Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,463
- Reaction score
- 37,675
The Blades cemented their position in 2nd place as they saw off Bury at Gigg Lane on a bitterly, cold January afternoon. Coming off one of the best performances of the season against Yeovil, United would have been confident going into the game but a less than convincing first half performance threatened to prevent another Blades win. However a much more assured display after the break saw three goals from Cresswell, Evans and Williamson see of the lucky hosts who will feel the scoreline flattered United despite them running out worthy winners in the end.
United began with the same team that started against Yeovil with Beattie remaining on the bench. Bury had Owls loanee Giles Coke on the bench having of course lost Mike Jones who went the other way in the week.
The game began with many United fans still streaming in on 3 sides of the ground as Williamson and Lowton linked up to win an early corner that came to nothing. Lowton put in 2 excellent early crosses that just evaded red and white shirts but it was clear where the Blades threat was coming from.
The opening stages were fairly scrappy and neither side were able to create any openings. Bury actually were nullifying United’s midfield well and were perhaps shading things in this area. The front two were struggling to get hold of the ball and the home side started to get on top with a half chance coming when Amoo got down the right but his cross was cleared. Bury had another opportunity but Amoo this time blazed his shot across the box when well positioned.
United’s first effort came when Evans weak shot was straight at Belford. His next effort was more powerful but unfortunately hit Sodje and deflected wide. Bury were giving as good as they were getting though and Schumacher forced the first save as Simonsen had to push away after sloppy play from United had seen Bury break at speed. Francois made an impressive block tackle to prevent any rebound opportunity.
Lowton and McDonald combined to give the ball away and Worrall outsprinted Maguire but the chance came to nothing. Just before the break Cresswell appealed for a penalty when he seemed to be pulled back but Miller gave nothing. United had not been totally convincing at the break and had created few chances whilst Bury had perhaps looked slightly more threatening.
The second half immediately saw United looked more determined and they seemed to move the ball around with more speed and get the front two into the action more. They had a golden chance on 53 minutes when Lowton fed Williamson and he made a yard of space but looked to have overran the ball before somehow getting a great cross in. It seemed certain Cresswell would head home but somehow he headed wide with the goal gaping.
McDonald played a raking though ball that cut out 2 defenders and CRESSWELL beat the offside trap and was in on goal. He took a touch, steadied himself and clipped the ball over Belford into the corner of the net. A finish that was made to look a lot easier than it probably was.
Not long after the goal Bury came forward and created a really good opening with Worrall making space and hitting a great cross that seemed as if Bishop would convert at the far post but somehow Francois made a timely block tackle that could easily have been a penalty if he had mistimed it. It was a goal saving tackle and was a key moment in the game.
Just after the hour Untied got the vital second goal. McDonald played a clever through ball into the box and EVANS found himself unmarked and as the defenders strangely chose not to go to him. He utilised the space to take the ball on and from the angle hit a fierce right foot drive which went in at the keepers’ near post. Belford may have been a touch disappointed to let the ball squeeze past him but he surely will also not be too happy with his defenders who left the prolific striker unmarked.
United now looked in control and for the next period of the game they played some neat and tidy football whilst defending with determination to prevent any chance of a comeback.
Bury brought on Wednesday man Coke to predictable boos from the United fans and Amoo blazed high and wide as Bury seemed to run out of impetus. McDonald was now pulling the strings in the central area and with Evans and Cresswell looking like different players in the second half, United were well on top. A few passages of football nearly put United in again as Bury were now being pulled all over the place.
With the game entering the final stages, United completely killed off the game. Neat build up saw several passes before Lowton played in WILLIAMSON who sidestepped his man before placing a lovely curling shot with his left foot right into the corner. It was another precise finish for the midfielder who celebrated his third goal in less than a week with the United supporters at this end of the ground.
Williams came on for Quinn and played just in front of Francois and then just before the end of the game Wilson swapped his strikers with Porter and Beattie replacing Cresswell and Evans. Referee Miller played an additional 2 minutes but by the time the game ended many of the Bury fans had already left the ground. At the final whistle, the United players and officials saluted the fans on all three sides of the ground with news that neighbours Wednesday had lost ensuring the red and white side of the city currently have the bragging rights.
United – In the end we won easily, it was another professional and relatively controlled performance. However, it wasn’t the most convincing performance in the first half and United could easily have been behind at the break with Bury having one or two very good chances. We had a lot of players off the game and for the first game I had seen for some time we were second to the ball in many areas and lost the midfield as Bury packed men in this area of the pitch.
United finally awoke from their slumber in the second half and it was a much more determined and assured performance. We started to win more and more loose balls and in turn we passed it better. The front two also held the ball up which they had not done in the first half. We started to find gaps and the Bury defence were getting pulled around with McDonald pulling the strings and ensuring we got balls in behind the channels. We scored from two such balls with lovely finishes from the front two but in between this Francois has made a superb block tackle that prevented a certain goal in my opinion. This was maybe the turning point and allowed us to go on and then get the crucial second goal. We then really cruised to the win and Bury looked more like the side we saw at the Lane early in the season. Another well made and taken goal came from Williamson near the end and United ran out easy winners in the end in a game that had been far from comfortable for long stages.
I did feel we were not quite at it before the break and seemed off the pace. Too many players were sloppy in possession and also we did not do the ugly things. The ball kept coming back and we did not hold it up. It would not have been a surprise if we had been behind at half time but poor finishing and sloppy final balls saved us. I think there may have been words said at half time and we got out and started to get amongst things and also moved the ball forward quicker and got at them. We took the goals well and I felt the defence for the most part were excellent all game. They made timely blocks, key tackles and protected the keeper well.
Next Saturday is a huge game. Charlton will feel if they win they have one foot in the Championship. I actually would take a point and feel we may have to there and stifle them initially and play on the break, maybe a game where Montgomery should play instead of Cresswell and to pack the midfield. Maybe this is negative and we should take the game to them. I am not sure what way I would go but it will be a tough game. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make the game so any reports would be much appreciated!
We need to keep this run going as despite Wednesday’s defeat I do not see them, Huddersfield or Charlton losing more than the odd game in the run in. We need to try and remain unbeaten in the three games against these away but that will be a tough ask. The next 8 or 9 games are crucial. If we can stay around where we are we then have a very good chance with a decent run in but if lose all three of these games then in all likelihood we are probably looking at the playoffs. At the same time though we must continue to pick up points at places like Colchester and Brentford etc and keep winning at home. Of course all the analysis of games could go out of the window if we lose a few players before the end of January. That could the biggest factor in derailing our promotion bid.
I do have to say what a fine job Wilson is doing. He does not come on with bluster and try to colour favour by banging on about things like a certain other manager not too far away but just quietly goes about his job. He has got us well organised, hard to beat (certainly in recent times) and playing some decent football. We may not go up, we may crash out in the playoffs as I secretly fear but he has made it enjoyable to go to the games again after a few years of really turgid stuff. His record is now remarkable, albeit at a lower level as he has won 16/26 games with a win percentage of 62% and we have won/drew 80% of the games in his charge.
Bury – They were much, much better than the game at the Lane and will feel they ought to have been winning at the break but they were not clinical despite some decent football and looking dangerous, particularly down the sides. The left winger Amoo was a handful all game but was marshalled well by Francois and I think Bishop is a decent centre forward who could do well in a better team. The other front lad Worrall had a decent turn of speed and Sweeney in midfield is a good passer of the ball. I also thought the full back Picken got forward well. They do have weak links though and as at Bramall Lane I think the keeper is poor. He made a few mistakes in that game and today I felt he should have saved the second goal. The two centre backs; Sodje and Hughes are very slow and easy to turn. Sodje in particular is a real journeyman and there is a reason he has had so many clubs!
Barker (and Knill before him) has done superbly with limited resources to get them where they are in the pyramid and they are reasonably placed in this league too. They have a wage bill that is dwarfed ridiculously by teams like us so games like this should have results like this but it does not always work like this and for 45 minutes they were well in the game. I think they will probably finish nearer the bottom than the top but they have had some good results at home this season and this form at Gigg Lane ought to keep them away from the danger area.
Simonsen 7/10 – Had little to do as the chances were more missed than at him. I do recall one decent save in the first half but other than taking crosses and fielding through balls the defence protected him really well. Good to see the celebrations with the fans after the second goal where he ran to the crowd and high fived and hugged many Blades in the end behind his goal. Don’t think the stewards were too pleased! The negativity from the fans towards him earlier in the season seemed long forgotten.
Lowton 7.5/10 – He was our best player in the first half and our only real attacking threat. Got down the right and got in a few excellent crosses. Did get out of position a few times; when he may have gone forward too much and they had a few attacks down this side. Second half he actually was not seen as much as an attacking force but did the defensive side a bit better. An excellent footballer who looks so composed in possession of the ball. Despite a blip earlier in the season he does look a player who is capable of playing much higher up the leagues.
Francois 8/10 – Had a ropy start to the game and made a few careless mistakes but then as the game went on he got stronger and stronger and easily made a case as our best player. Made a superb goal saving tackles as a cross came in that looked set to be converted. He had made an earlier one after a Simonsen save too. He made a few other key tackles, blocks and seemed to realise when to hoof it clear and when to try and play football. Seems determined to keep his place now Williams is in the fold full time.
Maguire 7.5/10 – Solid game again. Got outstripped for pace once in the first half when Bury had a chance but other than that he won headers, made blocks and defended sensibly. Used the ball well at times with some lovely cross field balls and in recent times he seems to have realised when he can go long and when he should just keep it simple.
Collins 7.5/10 – Like Maguire he played well against a few lively attackers who tried to get the ball down and bring others into play. He won a number of headers that came into the box and was really assured again despite Bury threatening to stretch us in the first half. I felt we were under pressure more because of the players in front of the defence not keeping/holding the ball than the defenders being poor or making mistakes.
Doyle 7/10 – First half he was not as influential as he has been and actually felt we lost some of the key midfield battles but then we started to do the ugly side better and Doyle was much improved in the second half.
McDonald 8/10 – Much like United it was a game of 2 halves. Like Doyle he was not influential at all in the first half and also quite sloppy with the ball and I felt the game bypassed him and our midfield but he came out and started to dictate the game. He made 2 goals with clever passes; the first one was a superb long through ball. He looked excellent and started to run the game as the ball seemed to be magnetised to him at times. Player of the second half for me. We really need to sort out a contract extension soon as he otherwise we may lose him.
Quinn 6.5/10 – Thought he was one of our poorer players today. He was sloppy with the ball often and continued to try daft flicks instead of getting hold of it. He also was responsible for the Bury full back having a lot of time when they attacked and I felt sorry for Francois who was often against 2 men down that side. He got better in the second half and was more assured in his touch and passing but his performances are up and down at the moment. I felt he did not put the same shift in as many of his teammates.
Williamson 7/10 – Like Quinn he was frustrating for long spells of the game but then still showed real class with his touch and passing. First half he actually seemed to want to pass responsibility on and could not got rid of the ball quick enough giving responsibility to McDonald or Lowton instead of getting down the wing or attacking the full back. He did his defensive side well as he often does helping Lowton when he could. Second half he too was better and actually got down the flank better and passed with more conviction. He put in a great cross which Cresswell should have scored and was involved in some other good attacks. Scored a well taken goal at the end. Has now scored a fair few goals this season and rightly so as he is a good finisher and strikes a ball well.
Evans 7.5/10 – First half I thought he did not quite hold the ball up well enough but was still one of our better players and at least seemed to chase defenders down. Had our only real effort; a shot that looked goal bound deflected wide. Still felt he could do more and in the second half the front two were much improved with their movement and link play with others. Scored a well driven second goal (although keeper was poor on this one I felt) and had a few other efforts.
Cresswell 7/10 – Thought he was really poor first half and that he did not get hold of the ball and it continually shot back off him or the defender was first to the ball. He gave it away a few times with a silly flick or miscontrol. Once they nearly scored from such a moment. In the second half he too improved and was able to hold the ball up better, find our shirts more consistently and of course took a well taken goal breaking the offside trap. Ironically just before this he had missed a great chance when he headed wide from point blank range.
Subs
Williams – Brought on for Quinn and played just in front of Francois to shore up that side defensively as we sought to see the game out. Actually had a few decent moments, including a good run forward where the defender attempted but missed in body checking him.
Porter/Beattie – Both came on right at the end. Beattie had one cross turned behind and Porter had one run but they were not on long enough to make any impact. I do think that maybe the last we have seen of Beattie judging by Wilson’s comments last week (Beattie clearly thinks he should be playing / Wilson still does not think he is fully fit). A shame but at the moment I am not sure how long we/he will wait but unsure if he thinks he will suddenly get picked every week if he goes elsewhere.
Officials – Nigel Miller. Heard bad things about him and I know he has had a few less than convincing games with United before but he was excellent today and maybe one of the best we have had all season. Yes, referee praise which is rare for me as we have had some shockers this season! He only gave fouls if it was really obvious and tried to let the game flow at all times. He always wanted to play advantage and was not fussy if a free kick was taken a few yards away from the foul as long as it did not gain a huge advantage. Kept his cards in his pocket and seemed to speak to the players a lot instead of just trying to be the star of the show. I do think we had a decent shout for a penalty in the first half but it was perhaps not totally clear cut (Cresswell pulled) and also maybe our first goal was offside but could not tell where we were sat if that was the case.
United began with the same team that started against Yeovil with Beattie remaining on the bench. Bury had Owls loanee Giles Coke on the bench having of course lost Mike Jones who went the other way in the week.
The game began with many United fans still streaming in on 3 sides of the ground as Williamson and Lowton linked up to win an early corner that came to nothing. Lowton put in 2 excellent early crosses that just evaded red and white shirts but it was clear where the Blades threat was coming from.
The opening stages were fairly scrappy and neither side were able to create any openings. Bury actually were nullifying United’s midfield well and were perhaps shading things in this area. The front two were struggling to get hold of the ball and the home side started to get on top with a half chance coming when Amoo got down the right but his cross was cleared. Bury had another opportunity but Amoo this time blazed his shot across the box when well positioned.
United’s first effort came when Evans weak shot was straight at Belford. His next effort was more powerful but unfortunately hit Sodje and deflected wide. Bury were giving as good as they were getting though and Schumacher forced the first save as Simonsen had to push away after sloppy play from United had seen Bury break at speed. Francois made an impressive block tackle to prevent any rebound opportunity.
Lowton and McDonald combined to give the ball away and Worrall outsprinted Maguire but the chance came to nothing. Just before the break Cresswell appealed for a penalty when he seemed to be pulled back but Miller gave nothing. United had not been totally convincing at the break and had created few chances whilst Bury had perhaps looked slightly more threatening.
The second half immediately saw United looked more determined and they seemed to move the ball around with more speed and get the front two into the action more. They had a golden chance on 53 minutes when Lowton fed Williamson and he made a yard of space but looked to have overran the ball before somehow getting a great cross in. It seemed certain Cresswell would head home but somehow he headed wide with the goal gaping.
McDonald played a raking though ball that cut out 2 defenders and CRESSWELL beat the offside trap and was in on goal. He took a touch, steadied himself and clipped the ball over Belford into the corner of the net. A finish that was made to look a lot easier than it probably was.
Not long after the goal Bury came forward and created a really good opening with Worrall making space and hitting a great cross that seemed as if Bishop would convert at the far post but somehow Francois made a timely block tackle that could easily have been a penalty if he had mistimed it. It was a goal saving tackle and was a key moment in the game.
Just after the hour Untied got the vital second goal. McDonald played a clever through ball into the box and EVANS found himself unmarked and as the defenders strangely chose not to go to him. He utilised the space to take the ball on and from the angle hit a fierce right foot drive which went in at the keepers’ near post. Belford may have been a touch disappointed to let the ball squeeze past him but he surely will also not be too happy with his defenders who left the prolific striker unmarked.
United now looked in control and for the next period of the game they played some neat and tidy football whilst defending with determination to prevent any chance of a comeback.
Bury brought on Wednesday man Coke to predictable boos from the United fans and Amoo blazed high and wide as Bury seemed to run out of impetus. McDonald was now pulling the strings in the central area and with Evans and Cresswell looking like different players in the second half, United were well on top. A few passages of football nearly put United in again as Bury were now being pulled all over the place.
With the game entering the final stages, United completely killed off the game. Neat build up saw several passes before Lowton played in WILLIAMSON who sidestepped his man before placing a lovely curling shot with his left foot right into the corner. It was another precise finish for the midfielder who celebrated his third goal in less than a week with the United supporters at this end of the ground.
Williams came on for Quinn and played just in front of Francois and then just before the end of the game Wilson swapped his strikers with Porter and Beattie replacing Cresswell and Evans. Referee Miller played an additional 2 minutes but by the time the game ended many of the Bury fans had already left the ground. At the final whistle, the United players and officials saluted the fans on all three sides of the ground with news that neighbours Wednesday had lost ensuring the red and white side of the city currently have the bragging rights.
United – In the end we won easily, it was another professional and relatively controlled performance. However, it wasn’t the most convincing performance in the first half and United could easily have been behind at the break with Bury having one or two very good chances. We had a lot of players off the game and for the first game I had seen for some time we were second to the ball in many areas and lost the midfield as Bury packed men in this area of the pitch.
United finally awoke from their slumber in the second half and it was a much more determined and assured performance. We started to win more and more loose balls and in turn we passed it better. The front two also held the ball up which they had not done in the first half. We started to find gaps and the Bury defence were getting pulled around with McDonald pulling the strings and ensuring we got balls in behind the channels. We scored from two such balls with lovely finishes from the front two but in between this Francois has made a superb block tackle that prevented a certain goal in my opinion. This was maybe the turning point and allowed us to go on and then get the crucial second goal. We then really cruised to the win and Bury looked more like the side we saw at the Lane early in the season. Another well made and taken goal came from Williamson near the end and United ran out easy winners in the end in a game that had been far from comfortable for long stages.
I did feel we were not quite at it before the break and seemed off the pace. Too many players were sloppy in possession and also we did not do the ugly things. The ball kept coming back and we did not hold it up. It would not have been a surprise if we had been behind at half time but poor finishing and sloppy final balls saved us. I think there may have been words said at half time and we got out and started to get amongst things and also moved the ball forward quicker and got at them. We took the goals well and I felt the defence for the most part were excellent all game. They made timely blocks, key tackles and protected the keeper well.
Next Saturday is a huge game. Charlton will feel if they win they have one foot in the Championship. I actually would take a point and feel we may have to there and stifle them initially and play on the break, maybe a game where Montgomery should play instead of Cresswell and to pack the midfield. Maybe this is negative and we should take the game to them. I am not sure what way I would go but it will be a tough game. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make the game so any reports would be much appreciated!
We need to keep this run going as despite Wednesday’s defeat I do not see them, Huddersfield or Charlton losing more than the odd game in the run in. We need to try and remain unbeaten in the three games against these away but that will be a tough ask. The next 8 or 9 games are crucial. If we can stay around where we are we then have a very good chance with a decent run in but if lose all three of these games then in all likelihood we are probably looking at the playoffs. At the same time though we must continue to pick up points at places like Colchester and Brentford etc and keep winning at home. Of course all the analysis of games could go out of the window if we lose a few players before the end of January. That could the biggest factor in derailing our promotion bid.
I do have to say what a fine job Wilson is doing. He does not come on with bluster and try to colour favour by banging on about things like a certain other manager not too far away but just quietly goes about his job. He has got us well organised, hard to beat (certainly in recent times) and playing some decent football. We may not go up, we may crash out in the playoffs as I secretly fear but he has made it enjoyable to go to the games again after a few years of really turgid stuff. His record is now remarkable, albeit at a lower level as he has won 16/26 games with a win percentage of 62% and we have won/drew 80% of the games in his charge.
Bury – They were much, much better than the game at the Lane and will feel they ought to have been winning at the break but they were not clinical despite some decent football and looking dangerous, particularly down the sides. The left winger Amoo was a handful all game but was marshalled well by Francois and I think Bishop is a decent centre forward who could do well in a better team. The other front lad Worrall had a decent turn of speed and Sweeney in midfield is a good passer of the ball. I also thought the full back Picken got forward well. They do have weak links though and as at Bramall Lane I think the keeper is poor. He made a few mistakes in that game and today I felt he should have saved the second goal. The two centre backs; Sodje and Hughes are very slow and easy to turn. Sodje in particular is a real journeyman and there is a reason he has had so many clubs!
Barker (and Knill before him) has done superbly with limited resources to get them where they are in the pyramid and they are reasonably placed in this league too. They have a wage bill that is dwarfed ridiculously by teams like us so games like this should have results like this but it does not always work like this and for 45 minutes they were well in the game. I think they will probably finish nearer the bottom than the top but they have had some good results at home this season and this form at Gigg Lane ought to keep them away from the danger area.
Simonsen 7/10 – Had little to do as the chances were more missed than at him. I do recall one decent save in the first half but other than taking crosses and fielding through balls the defence protected him really well. Good to see the celebrations with the fans after the second goal where he ran to the crowd and high fived and hugged many Blades in the end behind his goal. Don’t think the stewards were too pleased! The negativity from the fans towards him earlier in the season seemed long forgotten.
Lowton 7.5/10 – He was our best player in the first half and our only real attacking threat. Got down the right and got in a few excellent crosses. Did get out of position a few times; when he may have gone forward too much and they had a few attacks down this side. Second half he actually was not seen as much as an attacking force but did the defensive side a bit better. An excellent footballer who looks so composed in possession of the ball. Despite a blip earlier in the season he does look a player who is capable of playing much higher up the leagues.
Francois 8/10 – Had a ropy start to the game and made a few careless mistakes but then as the game went on he got stronger and stronger and easily made a case as our best player. Made a superb goal saving tackles as a cross came in that looked set to be converted. He had made an earlier one after a Simonsen save too. He made a few other key tackles, blocks and seemed to realise when to hoof it clear and when to try and play football. Seems determined to keep his place now Williams is in the fold full time.
Maguire 7.5/10 – Solid game again. Got outstripped for pace once in the first half when Bury had a chance but other than that he won headers, made blocks and defended sensibly. Used the ball well at times with some lovely cross field balls and in recent times he seems to have realised when he can go long and when he should just keep it simple.
Collins 7.5/10 – Like Maguire he played well against a few lively attackers who tried to get the ball down and bring others into play. He won a number of headers that came into the box and was really assured again despite Bury threatening to stretch us in the first half. I felt we were under pressure more because of the players in front of the defence not keeping/holding the ball than the defenders being poor or making mistakes.
Doyle 7/10 – First half he was not as influential as he has been and actually felt we lost some of the key midfield battles but then we started to do the ugly side better and Doyle was much improved in the second half.
McDonald 8/10 – Much like United it was a game of 2 halves. Like Doyle he was not influential at all in the first half and also quite sloppy with the ball and I felt the game bypassed him and our midfield but he came out and started to dictate the game. He made 2 goals with clever passes; the first one was a superb long through ball. He looked excellent and started to run the game as the ball seemed to be magnetised to him at times. Player of the second half for me. We really need to sort out a contract extension soon as he otherwise we may lose him.
Quinn 6.5/10 – Thought he was one of our poorer players today. He was sloppy with the ball often and continued to try daft flicks instead of getting hold of it. He also was responsible for the Bury full back having a lot of time when they attacked and I felt sorry for Francois who was often against 2 men down that side. He got better in the second half and was more assured in his touch and passing but his performances are up and down at the moment. I felt he did not put the same shift in as many of his teammates.
Williamson 7/10 – Like Quinn he was frustrating for long spells of the game but then still showed real class with his touch and passing. First half he actually seemed to want to pass responsibility on and could not got rid of the ball quick enough giving responsibility to McDonald or Lowton instead of getting down the wing or attacking the full back. He did his defensive side well as he often does helping Lowton when he could. Second half he too was better and actually got down the flank better and passed with more conviction. He put in a great cross which Cresswell should have scored and was involved in some other good attacks. Scored a well taken goal at the end. Has now scored a fair few goals this season and rightly so as he is a good finisher and strikes a ball well.
Evans 7.5/10 – First half I thought he did not quite hold the ball up well enough but was still one of our better players and at least seemed to chase defenders down. Had our only real effort; a shot that looked goal bound deflected wide. Still felt he could do more and in the second half the front two were much improved with their movement and link play with others. Scored a well driven second goal (although keeper was poor on this one I felt) and had a few other efforts.
Cresswell 7/10 – Thought he was really poor first half and that he did not get hold of the ball and it continually shot back off him or the defender was first to the ball. He gave it away a few times with a silly flick or miscontrol. Once they nearly scored from such a moment. In the second half he too improved and was able to hold the ball up better, find our shirts more consistently and of course took a well taken goal breaking the offside trap. Ironically just before this he had missed a great chance when he headed wide from point blank range.
Subs
Williams – Brought on for Quinn and played just in front of Francois to shore up that side defensively as we sought to see the game out. Actually had a few decent moments, including a good run forward where the defender attempted but missed in body checking him.
Porter/Beattie – Both came on right at the end. Beattie had one cross turned behind and Porter had one run but they were not on long enough to make any impact. I do think that maybe the last we have seen of Beattie judging by Wilson’s comments last week (Beattie clearly thinks he should be playing / Wilson still does not think he is fully fit). A shame but at the moment I am not sure how long we/he will wait but unsure if he thinks he will suddenly get picked every week if he goes elsewhere.
Officials – Nigel Miller. Heard bad things about him and I know he has had a few less than convincing games with United before but he was excellent today and maybe one of the best we have had all season. Yes, referee praise which is rare for me as we have had some shockers this season! He only gave fouls if it was really obvious and tried to let the game flow at all times. He always wanted to play advantage and was not fussy if a free kick was taken a few yards away from the foul as long as it did not gain a huge advantage. Kept his cards in his pocket and seemed to speak to the players a lot instead of just trying to be the star of the show. I do think we had a decent shout for a penalty in the first half but it was perhaps not totally clear cut (Cresswell pulled) and also maybe our first goal was offside but could not tell where we were sat if that was the case.
) In the first half as we look at it the top right corner at the other end were singing something and bouncing. What were they singing? Please do not say
