Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,552
- Reaction score
- 38,760
After a number of disappointing results and performances it was a pleasant surprise to see the Blades see off Oldham Athletic rather comfortably with a much improved performance. In the end United ran out 3-0 winners in a game that saw the home side play with a better tempo, purpose and shape. In truth Oldham looked like relegation fodder but United beat what in front of them and for the first time for a long time it was a controlled performance. The Blades were on top from the start and well taken goals from Brayford and Flynn gave them the cushion. After the break George Long had to make a smart save and substitute Main hit the bar with a howitzer before Sharp sealed matters late on after Brayford’s clever ball.
United manager Adkins opted to give youngster Whiteman his league bow and he started alongside Hammond and Flynn with United keeping with the wing back system with three at the back and three in midfield. With the outgoing Collins not involved it was two loanees Edgar and Baptise alongside skipper McEveley. Adams and Sharp led the line. Athletic were managed by former Owl John Sheridan and had ex Blade Forte as skipper on his return to the Lane. They had been struggling much of the season but had only lost two away from home.
The game began with keeper Coleman almost letting the ball go under his foot before hurriedly kicking clear and this set the tone for the opening with Oldham looked very edgy at the back. United had a good early tempo with Whiteman and Hammond moving it on quickly and looking to go forward when they could. Done was influential early on in his wing back position and twice he overlapped before his dangerous crosses were cleared. Flynn was busy from the start and he kept getting on the ball and probing. His runs and play nearly led to a chance for Sharp before Adams was crowded out. United were completely on top and the crowd were enjoying the renewed vigour and purpose of the home side.
It was not long before the opening goal came after only 10 minutes. Done was again involved and then firstly Flynn won it and then Adams never gave up and kept battling away to ensure he got a shot away and then Whiteman switched it onto BRAYFORD who let it bounce before hitting it with his unfamiliar left foot into the far corner giving the keeper no chance. It was an excellent goal from a player who had been out of form in recent times.
United continued to control things and Oldham had no answer for the movement of Done, Adams and Sharp. Flynn was showing some lovely touches and United won a series of corners and free kicks deep in Athletic territory. A neat ‘over’ nearly saw Sharp in before Adams had a shot saved by the keeper after more good build up. Done then fired across goal when no one could get a touch.
Soon after it was 2-0 for United and another very good goal. The ball was played through by Whiteman and FLYNN was in and beat the offside trap and suddenly found himself one on one amongst big gaps in the Oldham defence. He had an age to decide what he wanted to do and opted to draw the keeper and stayed on his feet despite some contact but had a lot to do but from a tight angle clipped it nonchalantly into the far corner to extend the lead.
Not long after it was nearly three. Flynn was in again after more good build up but after he cut in and steadied himself he blazed over when he perhaps could have done better.
Done then cut in and had another cross that just missed Sharp as United looked to seal matters before the break. Oldham had done little going forward and one rare Gerrard header from a set play was the only moment of note. They looked a side bereft of confidence and will have been glad to have just gone in only two goals down.
The second half saw Oldham replace a defender with an attacker as Dummigan came on for Main and the Latics went more attacking in formation. The half began in a scrappier fashion and play for both sides was a little fragmented. United did not have same control of midfield and it was more even. Indeed, Oldham started to have a good spell and Main was in after some hesitant defending but his low shot was excellent turned round the post by Long. The United custodian caught the resultant corner to complete an impressive few moments.
Wilson and Thiele came on for Jones and Holloway as Oldham played all their cards before the hour mark and came so close to cutting the lead.
Main carried the ball on and from fully 30 yards hit a superb shot that hit the underside of the bar and bounced down but away from the goal. It was a tremendous effort and could have seen Oldham back in the game.
United had not been as efficient in ball retention or the pressing style of the first half and it saw some frustration from the crowd but they slowly started to regain some control and got both Brayford and Done going forward once again. This saw Oldham going the other way once again. Sharp nearly got in and then some neat play led to a half chance for Flynn.
Reed came on for Hammond and United now had 5 Academy products on the field. United had took the sting out of the game and a series
Coutts came on for Whiteman who seemed to take a knock and the youngster was giving a standing ovation for his tidy debut.
Brayford clipped the ball inside the defence and as the Oldham player dithered, SHARP nipped in and fired in at the near post past the exposed keeper.
United – It was much, much better than it had been. Hard to tell if the opposition were so bad or if we had just an improved show. It was probably somewhere in the middle. Overall we played with a much better pace. We started the game well. We got into them and won loose balls. We moved it forward faster and the two wing backs overlapped and caused problems from the start. I also felt we moved it quicker and forward with more gusto. It had a purpose.
We got men around the forward players and Done was a constant threat. Flynn was a busy performer all game and was very influential making runs from deep. It is a long time since we have had players going beyond the forwards but these two did that more than once. Hammond was better in what he did and young Whiteman kept it simple but often moved it first time rather than taking so many touches such as Basham and Coutts often do 9and Baxter beforehand). The defence were really not tested until the second half when we had a 20-minute lethargic spell when we sat off again and Long had to make a good save and then they had a great shot that hit the underside of the bar. Of course one of these goes in and we may have become jittery but then we got back on top and got the third and it was game over.
It just was shaper all around and for long spells save for the above spell had a better shape and pattern. They controlled midfield and we also seemed to have better movement on and off the ball. Sharp and Adams linked well and had a few one two’s and overs that nearly came off. Things did not always come off for them two but they worked hard all game. Overall there was not one really poor performer and it was much improved.
Still Oldham were really poor and they looked reminiscent of us most of the season. No one knew who was marking who and they looked bewildered by our shape and who to mark. It could have been 3-4-0 by half time and it was very one sided.
It is pleasing that slowly likes of Collins (Baxter too come too maybe) are being moved on. Not convinced long term by the likes of Baptise and Edgar but they are an improvement on what we have had. Flynn had his best game for ages and overall I felt we just looked more interested and hungrier. Today was the best for a while but we have seen some dross so I am not getting carried away. We were due a better performance. Still think the playoffs are out of reach due to number of teams and points above us and fact we have not shown we are capable of putting a run of wins together. I think Adkins has made a conscious effort to start looking at the future and the fact we had 5 (6 f you count Forte for them) Blades academy recruits on the field at one point shows a definite shift in emphasis. Not convinced totally by some of the kids and think you would only get away with 1 or 2 in a promotion seeking side but good to see Adkins is willing to play them now and I think most fans would rather watch the youngsters than some ageing players on a last pay day.
Millwall next week is a must win game. If we do lose that then we would probably be too far off and really start planning for next season. At least now we have enough points in all reality not to worry about going down!
Oldham – Worst side I have seen down at the Lane and there has been some bad ones including ourselves! They started so slowly from the start and second best for most of game same for a brief spell second half when they had two decent efforts.
Defensively they were all over the place and they never seemed to handle our system (gosh I cannot believe I am saying that!). Down their right hand defensive side they had big gaps all over the place and we seemed to get into little pockets. They did not know who to pick up and it looked like we might make chances and score on a number of occasions. They tried to match us with 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 but not sure this worked and we seemed to have man over as the strikers got cut off from their midfield who never got into the game. They changed it after the break and went more direct and had 3 up top with sub Main, Forte, Holloway (then the delightfully named Timmy Tielle – on loan from Burton – sounded like a children’s book character).
Sheridan seemed frustrated with them from the off. They never got going and seemed pinned in all first half. It could have been out of sight first half but they did have a bit of a go second half and if one of the two chances could have gone it; it could have been different but it was all too little, too late. They looked a poor side and a side destined for relegation. Surprised likes of Croft who is an annoying sod but has experience was not brought on. They look a side lacking leaders and lacking goals. I dear for them.
Opponent man of the match: The young striker Holloway plugged away and kept chasing and looked most likely feeding off scraps. He was oddly taken off around the hour mark when I felt he looked the most promising player.
Opponent Weak link : A few. Dummigan. The young right back never got to grips with Done all game and was taken off when they went more attacking at half time. So many attacks came down the Oldham right side and it seemed like they could not stop the flow. The keeper Coleman was also poor. I thought the keeper looked woeful all game. He nearly let one under his foot into the net at the start and then after that his game went to pieces. He missed crosses, looked decidedly dodgy when he did handle and I felt the backline had no confidence in him at all. He actually reminded me of Long a few years ago when he looked similarly erratic. Still did not help having such a disorganised defence in front of him. I thought Forte was not much better. He fell over all game looking for fouls and looked woeful running it out twice. He did win a few headers.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 7/10 – Had little to do all game but what he did he did well other than one edgy moment where he and Edgar seemed to get confused before the latter cleared it. Made one great save from a header when it was actually stopped for an infringement. The one he made second half was a great save as it was hit with pace and was low down. He then caught the corner. His kicking was mixed. He seems better when under pressure and gets more distance than when he has time when he often kicks it to no one.
Brayford 7/10 – Better game all around. He still had a few moments defensively but got forward well and had a few runs all game which led to chances. He scored a good goal with a left footed half volley which was not easy which set us on the way. He was involved all game linking with others and made the third goal with a clever ball. Had a few other good runs too. Overall just looked more lively and sharper than he has for some weeks as did the whole team. One moment of hesitation almost let them in but overall a good display.
Done 8/10 – My United man of the match. Not sure it his best position really and unconvinced he will be able to defend against a proper winger but today he just attacked all game and Oldham did not know what to do with him. All game he got down the flank, overlapping and put in so much energy and effort. He had 2 or 3 runs early on and good crosses and this carried on all game. Second half continued to look a threat and kept sending Oldham men going the other way. Just so direct and positive.
McEveley 7.5/10 – Very good again. He had one poor misplaced ball but other than that he won tackles, was sensible and kept his shape. He has been much improved for me the last few months and gulp would you consider giving him another year due to his ability to play a number of positions. I am not sure as I think we need to look a different direction but he has been one of our most consistent players. Better in a three as he can go forward a bit more or know he has cover if he makes a mistake.
Edgar 6.5/10- Thought he was ok but still maybe our poorest performer (still ok). Felt he was sloppy a few times defensively and not sure he imposes himself enough. Those loose touches and passes aside he won headers and had one run forward. Still not sure I would sign him long term.
Baptiste 7/10 – Started game as he finished the last home one with a few dodgy touches and Forte beat him three times in the air. After this he grew into the game and I felt he started to look more assured. He read the game well and looked more composed. Quicker than you think. Has played at a higher level and you could tell as the game went on. Gives us a bit more pace and mobility.
Hammond 7/10 – Solid and better than he has been with some young legs around him. A few poor passes but overall he won it and gave it off quicker than he has. He switched it right and left well and tried to move it forward when he could. Not sure he has the pace or mobility we need longer term but today he was improved. Still committed a few daft fouls and was lucky not to get booked. Went off seemingly injured. Another one that seems like he struggles to last 90 minutes.
Whiteman 7/10 – Thought he was decent and a promising full debut. He moved it first time and did it with pace. He did nothing amazing but kept it simple and played with poise. He made the first and second goal with a knock on and through ball and a few other decent balls. He did not make many mistakes (one which led to Long save and then another for a booking where he got caught and hacked someone down) and looked more mature than someone his age in most things he did. He is a good size for someone so young and when he fills out could a decent physique. Got a knock late on and went off and maybe should have come off before as he was struggling a bit.
Flynn 8/10 – First half he was excellent and ran the show from midfield. He got on the ball, dribbled forward, was the link between attack and midfield and broke from deep as shown on the goal. Always has been a good finisher when one on one and he showed that again today. Frustrating player as he is someone who in his time at the Blades has shown performances like this. Sadly they have been few and far between and that was maybe the best he has played this season. He did not have as big of an impact second half and did fade when they had that better spell. Still it was more energetic and positive performance than we have seen from a midfielder for a long time.
Adams 7/10 – Thought whilst everything did not come off, he worked hard and put a shift in. He never gave up and a few lost causes were chased leading to attacks. He did well on the first goal and a few other nice bits of play between him, Done, Flynn and Sharp nearly led to chances. He snatched at a few half chances but overall he did a good job for the team in terms of work ethic and movement.
Sharp 7/10 – Held ball up well off chest and thigh and brought others into play. Some things did not come off but he tried to link with others and he and Adams at least moved off each other and tried some clever interchange. Both were constantly in motion and got defenders thinking and often turned going towards their own goal. Only had one real chance and took it well as he fired home with power.
Subs:
Calvert Lewin – Not really convincing when he came on. He ran around but looks a bit Bambi on Ice to me. His touch is not the best and he seems to struggle to know where to run or stand even on simple throws/set plays. Looks very raw to me in games I have seen.
Reed – Got on the ball when he could and tried to move it sideways and to free men. A few times he lost his man defensively. Seems a bit part (squad) player at the moment and not sure he looks anywhere near a first team regular than he did 2 seasons ago sadly.
Coutts – Helped us keep the ball near the end as he came on for Whiteman. Had a few neat touches and then nearly saw us get another chance with 2 one-two’s before his final ball to Sharp did not quite come off.
Manager – Adkins 7.5/10 – A win. A clean sheet and he blooded some youngsters again. The formation worked today and for once a team seemed more worried about us than we were about them. Credit to him today. He left out some more experienced players such as Basham and Coutts but to quote NA we had ‘an energy about us today.’ Felt we started game much more determined and positive than we have done for a long time and Oldham looked cold (not played for 2 weeks) and we never let up. First half they barely got in our half and it was dominant. Finally, we got on top of teams and players broke from deep as we got men into the box and caused problems for the opposition.
Ref – Really good. Apart from getting in Sharp’s way once and then also ran into one of the Oldham midfield too! He kept game flowing and seemed like he did not want to book anyone till young Whiteman got booked but more for a culmination of a series of fouls and he kind of had to book someone at that stage. He was not fussy and just let the game go. No problems at all. Not helped by two quite indecisive assistants/linesman who kept looking at him for decisions!
Crowd – Another healthy 18,000+ crowd which was again testament to the great support. Oldham brought 800+ which was a decent following considering the poor form and also the train problems all day that affected many coming into Sheffield station. The crowd appreciated the more forward thinking play and were buoyed by the good start. It was odd though as the game was almost over after it went 2-0 and became a bit flat. Still a long time since they have been clapped off at both half and full time!
United manager Adkins opted to give youngster Whiteman his league bow and he started alongside Hammond and Flynn with United keeping with the wing back system with three at the back and three in midfield. With the outgoing Collins not involved it was two loanees Edgar and Baptise alongside skipper McEveley. Adams and Sharp led the line. Athletic were managed by former Owl John Sheridan and had ex Blade Forte as skipper on his return to the Lane. They had been struggling much of the season but had only lost two away from home.
The game began with keeper Coleman almost letting the ball go under his foot before hurriedly kicking clear and this set the tone for the opening with Oldham looked very edgy at the back. United had a good early tempo with Whiteman and Hammond moving it on quickly and looking to go forward when they could. Done was influential early on in his wing back position and twice he overlapped before his dangerous crosses were cleared. Flynn was busy from the start and he kept getting on the ball and probing. His runs and play nearly led to a chance for Sharp before Adams was crowded out. United were completely on top and the crowd were enjoying the renewed vigour and purpose of the home side.
It was not long before the opening goal came after only 10 minutes. Done was again involved and then firstly Flynn won it and then Adams never gave up and kept battling away to ensure he got a shot away and then Whiteman switched it onto BRAYFORD who let it bounce before hitting it with his unfamiliar left foot into the far corner giving the keeper no chance. It was an excellent goal from a player who had been out of form in recent times.
United continued to control things and Oldham had no answer for the movement of Done, Adams and Sharp. Flynn was showing some lovely touches and United won a series of corners and free kicks deep in Athletic territory. A neat ‘over’ nearly saw Sharp in before Adams had a shot saved by the keeper after more good build up. Done then fired across goal when no one could get a touch.
Soon after it was 2-0 for United and another very good goal. The ball was played through by Whiteman and FLYNN was in and beat the offside trap and suddenly found himself one on one amongst big gaps in the Oldham defence. He had an age to decide what he wanted to do and opted to draw the keeper and stayed on his feet despite some contact but had a lot to do but from a tight angle clipped it nonchalantly into the far corner to extend the lead.
Not long after it was nearly three. Flynn was in again after more good build up but after he cut in and steadied himself he blazed over when he perhaps could have done better.
Done then cut in and had another cross that just missed Sharp as United looked to seal matters before the break. Oldham had done little going forward and one rare Gerrard header from a set play was the only moment of note. They looked a side bereft of confidence and will have been glad to have just gone in only two goals down.
The second half saw Oldham replace a defender with an attacker as Dummigan came on for Main and the Latics went more attacking in formation. The half began in a scrappier fashion and play for both sides was a little fragmented. United did not have same control of midfield and it was more even. Indeed, Oldham started to have a good spell and Main was in after some hesitant defending but his low shot was excellent turned round the post by Long. The United custodian caught the resultant corner to complete an impressive few moments.
Wilson and Thiele came on for Jones and Holloway as Oldham played all their cards before the hour mark and came so close to cutting the lead.
Main carried the ball on and from fully 30 yards hit a superb shot that hit the underside of the bar and bounced down but away from the goal. It was a tremendous effort and could have seen Oldham back in the game.
United had not been as efficient in ball retention or the pressing style of the first half and it saw some frustration from the crowd but they slowly started to regain some control and got both Brayford and Done going forward once again. This saw Oldham going the other way once again. Sharp nearly got in and then some neat play led to a half chance for Flynn.
Reed came on for Hammond and United now had 5 Academy products on the field. United had took the sting out of the game and a series
Coutts came on for Whiteman who seemed to take a knock and the youngster was giving a standing ovation for his tidy debut.
Brayford clipped the ball inside the defence and as the Oldham player dithered, SHARP nipped in and fired in at the near post past the exposed keeper.
United – It was much, much better than it had been. Hard to tell if the opposition were so bad or if we had just an improved show. It was probably somewhere in the middle. Overall we played with a much better pace. We started the game well. We got into them and won loose balls. We moved it forward faster and the two wing backs overlapped and caused problems from the start. I also felt we moved it quicker and forward with more gusto. It had a purpose.
We got men around the forward players and Done was a constant threat. Flynn was a busy performer all game and was very influential making runs from deep. It is a long time since we have had players going beyond the forwards but these two did that more than once. Hammond was better in what he did and young Whiteman kept it simple but often moved it first time rather than taking so many touches such as Basham and Coutts often do 9and Baxter beforehand). The defence were really not tested until the second half when we had a 20-minute lethargic spell when we sat off again and Long had to make a good save and then they had a great shot that hit the underside of the bar. Of course one of these goes in and we may have become jittery but then we got back on top and got the third and it was game over.
It just was shaper all around and for long spells save for the above spell had a better shape and pattern. They controlled midfield and we also seemed to have better movement on and off the ball. Sharp and Adams linked well and had a few one two’s and overs that nearly came off. Things did not always come off for them two but they worked hard all game. Overall there was not one really poor performer and it was much improved.
Still Oldham were really poor and they looked reminiscent of us most of the season. No one knew who was marking who and they looked bewildered by our shape and who to mark. It could have been 3-4-0 by half time and it was very one sided.
It is pleasing that slowly likes of Collins (Baxter too come too maybe) are being moved on. Not convinced long term by the likes of Baptise and Edgar but they are an improvement on what we have had. Flynn had his best game for ages and overall I felt we just looked more interested and hungrier. Today was the best for a while but we have seen some dross so I am not getting carried away. We were due a better performance. Still think the playoffs are out of reach due to number of teams and points above us and fact we have not shown we are capable of putting a run of wins together. I think Adkins has made a conscious effort to start looking at the future and the fact we had 5 (6 f you count Forte for them) Blades academy recruits on the field at one point shows a definite shift in emphasis. Not convinced totally by some of the kids and think you would only get away with 1 or 2 in a promotion seeking side but good to see Adkins is willing to play them now and I think most fans would rather watch the youngsters than some ageing players on a last pay day.
Millwall next week is a must win game. If we do lose that then we would probably be too far off and really start planning for next season. At least now we have enough points in all reality not to worry about going down!
Oldham – Worst side I have seen down at the Lane and there has been some bad ones including ourselves! They started so slowly from the start and second best for most of game same for a brief spell second half when they had two decent efforts.
Defensively they were all over the place and they never seemed to handle our system (gosh I cannot believe I am saying that!). Down their right hand defensive side they had big gaps all over the place and we seemed to get into little pockets. They did not know who to pick up and it looked like we might make chances and score on a number of occasions. They tried to match us with 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 but not sure this worked and we seemed to have man over as the strikers got cut off from their midfield who never got into the game. They changed it after the break and went more direct and had 3 up top with sub Main, Forte, Holloway (then the delightfully named Timmy Tielle – on loan from Burton – sounded like a children’s book character).
Sheridan seemed frustrated with them from the off. They never got going and seemed pinned in all first half. It could have been out of sight first half but they did have a bit of a go second half and if one of the two chances could have gone it; it could have been different but it was all too little, too late. They looked a poor side and a side destined for relegation. Surprised likes of Croft who is an annoying sod but has experience was not brought on. They look a side lacking leaders and lacking goals. I dear for them.
Opponent man of the match: The young striker Holloway plugged away and kept chasing and looked most likely feeding off scraps. He was oddly taken off around the hour mark when I felt he looked the most promising player.
Opponent Weak link : A few. Dummigan. The young right back never got to grips with Done all game and was taken off when they went more attacking at half time. So many attacks came down the Oldham right side and it seemed like they could not stop the flow. The keeper Coleman was also poor. I thought the keeper looked woeful all game. He nearly let one under his foot into the net at the start and then after that his game went to pieces. He missed crosses, looked decidedly dodgy when he did handle and I felt the backline had no confidence in him at all. He actually reminded me of Long a few years ago when he looked similarly erratic. Still did not help having such a disorganised defence in front of him. I thought Forte was not much better. He fell over all game looking for fouls and looked woeful running it out twice. He did win a few headers.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 7/10 – Had little to do all game but what he did he did well other than one edgy moment where he and Edgar seemed to get confused before the latter cleared it. Made one great save from a header when it was actually stopped for an infringement. The one he made second half was a great save as it was hit with pace and was low down. He then caught the corner. His kicking was mixed. He seems better when under pressure and gets more distance than when he has time when he often kicks it to no one.
Brayford 7/10 – Better game all around. He still had a few moments defensively but got forward well and had a few runs all game which led to chances. He scored a good goal with a left footed half volley which was not easy which set us on the way. He was involved all game linking with others and made the third goal with a clever ball. Had a few other good runs too. Overall just looked more lively and sharper than he has for some weeks as did the whole team. One moment of hesitation almost let them in but overall a good display.
Done 8/10 – My United man of the match. Not sure it his best position really and unconvinced he will be able to defend against a proper winger but today he just attacked all game and Oldham did not know what to do with him. All game he got down the flank, overlapping and put in so much energy and effort. He had 2 or 3 runs early on and good crosses and this carried on all game. Second half continued to look a threat and kept sending Oldham men going the other way. Just so direct and positive.
McEveley 7.5/10 – Very good again. He had one poor misplaced ball but other than that he won tackles, was sensible and kept his shape. He has been much improved for me the last few months and gulp would you consider giving him another year due to his ability to play a number of positions. I am not sure as I think we need to look a different direction but he has been one of our most consistent players. Better in a three as he can go forward a bit more or know he has cover if he makes a mistake.
Edgar 6.5/10- Thought he was ok but still maybe our poorest performer (still ok). Felt he was sloppy a few times defensively and not sure he imposes himself enough. Those loose touches and passes aside he won headers and had one run forward. Still not sure I would sign him long term.
Baptiste 7/10 – Started game as he finished the last home one with a few dodgy touches and Forte beat him three times in the air. After this he grew into the game and I felt he started to look more assured. He read the game well and looked more composed. Quicker than you think. Has played at a higher level and you could tell as the game went on. Gives us a bit more pace and mobility.
Hammond 7/10 – Solid and better than he has been with some young legs around him. A few poor passes but overall he won it and gave it off quicker than he has. He switched it right and left well and tried to move it forward when he could. Not sure he has the pace or mobility we need longer term but today he was improved. Still committed a few daft fouls and was lucky not to get booked. Went off seemingly injured. Another one that seems like he struggles to last 90 minutes.
Whiteman 7/10 – Thought he was decent and a promising full debut. He moved it first time and did it with pace. He did nothing amazing but kept it simple and played with poise. He made the first and second goal with a knock on and through ball and a few other decent balls. He did not make many mistakes (one which led to Long save and then another for a booking where he got caught and hacked someone down) and looked more mature than someone his age in most things he did. He is a good size for someone so young and when he fills out could a decent physique. Got a knock late on and went off and maybe should have come off before as he was struggling a bit.
Flynn 8/10 – First half he was excellent and ran the show from midfield. He got on the ball, dribbled forward, was the link between attack and midfield and broke from deep as shown on the goal. Always has been a good finisher when one on one and he showed that again today. Frustrating player as he is someone who in his time at the Blades has shown performances like this. Sadly they have been few and far between and that was maybe the best he has played this season. He did not have as big of an impact second half and did fade when they had that better spell. Still it was more energetic and positive performance than we have seen from a midfielder for a long time.
Adams 7/10 – Thought whilst everything did not come off, he worked hard and put a shift in. He never gave up and a few lost causes were chased leading to attacks. He did well on the first goal and a few other nice bits of play between him, Done, Flynn and Sharp nearly led to chances. He snatched at a few half chances but overall he did a good job for the team in terms of work ethic and movement.
Sharp 7/10 – Held ball up well off chest and thigh and brought others into play. Some things did not come off but he tried to link with others and he and Adams at least moved off each other and tried some clever interchange. Both were constantly in motion and got defenders thinking and often turned going towards their own goal. Only had one real chance and took it well as he fired home with power.
Subs:
Calvert Lewin – Not really convincing when he came on. He ran around but looks a bit Bambi on Ice to me. His touch is not the best and he seems to struggle to know where to run or stand even on simple throws/set plays. Looks very raw to me in games I have seen.
Reed – Got on the ball when he could and tried to move it sideways and to free men. A few times he lost his man defensively. Seems a bit part (squad) player at the moment and not sure he looks anywhere near a first team regular than he did 2 seasons ago sadly.
Coutts – Helped us keep the ball near the end as he came on for Whiteman. Had a few neat touches and then nearly saw us get another chance with 2 one-two’s before his final ball to Sharp did not quite come off.
Manager – Adkins 7.5/10 – A win. A clean sheet and he blooded some youngsters again. The formation worked today and for once a team seemed more worried about us than we were about them. Credit to him today. He left out some more experienced players such as Basham and Coutts but to quote NA we had ‘an energy about us today.’ Felt we started game much more determined and positive than we have done for a long time and Oldham looked cold (not played for 2 weeks) and we never let up. First half they barely got in our half and it was dominant. Finally, we got on top of teams and players broke from deep as we got men into the box and caused problems for the opposition.
Ref – Really good. Apart from getting in Sharp’s way once and then also ran into one of the Oldham midfield too! He kept game flowing and seemed like he did not want to book anyone till young Whiteman got booked but more for a culmination of a series of fouls and he kind of had to book someone at that stage. He was not fussy and just let the game go. No problems at all. Not helped by two quite indecisive assistants/linesman who kept looking at him for decisions!
Crowd – Another healthy 18,000+ crowd which was again testament to the great support. Oldham brought 800+ which was a decent following considering the poor form and also the train problems all day that affected many coming into Sheffield station. The crowd appreciated the more forward thinking play and were buoyed by the good start. It was odd though as the game was almost over after it went 2-0 and became a bit flat. Still a long time since they have been clapped off at both half and full time!
