Birmingham 1 United 1 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

The Blades picked up a point at St Andrews, ultimately against the odds, after a red card from Femi Seriki reduced them to ten men again. Immediately after this, United immediately conceded from the free kick from Marvin Ducksch. Despite missing a penalty, United got level through Patrick Bamford in first half stoppage time and despite Ducksch hitting the woodwork three times, the visitors managed to see the game out despite having ten men for almost 70 minutes of the game.



Wilder rotated his front two with Bamford returning and a surprise start for Danny Ings – with Cannon and Campbell dropping to the bench. The rest of the side was unchanged from the defeat at Carrow Road. Jack Robinson started for the home side who started the game three points ahead of United.



The game started in bright sunshine and Burrows tried to feed O’Hare but Klarner made the block. Birmingham created the first real chance as Pak Seung got away from Peck and found Osman whose fierce shot crashed off the outside of the post. It seemed Davies had got a touch as a corner was given, meaning it was a great save. Ducksch then got on the ball on the corner of the box and curled a delightful effort that stuck the bar with a flailing Davies beaten all ends up.



United could not get out and had carried on the poor performance in the week at Norwich, with misplaced passes and them defending so deep with no out ball at all. Tanganga found a blue shirt under little pressure and Peck had to make the block. The Blades had barely been into the opposition half in the first 15 minutes and Burrows had to come across and concede the corner. First real Blades move saw Seriki and Brooks combine but it was cleared away before the ball could reach O’Hare.



Laird got away from Seriki too easily and played in Ducksch and Davies had to get down to parry the ball. On 21 minutes disaster struck for United as the ball was played forward and Seriki brought his man down centrally. It was clear there was a call for a red card but Bindon was in the vicinity and it seemed not clear cut. Referee Robinson took his time and looked across at his assistant and then went to his back pocket and awarded the full back a red card. United had a man sent off for the sixth time since Xmas although rightfully could debate this one even if it was a clumsy foul. To compound the misery, DUCKSCH took it and curled an effort over the wall and beyond Davies into the corner. United were a man and a goal down and staring the barrel of another difficult afternoon.



Hoever came on for Ings but on 27 minutes United had a great opportunity to level – albeit in bizarre circumstances. The ball was played over the top and Beadle took a regulation catch but put the ball down and ex Blade Robinson somehow must have though that it had gone out or there a free kick had been given, and inexplicably picked the ball up. The Blades players immediately surrounded the referee who initially gave the penalty but then went to discuss the situation with the assistant. Despite appeals from Birmingham – unsure why – the decision was upheld and Robinson was booked. United had not been in the game and not even created this opportunity but had a chance to be level. Peck was kept as the designated taker, scoring two this season, but his effort was tame and lacked power and direction and Beadle made the save.



Stansfield had an effort that went wide and then Ducksch saw another chance bounce off his shin as the home side went back into a dominant mode. However, despite the lack of quality, United should have been level – again – as the ball came over from Peck and Tanganga headed back across goal. Bamford had to score but his header was too close to Beadle who made a very good save.



Birmingham then had a decent chance as the entertaining game returned to the other end. Ball was played back to Ducksch who was unmarked yet again and his low effort was turned round the post by Davies. Brooks picked up a yellow card for stopping a free kick with more ill-discipline from the Blades.



The game ticked into four minutes of stoppage time – but United did get level. It was route one as Burrows knocked it over the top and BAMFORD beat the offside trap and was in. Two clever deft touches took it past Beadle and he rolled it into empty net. A strange first half ended with parity but United knew with a man less, it would be a tough test to get anything from the game.



Robinson came off for the home side, after his comical mistake in the first half, with Panzo taking his place. The first effort came when Roberts cut in and had a shot that was saved by Davies. Birmingham were dominating the ball and moving it about but not creating too much in terms of clear chances.



Bamford had a breakout but ran into a defender before Laird did well to hold up Brooks as United had a rare spell in the Blues half.



However, was penalised for a body check out wide and as the free kick was driven in by Seung-Ho, Ducksch flicked it on but against the bar and the woodwork saved United for the third time. Hjelde replaced O’Hare as United went to a 5-3-1 formation. Good work from Roberts saw him out fox the recently introduced Hjelde but Riedewald made the block and Bindon completed the clearance.



Klaver was booked for a foul on Bamford that gave United a break from the defensive work that had to execute for almost exclusively the whole second half. Appeals for a hand ball on Hjelde were waved away before Hoever broke out in a rare attack but his cross was away from any United players. Stansfield broke the offside trap but his first touch bounced off him before Tanganga was booked, perhaps harshly, for a tackle on halfway.



Gray and Vicente replaced Osman and Laird for Birmingham and one of the changes, Gray had a low shot at Davies. The Blades made a triple change with Tom Davies, Cannon and Soumare on for Riedewald, Bamford and Brooks, as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Burrows was the next in the book as he was adjudged to have held back Stansfield.



Ducksch took the free kick and beat Davies again but once again the bar was struck with the striker cursing his luck yet again – with a bizarre hat trick of misses. Davies went down for a tactical stoppage soon after, frustrating the home crowds. Priske came on for Stansfield before Hjelde’s mistake saw United concede a corner.



Another former Blade, Doyle, replaced Solis as the game ticked into the final 10 minutes and Gray’s shot from distance was bobbled initially by Davies – but the keeper caught it on the second attempt. Tom Davies won two free kicks, using his experience as United tried to slow the game down further. Tanganga was penalised for a handball giving Ducksch another chance from a free kick but this one was comfortable for Davies.



There was to be 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played. Hoever did brilliantly to get away from two men but Cannon strayed offside from his attempted through ball. Davies was booked for timewasting as Robinson continued to frustrate the Blades players. United had a half chance as Hoever was the main threat again but his cross ricocheted off a defender and was cleared. Burrows did well in the final moments to win a free kick and the Blades were able to see out time to take the point after a hard working and brave performance with ten men for a large duration of the game.

 

[Deadbat]

United- It is a good point and a battling performance – after a game in which we gave ourselves a mountain to climb with another red card again. I thought we started slowly and were defending from the off and could have been behind even before the red card – with two off the woodwork and us just sitting in again. We barely tried to attack and just seemed to be quite negative in how we set up. The front players offered little and the midfield never got a grip. Our passing was atrocious again (and was even after the red card). Of course, we are still level and Davies has not been worked hugely (despite the two off the post/bar) and the game takes a big turn on the red card. This latest seemed very harsh to me and I was surprised he got the red card out and made it so difficult. Seriki gets in a bad position regardless of what we make of an overly officious We concede straight away and it seems like the game might be done but we get the penalty and have another good chance before scoring. We showed a lot more battle weirdly after the red card.



Second half we barely attacked really till a few late breaks from Hoever and they hit the woodwork twice more but Davies was not peppered. We defended quite well and restricted them to long range stuff. We were quite disciplined and kept a decent shape. We saw it out without too much danger – the second free kick of the post was around 20 minutes before full time – after this, they were that close to scoring? They kind of ran out of ideas and we did what we had to – and got the point. As I said above, the lack of passing and movement (with 11 and 10) continued to be a major disappointment. We seem very slow and lacking drive when we move the ball or try and go forward. It seems very slow and safe. We have some quality players who can find moments (said this about Hamer and Bamford showed this today too) but our structure and way we try and move the ball up the field and attack – is still a long way off a team hoping to win games consistently – particularly against the better teams (our record v top teams the last few seasons -even when we were at the top – is awful).



We will take the draw in the circumstances but kind of confirms what we already knew- that the season is done. Birmingham looked another team that kind of lacked belief to go on and win a game, that they should have done.



It is hard to get too excited about the final game. I think there will be a decent number moving on and feel the side that starts in August, will look completely different to the one that we saw today. In terms of the game we have left, Wrexham come to the Lane next week and if Moore is back, will have a field say with high balls and the physicality we lack in defence but to be fair, Davies, Bindon and Tanganga have been the three stand outs this week – which says it all about the players in front of them – although Bamford showed a moment of class today to get us a point. We now need to hope we can find a better recruitment window coming up – none of the players we have signed in January are now starting and Phillips/Rothwell not even in the squad today (due to injury and illness). There is a lot of work to be done as despite the battle nature of the performance (players and coaching staff deserve praise for a point with ten men for so long) there are still huge questions over the structure, quality and durability of this side.



Ratings:



Davies 6.5/10 – Another largely solid performance. Seen a few saying he should do better with the free kick but it’s a well struck effort over and round the wall. Outside of this he does not come for corners but his general play was good. He made a few decent saves and his handling was good. He looked composed and unflustered. He has been surprisingly decent. Had the woodwork to thank though for not conceding a few more!



Seriki 1.5/10 – Began the game struggling with the pace and movement of Laird and Osman. He did have one break out, combining with Brooks but we were defending mostly. The red card might be harsh but is still a cynical foul. It has been a bad week for him, being guilty of overplay on the Norwich winner and now getting sent off.



Burrows 5.5/10 – He set up the goal with a good ball forward and a few other moments when he tried to get forward and some decent interceptions too. He got outmuscled a few times though and they ran through him near the end too easily. We had to defend in numbers thought from the red card and he contributed.



Bindon 7/10 – Decent again. Used it when he could and read the game well. He made a few blocks and tackles. Did his job and has quietly become our most consistent player in recent weeks.



Tanganga 6/10 – Defensively he got some good interceptions in and was committed as we had to dig in. However, some daft moments – the yellow was harsh but he moans and seems to draw the referee’s attention a lot and picks up a lot cheap fouls. He also gets caught a fair bit. Not totally convincing again but he did put his body on the line. Nearly had an assist on the chance to Bamford.



Peck 4/10 – A difficult game – with a missed penalty and struggled to really affect things at all. We lost midfield long before the red card – of courser after this it was even harder as we saw little of the ball. Got ran past a fair bit and not clean when in possession. Looked tired his week and may need a rest but of course probably going away with the England u21’s. No issues him having the penalty, as he has scored two but it was a tame effort and easily saved.



Riedewald 4/10 – Anonymous sadly. Barely in the game and when he had it, he just helped it on. We never had any control of the game at all – before and after the red card and we just had him and Peck sat on the defence with no out ball or bravery to try and carry the ball. We have had a poor week in terms of the lack of real domination of the ball, defensive protection or any real quality going into the front players.



O’Hare 4/10 – Quiet again. He had to live off scraps but other than one cross he nearly got on the end of, but he was never really involved much as we were mostly defending. Another that is lacking the energy at the moment and not pressing opponents or really offering much on the ball.



Brooks 4/10 – Not in the game at all either and needed to do more to help Seriki early. Few flashes but Laird won the battle on the whole and he was eventually taken off. Not had the best of weeks in terms of offensive output or contribution.



Bamford 6.5/10 – He missed a brilliant chance when he should score – with the header but continued to be the one we looked to, in terms of holding the ball up or someone we could hit. The goal is not as easy as the chance he missed – took two lovely touches to take it round Beadle and a calm finish. Saw little of the game 2nd half as we had to sit in – before he came off.



Ings 2/10 – If you had not seen the team announced, you would not have even known he was playing. We were defending but he did not offer himself or show any mobility (he does not have any!) and just a spectator. He was taken off when Seriki was sent off. I think his selection today was purely to say to Cannon and Campbell, that they did not do anywhere near enough in the week – but he is not the answer. Sad that One is out at Lincoln – as much rather see him play in the final few weeks than Ings – who will be moving on at the end of the season.



Subs -



Hoever 7/10 – Thought he was good today and one of our better players. A daft foul (although that seemed harsh – was it a legitimate shoulder barge?) apart, he was faultless and defended intelligently and covered a lot of ground. He won the battle against both wingers – including the sometimes-dangerous Gray – who was awful to be fair. Was our best attacker 2nd half with some great bursts out of defence and few assists that led to the couple of half chances we had.



Hjelde 4/10 – Opposite of Hoever. He has done ok in brief cameos but today got skinned a few times, overplayed the ball and looked like he was a bit out of his depth. He struggled with the intensity of the game and they created a fair bit through Roberts down his side.



Soumare 4/10 – Not really in the game and a few times he overran the ball or made poor choices but at least tried to cover ground and help give us an extra man in midfield.



Davies 5/10 – He won a few free kicks and used his experience. Got his foot in a few times and at least chased the ball down a few times.



Cannon 3.5/10 - We needed an outlet and he never really moved at all and then ran offside when he should have gone in from Hoever’s break. You need someone to hit (pace or height). He offered neither.



Manager: Wilder 5/10 – It’s a point and the subs helped us manage the game but 3 or 4 shots go a few inches the other way and we get hammered – so it is slim margins. The Ings pick did not work as we had no mobility at all up front really. We started on the back foot and just seemed to want to defend. Weirdly after the red card and goal – we showed some fight and had a chance/penalty and then got level. Second half we did keep a decent shape and they had most of their efforts from long range (only the header was in the box) and kept a decent structure. I do think the way we started the game and just did not keep it with a structure that sees us so deep – is a worry. We have no pace and ability to get up the field due to slow, unathletic and unfit players and it means we just sit in a rigid low block and hope we just find a break from somewhere. We do not try and control games at all and just seem to let the opposition come at us. I saw him prickle at what he called ‘a small number of critical fans’ post-game but the performances in the last week (even with the red card) have not been very good at all. We did show some fight and hung in but the passing was atrocious all game and the lack of plan to get up the field, means we are not going to control many games at all.







Birmingham – I expected them to push for the playoffs and they did flirt with them for a while, but like us, have been quite inconsistent. They dropped off and have struggled to maintain a decent start. They seem to have some really good performances and then big drop offs – again much like the Blades. They have a squad like ours – with some talented players and some that are bog standard Championship players. They look a firm mid table side and there are so many similarities with how we operate and you often never know what you are going to get. They have been stronger at home and then quite frail on the road – again like us!



They will feel they should have won today of course, hitting the woodwork 4 times but their actual performance reminded me of us v WBA last week. They were slow and pedestrian in the build-up and even though they had loads of the ball – most of their chances (and ones that hit the woodwork) were long range efforts. Davies did not have loads to do and they should have created a lot more chances in general play with an extra man. They sort of run out of ideas at the end and whilst they should have won – they also conceded some big chances and did not switch on at key times. I expect they will finish around the mid table places. They will need to spend again in the summer to try and push for the playoffs as they lack the consistency and quality at the moment.



Opponent Man of the Match – Ducksch scored a great goal and had 3 other chances that hit the woodwork and caused us lots of problems. Roberts had a few other good runs and Osman was lively early. Laird did a decent job on Brooks too. Beadle also made two big saves – but I do not particularly rate him as a keeper.



Opponent Weak link – Robinson. An inexplicable mistake but sums him up – with often a mistake always around the corner. He has scored own goals, got sent off (twice) and now this. Surely, Birmingham will only go back to him in a total emergency again. Thought Stansfield was poor.



Referee / Officials – Tim Robinson. A Premier League referee – we have not seen him since we drew with Fulham 3-3 and lost 5-0 at Arsenal. I thought he was dreadful today and seemed to want to be involved as much as he can – yet could not see an advantage (twice pulled us back when we had broken). The red card I knew he was going to give – he ran from a position where he was a long way from the offence (his positional sense was poor all game) and whilst he glanced at the assistant – it seemed like his mind was made up. Bindon was right near and the ball was kind of going away – I think it is really harsh for it to be a red. He is still a fair bit from goal and there was a man right near the challenge, that could get round on the cover. It seemed the decision of a referee that wanted to show everyone he was there. I am not sure there are huge complaints if it is yellow? He books Tanganga for a nothing foul (got the ball) and seemed to give us very little gall game. He did give the penalty but they couldn’t give anything else? As the game went on, he really started to wind me up as he just did not want to give us anything at all and there was a lot of guesswork. Did not seem to be able to get around the pitch which was a surprise for a so called top flight referee.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

First again. Easy Easy Easy

 

[Maurice Maurice]

As a collective, the spirit, heart and passion shown was excellent, I'd say probably an 8 out of 10. When we went down to ten men to a fucking terrible call by the ref, and missing the penalty it would have been easy for heads to drop and be on the end of a drubbing. As it was we got organised, we were competitive, we created chances and soaked up a lot of pressure so having said all that, your marks are way too low. On another day we could have nicked it and while we weren't pretty, we were effective. No one was less than at least a 6, Seriki apart maybe but come on, to grind that out today it seems churlish to mark them so low.

UTBFTP

 

[andy m]

United- It is a good point and a battling performance – after a game in which we gave ourselves a mountain to climb with another red card again. I thought we started slowly and were defending from the off and could have been behind even before the red card – with two off the woodwork and us just sitting in again. We barely tried to attack and just seemed to be quite negative in how we set up. The front players offered little and the midfield never got a grip. Our passing was atrocious again (and was even after the red card). Of course, we are still level and Davies has not been worked hugely (despite the two off the post/bar) and the game takes a big turn on the red card. This latest seemed very harsh to me and I was surprised he got the red card out and made it so difficult. Seriki gets in a bad position regardless of what we make of an overly officious We concede straight away and it seems like the game might be done but we get the penalty and have another good chance before scoring. We showed a lot more battle weirdly after the red card.



Second half we barely attacked really till a few late breaks from Hoever and they hit the woodwork twice more but Davies was not peppered. We defended quite well and restricted them to long range stuff. We were quite disciplined and kept a decent shape. We saw it out without too much danger – the second free kick of the post was around 20 minutes before full time – after this, they were that close to scoring? They kind of ran out of ideas and we did what we had to – and got the point. As I said above, the lack of passing and movement (with 11 and 10) continued to be a major disappointment. We seem very slow and lacking drive when we move the ball or try and go forward. It seems very slow and safe. We have some quality players who can find moments (said this about Hamer and Bamford showed this today too) but our structure and way we try and move the ball up the field and attack – is still a long way off a team hoping to win games consistently – particularly against the better teams (our record v top teams the last few seasons -even when we were at the top – is awful).



We will take the draw in the circumstances but kind of confirms what we already knew- that the season is done. Birmingham looked another team that kind of lacked belief to go on and win a game, that they should have done.



It is hard to get too excited about the final game. I think there will be a decent number moving on and feel the side that starts in August, will look completely different to the one that we saw today. In terms of the game we have left, Wrexham come to the Lane next week and if Moore is back, will have a field say with high balls and the physicality we lack in defence but to be fair, Davies, Bindon and Tanganga have been the three stand outs this week – which says it all about the players in front of them – although Bamford showed a moment of class today to get us a point. We now need to hope we can find a better recruitment window coming up – none of the players we have signed in January are now starting and Phillips/Rothwell not even in the squad today (due to injury and illness). There is a lot of work to be done as despite the battle nature of the performance (players and coaching staff deserve praise for a point with ten men for so long) there are still huge questions over the structure, quality and durability of this side.



Ratings:



Davies 6.5/10 – Another largely solid performance. Seen a few saying he should do better with the free kick but it’s a well struck effort over and round the wall. Outside of this he does not come for corners but his general play was good. He made a few decent saves and his handling was good. He looked composed and unflustered. He has been surprisingly decent. Had the woodwork to thank though for not conceding a few more!



Seriki 1.5/10 – Began the game struggling with the pace and movement of Laird and Osman. He did have one break out, combining with Brooks but we were defending mostly. The red card might be harsh but is still a cynical foul. It has been a bad week for him, being guilty of overplay on the Norwich winner and now getting sent off.



Burrows 5.5/10 – He set up the goal with a good ball forward and a few other moments when he tried to get forward and some decent interceptions too. He got outmuscled a few times though and they ran through him near the end too easily. We had to defend in numbers thought from the red card and he contributed.



Bindon 7/10 – Decent again. Used it when he could and read the game well. He made a few blocks and tackles. Did his job and has quietly become our most consistent player in recent weeks.



Tanganga 6/10 – Defensively he got some good interceptions in and was committed as we had to dig in. However, some daft moments – the yellow was harsh but he moans and seems to draw the referee’s attention a lot and picks up a lot cheap fouls. He also gets caught a fair bit. Not totally convincing again but he did put his body on the line. Nearly had an assist on the chance to Bamford.



Peck 4/10 – A difficult game – with a missed penalty and struggled to really affect things at all. We lost midfield long before the red card – of courser after this it was even harder as we saw little of the ball. Got ran past a fair bit and not clean when in possession. Looked tired his week and may need a rest but of course probably going away with the England u21’s. No issues him having the penalty, as he has scored two but it was a tame effort and easily saved.



Riedewald 4/10 – Anonymous sadly. Barely in the game and when he had it, he just helped it on. We never had any control of the game at all – before and after the red card and we just had him and Peck sat on the defence with no out ball or bravery to try and carry the ball. We have had a poor week in terms of the lack of real domination of the ball, defensive protection or any real quality going into the front players.



O’Hare 4/10 – Quiet again. He had to live off scraps but other than one cross he nearly got on the end of, but he was never really involved much as we were mostly defending. Another that is lacking the energy at the moment and not pressing opponents or really offering much on the ball.



Brooks 4/10 – Not in the game at all either and needed to do more to help Seriki early. Few flashes but Laird won the battle on the whole and he was eventually taken off. Not had the best of weeks in terms of offensive output or contribution.



Bamford 6.5/10 – He missed a brilliant chance when he should score – with the header but continued to be the one we looked to, in terms of holding the ball up or someone we could hit. The goal is not as easy as the chance he missed – took two lovely touches to take it round Beadle and a calm finish. Saw little of the game 2nd half as we had to sit in – before he came off.



Ings 2/10 – If you had not seen the team announced, you would not have even known he was playing. We were defending but he did not offer himself or show any mobility (he does not have any!) and just a spectator. He was taken off when Seriki was sent off. I think his selection today was purely to say to Cannon and Campbell, that they did not do anywhere near enough in the week – but he is not the answer. Sad that One is out at Lincoln – as much rather see him play in the final few weeks than Ings – who will be moving on at the end of the season.



Subs -



Hoever 7/10 – Thought he was good today and one of our better players. A daft foul (although that seemed harsh – was it a legitimate shoulder barge?) apart, he was faultless and defended intelligently and covered a lot of ground. He won the battle against both wingers – including the sometimes-dangerous Gray – who was awful to be fair. Was our best attacker 2nd half with some great bursts out of defence and few assists that led to the couple of half chances we had.



Hjelde 4/10 – Opposite of Hoever. He has done ok in brief cameos but today got skinned a few times, overplayed the ball and looked like he was a bit out of his depth. He struggled with the intensity of the game and they created a fair bit through Roberts down his side.



Soumare 4/10 – Not really in the game and a few times he overran the ball or made poor choices but at least tried to cover ground and help give us an extra man in midfield.



Davies 5/10 – He won a few free kicks and used his experience. Got his foot in a few times and at least chased the ball down a few times.



Cannon 3.5/10 - We needed an outlet and he never really moved at all and then ran offside when he should have gone in from Hoever’s break. You need someone to hit (pace or height). He offered neither.



Manager: Wilder 5/10 – It’s a point and the subs helped us manage the game but 3 or 4 shots go a few inches the other way and we get hammered – so it is slim margins. The Ings pick did not work as we had no mobility at all up front really. We started on the back foot and just seemed to want to defend. Weirdly after the red card and goal – we showed some fight and had a chance/penalty and then got level. Second half we did keep a decent shape and they had most of their efforts from long range (only the header was in the box) and kept a decent structure. I do think the way we started the game and just did not keep it with a structure that sees us so deep – is a worry. We have no pace and ability to get up the field due to slow, unathletic and unfit players and it means we just sit in a rigid low block and hope we just find a break from somewhere. We do not try and control games at all and just seem to let the opposition come at us. I saw him prickle at what he called ‘a small number of critical fans’ post-game but the performances in the last week (even with the red card) have not been very good at all. We did show some fight and hung in but the passing was atrocious all game and the lack of plan to get up the field, means we are not going to control many games at all.







Birmingham – I expected them to push for the playoffs and they did flirt with them for a while, but like us, have been quite inconsistent. They dropped off and have struggled to maintain a decent start. They seem to have some really good performances and then big drop offs – again much like the Blades. They have a squad like ours – with some talented players and some that are bog standard Championship players. They look a firm mid table side and there are so many similarities with how we operate and you often never know what you are going to get. They have been stronger at home and then quite frail on the road – again like us!



They will feel they should have won today of course, hitting the woodwork 4 times but their actual performance reminded me of us v WBA last week. They were slow and pedestrian in the build-up and even though they had loads of the ball – most of their chances (and ones that hit the woodwork) were long range efforts. Davies did not have loads to do and they should have created a lot more chances in general play with an extra man. They sort of run out of ideas at the end and whilst they should have won – they also conceded some big chances and did not switch on at key times. I expect they will finish around the mid table places. They will need to spend again in the summer to try and push for the playoffs as they lack the consistency and quality at the moment.



Opponent Man of the Match – Ducksch scored a great goal and had 3 other chances that hit the woodwork and caused us lots of problems. Roberts had a few other good runs and Osman was lively early. Laird did a decent job on Brooks too. Beadle also made two big saves – but I do not particularly rate him as a keeper.



Opponent Weak link – Robinson. An inexplicable mistake but sums him up – with often a mistake always around the corner. He has scored own goals, got sent off (twice) and now this. Surely, Birmingham will only go back to him in a total emergency again. Thought Stansfield was poor.



Referee / Officials – Tim Robinson. A Premier League referee – we have not seen him since we drew with Fulham 3-3 and lost 5-0 at Arsenal. I thought he was dreadful today and seemed to want to be involved as much as he can – yet could not see an advantage (twice pulled us back when we had broken). The red card I knew he was going to give – he ran from a position where he was a long way from the offence (his positional sense was poor all game) and whilst he glanced at the assistant – it seemed like his mind was made up. Bindon was right near and the ball was kind of going away – I think it is really harsh for it to be a red. He is still a fair bit from goal and there was a man right near the challenge, that could get round on the cover. It seemed the decision of a referee that wanted to show everyone he was there. I am not sure there are huge complaints if it is yellow? He books Tanganga for a nothing foul (got the ball) and seemed to give us very little gall game. He did give the penalty but they couldn’t give anything else? As the game went on, he really started to wind me up as he just did not want to give us anything at all and there was a lot of guesswork. Did not seem to be able to get around the pitch which was a surprise for a so called top flight referee.

Ridiculous marks.

 

[coolasanidiot]

Tactics after losing Seriki were absolutely excellent. Shape and timings of subs perfection. Wilder 8/10 - we know you are hard to please DB but 5 is just plain wrong.

 

[Deadbat]

Tactics after losing Seriki were absolutely excellent. Shape and timings of subs perfection. Wilder 8/10 - we know you are hard to please DB but 5 is just plain wrong.

We were absolutely appalling for the first 20 mins - which led to the red card and going behind. The set up and shape was horrible at 0-0. We battled hard after trailing but there was barely two passes put together all game. We did well to restrict them chances wise amd kept to an ok shape against a dire Brum side but if we start the game with a modicum of positivity we might not be in the position we were.

 

[coolasanidiot]

We were absolutely appalling for the first 20 mins - which led to the red card and going behind. The set up and shape was horrible at 0-0. We battled hard after trailing but there was barely two passes put together all game. We did well to restrict them chances wise amd kept to an ok shape against a dire Brum side but if we start the game with a modicum of positivity we might not be in the position we were.

I saw first 20 different. First 10 we were confident and knocked it around well. Second 10 Brum countered and were slightly on top. Not appalling at all for me.
The tactics 11 v 10 was an absolute masterclass. It is extremely rare to do what the Blades did today. Felt like a win to me.
All opinions DB but appreciate your thorough report as always and constructive response.

 

[BazWainwright]

Ratings:



Davies 6.5/10 – Another largely solid performance. Seen a few saying he should do better with the free kick but it’s a well struck effort over and round the wall. Outside of this he does not come for corners but his general play was good. He made a few decent saves and his handling was good. He looked composed and unflustered. He has been surprisingly decent. Had the woodwork to thank though for not conceding a few more!



Seriki 1.5/10 – Began the game struggling with the pace and movement of Laird and Osman. He did have one break out, combining with Brooks but we were defending mostly. The red card might be harsh but is still a cynical foul. It has been a bad week for him, being guilty of overplay on the Norwich winner and now getting sent off.



Burrows 5.5/10 – He set up the goal with a good ball forward and a few other moments when he tried to get forward and some decent interceptions too. He got outmuscled a few times though and they ran through him near the end too easily. We had to defend in numbers thought from the red card and he contributed.



Bindon 7/10 – Decent again. Used it when he could and read the game well. He made a few blocks and tackles. Did his job and has quietly become our most consistent player in recent weeks.



Tanganga 6/10 – Defensively he got some good interceptions in and was committed as we had to dig in. However, some daft moments – the yellow was harsh but he moans and seems to draw the referee’s attention a lot and picks up a lot cheap fouls. He also gets caught a fair bit. Not totally convincing again but he did put his body on the line. Nearly had an assist on the chance to Bamford.



Peck 4/10 – A difficult game – with a missed penalty and struggled to really affect things at all. We lost midfield long before the red card – of courser after this it was even harder as we saw little of the ball. Got ran past a fair bit and not clean when in possession. Looked tired his week and may need a rest but of course probably going away with the England u21’s. No issues him having the penalty, as he has scored two but it was a tame effort and easily saved.



Riedewald 4/10 – Anonymous sadly. Barely in the game and when he had it, he just helped it on. We never had any control of the game at all – before and after the red card and we just had him and Peck sat on the defence with no out ball or bravery to try and carry the ball. We have had a poor week in terms of the lack of real domination of the ball, defensive protection or any real quality going into the front players.



O’Hare 4/10 – Quiet again. He had to live off scraps but other than one cross he nearly got on the end of, but he was never really involved much as we were mostly defending. Another that is lacking the energy at the moment and not pressing opponents or really offering much on the ball.



Brooks 4/10 – Not in the game at all either and needed to do more to help Seriki early. Few flashes but Laird won the battle on the whole and he was eventually taken off. Not had the best of weeks in terms of offensive output or contribution.



Bamford 6.5/10 – He missed a brilliant chance when he should score – with the header but continued to be the one we looked to, in terms of holding the ball up or someone we could hit. The goal is not as easy as the chance he missed – took two lovely touches to take it round Beadle and a calm finish. Saw little of the game 2nd half as we had to sit in – before he came off.



Ings 2/10 – If you had not seen the team announced, you would not have even known he was playing. We were defending but he did not offer himself or show any mobility (he does not have any!) and just a spectator. He was taken off when Seriki was sent off. I think his selection today was purely to say to Cannon and Campbell, that they did not do anywhere near enough in the week – but he is not the answer. Sad that One is out at Lincoln – as much rather see him play in the final few weeks than Ings – who will be moving on at the end of the season.



Subs -



Hoever 7/10 – Thought he was good today and one of our better players. A daft foul (although that seemed harsh – was it a legitimate shoulder barge?) apart, he was faultless and defended intelligently and covered a lot of ground. He won the battle against both wingers – including the sometimes-dangerous Gray – who was awful to be fair. Was our best attacker 2nd half with some great bursts out of defence and few assists that led to the couple of half chances we had.



Hjelde 4/10 – Opposite of Hoever. He has done ok in brief cameos but today got skinned a few times, overplayed the ball and looked like he was a bit out of his depth. He struggled with the intensity of the game and they created a fair bit through Roberts down his side.



Soumare 4/10 – Not really in the game and a few times he overran the ball or made poor choices but at least tried to cover ground and help give us an extra man in midfield.



Davies 5/10 – He won a few free kicks and used his experience. Got his foot in a few times and at least chased the ball down a few times.



Cannon 3.5/10 - We needed an outlet and he never really moved at all and then ran offside when he should have gone in from Hoever’s break. You need someone to hit (pace or height). He offered neither.



Manager: Wilder 5/10 – It’s a point and the subs helped us manage the game but 3 or 4 shots go a few inches the other way and we get hammered – so it is slim margins. The Ings pick did not work as we had no mobility at all up front really. We started on the back foot and just seemed to want to defend. Weirdly after the red card and goal – we showed some fight and had a chance/penalty and then got level. Second half we did keep a decent shape and they had most of their efforts from long range (only the header was in the box) and kept a decent structure. I do think the way we started the game and just did not keep it with a structure that sees us so deep – is a worry. We have no pace and ability to get up the field due to slow, unathletic and unfit players and it means we just sit in a rigid low block and hope we just find a break from somewhere. We do not try and control games at all and just seem to let the opposition come at us. I saw him prickle at what he called ‘a small number of critical fans’ post-game but the performances in the last week (even with the red card) have not been very good at all. We did show some fight and hung in but the passing was atrocious all game and the lack of plan to get up the field, means we are not going to control many games at all.







Birmingham – I expected them to push for the playoffs and they did flirt with them for a while, but like us, have been quite inconsistent. They dropped off and have struggled to maintain a decent start. They seem to have some really good performances and then big drop offs – again much like the Blades. They have a squad like ours – with some talented players and some that are bog standard Championship players. They look a firm mid table side and there are so many similarities with how we operate and you often never know what you are going to get. They have been stronger at home and then quite frail on the road – again like us!



They will feel they should have won today of course, hitting the woodwork 4 times but their actual performance reminded me of us v WBA last week. They were slow and pedestrian in the build-up and even though they had loads of the ball – most of their chances (and ones that hit the woodwork) were long range efforts. Davies did not have loads to do and they should have created a lot more chances in general play with an extra man. They sort of run out of ideas at the end and whilst they should have won – they also conceded some big chances and did not switch on at key times. I expect they will finish around the mid table places. They will need to spend again in the summer to try and push for the playoffs as they lack the consistency and quality at the moment.



Opponent Man of the Match – Ducksch scored a great goal and had 3 other chances that hit the woodwork and caused us lots of problems. Roberts had a few other good runs and Osman was lively early. Laird did a decent job on Brooks too. Beadle also made two big saves – but I do not particularly rate him as a keeper.



Opponent Weak link – Robinson. An inexplicable mistake but sums him up – with often a mistake always around the corner. He has scored own goals, got sent off (twice) and now this. Surely, Birmingham will only go back to him in a total emergency again. Thought Stansfield was poor.



Referee / Officials – Tim Robinson. A Premier League referee – we have not seen him since we drew with Fulham 3-3 and lost 5-0 at Arsenal. I thought he was dreadful today and seemed to want to be involved as much as he can – yet could not see an advantage (twice pulled us back when we had broken). The red card I knew he was going to give – he ran from a position where he was a long way from the offence (his positional sense was poor all game) and whilst he glanced at the assistant – it seemed like his mind was made up. Bindon was right near and the ball was kind of going away – I think it is really harsh for it to be a red. He is still a fair bit from goal and there was a man right near the challenge, that could get round on the cover. It seemed the decision of a referee that wanted to show everyone he was there. I am not sure there are huge complaints if it is yellow? He books Tanganga for a nothing foul (got the ball) and seemed to give us very little gall game. He did give the penalty but they couldn’t give anything else? As the game went on, he really started to wind me up as he just did not want to give us anything at all and there was a lot of guesswork. Did not seem to be able to get around the pitch which was a surprise for a so called top flight referee.

Can't disagree much there Deadbat. We did start sluggishly and looked to be making far too much hard work with only one outlet in Bamford. Ings is a spent force, sadly. We stood off far too much when they were in areas of danger hence the attempts helping up and striking the frame of the goal rather than whistling in. Seriki's sending off was not a red card. Bindon - who had another pleasing game - would have made a tackle on their player before he got full control so it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity. Peck's penalty was disappointingly poor, and we really struggled to limit Birmingham until we went 5-3-1, which was always gonna knacker the players quickly. Overall it was a good performance once our backs were against the wall but I can't help thinking that despite us being at 10 men for over an hour, we could have won that.

My only disagreements with you is Hoever, who is not at this league standard.

Jack Robinson (didn't someone on here once call him C3PO) was characteristically clunky and error prone.

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Only disagreement I have DB, is that you were too kind on the ref. You could have summed up his performance in two words ….. fucking disgraceful.

 

[Deadbat]

I saw first 20 different. First 10 we were confident and knocked it around well. Second 10 Brum countered and were slightly on top. Not appalling at all for me.
The tactics 11 v 10 was an absolute masterclass. It is extremely rare to do what the Blades did today. Felt like a win to me.
All opinions DB but appreciate your thorough report as always and constructive response.

No worries and thanks for your sensible reply. I do wonder if 2 or 3 of the ones that hit the post went in, whether some would be saying though, about it being a masterclass? I know they didn't! We had a lot of luck yesterday (not getting into the argument about it not being unlucky if you hit the woodwork - 4 times is really unlucky IMHO).

 

[Deadbat]

Can't disagree much there Deadbat. We did start sluggishly and looked to be making far too much hard work with only one outlet in Bamford. Ings is a spent force, sadly. We stood off far too much when they were in areas of danger hence the attempts helping up and striking the frame of the goal rather than whistling in. Seriki's sending off was not a red card. Bindon - who had another pleasing game - would have made a tackle on their player before he got full control so it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity. Peck's penalty was disappointingly poor, and we really struggled to limit Birmingham until we went 5-3-1, which was always gonna knacker the players quickly. Overall it was a good performance once our backs were against the wall but I can't help thinking that despite us being at 10 men for over an hour, we could have won that.

My only disagreements with you is Hoever, who is not at this league standard.

Jack Robinson (didn't someone on here once call him C3PO) was characteristically clunky and error prone.

I agree generally on Hoever but thought he played really well yesterday when he came on. He was our main attacking threat.

 

[232 Bramall Lane]

At the time I thought that the Red Card was given on the advice of the Assistant Referee. I didn't think the ref was going to give it.

 

[Deadbat]

At the time I thought that the Red Card was given on the advice of the Assistant Referee. I didn't think the ref was going to give it.

I think he thought red by his body language but he was miles behind play. He looked at his assistant who I assumed nodded? (they don't have ability to communicate in champ do they via headphones/mics?). I'm not sure for such a big decision why he didn't go across and properly talk to him- he did with the Robinskn one.

It all seemed a bit 'I think he's last man but I'm not sure' to me. There was enough doubt with Bindon, the touch taking it away, that it surely was a yellow? We saw 2 others at Millwall and Hull that were similar in terms of enough doubt, so wonder if refs been told to err on the side if the attacking teams now? Always used to be other way round but not sure there is ever been an official, 'defensive side get benefit of the doubt' rule despite my Dad always telling me that!

 

[Keen Blade]

Game that suited our "Wilder defensive type of team".
Absolutely no idea how to create/attack.
We are a squad full of dross , which - like you - I pray will be significantly overhauled in the summer , despite there being a severe lack of £.
Outlook is not great.
The only hope to which I can cling for next season is that two non-parachute clubs sit at the top with Millwall , Hull & Wrexham close by.

 

[Valley Blade]

Can't disagree much there Deadbat. We did start sluggishly and looked to be making far too much hard work with only one outlet in Bamford. Ings is a spent force, sadly. We stood off far too much when they were in areas of danger hence the attempts helping up and striking the frame of the goal rather than whistling in. Seriki's sending off was not a red card. Bindon - who had another pleasing game - would have made a tackle on their player before he got full control so it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity. Peck's penalty was disappointingly poor, and we really struggled to limit Birmingham until we went 5-3-1, which was always gonna knacker the players quickly. Overall it was a good performance once our backs were against the wall but I can't help thinking that despite us being at 10 men for over an hour, we could have won that.

My only disagreements with you is Hoever, who is not at this league standard.

Jack Robinson (didn't someone on here once call him C3PO) was characteristically clunky and error prone.

He is judging Hoever on one particular match. Yesterday he played very well. His skill going around their player and through ball to Cannon, was a level above this league.

 

[bladesince64]

If there is any doubt on a big decision ie a red card, sending off, disallowing a goal etc the ref should always err on the side of caution and/or get a 2nd opinion.

What's to lose just by speaking to the assistant? Unless of course you're so arrogant that you're running the show and want to be the centre of attention.

With many of the red cards being away from home as well makes me think that the refs are swayed by the huge crowd reactions.

 

[cooperblade]

At the time I thought that the Red Card was given on the advice of the Assistant Referee. I didn't think the ref was going to give it.

I think it was given on the advice of Jack Robinson and the other 9 Blues players who ran from all over the pitch to surround the referee.

 

[coolasanidiot]

If there is any doubt on a big decision ie a red card, sending off, disallowing a goal etc the ref should always err on the side of caution and/or get a 2nd opinion.

What's to lose just by speaking to the assistant? Unless of course you're so arrogant that you're running the show and want to be the centre of attention.

With many of the red cards being away from home as well makes me think that the refs are swayed by the huge crowd reactions.

For me the ref was in 2 minds and his face looked like his brain was in a fog. He did seek assistants help and it was that dopey f***** that sealed our fate.

Not everything VAR does is good but in this case he'd have got a yellow if Championship had it.