Bristol City 0 United 3 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

The playoffs got underway in the EFL with Bristol City and Sheffield United playing out the first contest of 15 games throughout the three leagues that will decide the final 3 promotion places between 12 teams. After finishing 22 points below the Blades, City had an absolute nightmare of a first leg losing a player to a red card, another to injury and conceding three goals without reply. United created the better chances all evening and even though the red card was a pivotal moment; the scoreline was a fair one over the course of the game. Goals from Harrison Burrows, Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare gives the Blades a fantastic chance of making the final – even though the tie is only at half time.



Wilder shuffled his pack again with players returning and selection posers answered when he named Ahmedhodzic and Robinson as his centre backs and Choudhury as his right back. Brewster was preferred to O’Hare and Kieffer Moore got the start alongside Tyrese Campbell in an attacking looking line up. City started with Nakhi Wells up top supported by Bird and Mehmeti.



The Blades began winning two early corners but the home side managed to clear both of Hamer’s efforts. McCrorie and Moore then both tangled with each other in separate incidents as the Blades made the early running. They thought they had taken the lead on 10 minutes, as Robinson’s long throw was flicked on and met by Campbell who beat the keeper to nod into the net. As the United players wheeled away to celebrate – they were cut short – by a very late offside flag. It seemed the officials ruled Peck had been offside as Campbell won the header and that he then prevented Knight from getting to the ball. It seemed debatable whether Knight would have even got there and there was also a discussion if Knight had actually held Peck back.



Wilder was fuming but soon after they were nearly behind as City had their first real attack and it fell for Williams who hit a ferocious shot that cannoned off the bar with Cooper beaten. Buoyed by this, the home side had a good spell in the game and dominated possession for the next period. City won two corners of their own but they were not able to create any further chances.



Brewster’s ball through found Campbell who beat the offside trap and was in but his toe poked effort was poor and smothered by O’Leary. The ball was not cleared and Peck’s deflected shot spooned up and the keeper had to help it over. From the corner, the ball dropped to Hamer but his cross shot was blocked by Dickie.



Hamer’s crossfield ball then found Brewster who again played a nice ball in but Moore could not get the power on it. Williams went down twice for the home side and had to go off – with Earthy coming on. The next period of the game saw both teams more patient; after a frenetic start but whilst Bristol City had enjoyed more possession – the Blades had created by far the better chances and had deserved the lead they finally got on the stroke of half time.



The ball from the top saw Campbell flick on and Moore got goal side of the defence. Dickie was completely caught out and hauled the Welsh international down – with his flick on the ball coming after his clumsy take-out Referee, Langford gave the easy decision and followed it with a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity. After Dickie departed for an early bath – the second time this season at Ashton Gate – against the Blades, BURROWS kept his composure and sent O’Leary the wrong way and the Blades had the vital lead. The additional minutes of stoppage time were played without further incident. It had been a disastrous end to the half for the home side and a great one for the Blades.



The second half saw City come out with two changes with Roberts and Armstrong on for Wells and Hirakawa. The home side clearly were content to sit in and United had two early opportunities – Peck’s mis hit shot was seized on by Brewster but his cross evaded any incoming players. Hamer’s effort was over the bar before Peck pulled one off target again. The midfielder was determined to try and get his first goal and went closer after lovely work from Campell, Moore and Brewster played in him but it went the wrong side of the post.



Peck’s involvement in the game continued as he was given a yellow card for a late tackle and Wilder did not want to risk him and took him, Campbell and Brewster off – with Brooks, O’Hare and Davies coming onto the field on the 66th minute.



Davies bodied his man but overhit his ball as United tried to raise the intensity after a quieter spell – and the tempo was increased. This saw quicker football as United moved it between each other and the second goal came from such a move. Burrows’ cross saw O’Hare step over the ball and BROOKS came onto it and smashed the ball home. He ran to the Blades fans and the somersault and back flick followed!



City had offered nothing at all and the man disadvantage was really telling now – although they did fashion a half chance as Mehmeti picked up Robinson’s poor clearance and hit a low shot that Cooper held well. The third goal came on 79 minutes as Hamer’s corner was met by a combination of Ahmedhodzic and Davies and Souza met it but fluffed his finish – fortunately O’HARE was able to read it and superbly adjusted his body to flick the ball home.



McCallum came on for Hamer with 5 minutes to play and United continued to look the more likely to score again. Ahmedhodzic was penalised for a high boot as the game moved into three minutes of additional time. United managed this time out comfortably and it was a case of job well done – at least half of it. Wilder took his team over but quickly got them off after a quick recognition of the fans that had backed their side- knowing we still have to finish the job in the second half.

 

[Deadbat]

United – Well I am not sure I expected that. Mainly because my pessimistic nature always expects the worst but I thought at best, it would be a tight, low scoring game and maybe a 0-0, 1-1 or 0-1/1-0 either way. I thought we would be quite cautious but we played two up top, tried to get it forward quicker and early on we had corners/chances and I think we had a real legitimate shout for a goal. After the let off with the one off the bar, we regrouped after they had a spell of possession but we always looked more likely even if we let them have it for spells. When we got it the pace and movement up top of Campbell caused issues and Moore did his job also. Thought we exploited their lack of mobility at the back and could have had 2 or 3 goals even before the red card. The decision seemed easy – despite Manning’s crazy outburst at the end and Dickie had let his team down again. We score the penalty and have a man advantage away from home with 45 minutes to play. You think what do we do and for a while we seemed a bit caught between going for another or just playing a normal game. I felt the game and the tie was for the taking as they were just sitting back and settling but it took the three subs to give us a burst of energy. All 3 made a difference and 2 of course scored. I would have been ok at 0-2, so 0-3 was dreamland! It is not over but no one would have expected it to be so comfortable and we have given ourselves a great chance to advance now.



The performance was just extremely professional. We did nothing stupid defensively and were solid in most of our off the ball work but when we had it, moved it quicker than we have for some time and created so many chances for an away side – most for a long time away from the Lane at least. We scored three goals and could have had more. Their heads were down well before the final whistle and seemed a side that knows they need something crazy to now go through. The first 20 minutes are huge Monday and important the crowd gets behind the team- start well and get an early goal at the Lane – then it’s pretty much down. If they score first, it could become a bit nervy but their defence has shown enough weaknesses that we surely we get at least one? They also have a real disadvantage height/physicality wise and we need to take advantage. He will probably play the same again but maybe O’Hare comes in for Brewster to press and harry them? Still the job to be completed and United have thrown away playoff ties/situations before but we have to be delighted with the performance and result. Big credit to the management and players for how they went about things and how they have responded after that run of defeats and missing out on automatic promotion. Wilder also really impressed me with how he set us up (I disagreed with the selection of Robinson and Brewster but both did their jobs) and we outthought them in terms of how we attacked them. For most of the game there was only one team that looked like scoring. A lot will be made of the red card of course, but we were superior/more threatening regardless of the different situations.



Let us hope more fans may want to go now (maybe some might not bother thinking it is done and save money for Wembley) and make the Lane the special place it can be. The players deserve that backing and hopefully it can be a special night.



Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Hard to mark as he had very little to do. Saw that one shot smash the bar but then he fielded one from Mehmeti but other than that? Just kicked a few out was well protected.



Choudhury 7.5/10 – Really steady game. Did not go forward too much but was nice and solid and did his job. Used the ball when he had it and just looked very accomplished.



Burrows 8/10 – Got the Sky Man of the Match and that was probably right – we had a number of very good performers but he takes the award – for the goal and the assist for the second. Used the ball well, got up and down and a threat with his crossing and penetrating runs. Some nice step overs and bits of skill. After a down spell, looked back to his best. Really cool penalty too.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Did what he had to and a fairly solid game. Won the balls he needed and used it well. We did not have to defend too much but we never were hugely pulled apart or penetrated much.



Robinson 7/10 – As above and he was just sensible getting rid of the ball and not diving in. He only made one mistake – the clearance that led to the Mehmeti chance. Also, his long throws were actually a threat for once – we nearly scored from a few (one disallowed of course). I would have played Holding but both him and Anel were ok – although if we get through both opponents from the other tie- will offer more of a threat I sense.



Souza 6.5/10 – He did not see a lot of the ball actually and seems to sit off but maybe that was part of the plan? He did not go chasing and tried to hold his position. Second half kept it nice and simple. Still not convinced he is totally fit but then he tried a somersault badly so maybe he is ok! Need him and Peck to be on it Monday to start with it – as the game can be put to bed first half.



Peck 6/10 – Thought he began very nervously and was poor on the ball and did not win the tackles/press like he normally does. He seemed a bit overawed and they had a lot of the ball – but we went over the top and were more direct going to the front two. Got more involved second half with three efforts – two bad ones and one decent one – seems desperate to score! Maybe he does if we get to Wembley.



Brewster 6/10 – A weird game as he looked off the pace early and made poor choices and looked a bit like a fish out of water – out wide right. However, he played three great balls – two to Campbell and another to Moore. He then became involved to start the second half when we had a few half chances. He did his job but think we may start with O’Hare on Monday?



Campbell 7/10 – Was a constant threat running behind and getting in on the balls through and playing on the last man. They struggled to deal with his movement and him and Moore linked well and caused problems all first half – even before the red card. Did miss his chance quite badly when out through and took too long over another but still feel he is our best forward.



Moore 7.5/10 – A few frustrating moments and missed that decent chance but his run and strength saw the big moment when Dickie pulled him down. This was so important in the tie. I thought they struggled with his physicality all game and we imposed ourselves on their back line. His touch was not always great but he occupied the defenders and we also created more from set plays (corners/free kicks) and we had a big height advantage – even more after Dickie went off.





Subs -



O’Hare 7/10 – Busy as always when he came on – sold the dummy for the goal and then the brilliant flick that was so acrobatic and not as easy to execute as it seemed at the time. Huge impact when he came on. Unlucky not to start but it worked out in the end.



Davies 7/10 – He got on the ball, moved around and looked dangerous with a few runs and pieces of play where he nearly got us in. Really handy lad to plug in when we need energy and ability off the bench in the middle of the field. Just hope he stays fit for 2 more games!



Brooks 7/10 – Instant impact with a well taken goal and was positive when he had it. Clearly has lots of talent and needs to believe in himself more as defenders do not like pace/dribbling. He has to show more of what he did tonight and the last 15 v Blackburn. A great option off the bench.



Holding – Barely touched it as the ball remained up there part of the pitch.



McCallum – Saw the ball out a few times as we just made sure we were professional at the end – as he gave Hamer a blow.





Manager: Wilder 8/10 – I was very critical of him recently and felt tactically he could have done more in certain games and almost seemed scared to attack and use our quality we do possess. We also were outplayed and maybe he was out thought in the two Bristol City games – despite the results. Tonight, he was spot on. We almost let them have the ball for spells but then on the turnover, moved it forward quickly, the two up front worked and made sure they could not come out too high. We were the only one who created anything (outside of the long-range shot) and we looked the team who could get in and behind. I felt we were better even at 11 v 11 - despite the stats showing they had a lot of ball – mostly meaningless. Second half, it was a bit slow to begin with but then we upped it and after keeping the ball, they tired and the subs saw us go for the jugular. It was a perfect away performance and extremely professional. Almost flawless. I loved his reaction at the end- clap the fans and then off- still another leg to go. Massive credit to him tonight – he looked the experienced and savvier manager as their man lost his cool completely – we of course have seen the opposite in recent months!







Bristol City – Did fantastically well to get to the playoffs looking at their budget/squad compared to other sides and credit to Liam Manning -especially after the family tragedy he has had to deal with. They seemed to have been mid table for a long time so for him to push them on and with a relatively small squad that is quite young, is down to his leadership and helping develop some talented youngsters too. They limped into the top 6 in the end but had been on a great run to even be in the mix. The two games in the league, I was impressed by the control they had, particularly in midfield and they were the better side and easily could have won both games -if you take away stoppage time goals for both which kind of made the games look odd. They had the better of both these games and thus I was concerned coming in – we had beaten some of the other teams we may have faced at different points and beat them well. Bristol City had been a struggle so I was a bit sceptical tonight.



I could not be more wrong really. They started nervously I thought and despite being at home were on the back foot as we had corner/chances. They did come out and have a better spell around/after the one off the bar but not sure they created much or pulled us apart. They seemed to have a lot of ball but meaningless possession. They may feel they controlled it but when they turned it over, we still had chances (Campbell x 2 / Moore). The red card changed it but the manager will be a bit embarrassed when he reflects on his comments (called it a shocking decision/disgrace) when nearly everyone else said it was correct. I thought they got a bit lucky on the goal personally but he did not mention that! Always seemed a decent guy but lost his head a bit post-match. Surely will get a big fine. I think he might have been frustrated with things and ultimately his centre half made a daft mistake (again) and it cost them. Second half they sort of wiled when we stepped it up and by the end looked like they just wanted the game over with. They still have another game and if they score first, it is back alive but they cannot play much worse than tonight when they gave the sort of performance/night – that seemed almost Blades-like in the playoffs. It was a disaster with a key man off injured, another sent off and conceded a penalty and three goals. It really could not have gone much worse. Their fans had been on the pitch on Saturday celebrating the playoffs but now they departed Ashton Gate knowing their chances of extending their season are slim now.



Opponent Man of the Match – Hirakawa had a few runs and Mehmeti had that one turn and shot but not one player really came out with much credit. The lad Williams who hit the bar – might have been the stand out until he went off at least for the effort and looked busy.



Opponent Weak link – Easy decision. Dickie again. What a Dick-ie. Stupid challenge after he got wrong side of his man too. Thought O’Leary was not convincing in goal either – seen him before struggle on crosses and he is someone we have definitely exploited with high balls. Outside of this, Wells was quiet and Armstrong made little difference. I expect Twine to play next week.



Referee / Officials – Oliver Langford gets the first leg and Peter Bankes the second. Langford has done a few of our games – was ref at Plymouth, versus Coventry, Portsmouth and Burnley at home. Also did Blackburn away. I can’t think of any horrific decisions he missed in these games – but maybe the Burnley one was the possible foul on O’Hare that led to the breakaway and he missed a blatant red card on Souza?



Tonight, he started with the decision in collaboration with the assistant (and others – fourth official seemed to get involved?) to disallow the goal. I still now think it was harsh. I am not even sure Peck was offside when you look back on the angles but even if he is, does he affect things? I am not sure Knight gets there and he also has hold of Peck. I was really surprised they decided it affected the goal. I thought their stuff was incidental to the ball going in? Maybe I am being biased but not sure there is much fuss made if they allow it. After this he gave some odd decisions against us I felt but then the big one went in our favour – but was right. At least all the pundits saw it as most did - a clear penalty and red card. Don Goodman was probably the worst performer of anyone on the night with some appallingly biased takes on proceedings. Saying it should not have been a red due to the game and other nonsense. He was beyond irritating and for the most part his comments were very anti United and mostly inaccurate. Anyway, back to the ref! After the red card, could have tried to even it up but was fine – thought they could have had a few booked for as bad as the Peck one but at this stage the game became easy to referee as they were sitting off. Interesting that Bristol City tried to get the EFL to find a different referee after issues they cited before. As Troy Deeney said, going public with that and Manning’s comments are not going to endear them to future officials moving forward. Sometimes you have to lose with class and Manning did not tonight.

 

[Putney Blade]

No Hamer rating?

 

[Deadbat]

Fair point - don't know how that happened

Hamer 6/10 - Involved early but and won the corners and looked likely but then not as involved. One good ball to Brewster but he sort of flitted in and out. Corner for the goal though and then seemed to get involved in some daft stuff at the end and Wilder pulled him away. Think he can do more - hoping he can save a big one for Wembley in terms of performance/moments?!

 

[bladesince64]

Goodman anti-Blades narrative once again.

A total embarrassment for Sky to employ a supposedly impartial commentator.

 

[Deadbat]

Goodman anti-Blades narrative once again.

A total embarrassment for Sky to employ a supposedly impartial commentator.

I nearly turned the sound down in the end. He was biased but almost like he was watching a different game to everyone else.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Fucking hell Deaders, Peck and Brewster 6 and Souza 6.5? You didn't watch the game today, did you? Seriously mate, we were solid from 1 to 11 and not one player should be less than a 7. We absolutely controlled the midfield with Vini and Sydie running the show and Brewster, if you actually watch him has excellent vision and the skill to back it up as he showed on more than one occasion.

Really poor synopsis that mate, you're turning into that grumpy old man who's only happy when he's got summat to moan about and tonight, there was nothing to get the rag on with.

 

[bartman]

Fucking hell Deaders, Peck and Brewster 6 and Souza 6.5? You didn't watch the game today, did you? Seriously mate, we were solid from 1 to 11 and not one player should be less than a 7. We absolutely controlled the midfield with Vini and Sydie running the show and Brewster, if you actually watch him has excellent vision and the skill to back it up as he showed on more than one occasion.

Really poor synopsis that mate, you're turning into that grumpy old man who's only happy when he's got summat to moan about and tonight, there was nothing to get the rag on with.

I thought the mark for Peck was generous. By far our worse player in thr first half with his passing,positioning and giving the ball away which us unlike him. 2nd half was better as he kept it simple but spoiled it for sliding in for the yellow card when he should have stayed on his feet as the there was no danger on the half way line. He is a far better player than what he showed during the game. I would have graded him a 4.

Maybe Peck.was nervous and wanted to impress as he is still a kid and I fully expect on Monday for him to.play at.his usual high standards

I thought Tom Davies helped change the momentum of the game. He played a few yards further forward than Peck where he found space to receive the ball and affect the game.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

I thought the mark for Peck was generous. By far our worse player in thr first half with his passing,positioning and giving the ball away which us unlike him. 2nd half was better as he kept it simple but spoiled it for sliding in for the yellow card when he should have stayed on his feet as the there was no danger on the half way line. He is a far better player than what he showed during the game. I would have graded him a 4.

Maybe Peck.was nervous and wanted to impress as he is still a kid and I fully expect on Monday for him to.play at.his usual high standards

I thought Tom Davies helped change the momentum of the game. He played a few yards further forward than Peck where he found space to receive the ball and affect the game.

We watched a different game, I'll leave it there.

 

[Bell4]

Fucking hell Deaders, Peck and Brewster 6 and Souza 6.5? You didn't watch the game today, did you? Seriously mate, we were solid from 1 to 11 and not one player should be less than a 7. We absolutely controlled the midfield with Vini and Sydie running the show and Brewster, if you actually watch him has excellent vision and the skill to back it up as he showed on more than one occasion.

Really poor synopsis that mate, you're turning into that grumpy old man who's only happy when he's got summat to moan about and tonight, there was nothing to get the rag on with.

Tbf i agree with DB about Peck n Vin. Spot on imo

 

[bonobo]

I am not his biggest fan, particularly playing out wide, but I thought Brewster was very effective last night. He created multiple opportunities with clever passes and flicks, probably the best defensive support any of our rights backs have had this season. Not saying anything exceptional, but thought he was our main creative outlet first hour.

 

[Blademan89]

Brewster had been unfortunate all first half, he had been open in great positions 3 or 4 times and didn't receive the ball, where he would have been the better option.

 

[Addison]

Accurate summary and scoring DB imo. You were right he went with Anel and JLT. I got the formation and 10 of the starting eleven right. I thought CW would go for Holding instead of Anel but JLT was always first name on the team sheet. Tactically CW decided to by pass midfield and go long. It worked but it would have been interesting to see how we would have fared if they had kept eleven players on the pitch.

Agree about Peck he needs a rest and should be spared Monday. Against a 3 in midfield he was always going to struggle. We looked much better after the 3 subs. All 3 contributed and should start on Monday. We retained possession and COH's energy was the difference at the end. 4-4-2 in the away leg worked but Burnley showed against the better teams that we lose control of the middle with only a 2. Prefer us to go with a 3 on Monday to test out the formation with 2 still up top.

We are in a good position now and barring a disaster have one foot in the final but this is SUFC and there are no guarantees. BC will control the midfield if we only have a 2 and we need to conserve energy. The concern is they will kick a few lumps out of us. We need a strong referee and strong minds to avoid red cards. Mr look at me on the TV Langford worked in our favour. Hes a fussy inconsistent ref and seemed desperate to find a way to disallow Campbells goal. You could see his eyes light up when Dickie fouled Moore. It was the correct decision as far as the rules are concerned but its the type of foul JLT is all too capable of giving away. BC will be appealing for everything on Monday. It did affect the result and it will be interesting to see how BC come at us with a full side on Monday.

 

[BalticBlade]

United – Well I am not sure I expected that. Mainly because my pessimistic nature always expects the worst but I thought at best, it would be a tight, low scoring game and maybe a 0-0, 1-1 or 0-1/1-0 either way. I thought we would be quite cautious but we played two up top, tried to get it forward quicker and early on we had corners/chances and I think we had a real legitimate shout for a goal. After the let off with the one off the bar, we regrouped after they had a spell of possession but we always looked more likely even if we let them have it for spells. When we got it the pace and movement up top of Campbell caused issues and Moore did his job also. Thought we exploited their lack of mobility at the back and could have had 2 or 3 goals even before the red card. The decision seemed easy – despite Manning’s crazy outburst at the end and Dickie had let his team down again. We score the penalty and have a man advantage away from home with 45 minutes to play. You think what do we do and for a while we seemed a bit caught between going for another or just playing a normal game. I felt the game and the tie was for the taking as they were just sitting back and settling but it took the three subs to give us a burst of energy. All 3 made a difference and 2 of course scored. I would have been ok at 0-2, so 0-3 was dreamland! It is not over but no one would have expected it to be so comfortable and we have given ourselves a great chance to advance now.



The performance was just extremely professional. We did nothing stupid defensively and were solid in most of our off the ball work but when we had it, moved it quicker than we have for some time and created so many chances for an away side – most for a long time away from the Lane at least. We scored three goals and could have had more. Their heads were down well before the final whistle and seemed a side that knows they need something crazy to now go through. The first 20 minutes are huge Monday and important the crowd gets behind the team- start well and get an early goal at the Lane – then it’s pretty much down. If they score first, it could become a bit nervy but their defence has shown enough weaknesses that we surely we get at least one? They also have a real disadvantage height/physicality wise and we need to take advantage. He will probably play the same again but maybe O’Hare comes in for Brewster to press and harry them? Still the job to be completed and United have thrown away playoff ties/situations before but we have to be delighted with the performance and result. Big credit to the management and players for how they went about things and how they have responded after that run of defeats and missing out on automatic promotion. Wilder also really impressed me with how he set us up (I disagreed with the selection of Robinson and Brewster but both did their jobs) and we outthought them in terms of how we attacked them. For most of the game there was only one team that looked like scoring. A lot will be made of the red card of course, but we were superior/more threatening regardless of the different situations.



Let us hope more fans may want to go now (maybe some might not bother thinking it is done and save money for Wembley) and make the Lane the special place it can be. The players deserve that backing and hopefully it can be a special night.



Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Hard to mark as he had very little to do. Saw that one shot smash the bar but then he fielded one from Mehmeti but other than that? Just kicked a few out was well protected.



Choudhury 7.5/10 – Really steady game. Did not go forward too much but was nice and solid and did his job. Used the ball when he had it and just looked very accomplished.



Burrows 8/10 – Got the Sky Man of the Match and that was probably right – we had a number of very good performers but he takes the award – for the goal and the assist for the second. Used the ball well, got up and down and a threat with his crossing and penetrating runs. Some nice step overs and bits of skill. After a down spell, looked back to his best. Really cool penalty too.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Did what he had to and a fairly solid game. Won the balls he needed and used it well. We did not have to defend too much but we never were hugely pulled apart or penetrated much.



Robinson 7/10 – As above and he was just sensible getting rid of the ball and not diving in. He only made one mistake – the clearance that led to the Mehmeti chance. Also, his long throws were actually a threat for once – we nearly scored from a few (one disallowed of course). I would have played Holding but both him and Anel were ok – although if we get through both opponents from the other tie- will offer more of a threat I sense.



Souza 6.5/10 – He did not see a lot of the ball actually and seems to sit off but maybe that was part of the plan? He did not go chasing and tried to hold his position. Second half kept it nice and simple. Still not convinced he is totally fit but then he tried a somersault badly so maybe he is ok! Need him and Peck to be on it Monday to start with it – as the game can be put to bed first half.



Peck 6/10 – Thought he began very nervously and was poor on the ball and did not win the tackles/press like he normally does. He seemed a bit overawed and they had a lot of the ball – but we went over the top and were more direct going to the front two. Got more involved second half with three efforts – two bad ones and one decent one – seems desperate to score! Maybe he does if we get to Wembley.



Brewster 6/10 – A weird game as he looked off the pace early and made poor choices and looked a bit like a fish out of water – out wide right. However, he played three great balls – two to Campbell and another to Moore. He then became involved to start the second half when we had a few half chances. He did his job but think we may start with O’Hare on Monday?



Campbell 7/10 – Was a constant threat running behind and getting in on the balls through and playing on the last man. They struggled to deal with his movement and him and Moore linked well and caused problems all first half – even before the red card. Did miss his chance quite badly when out through and took too long over another but still feel he is our best forward.



Moore 7.5/10 – A few frustrating moments and missed that decent chance but his run and strength saw the big moment when Dickie pulled him down. This was so important in the tie. I thought they struggled with his physicality all game and we imposed ourselves on their back line. His touch was not always great but he occupied the defenders and we also created more from set plays (corners/free kicks) and we had a big height advantage – even more after Dickie went off.





Subs -



O’Hare 7/10 – Busy as always when he came on – sold the dummy for the goal and then the brilliant flick that was so acrobatic and not as easy to execute as it seemed at the time. Huge impact when he came on. Unlucky not to start but it worked out in the end.



Davies 7/10 – He got on the ball, moved around and looked dangerous with a few runs and pieces of play where he nearly got us in. Really handy lad to plug in when we need energy and ability off the bench in the middle of the field. Just hope he stays fit for 2 more games!



Brooks 7/10 – Instant impact with a well taken goal and was positive when he had it. Clearly has lots of talent and needs to believe in himself more as defenders do not like pace/dribbling. He has to show more of what he did tonight and the last 15 v Blackburn. A great option off the bench.



Holding – Barely touched it as the ball remained up there part of the pitch.



McCallum – Saw the ball out a few times as we just made sure we were professional at the end – as he gave Hamer a blow.





Manager: Wilder 8/10 – I was very critical of him recently and felt tactically he could have done more in certain games and almost seemed scared to attack and use our quality we do possess. We also were outplayed and maybe he was out thought in the two Bristol City games – despite the results. Tonight, he was spot on. We almost let them have the ball for spells but then on the turnover, moved it forward quickly, the two up front worked and made sure they could not come out too high. We were the only one who created anything (outside of the long-range shot) and we looked the team who could get in and behind. I felt we were better even at 11 v 11 - despite the stats showing they had a lot of ball – mostly meaningless. Second half, it was a bit slow to begin with but then we upped it and after keeping the ball, they tired and the subs saw us go for the jugular. It was a perfect away performance and extremely professional. Almost flawless. I loved his reaction at the end- clap the fans and then off- still another leg to go. Massive credit to him tonight – he looked the experienced and savvier manager as their man lost his cool completely – we of course have seen the opposite in recent months!







Bristol City – Did fantastically well to get to the playoffs looking at their budget/squad compared to other sides and credit to Liam Manning -especially after the family tragedy he has had to deal with. They seemed to have been mid table for a long time so for him to push them on and with a relatively small squad that is quite young, is down to his leadership and helping develop some talented youngsters too. They limped into the top 6 in the end but had been on a great run to even be in the mix. The two games in the league, I was impressed by the control they had, particularly in midfield and they were the better side and easily could have won both games -if you take away stoppage time goals for both which kind of made the games look odd. They had the better of both these games and thus I was concerned coming in – we had beaten some of the other teams we may have faced at different points and beat them well. Bristol City had been a struggle so I was a bit sceptical tonight.



I could not be more wrong really. They started nervously I thought and despite being at home were on the back foot as we had corner/chances. They did come out and have a better spell around/after the one off the bar but not sure they created much or pulled us apart. They seemed to have a lot of ball but meaningless possession. They may feel they controlled it but when they turned it over, we still had chances (Campbell x 2 / Moore). The red card changed it but the manager will be a bit embarrassed when he reflects on his comments (called it a shocking decision/disgrace) when nearly everyone else said it was correct. I thought they got a bit lucky on the goal personally but he did not mention that! Always seemed a decent guy but lost his head a bit post-match. Surely will get a big fine. I think he might have been frustrated with things and ultimately his centre half made a daft mistake (again) and it cost them. Second half they sort of wiled when we stepped it up and by the end looked like they just wanted the game over with. They still have another game and if they score first, it is back alive but they cannot play much worse than tonight when they gave the sort of performance/night – that seemed almost Blades-like in the playoffs. It was a disaster with a key man off injured, another sent off and conceded a penalty and three goals. It really could not have gone much worse. Their fans had been on the pitch on Saturday celebrating the playoffs but now they departed Ashton Gate knowing their chances of extending their season are slim now.



Opponent Man of the Match – Hirakawa had a few runs and Mehmeti had that one turn and shot but not one player really came out with much credit. The lad Williams who hit the bar – might have been the stand out until he went off at least for the effort and looked busy.



Opponent Weak link – Easy decision. Dickie again. What a Dick-ie. Stupid challenge after he got wrong side of his man too. Thought O’Leary was not convincing in goal either – seen him before struggle on crosses and he is someone we have definitely exploited with high balls. Outside of this, Wells was quiet and Armstrong made little difference. I expect Twine to play next week.



Referee / Officials – Oliver Langford gets the first leg and Peter Bankes the second. Langford has done a few of our games – was ref at Plymouth, versus Coventry, Portsmouth and Burnley at home. Also did Blackburn away. I can’t think of any horrific decisions he missed in these games – but maybe the Burnley one was the possible foul on O’Hare that led to the breakaway and he missed a blatant red card on Souza?



Tonight, he started with the decision in collaboration with the assistant (and others – fourth official seemed to get involved?) to disallow the goal. I still now think it was harsh. I am not even sure Peck was offside when you look back on the angles but even if he is, does he affect things? I am not sure Knight gets there and he also has hold of Peck. I was really surprised they decided it affected the goal. I thought their stuff was incidental to the ball going in? Maybe I am being biased but not sure there is much fuss made if they allow it. After this he gave some odd decisions against us I felt but then the big one went in our favour – but was right. At least all the pundits saw it as most did - a clear penalty and red card. Don Goodman was probably the worst performer of anyone on the night with some appallingly biased takes on proceedings. Saying it should not have been a red due to the game and other nonsense. He was beyond irritating and for the most part his comments were very anti United and mostly inaccurate. Anyway, back to the ref! After the red card, could have tried to even it up but was fine – thought they could have had a few booked for as bad as the Peck one but at this stage the game became easy to referee as they were sitting off. Interesting that Bristol City tried to get the EFL to find a different referee after issues they cited before. As Troy Deeney said, going public with that and Manning’s comments are not going to endear them to future officials moving forward. Sometimes you have to lose with class and Manning did not tonight.

The fact we played the whole match with 10 men underlines what a fantastic performance and result it was.

 

[Nickydblade]

Fucking hell Deaders, Peck and Brewster 6 and Souza 6.5? You didn't watch the game today, did you? Seriously mate, we were solid from 1 to 11 and not one player should be less than a 7. We absolutely controlled the midfield with Vini and Sydie running the show and Brewster, if you actually watch him has excellent vision and the skill to back it up as he showed on more than one occasion.

Really poor synopsis that mate, you're turning into that grumpy old man who's only happy when he's got summat to moan about and tonight, there was nothing to get the rag on with.

Agree, and disagree. I do think Brewster was better than a 6 and had a very good first half. But, I think Vini still looks off it and Deadbat’s mark was generous (for once ). Tbf we bypassed the midfield, and they didn’t give us much trouble there, so he didn’t need to show his defensive strengths, but his touch and passing were off.

 

[McGrath]

Moore motm for me, they couldn't handle him. His very presence in their box at set pieces caused them panic and we scored one and one was disallowed from a set piece.

He was also involved in the decisive moment with a great run that they didn't pick up and led to the foul for the penalty and sending off

 

[McGrath]

Agree, and disagree. I do think Brewster was better than a 6 and had a very good first half. But, I think Vini still looks off it and Deadbat’s mark was generous (for once ). Tbf we bypassed the midfield, and they didn’t give us much trouble there, so he didn’t need to show his defensive strengths, but his touch and passing were off.

Brewster has quietly become very effective. I think he's very disciplined when we are out of the ball and defending and I also think he protects his full back far better than anyone else that position at the club. Some of his passing is very intelligent e.g. that ball through for Campbell to run on to

 

[coaxingstar71]

A big difference for me was that we looked dangerous at set pieces for a change. Our corners, in particular, have been awful this season. I don't understand it either because when Wilder and Knill first came to the club, that was one of our main strengths and we used to have several well worked routines. This season, invariably, we've failed to beat the first man on far too many occasions. However they were much better at Bristol and we looked like scoring from them even before the one that resulted in the third goal.