and one that shows he may be getting back to his best with fitness/form. Definitely one of the few you can build around as we move forward.
McEveley 6/10 – The fact he is captain and back to playing regularly sums up our current plight. He is a poor footballer and a liability.
Should have been sent off for an awful tackle. Why he dived in like that I do not know. He then dived in again second half. His general play was mixed. He did some ok things defensively at times but then made some really poor errors and tried to overplay or do things he is not capable of doing. Him and Collins had 10 minutes of madness second half where each of them seemed to take it in turns making howlers. His hang head body language second half was telling. He looked like he did not want to be there. At times he still did some decent things, making blocks and running ball out but the mistakes seem inevitable. Away from the tackle and a few other moments he did some good things and made a few good tackles too but he is not someone we should be looking at even in the short term.
Edgar 7/10- He was ok for long spells with headers and clearances. First half he kept a decent line and was able to restrict Coventry to few opportunities. He looked more like the defender we saw when he first came. Second half had a few hesitant moments and like Collins seemed to lose his bearings for a spell but then regrouped after we got the lead and they did not have any clear chances after the goal. Booked for a cynical pull back on O’Brien as City broke.
Collins 5.5/10 – First half he was ok and won headers and got clearances in and did not make too many errors – they got caught once square when Long made the save but it was McEveley playing them on. He was fine though. Second half a different story as he made around 2 or 3 awful mistakes. The one where he overplayed and then got beat easily and then he passed it straight to them twice from inside the box. He just went to pieces. Did win a few key headers at the end but overall like a few other showed that if we want to move forward we need to dumping players of his ilk. We have carried inadequate players like him for way too long.
Basham 6.5/10 – Began game well with Hammond and helped restrict them as we kept a solid shape in midfield and passed it better than we have. They intercepted and were busy. Second half he was a mixed bag with some decent interceptions but some poor touches and control too. His passing is often slow and backwards. Not sure long term we can go anywhere with him as a midfielder. Still not convinced what his attributes are; sure he is honest and puts a shift in but not sure that is enough. Fortunate second half when he grabbed a City player by the shirt on a corner.
Hammond 7/10 – Thought he had a better game but lucky to stay on the pitch after getting deserved yellow for a pull back and then doing a worse foul towards the end that saw him get away with it. He was also fortunate second half when he grabbed a City player by the shirt on a corner. Away from the negatives he played better than he has done and I felt was our busiest midfielder today over the course of the game. Got stuck in (see above!) and covered a lot more ground than he has. His passing was a mixed bag but overall better than he has been.
Coutts 7/10 – First half he was out best player and showed neat and tidy footwork albeit in a difficult position as he was placed wide right. He did pass it better than most and looked sharp and was one of few trying to go forward but second half he did fade again and can’t recall too many contributions of note. Kept plugging away and at least lasted the full 90 minutes. Shame he only seems to be able to do it in fits and bursts though.
Woolford 5/10 – Never in the game. He barely touched it. When he did he overran it or gave it away. I could not even say he gave McEveley much protection either. Sure he helped us keep a line of four and some protection but he looks a poor player. Adkins may have liked him 7 or 8 years ago at Scunny but he was released by Millwall and you could see why. Another player taking up an unnecessary wage. Came off before the hour and did well too last that long.
Done 7/10 – Worked so hard all game with little reward. Had no real help or support from teammates and just kept chasing lost causes. Very little service and just feeding on scraps. He does keep going and always putting defenders under pressure. He did not really have any real chances of note and had to chase across the front line as nothing really came to his feet.
Sammon 4/10 – Thought he was dire and just seemed to be going through the motions. Cannot recall many things he did right. He won maybe one header all game, played in Done once and that was it. Was not a presence, did not hold it up, did not look a goal threat and did not link with others. Behind the play and so slow to react. So weak for such a big man. A player I would send back if they could; he is no better than what we have. Sharp did more in 2 minutes when he came on – granted he had not deserved to start after some poor performances.
Subs
Scougall – Worked hard and at least gave us some energy. Got out of a few defensive areas on the ball but going forward he miscontrolled once when well placed and then hit a shot into the upper tier. Seems to spent an incredible amount of time on the floor (counted 6 times he went to the deck – some were fouls of course) and always seems to have the physio on to attend to him. Very brittle to say the least. Think his lot at the moment is as an energy type player coming on
Sharp – Made a difference when he came on and looked like he had a point to prove. He had a few runs and shots but just looked determined to get forward and make things happen. Goal was fortunate but he was in the right spot. Sure he will back in the team next week. Would like to see him and Done have a run together. Sammon has proved he is no kind of target man anyway and for work rate and business, those two may at least give defenders problems.
Flynn – Came on and had one good run where he ran forward but his shot lacked power. An inconsistent player but one that surely offers more than Woolford?
Manager – Adkins 7.5/10 – He will take the win and be happy with the commitment. Still so much work to do but after so much poor performances and lack of application/desire; today saw some positive steps. He built a solid defensive type line up which many frowned at when the team was selected but he kind of had to go down that route with two banks of four due to the coughing up of goals and points we have been squandering due to stupid goals we give away. First half we got it right and were nice and solid. Second half had a poor spell and easily could have been behind but we stuck in there and last 20 minutes it was more even and we had chances too. We do need to play much better but today against a good side he maybe got it right tactically in some ways. Sammon and Woolford were brought in but neither impressed really but the latter was probably to give us more defensive cover.
He has a few out injured/suspended with Adams, Baxter, Adams and Campbell Ryce all out (not even mentioning James Wallace) and at least tried something different up top with Sharp dropped (not been playing very well) and it worked in that he came on and proved a point by scoring the winner.
Ref – Iain Williamson. Difficult game to referee as a number of fouls were committed and some quite poor ones. Led to a raft of yellow cards. Was criticised by both sets of fans; although unsure why United fans were giving him such hard time as he helped us massively with key decisions. I thought United were dirty and cynical all afternoon and could have seen two been sent off. The McEveley one was a definite red and a horror tackle that could have seriously injured the Coventry man. Hammond also got away with a second clear yellow card. Outside of this we committed so many niggly fouls and slowed the play down. The crowd screamed their frustration but most were right. The officials missed a possible penalty off Hammond (watch it back on Sky) and also off Collins and the ball seemingly being over the line when Long mishandled it. United were let off the hook twice in one moment. Ricketts could have no complaints with his two yellows; the second was a really poor challenge and had to go but Coventry will feel it will be a travesty they finished with 10 compared to United and taking off any bias I have to agree. Most of the key decisions went United’s way. Rare to say that as we seem to have had some stinkers that have not exactly favoured us.
Crowd – Did not look like they were 18,000 inside the Lane – know we often debate whether they count all season ticket holders (quite a few missing from round me). It did have a nervous air from the home fans (more below) but that is to be expected. Coventry brought maybe 1,000 fans – which was not as many as they normally bring but 12pm on a Sunday and in the lead up to Xmas; coupled with the game on TV meant it was not surprising even though they are flying high there was not as many there.
Interesting to note Holloway criticising the United fans saying we are negative and expect too much. Apparently we get on their backs and demand it goes forward and we attack. How terrible of us. 20,000 souls turn up week in, week out and a few groans and moans when they pass it aimlessly for no reason and build at such a slow tempo. Be interesting to see if Holloway would have same opinion if he had sat and watched the utter tripe served up for the last 4 seasons (since the one decent season when we missed out) if he was so optimistic and cheery. He said Coventry fans did not moan. They were playing better than us and are 2nd. That is why?! Idiot. Some of the frustration today is a built up from a long time and if the players cannot respond and show some balls and play through a few moments of anxiety from fans; then they are not good enough for me (we know they are not).
Anyway Merry Christmas.
I am off to the States for 2 weeks next week for Xmas and New Year and so there will be no reports from me for around a month I am afraid (good some of you cry!).
