Birmingham 1 United 2 - report/pod

[Deadbat]

Podcast links and then report below….





https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/id1508158343?i=1000550118246



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United made further inroads up the league table after a come from behind victory at St Andrews on Friday night. It was the first time the Blades had won at the second city venue since before the millennium. United had controlled the first half without creating anything of note outside of an Ndiaye penalty appeal but then threatened to implode second half with some poor defending seeing Lyle Taylor score and Bacuna could have made it two shortly after but missed a great chance. Sharp’s clinical finish and Bogle finishing a lovely well worked team move, despite appeals for offside, completed the turnaround. United did what they had not done very often this season and saw out the final stages comfortably and made it three wins out of three and have now won 7 out of 9 games under Heckingbottom.



United were without Rhian Brewster in a week where his hamstring injury was confirmed amongst a number of other departures of fringes players like Mousset, Guedioura and Freeman adding to the already departed Olsen and Burke. New recruits Adam Davies and Charlie Goode were on the bench as was the returning, Daniel Jebbison. The Blades made three changes to the starting line up with Ben Davies back in for the poorly Jack Robinson and Berge and Fleck starting in midfield with Ndiaye seemingly moving further forward to support Sharp. Manager Heckingbottom was probably conscious of the number of games that are coming up this month with 7 games in February inside 22 days meaning the full squad would have to be utilised.



Birmingham started with former Blade Lyle Taylor up front, who had scored on his debut in the draw at Pride Park. He partnered another ex United player Scott Hogan for the home side. A number of whistles were being blown in scenes reminiscent of the game a few years ago at the Ricoh where the Blades played amidst a backdrop of equally disgruntled Coventry fans. A number of Blues fans wore masks to symbolise the faceless owners in charge of the club.



The game began with United winning a free kick and Norwood whipped it in but the referee waved play on as Egan might have got caught as the high footed clearance was executed. United continued to control the early possession and won a corner which Berge converged on but Etherington did well to punch it away. Egan then tried to find Bogle but his touch was off as he tried to get onto it.



A silly foul from Norrington Davies saw Birmingham have a chance to put the ball into the box but Roberts looping header was easy for Foderingham.



Ndiaye started to get on the ball and showed a few neat touches as he looked to carry it forward. On one occasion he used lovely body control to turn inside and as he came inside Mengi appeared to get the wrong side and clip him as the Frenchman went to ground. Replays showed that there was enough contact on the back of the calf and referee Stroud had missed it, maybe blocked off looking at his position.

Birmingham had seen little of the ball at all but a punt forward forced United back and ended up with Basham’s poor header falling for Hernandez but he sliced high and wide.



Berge had not really got in the game but managed to use his strength to get down the right but his pull back evaded everyone in a read and white shirt. The game became a bit scrappy and after Fleck gave it away, the home side broke but Bogle intercepted using his pace. His back pass was not the best but Foderingham’s kick out was even sloppier and led to Roberts using his long throw to try and force a chance.



More lovely play from Ndiaye saw him get away Mengi yet again who was seemingly more interested in grabbing and tripping the United man but the advantage was played when it maybe was not on. The final ball was errant and any chance of creating anything disappeared.



United had completely controlled the first half hour of the game but had not been able to muster a single shot. There was more good build up but Bogle was not having the impact of a week ago and seemed to kick his own foot and his cross was woeful.



Birmingham did offer a threat from the pace of Hernandez who burst down the left after another ball over the top but his cross was cut out by Fleck with Bacuna coming in. At the other end, United did fashion a decent move with a ball over from Norwood headed back from Sharp but once again, they could not get a shot away as the ball did not quite sit for Ndiaye.



There was lots of patient, intricate and patient football but no penetration or quality that was even leading to a chance created and Birmingham actually looked more dangerous with less of the ball. Hernandez again looking to get in but Norrington Davies made a fantastic slide tackle before Ndiaye was fouled yet again with Stroud giving him little protection from some robust challenges.



Basham was almost slowed down to walking pace as the game entered the final 10 minutes of the half but Birmingham had coped comfortably with all the possession United had and now actually started to look the better side and were getting overloads on both sides with the long throw being used to force the Blades back.



One ball in saw Foderingham miss a high catch completely and Taylor knocked it back for Pedersen but he hit it further away from goal than were it started from! It was maybe the best chance of a really poor half which ended a few minutes later with no further incident. The Blades had started well but as the game went on, the Blues had started to become the better side and at least had some chances on goal. United had not had one shot on or off target.



The second half saw Norwood give away a free kick and as the ball dropped, Bacuna’s shot was powerful but flocked. At the other end, a good ball from Bogle looked to play Sharp in but he was just offside as he looked to go round Etheridge who brought him down.



Ndiaye and Pedersen grappled by the touchline and the latter had him in a headlock as they tried to get up and was booked after they both clashed. Sharp was also cautioned as he came into maybe try and protect his young teammate who maybe felt he was not getting much protection.



Sharp then pulled a ball down but his shot was pulled well wide before Unitec created a flurry of chances as the next move saw Ndiaye flick on and Sharp did well to hold the ball up and play in Berge. The ball was played across with United having men over but Fleck took way too long and should have shot first time but when his effort came it was blocked from Pedersen.



Not long after Ndiaye took a pot shot that flicked off a defender as United ramped up the pressure as they had started the half really well.



However, Birmingham then had a really good spell and Taylor nearly got in when he ran down the left but was adjudged to have fouled Davies. A ball came in soon after and Bogle was fortunate as he jumped with his hand up and it definitely seemed to catch his arm as the players came together.



However, on the hour mark, Birmingham broke away form halfway and the Blades team were parted way too easily. Bacuna ran away too easily and with men over, found TAYLOR. United’s defence was completely out of position and the ex-Blade curled it into the corner as Foderingham was flat footed. It was the first significant effort at goal all game and ended up in the net.



Soon after, it could have been 2-0 as the ball came forward at pace and as the ball came over from Hogan, Bacuna was well placed to finish but opted to go to his near post and Foderingham made the save down low. United has completely lost their shape and defensive organisation and Birmingham were looking to finish them off after upping the tempo considerably.



Despite this the Blades were able to get back on level terms when they broke through in a really open game and Berge was played in and slipped in a through ball that may have been meant for Ndiaye but SHARP came off his man and despatched it past Etherington superbly. Suddenly after a difficult spell, United were back in the game.



The next spell of the game saw Birmingham continued to maybe look the more dangerous and won a free kick and then another long throw before at the other end an outrageous piece of skill from Basham was followed by a poor ball.



The match entered the final 20 minutes and lovely work from Ndiaye saw him came inside and his pass was perfect for Fleck but the shot again was really weak and straight at the keeper. Basham then won a free kick after Gardiner handballed and the free kick came in but



The ball over the top to Sharp saw Etherington clear but the Blades picked it up and played some lovely football to work an opening and Fleck’s clever ball saw BOGLE in and after a delightful first touch to flick it on, he slipped it under Etherington and into the net and the turnaround was complete.



Bowyer was incandescent with rage appealing for offside but replays showed that Bogle was clearly onside. Perhaps Sharp may have been off in the initial ball forward but a lot happened after this and the vital moment saw Bogle clearly on.



Sharp’s hold up then brought into play Berge but his shot was blocked and this took the power off things. United now looked like a hungry side who wanted to finish the ball.



Ndiaye had worked very hard but McBurnie came on for him with 13 minutes to go as United looked to add fresh legs and height at either end.



Pedersen took out Berge who drove forward, symbolic of his improved second half showing and won a free kick for his positivity. Pedersen was booked before the free kick was cleared.



McBurnie then played in Bogle who won a corner as United were now playing very well and moving the ball around to cause problems. Egan attacked the corner but with Etheridge challenging, he headed over.



Jutkiewicz came on for Brum with 10 minutes to play replacing Hogan. Graham also came on for Hernandez as the home side tried to find some momentum after a really bad spell after seemingly having the game in control after leading.



Bogle headed behind under little pressure but as the corner came in, a foul was committed. The match drifted into the final three minutes but Foderingham went down injured causing some concerns but was able to carry on. Sharp came off for McGoldrick and United were able to move the ball around and keep it in good areas.



The game entered five extra minutes and Birmingham knocked a few balls forward but the closest chance actually came for the Blades as Etheridge went on walkabout and was robbed from McGoldrick but he was cynically pulled as he tried to get away and maybe shoot into an empty net, albeit from half way almost! McBurnie had done some sterling work to keep the ball and run the clock down and won a free kick and then a throw and the final whistle came with no real scares for United. The winning run continues and with games in hand and lots of fixtures at the Lane, the Blades could now seriously start thinking about a tilt on the top 6 places.





United – Big win and the sort we need to get a victory in if we are serious about promotion/playoffs. We have now won three in three and look well placed with 12/19 games left at the Lane and games in hand. We now face West Brom and Huddersfield who seem to be battling for those 4th-6th spots with about 10 other teams in the mix. We seem to be one of the form teams and are getting results. Tonight, we just about deserved the win in an odd game. We controlled most of the first half but did nothing shot or chance creation wise but could have had a penalty. They ended the half better but only had two awful shots themselves. I felt we had all the ball but lacked that urgency and killer instinct in the final third.



After the break, the game opened up and we had a great spell and a flurry of decent chances and moments but could not take them and then they had their own good appeal for a penalty. After this they broke through us, scoring one and could have had another. We lost our shape, organisation and seemed all over the place and way too open. If they take the second chance, we probably lose. Still, we responded and scored at a time when the game seemed to be going away with Berge and Billy combining. We then go on and take back control, have other chances and score a lovely made and taken team goal, albeit with an offside that went for us in the build-up. After this we saw out the game without any real worries or chances they created and I felt over the game 1-2 was about the right result. Yes, a few things went for us but we cannot say that much this season or last and I do think the quality and football on show more came from us outside of those two chances/goals they scored. We ended up finishing the game strongly with players like Sharp, Berge and Fleck improving after poor first halves. Not sure anyone was outstanding, maybe Ndiaye, but a lot of ok-decent individual performances and we did enough in the key moments to get the goals and the win.



Earlier in the season we would have drawn or even lost such a game so shows a new resolve and spirit to come back and good we got some minutes into three other players who have not played much. We will need to use all the squad in the next month definitely. You can feel the momentum building and huge credit to Heckingbottom, McCall and Lester as the mentality has gone back to a team of winners who expect to have more positive results than a team that just meekly surrenders and gets done over too easily.



Big game in the week now and will be tough as West Brom will want to impress Steve Bruce who will get them organised and working hard. He has a good record against us before losing at the Lane last season with Newcastle but if we are serious about 5th or 6th and playoffs, we need to beat these at home, and get revenge for the drubbing at their place. They are big, physical and direct and even with Bruce who played a bit like that at his last few clubs, they won’t change too much from that approach. We need to ensure we get it down, play and take the game to them as we are the form team. They are far from it and we need to be at it from the off. Hopefully after a quiet Lane this season, we may see a decent atmosphere under the lights too and we can try and progress further up the league. It feels like the season is almost just starting for us, over half way through but we must carry this momentum and keep it going.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Foderingham 5.5/10 – Not the best first half where he kicked one out of play and then also missed a high cross completely and was lucky, they did not punish this mistake. Did not have much to do but made a mess of what he had to do. Second half seemed a bit flat footed on the goal maybe but was probably unsighted with a defender. Then he did manage to make a good save at the near post. After this he calmed down a bit and dealt with stuff he had to. They did not threaten actually really after we scored.



Bogle 7/10 – Not at the races first half. Got forward but mis-controlled things and not really secure in what he did and things came off him or he kicked crosses behind or against himself. Much better after the break in terms of what he did going forward – but that was after the lucky let off on the handball. He was in some good areas and well into their box and a few crosses or moments did not come off but then on the winner took it superbly, starting the move and finishing it, staying onside and calmly slotting in. Very much like the goal he scored at Bristol Rovers a year ago. I actually think outside of the goal and maybe one other run, he did not have a great night and got away with a daft moment for the penalty appeal and just generally a bit sloppy but has a real knack of getting in the right area and finishing like a striker. However, seems a big moment player and showed it again tonight.



Norrington Davies 7/10 – Started slowly going backwards but finished the first half well with some better pieces of play and one good tackle and got forward to try and link. Drew a few fouls too. His crossing was poor though. He did get better and better as the game went on and I thought actually was decent to good from maybe 20 minutes in. Finished the half well and second half was solid enough and also used the ball when he could. Did not see too much of him being advanced but he just looked more assured all around tonight.



Basham 6.5/10 – One mistimed header and another slice but he did come forward and try and break us out where we could but often when in good positions, he took too long to do things. Always committed but lack of quality at times. Hernandez got away from him a few times and then second half when they scored, he was not great as positionally not really doing anything and needs to get out or across to Taylor quicker. After this we got cut open again down his area. After this started to improve again and some good runs forward and one outrageous piece of skill but he then kicked it out. He did get well up the field though and help us finish strongly.



Davies 7/10 – Sound enough first half with some nice bits of break up and sensible defending. Read a few things well to deny them when they tried to come through. He was just nice and composed and used it well. Second half this continued but like the rest of the defence had a horrible few minutes where some were too forward and some too deep and they ran through us. The first goal he commited himself a bit and Bacuna flicked it over him easily. After this they settled down and he was good to finish the game.



Egan 6.5/10 – Solid enough to begin the game and did what he had to. Not sure they had many chances through the middle and he won a few headers from long throws etc. After the break I just felt we lost our shape and it was like earlier in the season and they came through the middle and it felt we were too easy to be got at. He did have a chance with a header and has to do better with these chances when well placed.



Norwood 6.5/10 – Started with some nice balls and free kicks but as the half went on, started to be more wasteful in general play and set plays. Wildly inconsistent and I am not sure he was able to play two good balls in a row. He’d do something good and then something wasteful and this pattern continued. He did of course switch play or put a few good balls in but sometimes he just kicked it to no one in particular. A couple of great set plays mixed in with some bad ones.



Fleck 6/10 – Some ok thins but just looked quite leggy and unfit. Too many loose touches or where he could not run to the ball quick enough. Made one good clearance where he ran back. The chance he had 2nd half he took too long to get it away. Just felt everything was a bit loose really but he did keep going and started to get in good areas but one shot he took too long to get away and another he then weakly hit at the keeper. To his credit, even though I felt he released it too late, he set up the winner with a neat and as it proved well timed pass.



Berge 6.5/10 – Frustrating as hell to begin but ended really well. He did not touch the ball hardly for 10 minutes but then he did quite well on one run and another decent bit of link play but then he goes missing for a long spell again before a few poor touches or sluggish bits of play. Just seems to be jogging around and does not get on the ball or make things happen anywhere near enough. Second half a different feeling as he did lots of good things. Got in the ball, drove, played forward passes, was not safe and made things happen. Assisted on the leveller and then was involved in everything good we did. Won free kicks, drove at players and helped us keep the ball up the field. Need to see much more of that and good to see him get stronger as the game went on.



Ndiaye 7.5/10 – First half he started as the main threat with some good runs and lovely pieces of body control where he uses his hips and strength to good effect. He has a lovely way about him as he comes out of tight spots. Unfortunate to not get a penalty and a few other moments she got kicked and pulled and Stroud did not really protect him. He was our main threat though and the only one who you thought something might happen when he got it. Second half he carried on looking for the ball and had some more good runs and one shot blocked and another run and assist to Fleck. Not quite as influential and came off but technically and aesthetically he is our best player currently and works hard. More work to be done on the final bits and end product but what a raw talent.



Sharp 7/10 – Not in the game at all first half. Ran offside or was hiding behind his man. Felt we did not have an outlet or threat at all. Second half he came alive more and was much better and influential in our comeback. Had one shot pulled wide but just was more into things and started to bully his man and show for it more. He took his goal superbly and then set up a few other attempts with good hold up. Worked hard and a constant menace – opposite to the first half.



Subs –



McBurnie – Really good tonight in the time he was on. Did everything you would want. Held it up, played others in, stronger than his defender, sensible passes and won free kicks/throws. Perfect way to lead the line and help us up the field and finish the game professionally. Albeit limited time, best I have seen him for a while. Expect to see a fair bit of him with Brewster out and others departing and so many games to come. Maybe v a big side like West Brom he may start and give Sharp a rest?



McGoldrick – Sadly the opposite of above as he did what he did at Preston with some daft giveaways and then a silly shot that gave it back to them. Did end his brief cameo a bit better and robbed the keeper and won the free kick when he maybe could have scored (from halfway even with no keeper was unlikely with his shooting though!).



Manager :



Heckingbottom 7.5/10 – I was sceptical of the changes with Hourihane in and the flatter 3 in midfield and Ndiaye more central and up top with Sharp, albeit he came off the front more. I thought that he would have left those areas as we finished v Posh, as we had a week almost since the last game and he may rotate for the future games this week but I suppose he needs to give minutes to others who are rusty and in the end Fleck and Berge finished better than they started the game. The changes helped see out time also. Another win and his impact has been huge since he came in going from nowhere near to in with a chance and lots of games in hand. Generally, the tempo is quicker and we get it forward quicker but we still lack ideas at times when in the last third and still overplay, as we saw first half but had more crosses/shots and penetration after the break and did look dangerous. I still worry about the defence at times and its concentration but we got the win and deserved it. Big game now mid-week.







Birmingham – After finishing strong last season under Lee Bowyer, they began well this time and seemed set to be nearer the top than bottom but their form became patchy and then they hit a rough spell. A lot of off field issues with ownership off the pitch and also the issues with the dilapidated stadium that has meant certain stands/sections could not be open, has not helped the general atmosphere which has been building up the planned protest tonight.



Bowyer has done a reasonable job actually in terms of steadying the side from a team that looked odds on to go down but then you look at the squad and they do have a fair bit of experience and talent. Up top having Jutkiewicz, Deeney, Hogan and now Taylor means they have strong options up front. They signed talented players like Chong and recently Hernandez as athletic and quick players in midfield but they also have a fair bit of experience at the back too. I have always liked Woods in midfield but is someone who had not quite gone onto what he maybe threatened to do when you look at other players Brentford had like Maupay, Watkins, Benrahma etc. they look a squad on paper who should have an outside shot of the playoffs but seem a bit off that on recent form.



The game seemed to get to them with the protests and all the whistles etc and United started much better and controlled the first half hour but they will argue we did little of note attacking wise but even though they finished stronger in the first half, cannot recall them doing much other than two wayward shots. They got lucky with the penalty but then could have had one themselves too after the break. They saw off a spell from us and then broke and scored and could have had another but after we scored, we took over again. After the second went in (yes may have been offside but they still needed to defend the second phase much better) they ran out of ideas and we won fairly easily in the end. They won’t do down but won’t be anywhere near the playoffs and probably will finish around where they are. The priority is probably sorting out unifying the club more off the field to ensure Bowyer is less angry moving into next season!



Opponent Man of the Match –Taylor scored the goal and it was well taken but I felt the main threat was Hernandez whose running and skill caused us a fair few problems. Bacuna showed flashes and set up the first.



Opponent Weak link – Hogan was quiet and just as I remembered at the Lane despite his big goal against Ipswich. I thoughts Roberts and Mengi looked very slow and cumbersome and the latter was quite dirty too. I think Ndiaye caused them a fair few problems to begin with and Sharp ended ragging them about a fair bit despite being smaller.



Referee/Officials – Keith Stroud. Not a great night for the officials. Both penalty appeals may have been through bodies or not entirely easy to spot in real time but that is their job! Both seemed nailed on for either side. The offside on Sharp also was pretty clear so we won 2-1 on goals and big decisions. I felt Ndiaye got offered little protection and was pushed and grabbed and that saw him clash with Morrison – glad he got booked and also felt Sharp was right to come in and protect his teammate -even though this was a booking too. The other bookings seemed quite standard really with Bacuna and Pederson for clear fouls and cynical ones too and Taylor for arguing constantly.

 

[Cappy]

Good write up, cheers

Just got home and about to listen to the pod as I drift off into pleasant dreams of whistles, awful burgers, and a good second half Berge

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks for the report Deadbat
You're right, it was an odd game. A nothing first half and when they scored after a decent spell from us you felt it wasn't going to be our night. The equaliser seemed to come out of nowhere and both our goals were really well taken. Great ball by Berge even if it wasn't meant for Sharp and he needs to do that kind of thing far more.

On the Sharp offside, we thought the ref only gives it if Sharp gets to the ball these days, as it was, he wasn't really close and the keeper clears it, albeit we pick it up and score from the resulting move. Of course if VAR was involved it might have been different! In the end, some you get and some you don't, but it just shows how unclear the rules are.

 

[Blade_In_Sydney]

Always well written and always greatly appreciated.

 

[lakedistblade]

I know you share my Concern about RND being good enough. Last night looked better and showed for the ball a lot which reflects well on his confidence. This may be because they had singled out bogle and closed down rhs. Still clumsy and giving away unnecessary fouls in our half putting us at risk from high balls which remains a weakness. He is a young player and let’s hope our coaching staff can keep him on an improving trend. Thanks for the usual great report.

 

[Champagneblade]

Great work and enjoyed the pod.

I was laughing out loud on 14 minutes when you were describing us having something on Rowett that he had to take our cast offs. "Who is it this time?" "Our 8th choice midfielder who is 4 stone overweight"

Great work as ever. Good to see Wales High School (a Comprehensive Institution) so well represented

 

[highgreeninjapan]

Cheers, as ever, DB. Hard to disagree with any of it. Pretty much everyone had a mixed night, but together we had enough spirit and moments of skill to deserve the win overall.

 

[richblade]

Great result after a poor first half
I've noticed Mr Foderingham has the knack of going down near the end and feigning injury,
something that teams in the Prem know all too well, as Wilder said we need to
learn the dark arts of getting results and Wes is now playing his part. UTB

 

[Addison]

A scruffy win, probably best 3 points of the season for me but not performance.

A win against a niggly team where we usually get nothing. Pluses we got 90 minutes into the legs of 3 players who have been out for a while, Sharp is scoring, Ndiaye continues to impress with his all round energy, we have a 6 foot 5 defender option and recalled goal scorer on the bench and saw a game out during our best spell of the game.

On the minus side the goalkeeper continues to look flakey. Not sure what he was doing standing still for their goal but he did redeem himself with a save minutes later. He will be severely tested against WBA next week. We are still conceding goals when players run straight through us. I agree it could have been 2-0, game over as we lost concentration for a few minutes. Credit to the players they got their act together and moved up a gear. Finally the continuing concern that PH doesn't have the off field support to manage injuries. It looks like we have lost Brewster for the season. We can not afford to lose any one else.

We went with a flat midfield 3 yesterday to counter Brum. No problem with this being used for certain games as we did when we went to the likes of Weeds and WBA in our promotion season. It does however, slow down our build up play which was evident yesterday. If we are to progress up the table we have to go with 3-4-2-1 Sharp with MGW and Ndiaye behind in all our remaining Home games as a minimum. MGW can't come back soon enough for me.

Good to see another set of cheating fans blowing whistles get their comeuppance at the hands of the Blades. Bowyers post match whinging was pathetic. Ironic the lack of a whistle was his biggest gripe, in fact it was his only one.

Management of the squad will be critical over the next 2 games as there is only a 2.5 day gap between them. Would like to see Goode come in for the WBA game if he's fit to cope with Carroll. We'll need our binoculars on Wednesday night as the ball will be in the air for the majority of the match.

 

[pommpey]

Good work DB. Most marks within 0.5 of mine and broadly concurrent.

Standby for the outrage and opprobrium.

pommpey

 

[Revolution]

We deserved that. Good comeback.

That flat 3 in midfield was not good to watch in the first half, but they were more forthright after the break. I wondered whether Heckingbottom saw nothing threatening and told the team to be more aggressive.

Sharp sticking up for Ndiaye is the sign of a good team spirit.

Bowyer looks like a refugee from a Blur video from one of the singles off one of their early albums. The Damon Albarn of football.

Brum were very flat and I thought they’d be better. Not bringing Jutkiewicz on earlier was a mistake.

2 mins of madness aside, that was a very good defensive display.

As things currently stand I wouldn’t pick Baldock over Bogle.

Cambridge is one of my favourite cities but I was shite at punting.

I’ve been saying 8th all season, and for the first time I wonder if I’m underestimating us.

 

[Booker4]

Cracking report as ever Deadbat . On a side note and sorry that others may have already said this, but isn't it time to change the name from the Tufty Club to something else?!

 

[bakeblade]

Ratings:



Foderingham 5.5/10 – Not the best first half where he kicked one out of play and then also missed a high cross completely and was lucky, they did not punish this mistake. Did not have much to do but made a mess of what he had to do. Second half seemed a bit flat footed on the goal maybe but was probably unsighted with a defender. Then he did manage to make a good save at the near post. After this he calmed down a bit and dealt with stuff he had to. They did not threaten actually really after we scored.



Bogle 7/10 – Not at the races first half. Got forward but mis-controlled things and not really secure in what he did and things came off him or he kicked crosses behind or against himself. Much better after the break in terms of what he did going forward – but that was after the lucky let off on the handball. He was in some good areas and well into their box and a few crosses or moments did not come off but then on the winner took it superbly, starting the move and finishing it, staying onside and calmly slotting in. Very much like the goal he scored at Bristol Rovers a year ago. I actually think outside of the goal and maybe one other run, he did not have a great night and got away with a daft moment for the penalty appeal and just generally a bit sloppy but has a real knack of getting in the right area and finishing like a striker. However, seems a big moment player and showed it again tonight.



Norrington Davies 7/10 – Started slowly going backwards but finished the first half well with some better pieces of play and one good tackle and got forward to try and link. Drew a few fouls too. His crossing was poor though. He did get better and better as the game went on and I thought actually was decent to good from maybe 20 minutes in. Finished the half well and second half was solid enough and also used the ball when he could. Did not see too much of him being advanced but he just looked more assured all around tonight.



Basham 6.5/10 – One mistimed header and another slice but he did come forward and try and break us out where we could but often when in good positions, he took too long to do things. Always committed but lack of quality at times. Hernandez got away from him a few times and then second half when they scored, he was not great as positionally not really doing anything and needs to get out or across to Taylor quicker. After this we got cut open again down his area. After this started to improve again and some good runs forward and one outrageous piece of skill but he then kicked it out. He did get well up the field though and help us finish strongly.



Davies 7/10 – Sound enough first half with some nice bits of break up and sensible defending. Read a few things well to deny them when they tried to come through. He was just nice and composed and used it well. Second half this continued but like the rest of the defence had a horrible few minutes where some were too forward and some too deep and they ran through us. The first goal he commited himself a bit and Bacuna flicked it over him easily. After this they settled down and he was good to finish the game.



Egan 6.5/10 – Solid enough to begin the game and did what he had to. Not sure they had many chances through the middle and he won a few headers from long throws etc. After the break I just felt we lost our shape and it was like earlier in the season and they came through the middle and it felt we were too easy to be got at. He did have a chance with a header and has to do better with these chances when well placed.



Norwood 6.5/10 – Started with some nice balls and free kicks but as the half went on, started to be more wasteful in general play and set plays. Wildly inconsistent and I am not sure he was able to play two good balls in a row. He’d do something good and then something wasteful and this pattern continued. He did of course switch play or put a few good balls in but sometimes he just kicked it to no one in particular. A couple of great set plays mixed in with some bad ones.



Fleck 6/10 – Some ok thins but just looked quite leggy and unfit. Too many loose touches or where he could not run to the ball quick enough. Made one good clearance where he ran back. The chance he had 2nd half he took too long to get it away. Just felt everything was a bit loose really but he did keep going and started to get in good areas but one shot he took too long to get away and another he then weakly hit at the keeper. To his credit, even though I felt he released it too late, he set up the winner with a neat and as it proved well timed pass.



Berge 6.5/10 – Frustrating as hell to begin but ended really well. He did not touch the ball hardly for 10 minutes but then he did quite well on one run and another decent bit of link play but then he goes missing for a long spell again before a few poor touches or sluggish bits of play. Just seems to be jogging around and does not get on the ball or make things happen anywhere near enough. Second half a different feeling as he did lots of good things. Got in the ball, drove, played forward passes, was not safe and made things happen. Assisted on the leveller and then was involved in everything good we did. Won free kicks, drove at players and helped us keep the ball up the field. Need to see much more of that and good to see him get stronger as the game went on.



Ndiaye 7.5/10 – First half he started as the main threat with some good runs and lovely pieces of body control where he uses his hips and strength to good effect. He has a lovely way about him as he comes out of tight spots. Unfortunate to not get a penalty and a few other moments she got kicked and pulled and Stroud did not really protect him. He was our main threat though and the only one who you thought something might happen when he got it. Second half he carried on looking for the ball and had some more good runs and one shot blocked and another run and assist to Fleck. Not quite as influential and came off but technically and aesthetically he is our best player currently and works hard. More work to be done on the final bits and end product but what a raw talent.



Sharp 7/10 – Not in the game at all first half. Ran offside or was hiding behind his man. Felt we did not have an outlet or threat at all. Second half he came alive more and was much better and influential in our comeback. Had one shot pulled wide but just was more into things and started to bully his man and show for it more. He took his goal superbly and then set up a few other attempts with good hold up. Worked hard and a constant menace – opposite to the first half.



Subs –



McBurnie – Really good tonight in the time he was on. Did everything you would want. Held it up, played others in, stronger than his defender, sensible passes and won free kicks/throws. Perfect way to lead the line and help us up the field and finish the game professionally. Albeit limited time, best I have seen him for a while. Expect to see a fair bit of him with Brewster out and others departing and so many games to come. Maybe v a big side like West Brom he may start and give Sharp a rest?



McGoldrick – Sadly the opposite of above as he did what he did at Preston with some daft giveaways and then a silly shot that gave it back to them. Did end his brief cameo a bit better and robbed the keeper and won the free kick when he maybe could have scored (from halfway even with no keeper was unlikely with his shooting though!).



Manager :



Heckingbottom 7.5/10 – I was sceptical of the changes with Hourihane in and the flatter 3 in midfield and Ndiaye more central and up top with Sharp, albeit he came off the front more. I thought that he would have left those areas as we finished v Posh, as we had a week almost since the last game and he may rotate for the future games this week but I suppose he needs to give minutes to others who are rusty and in the end Fleck and Berge finished better than they started the game. The changes helped see out time also. Another win and his impact has been huge since he came in going from nowhere near to in with a chance and lots of games in hand. Generally, the tempo is quicker and we get it forward quicker but we still lack ideas at times when in the last third and still overplay, as we saw first half but had more crosses/shots and penetration after the break and did look dangerous. I still worry about the defence at times and its concentration but we got the win and deserved it. Big game now mid-week.







Birmingham – After finishing strong last season under Lee Bowyer, they began well this time and seemed set to be nearer the top than bottom but their form became patchy and then they hit a rough spell. A lot of off field issues with ownership off the pitch and also the issues with the dilapidated stadium that has meant certain stands/sections could not be open, has not helped the general atmosphere which has been building up the planned protest tonight.



Bowyer has done a reasonable job actually in terms of steadying the side from a team that looked odds on to go down but then you look at the squad and they do have a fair bit of experience and talent. Up top having Jutkiewicz, Deeney, Hogan and now Taylor means they have strong options up front. They signed talented players like Chong and recently Hernandez as athletic and quick players in midfield but they also have a fair bit of experience at the back too. I have always liked Woods in midfield but is someone who had not quite gone onto what he maybe threatened to do when you look at other players Brentford had like Maupay, Watkins, Benrahma etc. they look a squad on paper who should have an outside shot of the playoffs but seem a bit off that on recent form.



The game seemed to get to them with the protests and all the whistles etc and United started much better and controlled the first half hour but they will argue we did little of note attacking wise but even though they finished stronger in the first half, cannot recall them doing much other than two wayward shots. They got lucky with the penalty but then could have had one themselves too after the break. They saw off a spell from us and then broke and scored and could have had another but after we scored, we took over again. After the second went in (yes may have been offside but they still needed to defend the second phase much better) they ran out of ideas and we won fairly easily in the end. They won’t do down but won’t be anywhere near the playoffs and probably will finish around where they are. The priority is probably sorting out unifying the club more off the field to ensure Bowyer is less angry moving into next season!



Opponent Man of the Match –Taylor scored the goal and it was well taken but I felt the main threat was Hernandez whose running and skill caused us a fair few problems. Bacuna showed flashes and set up the first.



Opponent Weak link – Hogan was quiet and just as I remembered at the Lane despite his big goal against Ipswich. I thoughts Roberts and Mengi looked very slow and cumbersome and the latter was quite dirty too. I think Ndiaye caused them a fair few problems to begin with and Sharp ended ragging them about a fair bit despite being smaller.



Referee/Officials – Keith Stroud. Not a great night for the officials. Both penalty appeals may have been through bodies or not entirely easy to spot in real time but that is their job! Both seemed nailed on for either side. The offside on Sharp also was pretty clear so we won 2-1 on goals and big decisions. I felt Ndiaye got offered little protection and was pushed and grabbed and that saw him clash with Morrison – glad he got booked and also felt Sharp was right to come in and protect his teammate -even though this was a booking too. The other bookings seemed quite standard really with Bacuna and Pederson for clear fouls and cynical ones too and Taylor for arguing constantly.

Good report, always worth a read and listen.
I'm still concerned about RND, thought he was awful 1st half but did get a bit better.
I liked the look of Bacuna, he looked quick and strong, just the type of midfielder we need.
I noticed Brum have just signed him a few weeks ago from Rangers, wonder if we had a look?

 

[Rochdaleblade]

I was impressed with the way we stood up to a physical team that had bullied their way to a win at bdtbl earlier in the year. In the end we scored two superb goals and made them look like the alehouse team they are.

 

[Zipwire]

Great report.

The biggest driver of this resurgence is undoubtedly the good work of Paul Heckingbottom.

Last season when he came in after Wilder left he helped a side who was marooned at the foot of the table claw back a little bit of dignity and pride.

This season he has come straight in and got cracking with undoing all the work that Jokanovic did, and got the team playing proper football in a formation they are used to. On our day we are the best footballing side to watch in this division, with some great football built on solid foundations and he has given us that back.

He was a promising manager in his own right, but had a couple of jobs that he maybe wasn’t suited for at the time or was just the wrong move, but he seems to have learned from the mistakes he has made, as well as continuously learning from others to improve his coaching and management. He might not have the bombast of Chris Wilder but he is a very shrewd and intelligent manager and I think he will go far in management

 

[Webding]

Cracking report as ever Deadbat . On a side note and sorry that others may have already said this, but isn't it time to change the name from the Tufty Club to something else?!

Probably should, yes. Haven’t thought of anything remotely decent yet though.