Crawley 0 United 2 - late report

[Deadbat]

Sorry report is late…been in London all weekend until late Sunday night but here goes……



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With much of the League One schedule wiped out due to the awful weather that swept the country, the Blades took advantage to grind out an impressive 2-0 victory at Crawley. Built on yet another solid defensive performance, the Blades were good value for their victory as Crawley barely mustered a decent attempt on goal. At the other end chances were also at a premium but two superb individual efforts from an unlikely source in full back Tony McMahon saw United ease to the win. The goals were almost carbon copies as they both came from long range free kicks. The only difference being that the first one went in lower down to the keepers left whilst the second even more impressive effort was slightly more central and a little further out and ended up right in the top corner, once again to the keepers left.



The Blades brought back Dave Kitson from the start and also were pleased to welcome back Kevin McDonald as United put out a strong looking side; maybe its strongest eleven from the current squad. Crawley had former Blades Billy Clarke and Claude Davies on the bench but former junior Callum McFadzean was unavailable as his brother, Kyle joined fellow youngster Joe Ironside on the Blades bench. There was no place in the match day squad for Chris Porter or Richard Cresswell.





Despite the heavy down pours in the days and hours leading up to kick off, it had slightly abated in the build-up to the game and with a lot of sand on the surface, the pitch was deemed playable. Despite the weather United’s support was excellent with good numbers behind George Long’s goal and to the side/corner at either side) as the game began. However, the early stages suggested this would not be a fluent game of football as the ball frequently got stuck in some areas or shot away in others with the unpredictability making it difficult for both sides. McDonald looked to get on the ball in the centre and tried to find Flynn who was back in his more familiar position but the surface meant it was hard to much pretty football to be played. Adams ran unopposed getting away from Doyle but his shot was well off target. United’s first chance saw some decent link play and Kitson’s effort span off a Crawley boot and went behind for a corner that came to nothing. Flynn then gave the ball away and this led to a Crawley break and Hill brought down his man. The booking seemed a little harsh but Collins chose this moment to wag his finger at Flynn for his role in the caution. The free kick was headed away by Maguire and United were defending well if struggling to create much the other way. Long then had to be alert to come out and make a save after the through ball had threatened to split the United defence.



At this stage there had not been an effort of note on goal as the wind and rain lashed around the ground but the game came to life finally on the half hour when after Miller was clumsily fouled by Walsh around 25 yards from goal. With the free kick slightly to the right of the goal, McMahon, Blackman and Maguire all had dialogue over the taking but when things settled down it was MCMAHON stepped up and bent an effort over the wall and into the corner of the net with the slightly unsighted keeper Jones perhaps seeing it late. It was hit with accuracy more than power and the precision effort was a welcome first goal for the former Boro defender. United had the vital breakthrough and now had to defend sensibly up to half time.



Crawley came back and Adams header wide before Connolly had a long range effort that flew over before the half time whistle came.



There were no changes at the break but the home side had a good spell to open the second half and had half-hearted appeals for a penalty on Collins for a handball but the ball had been fired at the United man. Crawley forced a series of free kicks and corners but Maguire and Collins had been imperious so far and continued to head and clear the ball. Indeed keeper Long had barely had any real saves to make all game. Jones then shot wide before United went on the attack and had their own appeal for a spot kick but again rightly the referee Ward waved play on. Blackman worked some magic on the right and came inside hitting a powerful shot that Jones parried away. A shot either side would surely have brought a goal.



Akpan finally had a shot on goal for the home side but it was routine for Long and then soon after Miller was booked for a late foul in a fairly innocuous area of the field. Former Blade Billy Clarke came on for Bulman before United made their own striking change with Kitson, who had started to tire playing his first game for some time, being replaced by youngster Ironside.



Ironside looked lively instantly and his strong running and determination won a free kick with around 20 minutes to go as once again Walsh showed impatient and barged into his man. This time it was fully 30 yards and more central but MCMAHON took it again and this time his effort was a beauty with power and accuracy as it flew into the top corner past the despairing Jones dive yet again! McMahon ran towards the United fans massed behind the goal on the terrace who celebrated wildly as they knew this goal could be crucial in securing maximum points. McMahon’s teammates piled on top of him and it took some time before the game restarted with the referee having words with the United skipper Doyle over the celebrations but thankfully taking no action.



Home skipper Crawley Alexander was taken off and replaced by the powerful Akinde as Crawley searched in vain for a route back into the game but the game was clearly slipping away now. Indeed United were now finishing even stronger and a good run by McDonald saw a weak shot straight at Jones. Miller had put a good shift in but his place was taken by Cofie as the game entered the final 10 minutes.



United then won a free kick out wide but McMahon’s effort was miles over as the fans behind the goal anticipated a hat trick for the right back!

Doyle and McDonald had worked hard and were now controlling the central area. A few tired balls from the home side went out of play as a number of Blades fans dressed as Father Christmas started doing the conga behind the goal!



Right at the end Williams came on for Blackman as Wilson sought to eat the final moments as the Blades professionally tried to run down the clock.



There was an additional 5 minutes of stoppage time played but in truth the game had been up a while ago and Crawley looked a beaten side as United confidently knocked the ball about. The Blades fans sang the traditional Jingle Bells song confirming they were indeed about to see United win away and this was followed by chants also marking the Blades new status as the league’s new leader. Soon after the final whistle came and despite the rain, wind and generally awful conditions, United had come in and done a really sound job, defending well, scoring two well taken goal and winning the game with the minimum of fuss.





United – This was a really solid performance. We defended really well and limited a side around the top of the league to barely a shot on goal all game. The keeper was well protected and the two full backs stopped crosses. The two centre backs were excellent and completely imposed themselves on the strikers who were snuffed out of it. In front of them Doyle and McDonald did the scrappy stuff even if they were still a little wasteful with the ball at times. Blackman drifted in and out of the game and perhaps did not get on the ball enough but when he got it he still looked dangerous. Flynn was poor on the other side but helped out defensively. Up top I felt Kitson and Miller did not quite link, maybe not as well as Porter and Miller have and they often seemed too far apart and neither maybe had their best game. However it was a difficult game to retain possession and most of the game we had to dig in and do the messy things. We scored at crucial times and even outside of the goals we still had more efforts on goal.



On a day so many games went it was great for United to get in there, do the job and win. It was almost a bonus win with so many not playing and our game maybe in some doubt. I would have taken a point at a tough place to go so to get all three and put in a fairly commanding performance was a real positive. I know we have not lost at home but generally the team seems better set away from home as they have such a strong defence just (8 goals against in 12 games away is remarkable really) and now they could always pinch a goal.



As for today, whilst the defence were really sound again, the two goals we scored were superb efforts. Over recent times other than Evans I cannot recall many free kick experts (Quinn had a brief spell as did Tonge I suppose) and McMahon has had a few efforts this year that has gone nowhere near. When he got on the first I actually did not even expect a shot so was astonished when it went in and was not even sure it was him until he peeled away. The second was a stormer and we were right behind it and really bent and whipped before nestling into the top corner. It seemed to be going over but came down at the final moment and it was a lovely sight to see it go in. It is nice that it seems he gives us a real threat from such positions and now he has his ‘eye in’ maybe he may get a few more!



We had a few other chances but still were a bit indecisive when we went forward and did not really penetrate enough this way but still being the away side it was a perfect performance in that we kept a clean sheet, scored two goals and won fairly comfortable in the end. We did not dominate the game but I felt we did enough to win even if it was just for the solid defensive play and then two excellent individual efforts. They did not show or even come close to doing anything remotely like what McMahon did in open play or dead ball situations.



Pleasing to see Kitson and McDonald back and with options now up front (was Porter injured- Wilson said he had a hip problem - or just rested – seemed odd that two youngsters would be ahead of him on the bench in the central striking area?). With Howard and Francois also coming back hopefully the squad is looking stronger. It would be great if we could bring in a quality winger and maybe one more central midfielder to add competition in January. I still feel we need more going forward (not necessarily strikers although a real bit of raw pace would not go amiss – shame Cofie lacks composure and the football brain) and a real bit of creativity out wide (no offense to Flynn but he seems to be getting no better) would really help. It really is a poor division and despite us being in less than convincing form we are top and with two home games to come against bottom two and then Doncaster away we have a crucial week in which we could really push on and give ourselves a real cushion. It would be typical United if we struggled to dispatch or dropped points against Scunny or Hartlepool and then went and won at Donny!

 

[Deadbat]

Crawley – They have done superbly to move up two leagues and to be in with a shout of the top places of our division. They have gradually improved the squad and have had decent backing with some quite high profile (at least for lower division last season signings in likes of Alexander, Davis, Clarke etc). They have Steve Coppell involved and bounced back from losing the controversial Steve Evans and then Sean O’Driscoll soon after to appoint a promising young manager in Ritchie Barker



I cannot agree with Barker who said they had the better chances. One of their players said they were gobsmacked to lose but really? I can’t remember a real effort they had of note on goal all game. They had a few long range efforts and one where Long saved comfortably. Other than that I cannot recall that many clear openings or moments where our defence looked really concerned. They had a brief spell in the first half and then after the break did have 10-15 minutes on top but did not really tear us apart or camp in our half. Up front the experienced Alexander was marshalled well and even when Clarke came on I cannot remember many chances they had. I liked Clarke at the Lane, and like Miller, think he is a clever footballer who can get you goals. Still they are both in League One for a reason I suppose and neither has even been a regular at this level so they both have to show a long spell of consistency and do it for a season at least.



As for the rest of the side, they had a few decent players. The lad Adams seemed to pop up here and there and nearly got in a few times and Simpson had a few runs down the flank but they did not seem to have much pace up top and they also got muscled out of it a few times in the midfield area. At the back they too did not have much to contend with in terms of clear chances but when Blackman did run at them they looked concerned. I would have liked to have seen Claude Davis and that is not meant as a compliment to the former Blades defender who seems to have completely lost his way after a promising career.



They were the home side but never really got the game by the scruff of the neck and often were sloppy in key areas (as we were too!). At the other end they may protest the free kicks but both looked like they were fouls. Certainly the second the defender had hold of Ironside twice and he cannot complain.



Still they have done really well and will be delighted to even contend for a playoff spot. They certainly will not be anywhere near the bottom and should finish at least half way. They will be quite tough to beat at home as it is a quite a compressed, intimate little ground but I did hear a few fans grumbling about the lack of pace going forward and that they looked clueless in the final third at times. It was like listening to many Blades after leaving the Lane actually!



Long 7/10 – Had little to do really. Came out quickly and smothered one through ball and then saved a routine shot in the second half. Most other efforts were lone range and off target. The defence protected him really well.



McMahon 9/10 – Hard not to give him less than 9. He did actually play quite well against Tranmere and has now put in two back to back good performances. Outside of his goals he played well like the rest of the defence and did the basics. The two free kicks were superb efforts and basically decided a relatively even game. I did think Westlake had been unlucky to lose his place and he offers us more going forward (until today!) but McMahon has improved in recent weeks. Has to keep it up.



Hill 7.5/10 – Solid performance although picked up a booking when the winger went away from him after Flynn had not helped him by giving the ball away. After this he had to play a long time on a booking but defended with authority and like the rest at the back kept it simple but kept his shape and discipline. Been very good most of this season and is a far cry from the laughing stock he was to many (including myself) when we first signed him.



Maguire 8/10 –Another commanding showing. He got completely on top of the strikers he faced and won numerous headers and tackles. He made sure we did not give anything away at the back and was sensible on the ball too. Having an excellent season, even better than last year.



Collins 8/10 – I have felt at times his performances have been a bit down on his solid form last year but today he was very good and along with Maguire we did not look like giving many chances away at all. He got stronger as the game went on to the point the experienced Alexander looked very poor and had to be taken off. Lost count of the number of headers he made to clear it and helped ensure any pressure on us was taken away completely by getting the ball out of harms way.



Flynn 5.5/10 – Thought he was one of our weak links again. Maybe he did ok defensively (but led to Hill’s booking) but on the ball at times he gave it away too easily and did not do enough again for me. I expect to see the odd cross, run at his full back or shot but today I can’t recall many things he did really. I think he has a decent touch, lovely crosser of the ball at times but he really needs to exert himself more or Wilson will replace him in the side.



Doyle 6.5 /10 – Bit of a mixed bag. He did some of the nitty gritty but a bit sloppy with the ball at times and actually tried to overplay a few times. He seemed to get better as the game went on and won a few loose balls and helped us slowly get on top after a poor start to the second half threatened to see them come back. Seemed better with McDonald alongside him.



McDonald 6.5/10 – Pleasing to see him back in the side. Felt he was quiet for long spells and once again he did not perhaps get on the ball as much as I would like but then he started to become more influential. Had a few nice touches and passes in the second half and had one good run which ended with a shot on goal (that lacked power) – I would like to see more of that incidentally. For a man of his quality he does need to impose himself but even at half pace and drifting in and out of the game he is still a mile better than any other options we have in this area.



Blackman 7/10 – He did little in the first half and I felt they realised he was one of our main threats but after the break he found more space and actually came inside and became more of a threat. He had one shot with his right foot I think that nearly went in and a few other runs down the right hand side where they backed off realising he was a real danger with pace and quick feet. Hard to justify putting him back up front as he currently is such a threat out wide.



Miller 6/10 –Quiet-ish game for the most part even if he did keep working and chasing. He won the first free kick that led to the goal and chased and harried second half (too much when he committed a foul that led to a booking). Not quite as much of a threat with Kitson alongside him but I think that might be the first time they have played together properly so it may need a bit of time to gel.



Kitson 6/10 – Showed a few neat touches and had one shot deflected over but he looked a little rusty and seemed too far off his strike partner. He still showed some intelligence winning a few free kicks etc and hopefully at home he can be more of a threat with more chances etc.



Subs



Ironside – Surprised he got the call when Kitson clearly was tiring but when he came on he did put a lot of effort in and showed how much desire he had. Chased down numerous loose balls and won a few free kicks, including the one that led to the second goal. He is not fast nor that big (effective in the air) so hard to see what sort of player he is but so far he has done ok in limited time at Carlisle and Crawley so obviously Wilson has seen something he likes in him.



Cofie – Brought on for Miller towards the end. The game was petering out (in our favour) and I cannot recall him having many touches as United were just playing it safe often knocking it down the channels etc.



Williams – Brought on at full time to protect the defence as he went out wide and played right in front of McMahon on the right.



Officials – Mr Ward had a quiet-ish game. There were four bookings; two for either side. I felt all these were a little soft and maybe the ref could have realised the conditions did not help. Still despite this he reffed it ok. I cannot recall many decisions being that controversial. A few half-hearted penalty appeals either way were rightly turned down and then the free kicks given seemed fouls to me as the centre back continually went through the back of our players. Outside of this it was a relatively easy game to referee really as both teams competed hard without being over the top despite the difficult weather and playing surface.



Crowd/Day Out – We took 1,261 fans which was impressive for a 400 mile round trip on the Saturday before Xmas and in awful weather! We had the small terrace behind the goal which snaked around one corner and this seemed full and then a small part of the stand (with seats) that resembled a marquee at a wedding! The facilities were not the best as it seemed there was only one snack bar/toilet (and no beer in the ground?) and the stewards/turnstile operators outside seemed to struggle with the numbers coming through. They were probably not used to such a large (for this ground) away following. Credit to the stewards in the ground though who were able to enjoy the banter and not be over zealous and realise the United fans were just having a good laugh!



It was good to stand on a terrace again although a little bizarre to be surrounded by countless Blades dressed in Santa costumes. The following were very vocal and in good spirits despite the abysmal weather and the win helped no end as the singing got louder as they realised we were set to not only win on the eve of Xmas but also go top of the league!



As for the rest of my day/weekend; well it was a good un. Got into London around 9.30am on Saturday and took little un on London Eye as he had never been on it before. Me and my mate then headed to Crawley as my wife and son stayed in London as they went to the Tower of London/a Pantomime (starring CJ from eggheads!)/Natural History Museum etc. Despite the delays and cancellations on trains Brighton bound, we managed to board a Southampton train from Victoria and got to Crawley around 1.45ish and had a few at the Station pub and then walked to the ground. Strange to be walking through a housing estate and then suddenly emerge by a roundabout and the ground. After the game we had to wait to get back to London due to more delays (so had to have cans on the station) and when we got in my son was exhausted and thus plans to go to the Winter Wonderland had to be aborted in favour of a quick McDonalds and then back to our hotel. Today we went to the cable car (one that was opened for the Olympics), went to Somerset House Ice Skating rink and then wandered down Oxford/Regent Street before going to Hyde Park (Winter Wonderland) which was really good. We got back around 9.30pm tonight as I carried my little un into the house and straight into bed. A good weekend with some quality family time and a Blades away win thrown in.



Hope all of you and your families all have a great Christmas. Up the Blades.

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Twitter –

@Deadbat_DB

 

[Blackheath Blade]

Deadbat, quality report as ever and an accurate reflection of yet another great day out following The Blades.
Spot on comments too about the stewarding inside the ground. The steward who was stood in front of us received a bit of banter from some of our boys throughout the game. Fair play to him, he took it in good spirit and gave a bit back but it was all very good natured.
I actually went out of my way to shake his hand and thank him on our way out as he was a top bloke and a credit to Crawley Town. Although he responded by wishing us all a safe journey home and a merry christmas, I couldn't resist thanking him for the three points.

 

[pommpey]

Cheers DB. We differ in ratings there, but life would be shit if we all agreed, wouldn't it?

Have a good festive season mate. UTB.

pommpey

 

[LA Blade]

Cheers Db, happy hols to you

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

According to Sky, Crawley had 71% of the game - did they really?
And three shots on target to our 5

 

[pommpey]

According to Sky, Crawley had 71% of the game - did they really?
And three shots on target to our 5

Yeah. Second half they kinda camped out in our half for long periods. They passed it across the pitch a lot trying to work openings and as soon as it entered our area, Collins or Maguire would thump it away, usually back to them where they started it all again. Those possession figures are broadly correct.

pommpey

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Yeah. Second half they kinda camped out in our half for long periods. They passed it across the pitch a lot trying to work openings and as soon as it entered our area, Collins or Maguire would thump it away, usually back to them where they started it all again. Those possession figures are broadly correct.

pommpey

Cheers Vic

Good to see you back on the forums!

 

[moDtheGod]

This dislike of Flynn is getting embarrassing DB. No player in that team deserved less than a 6. Some might say 7, but when I give player ratings I tend to use 6 to represent "average" - I can't see how anyone in that team performed below par.

I can't remember the details when I go to a game, which is why I could never write a full report like you do, but I do remember sarcastically commenting about Flynn being 'nesh' and 'doing nowt' to BladeInThatcham and Ollessendro every time he put a foot in or out-jumped a bigger guy to win a header. It was often enough in the first half that they quickly got bored of me (more than usual). One detail I do remember is that Kitson should have done much, much better with a chance after Flynn passed to him.

In the second half he had a five to ten minute spell where nothing went right and he gave it away a couple of times. Other than that, he did little wrong, for me. An average mark I could accept, as he didn't set the game alight, but then who did? Was he really worse than Kitson, or is it just that he's the whipping boy while everyone seems to love Kitson?

 

[NZ Blade in Nelson]

That time of year again when us expats say a huge thanks DB. Keeps us in contact with what is happening amid the Blade (almost) barren NZ!! Thanks again mate and have a great Chrimbo.

 

[Deadbat]

It really is not a dislike. I admit I dont think he is very good and has been non existent in recent games. I actually feel he has a decent touch and can hit a decent cross but he goes out of his way to avoid contact; sometimes making a ball in his favour look like it was easier for them to win (watch him carefully).

That said I will call each game as I see it; and if Flynn does wel as he he did in a few games earlier in the season I will give him credit. He actually seems a likeable enough lad and does work hard and try his best (other than aforementioned neshing) but those who say he is criticised because he is not very strong etc are missing the point. He is probably criticised more for the fact that for a winger; he rarely looks threatening in terms of beating a man, having a shot or rarely turning the full back. How often does he get to the byline or run at his man or even deliver an early deep cross (certainly in recent times - he is a good crosser too!) For all the defensive qualities he brings Hill had 2 on 1 a few times in the first half. In the second half Flynn had a really poor game and I cant recall him keeping the ball once.

In recent weeks he has looked the biggest weak link to me (albeit midfield and strikers have been average) and the one that needs some real competition for his place. He did not play any worse/better last year but barely played as we had better players in this position. This season he plays week in, week out and I do think McFadzean deserves a full game. If he does not do any better at least it may give Flynn a boot up the back side. I think if most United fans hand on heart said where do we need to improve it would be on the wing and if Blackwell has been one of our best players this season (maybe the best - along with Maguire) then its not hard to work out whose place would be at jeopardy.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Ironside – Surprised he got the call when Kitson clearly was tiring but when he came on he did put a lot of effort in and showed how much desire he had. Chased down numerous loose balls and won a few free kicks, including the one that led to the second goal. He is not fast nor that big (effective in the air) so hard to see what sort of player he is but so far he has done ok in limited time at Carlisle and Crawley so obviously Wilson has seen something he likes in him.


@Deadbat_DB

Think Ironside is about 6'2 and will in time be a typical target man. He's been commanding in the air at youth level and often plays with his back to goal. I was also positively surprised that Wilson threw him on yesterday. Good to see that he showed a few good things, and let's hope we give more youngsters cameos like that.

 

[pommpey]

Agree with Deadbat. I think Flynn is a capable player - he has shown it this season in spells and pops up to fire in when needed. I just think that the understanding between wingers and full backs needs a bit of work here and more crucially we need to attack from the flanks more often. We have always been tagged with that 'hoofball/direct/route one' label ever since Bassett and you'd think with the intervening years, players and managers, we'd want to break the stigma one day. I know we are not Chelsea, and never will be (thank fuck) but yesterday's performance for them showed a lot about how football should be played from hitting the target man to carving a hole through midfield. It's not fantasy-world to aspire to that even if your players aren't Galacticos as such.

pommpey

 

[pommpey]

Think Ironside is about 6'2 and will in time be a typical target man. He's been commanding in the air at youth level and often plays with his back to goal. I was also positively surprised that Wilson threw him on yesterday. Good to see that he showed a few good things, and let's hope we give more youngsters cameos like that.

He got stuck in on Saturday quite well. Won 'the free kick' and looks a site more agile and mobile than Kitson who, I feel, may become another Beattie if he doesn't shake himself a bit.

pommpey

 

[Racy]

Once again a polished performance away from home.

It seems to me the team are more relaxed on their travels than at home and the Blades away following encourage more and get behind the team than at the lane where the expectancy is high the atmosphere is tense and it reflects through the team.

I've witnessed many times this year sitting at various places in the South Stand hurling real abuse at the players which they can plainly hear you very rarely here this away surely this affects players performances.
I know teams come to the Lane and for most of them it's there biggest game of the season and I bet they love when they here the home fans abusing certain players.
I know coming on this forum ain't going to change nothing just making the point things are a lot better away than at home.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

he goes out of his way to avoid contact

In the second half Flynn had a really poor game and I cant recall him keeping the ball once.

We must have been watching a completely different game. On the rare occasions when he did see the ball in the second half, he normally retained possession - the main exception being when he broke away, slowed in the hope that someone would give him support, found nobody willing to join him, and inevitably two Crawley defenders dealt with him easily.

You mention the McMahon free-kick that he blasted over. That came as a result of Flynn cutting inside (an act that no doubt a few fans wanted him strung up for again), beating his man, and drawing a foul (and yellow card for the defender I think).

I don't like to highlight any particular bias, but you praise Ironside for essentially being barged over in the run-up to McMahon's 2nd, but in that instance describe the work by Flynn as "United then won a free kick out wide".

 

[Deadbat]

I must say I cant even remember that incident. Hard to remember e very foul/free kick (especially after quite a few ales). It wasnt meant to be any kind of perceived bias. If so fair play to Flynn for beating his man in that instance.

Players often do split opinions and maybe Flynn is one of those. I do stand by that I do not feel he has improved since last season and it is only due to complete and utter lack of competition (we dont have any wingers in the club at all outside of youngsters) in such areas that he has become a regular.

sAst week in a n unfamiliar position (yes this did not help but football is football and that excuse about positions does not always wash with me) and one we needed a 'performance' or one where he could show us he could take some responsibility and he was completely anonymous. I felt he was very average again Saturday (hence mark). Dont think Doyle, McDonald, Kitson and Flynn wre much better and it was a win built on our strong defence.

He is a neat and tidy sort of player but does not contribute enough for me and even for this sort of player he gives it away too much. I think Loughboro has summed him up when stating he broke away and gthen stopped and defenders dealt with him easily. Why not go for broke and surge down the touchline, at best he could then see players join him and get a cross in; at worst he may wn a throw or corner? Too often he does come back inside (it is odd to watch him wait for this defender to come back before he does this; often he waits ages when in good positions for the full back to get back at him so he can make his one 'go to move' - sometimes I wonder what he would do if the defender did not come back - would he still the come inside or check back then?).

I hope he goes on and proves me wrong and gets several assists/goals in our charge to the title but I do feel he is one player Wilson would like to upgrade upon in the coming weeks. Just a gut feeling but he continually talks about adding a wide player.

 

[Jehovah]

I think its the fact he has shown flashes of class but then does nothing of note for several games after. He seems to lack confidence to me, why else would he keep checking back?

 

[Ollessendro]

Good report DeadBat. Your reading of the game is exactly as I see it. Your views on the match are spot on and it is very good of you to take the time to write a report for others. As someone who was there I can say that the report is pretty accurate and honest. I have stated my opinion in a

 

[Ollessendro]

Excellent report Deadbat. Spot on as usual. You saw the game exactly as I did. I can say to those that were not there that it is (in my opinion) very accurate. I have posted my opinions on other threads, so will not bang on. They pretty much say what you said, but in less detail.

I have to pick up on the Flynn point though. I hate to focus on one of the very few things that I disagree with about Saturday's match, but I am flabbergasted at the criticism that Flynn got in your report. I watched him very closely and thought he had a good game. He worked very hard and got really stuck in. He did not nesh it at all. He won headers, got his foot in and ran tirelessly. I observed this partly because moDtheGod was in my ear every time that Flynn something good (a lot), I was intrigued after a debate last week and wanted to watch him closely and also it was just obvious. You could perhaps criticise him for giving the ball awya a couple of times and also letting a few crosses come in from their right back. However everyone was guilty of wasting possession.

To be perfectly honest, your comments about him suggest you really have it in for him and have blinkers on. It may be sub conscious, but I have to agree with others that you are way too critical. Like LoughboroBlade says, you completely ignore when Flynn ran at his man and won a free kick. He attacked and was pretty much in on goal, before he was cynically fouled (resulting in a yellow card and a dangerous free kick). Yet you remember Ironside being bundled over for the 2nd goal (personally I though Ironside fell over way too easily and conned the ref!). Flynn does not have the ability of someone like Blackman (who can really tear defences apart) but adds a lot of value to the team. I am all for getting another winger (competition for both flanks would be healthy) but suggesting dropping Flynn is simply ridiculous (imo).

It is quite funny, as you are not the only one. At half time we were talking to a home fan by the toilets on the right hand side (through the neshing) and he said Flynn was our best player. Me and my 2 mates thought Flynn put in a real shift. He would have had another assist if Kitson had got his shot away a bit earlier in the first half (after Flynn put him through on goal). Yet there was one occassion in the 2nd half where Flynn should have run down the line and he could back inside. He got crowded out. My mate said to me 'I'll bet that on the forums on Monday morning all thelynn knockers will be focusing on that one moment and ignoring the rest of the match'. That is exactly what you have done.

 

[Ollessendro]

Whoops, fookin computer. Ah well, here goes the 3rd post in a row. In customary tradition:

men of steel

the back 4 were men of steel, but in particular Harry Maguire and Neil Collins. The 2 central defenders were excellent. They made loads of blocks, challenges, tackles and headers and gave the Crawley forwards nowt. McMahon (MotM) has to go in there for not only being solid, but for his two goals. For me the first one was soft (goalie did not set his wall up properly) but the 2nd was a real belter.

crimes against hoof

Sat-di was not a day for crimes against hoof. In awful conditions and away from home there were no stand out candidates for this award. We were rock solid, but did not play the beautiful passing game. The performance definately had a Blackwellian feel about it. That is perhaps harsh, but the way we soaked up pressure and put in a very defensive and rock solid performance, yet got forard and nicked a couple, made it a bit like that. I guess if I had to single someone out it would have to be Tony Mac for his 2 wonder strikes.

crimes against football

the whole match was a bit of a crime against football, bar Tony McMahon's strike, some neat touches and passing from K Mac and a few flashes from both wingers (particularly Blackman who was quiet but caused big problems when he ran at them).

ale

drank lots of it Not sure of the brewery/breweries (perhaps Titch can help?) but the ales were themed around Christmas and being pissed. Santa's Potty was the best drink, but Rudolph's Ruin was pretty nice too. The former was a medium, amber ale that was a tad fruity with hints of caramel. The latter was darker and had a hint of liqourice to it. I tried several others (Donna and Blitzed was one which was very dark, but a little bit flat and bland) but the names slip me by.

Olle's final thoughts

Ground no 50 for me (I think). Top day out watching United. Loads of ale and plenty of fun. Bit of a shithole, but the locals were friendly enough. Solid performance, clean sheet and 3 points. Great support and we were rewarded. Now, at the halfway point, SUFC look in a very good position and hopefully we can get better in the 2nd half of the season.