Deadbat
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It has been a rarity this season but United fans could enjoy a comfortable victory as they easily saw off a dismal Chesterfield side at the Proact Stadium in an early kick off that was played in front of sunshine, rain and sleet at various points. An early goal from Alex Baptise was added to from Che Adams after a Tommy Lee howler. United threatened to run riot before Billy Sharp’s smart finish after Paul Coutts’ enterprising run wrapped up the victory. In truth United could have won by a lot more in a game they controlled from start to finish.
United named an unchanged side for the third week running as they sought to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Chesterfield included former Blades Academy graduates, Connor Dimaio was in the starting line up and Jordan Slew was on the bench. Loanee Jamal Campbell Ryce was ineligible as part of the terms of his loan deal. Of course former Blades manager Danny Wilson patrolled the sidelines along with long serving player and coach Chris Morgan.
United started well and forced three early corners. From the second one the ball was not cleared and a half chance ensued but it was headed behind. From the next delivery from Flynn it was not cleared and after a bit of pinball it bounced up and BAPTISTE was able to nod it home. It was a scruffy goal and awful defending but gave United a perfect start.
United came again with the lively Adams and Sharp continuing to cause all sorts of problems for a static home rear guard.
Chesterfield then had their first real chance when Coutts brought down Dimaio right on the edge of the box. The free kick was bit by O’Shea right into the wall with Baptiste doing his job at the other end now and was poleaxed in stopping the effort.
United were controlling the midfield area with Hammond and Coutts breaking up play and linking with Adams and Sharp well with Flynn getting in the pockets. Done and Basham were also getting forward and forcing Chesterfield back further.
One worrying moment came from United’s own doing when Long oddly came haring outside of his box and missed it completely but fortunately Baptiste cleared up behind him.
Done was clumsily blocked off by Liddle who was rightly booked as he stopped the wing back getting away. An identical foul then occurred on the other side when Basham was blocked off by Liddle, the same man. It really ought to have been another booking and a red card but the referee oddly decided this was different!
United were completely controlling the game and Adams played in Flynn who had a shot saved before Sharp was nearly in. Adams then showed smart work before Done’s cross was blocked off.
Chesterfield had not offered much of a threat but Aribiyi clearly had some pace and trickery and got away from Done down the wing who brought him down. The free kick came to nothing.
United won another corner but Baptise headed over. Adams then was able to play in Sharp but the ball got away from him. Coutts then fired over after nimble feet in the build-up.
However, the second goal came after a back pass to Lee who was on the angle of his box and the keeper’s clearance was woeful barely getting off the floor. Unfortunately, it also went straight to a white shirt.
ADAMS was able to control the errant pass and took his time before calmly drilling a low shot into the empty unguarded net. United were now in complete control and this goal gave them the cushion their play had deserved.
Chesterfield won a corner but this came to nothing before Sharp maybe should have done better and then Flynn had a goal bound effort blocked off.
It was nearly three when after good patient play the ball came over and Flynn seemed set to score but wildly volleyed over.
As the half time whistle United fans clapped off an assured performance whilst the contrast came from the home fans who made their feelings clear as they lustily booed off the Spireites.
United will have surely expected better from the disappointing home side and they did win an early corner before a rare shot on target saw Novak get his shot away but it was easily saved by Long low down drawing sarcastic cheers from the away fans.
The away side reasserted control and good work from Basham, Coutts and Adams then saw Flynn narrowly curl his shot low and wide of the goal. Lee seemed to be beaten. Adams then had another effort but this was saved by Lee.
Any lingering hope the home side had of getting back into the game was ended when United’s leading scorer Sharp got his goal.
Coutts took the ball and attacked down the right. He kept going, drawing a defender before pulling back a lovely controlled cross that was met perfectly by SHARP who guided it into the far corner.
Former Blades Dimaio and Slew were interchanged after this goal and the former striker got a mixed reaction after he had departed the Blades so early in his career.
Chesterfield did win a series of corners and set plays but nothing resulted as the United rear guard has been outstanding all afternoon and well protected by the hard working midfield. However, O’Shea nearly surprised Long when he got a snap shot away but the keeper pushed it round the post.
Novak had a few efforts on goal and Slew was blocked out as the Spireites had a better spell but were hardly banging down the door and United were largely comfortable. Flynn then had a deflected shot which was saved well by Lee as he dived full length.
Flynn has been busy all game but was replaced by Flo Cuvelier. Soon after Done, who had got forward all game, was able to get in the inside left position but his curler went just over.
Chesterfield had a golden chance for what would have only surely been a consolation goal but after rare poor marking saw him in on goal he sliced horribly wide by a distance with only Long to beat.
Adams had worked hard but he was given a breather as Adkins introduced Calvert Lewin to partner Sharp.
The two linked on a couple of occasions and Sharp was deemed offside when he got in from the young strikers headed flick. Sharp then found Cuvelier but he was crowded out.
As the game petered out Woolford was the next to get a run out as he replaced Matty Done. As the game entered three minutes of stoppage time, United nearly made it 4-0 when after Woolford cleverly made a yard before his cross was clipped goal wards by the falling Sharp but Lee made a super reflex save at close range.
The United man felt he had been hauled down in his attempt to score but the elusive brace he has sought all season eluded him. The final whistle came soon after and was saluted by the large United travelling contingent who were no doubt delighted by another better performance but also somewhat dismayed that the late season improvements has come too late and when less pressure has been on the side.
United – It was maybe the most comfortable win of the season and certainly as convincing away performance as they have put in (granted it was my first- maybe I am the good luck charm!). United completely bossed the game from start to finish. We scored a scruffy goal early on but had won a few corners and had them on the back foot. After this they had a few half chances but nothing major and we wrestled back control and had so many good openings. With a bit more composure in the last third and better finishing it could have been 3 or 4-0 at half time. It was that one sided. We controlled midfield and defensively looked as untroubled as we have all season. We moved it better and with more pace but we had so much time on the ball. We did not even need to move it that fast. Chesterfield put the least amount of pressure on the ball as any side this season but credit to United who played a lot higher up the field again.
Baptiste has made a big difference in the starting position of the defence but also his ability to read the game and cover with his pace. He has been outstanding after a rocky cameo when he was very rusty. Edgar and McEveley have improved too alongside him. The two wing backs get up and down with Done causing problems with his pace and running and Basham with his height and athleticism for such a big guy. The big surprise has been Hammond and Coutts who have been more mobile and finished games stronger the last few weeks. Sharp and Adams have continued to show good movement, held it up well for smaller players and worked well in unison. Flynn has missed a lot of chances recently but got in great positions and defenders have not picked him up
It is so frustrating that we have suddenly picked up when it was too late and if he has not played slow, lumbering players like Sammon, Collins, Woolford etc and maybe had some of the pace and enthusiasm of Done and Adams playing more earlier, we may have picked up more points. I am not getting carried away but it has been much better. Today we looked miles better than Chesterfield and looked a side that has underachieved. Reality is we have got what we deserve all season with wildly inconsistent team selections/formations and some dreadful displays but credit to Adkins for recent resurgence. Today they looked a side that had more gears to go up and I felt easily could have got more goals with a bit better play and composure in the final stages of the pitch. If the game had finished 5 or 6-0 it would not have flattered us. We controlled every facet of the game. Chesterfield were appalling but will temper criticism with praise of us who played really well today and carried on from last week in a game we should have won.
Be interesting what happens as despite it coming way too late the run, they have improved and maybe the board will look at this when considering things with regards to the decision on the manager. However equally they may look at the season as a whole and consider being outside the top 6 (as it still will be) a big failure and certainly a huge underachievement. I am not sure what they will do. Even though it has come too little, too late a continuation of recent performances for the final four may have Adkins the strong argument to get the start of next season. Ultimately I am not sure he has done enough and this run with the pressure off and season effectively over has masked a poor season but for once not sure what McCabe will do. On one hand it seems they can do it when the pressure is off but Adkins for once has found a settled side and formation and this has caused opponents problems who have struggled to match up with likes of Basham and Done.
Chesterfield – They were abysmal. I have seen some shocking sides this season (we have been one of them!) but they may have been the worse. They were bad at the back struggling to cope with the movement of the front two and wing backs, slow to the ball all over the field and lost nearly every single individual battle. They have a mixture of experience and youngsters but seemed to lack leadership today. The older players Liddle and Hird were quite dirty and lacked pace to keep up with the nimble United players whilst Novak got no service up top at all. I felt the lad on the right was tricky but lacked final product.
However, the midfield was non-existent. They barely won a ball all day, were sloppy when they did have it and never gave them a chance to have enough possession or territory to cause us problems. Many have said we ought to have kept Dimaio and that he should have had more chances. Whilst I do not think he is any worse than Reed; I am not sure they are right. Two managers did not see enough to give him a run in the side. He looked weak and slow today and I felt him and the other lads in the middle were outplayed all game and ran off the game; by Coutts and Hammond. It did look like men against boys in there today at times. I am unsure Dimaio (or Reed) have enough to be in the league long term but that is just a personal opinion.
Going back to the home side, they had a few corners and half chances but nothing major and lost the game maybe after 5 minutes with poor start never overcome. They were lucky just to go in two down. They had a brief spell second half but it was all a bit powder puff really. Slew came on and ran around but missed a big chance near the end. They looked well beaten and a side that will do well to eek enough point out to stay up. Fortunately, many of the sides below are not picking enough points up and many have to play each other. Danny Wilson got the old ‘One Danny Wilson….’ Chant which was a bit ironic as many wanted him out in his second season. I felt he always carried himself well and was a class act off the field but sadly as he has proved at Barnsley and perhaps ultimately here, he is not quite good enough. He has managed largely at this level for a long time which sums up his abilities despite him being a nice guy. Ultimately Morgan may get his first shot at management here if as I predict happens and Wilson is exited by another local club. Weird to see Morgan in the Chesterfield apparel as he warmed up the defenders pre game. He also got a few ‘Morgan, Morgan give us a wave!’ chants and he signalled to the Blades fans showing his appreciation.
Opponent man of the match : Gboly Aribiyi the right winger was a box of tricks and showed some neat touches and running. Got away from Done a few times and was fouled on a few occasions too. He did not have much of end product but maybe was the best of a bad bunch.
Opponent Weak link : The whole team really. Nearly every player lost their individual battle. I felt in midfield Banks, Liddle and DiMaio were overran and outplayed all game. They barely had a foothold in the game. Liddle was clumsy and could have been sent off and for the experience one of the trio maybe takes the prize for weak link.
SUFC Player Ratings – Not a bad performance. Mixture of 7-8’s. You could argue who got 7,7.5 or 8 out of below. There was not much in it. Everyone played well.
Long 7/10 – Had very little to do all game. He made one save down low second half when it was 3-0 and had one rush of blood at 1-0 when he came running out for no real reason and could have been punished but we got away with it. Other than that his handling was good as was his kicking and had relatively little to do other than back passes and odd through ball. One of quietest games of the season.
Basham 7.5/10 – Has been a bit of revelation lately and this new positions seems to suit him. I would never have thought this when he was put here but he has been solid defensively and going forward his height and strong running has been a real threat. The long diagonal ball sees him a constant threat and as in previous weeks a smaller full back (Talbot this time) really struggled with him. Relentless at times as he keeps chasing loose balls and pressing ensuring we always keep them penned in.
Done 7/10 – Defensively still not sure. He got beat a few times but he has incredible energy and got up and down all game. So tireless. Had a few decent efforts on goal and a few poor ones. Ditto with some of his crossing. He put in a few really dangerous driven balls and a few over hit ones. Just constant motion all game. As I say I think versus a good winger (the lad today was quite tricky) he may struggle but his strengths outweigh his weaknesses easily, even in this position. The sort of player you want around and I think his effort and work rate is something that can be contagious.
Baptiste 8/10 – Class act at this level. My man of the match for the 2nd week running. He was just too good for a poor attack. Reads the game really well and came out of the back a number of times. Good on the ball, fast and mobile. He is also decent in the air. Scored a goal too! A good all-around athlete and defender that plays first few yards in his head. Would be an excellent signing but reading Karanka’s comments I think Boro will want him back – maybe if they do go up we have a chance but he can easily play Championship level. Would be a coup if we got him. Indeed, if we say signed him and Burn we would have two good building blocks for the defence.
McEveley 7/10 – Some poor balls and sliced clearances and maybe one of weaker players today but still he was fine. He got much better as the game went on and looked in control and not rushed in any way. He is decent on the ball but also overplays some of the time but like Baptiste came out of the defence quite a bit too. He is an odd player. At times he looks great and a player who clearly has played much higher up and then at times he makes silly mistakes. I would not be devastated if he was given a one year deal (more as cover) but equally would not be surprised if he was released and his overall contribution over 2 years has not been quite good enough but this season he has been much better than last and one of our more consistent players, not saying much that though!
Edgar 7.5/10- Very solid today. I am unsure I would sign him but he is an improvement on what we have had for the last few years. Indeed, the back 3 that has played has been much better in recent games. Noticeable difference since Collins went in the whole shape of the defence and the starting position. Edgar headed it and cleared it. Nothing flashy but did what he needed. Better on the ball than I thought he was. Just think we might need that slightly more physical player at the back.
Flynn 7.5/10 – He really ought to have had a goal today. He missed a golden chance at the end of the first half when he volleyed over and had another shot just wide at the start of the second half. Had a number of other half chances blocked too. Did get into some excellent positions and get ahead or alongside the strikers. Neat and tidy on the ball. The midfield three completely controlled the game today.
Coutts 7.5/10 – I have been very critical of him this season for his lack of mobility, running out of gas and not offering anything in terms of assists/goals but he has been very good in the last few games. He had a really good performance last season and today followed it up. Made the second goal with a surging run and lovely pull back. Had a few good runs and got into the last third a few times second half. Not doubting his class on the ball as he can shield it and keep it well. He does have a good touch but pleasingly he has kept going and his legs have not gone last few weeks and he has been as strong near the end of the game as at the start. Felt the midfield picked up everything and played it in straight lines forwards today for a change rather than always sideways. Also moved it quicker.
Hammond 7.5/10 – He has been much improved the last few games. He has done nothing spectacular but won it and kept it. Not played too many long balls and does not always go forward but he was efficient all game in what he did. A few poor passes where he was a bit sloppy but most of the game he helped us completely control midfield. I still think we can do much better than him long term but last few games he has been solid. Indeed, the much criticised pairing of him and Coutts along with the more mobile and busy Flynn have seen us completely control three games in midfield the last three weeks.
Adams 7.5/10 – Like Sharp was very good with movement, strong running and some decent efforts. He had a number of shots blocked. Took his goal well as even though he had an age to line it up, it easily could have been missed. His touch sometimes went astray but overall he caused problems with strength and pace. As he continues to learn the game will be increasingly difficult to stop. Him and Sharp’s partnership continues to grow and hopefully will be a good starting point for next season.
Sharp 8/10 – Excellent and caused all manner of problems. Held it up and it stuck to him all game. Played others in and always played on the shoulder. Took his goal well and had a number of other chances. Lee saved from him a few times including a great save at the death and Sharp also had a few other shots blocked. Looked a cut above today at this level and the two centre haves could not handle him and Adams movement and intelligent runs. Always looked a threat and on another day could have had a hat trick.
Subs
Cuvelier – Was given a fair spell but did not impress sadly. So lightweight as he got shoved off it a few times including a good chance after Sharp played him through and he was brushed aside. Also gave it away a few times. Do not see anything in this lad and think he will be released in the summer. Just do not think he suits the quite physical play at this level.
Calvert Lewin – Was lively when came on. Won quite a few headers and flicks. Linked well with Sharp and nearly led to a chance after one header but Sharp was ruled offside. Clear Adkins likes him and wants to give him minutes.
Woolford – Brought on for Done right towards the end and played in that left wing back position.
Manager – Adkins 8/10 – Picked the same team and this showed as we had consistency of performance and team shape. Started the game on the front foot and carried this on. They had no answer for our forward and the shape again caused all sorts of problems for Chesterfield who oddly did not match up with us at any stage even though we were running riot. I felt that they needed to change it but never did so Adkins kept it as it was as did not need to change personnel. Late on he made changes more to give the incomers game time. The last few weeks he may have saved his job (despite all the rumours unless it was a done deal) and shown some foundation for next season even if it is too little, too late.
Ref - The ref was ok I felt and he tried to keep the game going and play advantage most of the time. Cannot recall too many howlers from him and he was fair both ways. One thing you could question was when the lad for them Liddle really could have walked after being booked for a block off on Done and then did exactly the same on Basham but decided not to punish the same type of challenge in the same way. He bottled it really. It should have seen him walk. Luckily they were that bad it did not matter. A few half-hearted spot kick appeals on Cuvelier and Sharp were rightly not given as contact was not enough. It was a nothing game to referee with few bad fouls of note.
There was one comedy moment when the linesman gave a corner, then a goal kick to Chesterfield at the start of the second half after a horrendous error when it was the clearest corner you could imagine. I am not sure what he was looking at. Maybe the sun was in his eyes!
Crowd – The biggest of the season at the Proact as there was 9.400 inside the ground and nearly 3,000 Blades. United fans occupied behind the goal and a portion of the East Stand. The early goal helped the atmosphere and United fans were in good spirits and song all game. All the noise came from the Blades fans with Chesterfield fans not happy with their side. They were right to vent at half time and full time as they were appalling and booed them off on both occasions. Many were streaming out towards Tesco long before the end!
Not sure what happened at the end when a clearly worse for wear Chesterfield fan stumbled on the pitch as the full time whistle went. Nobody seemed to notice for a while as he made gestures to the United fans who thankfully just laughed at him rather than be incensed or look to respond back. The stewards eventually carted him off.
As for the ground, been a few times and it is one of the poorer ones of the new ones. Not that big (suppose it does not have to be) and no corners so the atmosphere kind of drifts out. There has been no thought into it and rather basic (Rotherham one and some of other new ones has a bit more character or thought in the design). We sat in the side stand where due to the concourses being split up/segregated we had one toilet and one kiosk for all the fans and it was rather cramped indeed.
Bit of a moan here sadly (old fart alert maybe?!) but I took lad today (8 years of age) and it made me have to think about taking him to many away games for a bit. I expect the language etc as it is football and that is what you get but some of the behaviour of fans is quite embarrassing. Moronic almost. I know before it has been debated you can move away but it was quite hard to do this today; many were just cluttering up the stairwells and moving into where we were stood even though they clearly were not meant to be sat/stood here. I am still unsure why everyone stands up all game. I would not care if it was just me going but means I had to have my lad standing on his seat or having to peer over others to see which is less than ideal. Maybe I just cannot take him away for now which is quite disappointing. It did not seem to be like this when I was a lad say 20-25 years ago but the number of ‘chavish’ burberry/stone island ‘wannabe’ teenage hooligans has really risen. One guy threw up on the steps he had drank so much. It was a bit embarrassing. There were no stewards in this stand at all just police all stood together filming us so no stewarding at all. The rows were all blocked, no one was stood/sat where they were meant to be and it nobody seemed to care (as long as they were not causing trouble). I feel for people who cannot stand all game (older etc).
Suppose you could ask for front row seats but not always possible (sometimes they just sell them in order). Also I have to say some of the United fans are ridiculous in their behaviour. Many came in late and were so drunk they could barely see – several missed both goals due to coming in late and then drinking in the concourse. Some seem to enjoy being in the concourse more than in the stand. This was the same for the second half as they came back 10 minutes late. I struggle to see point of going when you are so drunk you can barely remember what is happening (maybe that is good some weeks!). Sadly, most of the fans that I describe were maybe 16-20 and were the ones bellowing out Ched Evans chants and generally acting like knobs falling over people in their seats. When the flare was lobbed, nobody seemed to care. As I say no stewards in this side stand and the police did not even move; just carried on filming everyone as the flare smoked away. The only amusing moment of this incident was the burly chap coming on and exposing his rear as he bent down to pick it up.
Do not want to seem a bore, I love a beer and the banter and a sing away but really was quite sad watching some of behaviour from some of younger element today. Luckily my lad did not seem to care and was just revelling in the win! Maybe I should not have been so bothered!
United named an unchanged side for the third week running as they sought to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Chesterfield included former Blades Academy graduates, Connor Dimaio was in the starting line up and Jordan Slew was on the bench. Loanee Jamal Campbell Ryce was ineligible as part of the terms of his loan deal. Of course former Blades manager Danny Wilson patrolled the sidelines along with long serving player and coach Chris Morgan.
United started well and forced three early corners. From the second one the ball was not cleared and a half chance ensued but it was headed behind. From the next delivery from Flynn it was not cleared and after a bit of pinball it bounced up and BAPTISTE was able to nod it home. It was a scruffy goal and awful defending but gave United a perfect start.
United came again with the lively Adams and Sharp continuing to cause all sorts of problems for a static home rear guard.
Chesterfield then had their first real chance when Coutts brought down Dimaio right on the edge of the box. The free kick was bit by O’Shea right into the wall with Baptiste doing his job at the other end now and was poleaxed in stopping the effort.
United were controlling the midfield area with Hammond and Coutts breaking up play and linking with Adams and Sharp well with Flynn getting in the pockets. Done and Basham were also getting forward and forcing Chesterfield back further.
One worrying moment came from United’s own doing when Long oddly came haring outside of his box and missed it completely but fortunately Baptiste cleared up behind him.
Done was clumsily blocked off by Liddle who was rightly booked as he stopped the wing back getting away. An identical foul then occurred on the other side when Basham was blocked off by Liddle, the same man. It really ought to have been another booking and a red card but the referee oddly decided this was different!
United were completely controlling the game and Adams played in Flynn who had a shot saved before Sharp was nearly in. Adams then showed smart work before Done’s cross was blocked off.
Chesterfield had not offered much of a threat but Aribiyi clearly had some pace and trickery and got away from Done down the wing who brought him down. The free kick came to nothing.
United won another corner but Baptise headed over. Adams then was able to play in Sharp but the ball got away from him. Coutts then fired over after nimble feet in the build-up.
However, the second goal came after a back pass to Lee who was on the angle of his box and the keeper’s clearance was woeful barely getting off the floor. Unfortunately, it also went straight to a white shirt.
ADAMS was able to control the errant pass and took his time before calmly drilling a low shot into the empty unguarded net. United were now in complete control and this goal gave them the cushion their play had deserved.
Chesterfield won a corner but this came to nothing before Sharp maybe should have done better and then Flynn had a goal bound effort blocked off.
It was nearly three when after good patient play the ball came over and Flynn seemed set to score but wildly volleyed over.
As the half time whistle United fans clapped off an assured performance whilst the contrast came from the home fans who made their feelings clear as they lustily booed off the Spireites.
United will have surely expected better from the disappointing home side and they did win an early corner before a rare shot on target saw Novak get his shot away but it was easily saved by Long low down drawing sarcastic cheers from the away fans.
The away side reasserted control and good work from Basham, Coutts and Adams then saw Flynn narrowly curl his shot low and wide of the goal. Lee seemed to be beaten. Adams then had another effort but this was saved by Lee.
Any lingering hope the home side had of getting back into the game was ended when United’s leading scorer Sharp got his goal.
Coutts took the ball and attacked down the right. He kept going, drawing a defender before pulling back a lovely controlled cross that was met perfectly by SHARP who guided it into the far corner.
Former Blades Dimaio and Slew were interchanged after this goal and the former striker got a mixed reaction after he had departed the Blades so early in his career.
Chesterfield did win a series of corners and set plays but nothing resulted as the United rear guard has been outstanding all afternoon and well protected by the hard working midfield. However, O’Shea nearly surprised Long when he got a snap shot away but the keeper pushed it round the post.
Novak had a few efforts on goal and Slew was blocked out as the Spireites had a better spell but were hardly banging down the door and United were largely comfortable. Flynn then had a deflected shot which was saved well by Lee as he dived full length.
Flynn has been busy all game but was replaced by Flo Cuvelier. Soon after Done, who had got forward all game, was able to get in the inside left position but his curler went just over.
Chesterfield had a golden chance for what would have only surely been a consolation goal but after rare poor marking saw him in on goal he sliced horribly wide by a distance with only Long to beat.
Adams had worked hard but he was given a breather as Adkins introduced Calvert Lewin to partner Sharp.
The two linked on a couple of occasions and Sharp was deemed offside when he got in from the young strikers headed flick. Sharp then found Cuvelier but he was crowded out.
As the game petered out Woolford was the next to get a run out as he replaced Matty Done. As the game entered three minutes of stoppage time, United nearly made it 4-0 when after Woolford cleverly made a yard before his cross was clipped goal wards by the falling Sharp but Lee made a super reflex save at close range.
The United man felt he had been hauled down in his attempt to score but the elusive brace he has sought all season eluded him. The final whistle came soon after and was saluted by the large United travelling contingent who were no doubt delighted by another better performance but also somewhat dismayed that the late season improvements has come too late and when less pressure has been on the side.
United – It was maybe the most comfortable win of the season and certainly as convincing away performance as they have put in (granted it was my first- maybe I am the good luck charm!). United completely bossed the game from start to finish. We scored a scruffy goal early on but had won a few corners and had them on the back foot. After this they had a few half chances but nothing major and we wrestled back control and had so many good openings. With a bit more composure in the last third and better finishing it could have been 3 or 4-0 at half time. It was that one sided. We controlled midfield and defensively looked as untroubled as we have all season. We moved it better and with more pace but we had so much time on the ball. We did not even need to move it that fast. Chesterfield put the least amount of pressure on the ball as any side this season but credit to United who played a lot higher up the field again.
Baptiste has made a big difference in the starting position of the defence but also his ability to read the game and cover with his pace. He has been outstanding after a rocky cameo when he was very rusty. Edgar and McEveley have improved too alongside him. The two wing backs get up and down with Done causing problems with his pace and running and Basham with his height and athleticism for such a big guy. The big surprise has been Hammond and Coutts who have been more mobile and finished games stronger the last few weeks. Sharp and Adams have continued to show good movement, held it up well for smaller players and worked well in unison. Flynn has missed a lot of chances recently but got in great positions and defenders have not picked him up
It is so frustrating that we have suddenly picked up when it was too late and if he has not played slow, lumbering players like Sammon, Collins, Woolford etc and maybe had some of the pace and enthusiasm of Done and Adams playing more earlier, we may have picked up more points. I am not getting carried away but it has been much better. Today we looked miles better than Chesterfield and looked a side that has underachieved. Reality is we have got what we deserve all season with wildly inconsistent team selections/formations and some dreadful displays but credit to Adkins for recent resurgence. Today they looked a side that had more gears to go up and I felt easily could have got more goals with a bit better play and composure in the final stages of the pitch. If the game had finished 5 or 6-0 it would not have flattered us. We controlled every facet of the game. Chesterfield were appalling but will temper criticism with praise of us who played really well today and carried on from last week in a game we should have won.
Be interesting what happens as despite it coming way too late the run, they have improved and maybe the board will look at this when considering things with regards to the decision on the manager. However equally they may look at the season as a whole and consider being outside the top 6 (as it still will be) a big failure and certainly a huge underachievement. I am not sure what they will do. Even though it has come too little, too late a continuation of recent performances for the final four may have Adkins the strong argument to get the start of next season. Ultimately I am not sure he has done enough and this run with the pressure off and season effectively over has masked a poor season but for once not sure what McCabe will do. On one hand it seems they can do it when the pressure is off but Adkins for once has found a settled side and formation and this has caused opponents problems who have struggled to match up with likes of Basham and Done.
Chesterfield – They were abysmal. I have seen some shocking sides this season (we have been one of them!) but they may have been the worse. They were bad at the back struggling to cope with the movement of the front two and wing backs, slow to the ball all over the field and lost nearly every single individual battle. They have a mixture of experience and youngsters but seemed to lack leadership today. The older players Liddle and Hird were quite dirty and lacked pace to keep up with the nimble United players whilst Novak got no service up top at all. I felt the lad on the right was tricky but lacked final product.
However, the midfield was non-existent. They barely won a ball all day, were sloppy when they did have it and never gave them a chance to have enough possession or territory to cause us problems. Many have said we ought to have kept Dimaio and that he should have had more chances. Whilst I do not think he is any worse than Reed; I am not sure they are right. Two managers did not see enough to give him a run in the side. He looked weak and slow today and I felt him and the other lads in the middle were outplayed all game and ran off the game; by Coutts and Hammond. It did look like men against boys in there today at times. I am unsure Dimaio (or Reed) have enough to be in the league long term but that is just a personal opinion.
Going back to the home side, they had a few corners and half chances but nothing major and lost the game maybe after 5 minutes with poor start never overcome. They were lucky just to go in two down. They had a brief spell second half but it was all a bit powder puff really. Slew came on and ran around but missed a big chance near the end. They looked well beaten and a side that will do well to eek enough point out to stay up. Fortunately, many of the sides below are not picking enough points up and many have to play each other. Danny Wilson got the old ‘One Danny Wilson….’ Chant which was a bit ironic as many wanted him out in his second season. I felt he always carried himself well and was a class act off the field but sadly as he has proved at Barnsley and perhaps ultimately here, he is not quite good enough. He has managed largely at this level for a long time which sums up his abilities despite him being a nice guy. Ultimately Morgan may get his first shot at management here if as I predict happens and Wilson is exited by another local club. Weird to see Morgan in the Chesterfield apparel as he warmed up the defenders pre game. He also got a few ‘Morgan, Morgan give us a wave!’ chants and he signalled to the Blades fans showing his appreciation.
Opponent man of the match : Gboly Aribiyi the right winger was a box of tricks and showed some neat touches and running. Got away from Done a few times and was fouled on a few occasions too. He did not have much of end product but maybe was the best of a bad bunch.
Opponent Weak link : The whole team really. Nearly every player lost their individual battle. I felt in midfield Banks, Liddle and DiMaio were overran and outplayed all game. They barely had a foothold in the game. Liddle was clumsy and could have been sent off and for the experience one of the trio maybe takes the prize for weak link.
SUFC Player Ratings – Not a bad performance. Mixture of 7-8’s. You could argue who got 7,7.5 or 8 out of below. There was not much in it. Everyone played well.
Long 7/10 – Had very little to do all game. He made one save down low second half when it was 3-0 and had one rush of blood at 1-0 when he came running out for no real reason and could have been punished but we got away with it. Other than that his handling was good as was his kicking and had relatively little to do other than back passes and odd through ball. One of quietest games of the season.
Basham 7.5/10 – Has been a bit of revelation lately and this new positions seems to suit him. I would never have thought this when he was put here but he has been solid defensively and going forward his height and strong running has been a real threat. The long diagonal ball sees him a constant threat and as in previous weeks a smaller full back (Talbot this time) really struggled with him. Relentless at times as he keeps chasing loose balls and pressing ensuring we always keep them penned in.
Done 7/10 – Defensively still not sure. He got beat a few times but he has incredible energy and got up and down all game. So tireless. Had a few decent efforts on goal and a few poor ones. Ditto with some of his crossing. He put in a few really dangerous driven balls and a few over hit ones. Just constant motion all game. As I say I think versus a good winger (the lad today was quite tricky) he may struggle but his strengths outweigh his weaknesses easily, even in this position. The sort of player you want around and I think his effort and work rate is something that can be contagious.
Baptiste 8/10 – Class act at this level. My man of the match for the 2nd week running. He was just too good for a poor attack. Reads the game really well and came out of the back a number of times. Good on the ball, fast and mobile. He is also decent in the air. Scored a goal too! A good all-around athlete and defender that plays first few yards in his head. Would be an excellent signing but reading Karanka’s comments I think Boro will want him back – maybe if they do go up we have a chance but he can easily play Championship level. Would be a coup if we got him. Indeed, if we say signed him and Burn we would have two good building blocks for the defence.
McEveley 7/10 – Some poor balls and sliced clearances and maybe one of weaker players today but still he was fine. He got much better as the game went on and looked in control and not rushed in any way. He is decent on the ball but also overplays some of the time but like Baptiste came out of the defence quite a bit too. He is an odd player. At times he looks great and a player who clearly has played much higher up and then at times he makes silly mistakes. I would not be devastated if he was given a one year deal (more as cover) but equally would not be surprised if he was released and his overall contribution over 2 years has not been quite good enough but this season he has been much better than last and one of our more consistent players, not saying much that though!
Edgar 7.5/10- Very solid today. I am unsure I would sign him but he is an improvement on what we have had for the last few years. Indeed, the back 3 that has played has been much better in recent games. Noticeable difference since Collins went in the whole shape of the defence and the starting position. Edgar headed it and cleared it. Nothing flashy but did what he needed. Better on the ball than I thought he was. Just think we might need that slightly more physical player at the back.
Flynn 7.5/10 – He really ought to have had a goal today. He missed a golden chance at the end of the first half when he volleyed over and had another shot just wide at the start of the second half. Had a number of other half chances blocked too. Did get into some excellent positions and get ahead or alongside the strikers. Neat and tidy on the ball. The midfield three completely controlled the game today.
Coutts 7.5/10 – I have been very critical of him this season for his lack of mobility, running out of gas and not offering anything in terms of assists/goals but he has been very good in the last few games. He had a really good performance last season and today followed it up. Made the second goal with a surging run and lovely pull back. Had a few good runs and got into the last third a few times second half. Not doubting his class on the ball as he can shield it and keep it well. He does have a good touch but pleasingly he has kept going and his legs have not gone last few weeks and he has been as strong near the end of the game as at the start. Felt the midfield picked up everything and played it in straight lines forwards today for a change rather than always sideways. Also moved it quicker.
Hammond 7.5/10 – He has been much improved the last few games. He has done nothing spectacular but won it and kept it. Not played too many long balls and does not always go forward but he was efficient all game in what he did. A few poor passes where he was a bit sloppy but most of the game he helped us completely control midfield. I still think we can do much better than him long term but last few games he has been solid. Indeed, the much criticised pairing of him and Coutts along with the more mobile and busy Flynn have seen us completely control three games in midfield the last three weeks.
Adams 7.5/10 – Like Sharp was very good with movement, strong running and some decent efforts. He had a number of shots blocked. Took his goal well as even though he had an age to line it up, it easily could have been missed. His touch sometimes went astray but overall he caused problems with strength and pace. As he continues to learn the game will be increasingly difficult to stop. Him and Sharp’s partnership continues to grow and hopefully will be a good starting point for next season.
Sharp 8/10 – Excellent and caused all manner of problems. Held it up and it stuck to him all game. Played others in and always played on the shoulder. Took his goal well and had a number of other chances. Lee saved from him a few times including a great save at the death and Sharp also had a few other shots blocked. Looked a cut above today at this level and the two centre haves could not handle him and Adams movement and intelligent runs. Always looked a threat and on another day could have had a hat trick.
Subs
Cuvelier – Was given a fair spell but did not impress sadly. So lightweight as he got shoved off it a few times including a good chance after Sharp played him through and he was brushed aside. Also gave it away a few times. Do not see anything in this lad and think he will be released in the summer. Just do not think he suits the quite physical play at this level.
Calvert Lewin – Was lively when came on. Won quite a few headers and flicks. Linked well with Sharp and nearly led to a chance after one header but Sharp was ruled offside. Clear Adkins likes him and wants to give him minutes.
Woolford – Brought on for Done right towards the end and played in that left wing back position.
Manager – Adkins 8/10 – Picked the same team and this showed as we had consistency of performance and team shape. Started the game on the front foot and carried this on. They had no answer for our forward and the shape again caused all sorts of problems for Chesterfield who oddly did not match up with us at any stage even though we were running riot. I felt that they needed to change it but never did so Adkins kept it as it was as did not need to change personnel. Late on he made changes more to give the incomers game time. The last few weeks he may have saved his job (despite all the rumours unless it was a done deal) and shown some foundation for next season even if it is too little, too late.
Ref - The ref was ok I felt and he tried to keep the game going and play advantage most of the time. Cannot recall too many howlers from him and he was fair both ways. One thing you could question was when the lad for them Liddle really could have walked after being booked for a block off on Done and then did exactly the same on Basham but decided not to punish the same type of challenge in the same way. He bottled it really. It should have seen him walk. Luckily they were that bad it did not matter. A few half-hearted spot kick appeals on Cuvelier and Sharp were rightly not given as contact was not enough. It was a nothing game to referee with few bad fouls of note.
There was one comedy moment when the linesman gave a corner, then a goal kick to Chesterfield at the start of the second half after a horrendous error when it was the clearest corner you could imagine. I am not sure what he was looking at. Maybe the sun was in his eyes!
Crowd – The biggest of the season at the Proact as there was 9.400 inside the ground and nearly 3,000 Blades. United fans occupied behind the goal and a portion of the East Stand. The early goal helped the atmosphere and United fans were in good spirits and song all game. All the noise came from the Blades fans with Chesterfield fans not happy with their side. They were right to vent at half time and full time as they were appalling and booed them off on both occasions. Many were streaming out towards Tesco long before the end!
Not sure what happened at the end when a clearly worse for wear Chesterfield fan stumbled on the pitch as the full time whistle went. Nobody seemed to notice for a while as he made gestures to the United fans who thankfully just laughed at him rather than be incensed or look to respond back. The stewards eventually carted him off.
As for the ground, been a few times and it is one of the poorer ones of the new ones. Not that big (suppose it does not have to be) and no corners so the atmosphere kind of drifts out. There has been no thought into it and rather basic (Rotherham one and some of other new ones has a bit more character or thought in the design). We sat in the side stand where due to the concourses being split up/segregated we had one toilet and one kiosk for all the fans and it was rather cramped indeed.
Bit of a moan here sadly (old fart alert maybe?!) but I took lad today (8 years of age) and it made me have to think about taking him to many away games for a bit. I expect the language etc as it is football and that is what you get but some of the behaviour of fans is quite embarrassing. Moronic almost. I know before it has been debated you can move away but it was quite hard to do this today; many were just cluttering up the stairwells and moving into where we were stood even though they clearly were not meant to be sat/stood here. I am still unsure why everyone stands up all game. I would not care if it was just me going but means I had to have my lad standing on his seat or having to peer over others to see which is less than ideal. Maybe I just cannot take him away for now which is quite disappointing. It did not seem to be like this when I was a lad say 20-25 years ago but the number of ‘chavish’ burberry/stone island ‘wannabe’ teenage hooligans has really risen. One guy threw up on the steps he had drank so much. It was a bit embarrassing. There were no stewards in this stand at all just police all stood together filming us so no stewarding at all. The rows were all blocked, no one was stood/sat where they were meant to be and it nobody seemed to care (as long as they were not causing trouble). I feel for people who cannot stand all game (older etc).
Suppose you could ask for front row seats but not always possible (sometimes they just sell them in order). Also I have to say some of the United fans are ridiculous in their behaviour. Many came in late and were so drunk they could barely see – several missed both goals due to coming in late and then drinking in the concourse. Some seem to enjoy being in the concourse more than in the stand. This was the same for the second half as they came back 10 minutes late. I struggle to see point of going when you are so drunk you can barely remember what is happening (maybe that is good some weeks!). Sadly, most of the fans that I describe were maybe 16-20 and were the ones bellowing out Ched Evans chants and generally acting like knobs falling over people in their seats. When the flare was lobbed, nobody seemed to care. As I say no stewards in this side stand and the police did not even move; just carried on filming everyone as the flare smoked away. The only amusing moment of this incident was the burly chap coming on and exposing his rear as he bent down to pick it up.
Do not want to seem a bore, I love a beer and the banter and a sing away but really was quite sad watching some of behaviour from some of younger element today. Luckily my lad did not seem to care and was just revelling in the win! Maybe I should not have been so bothered!
) the green light to knock down the stands and replace with terraces. Just an idea like!
