Ollessendro
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Ollessendro came away from his first trip to Prenton Park with mixed emotions as Sheffield United drew 1-1 with Tranmere Rovers. The Blades took a first half lead through the unlikely source of Nick Montgomery, but this was cancelled out with 10 minutes to go by substitute Joss Labadie. The spoils were shared in a mixed game, with two very different halves. Danny Wilson’s side lost their 100% record, kept their unbeaten record and remain as one of the pacesetters in the third division.
Team
Wilson made the enforced change of bringing Doyle into the team and chose to play Williamson ahead of Mendez Laing. It was essentially the same team that finished the game on Tuesday, with the exception of Slew keeping his place upfront (Bogdanovic).
------------- SS
Lowton Maguire Collins Lescinel
Williamson* Doyle Monty Quinn*
-------- Slew Cresswell
* Quinn and Williamson seemed to interchange wings and Quinn spent a large proportion of the game on the right (and vice versa) as well and drifting inside.
Match
United started the game brightly and made the early going backed by the impressive support. They made their intentions clear early on, getting the ball on the ground and trying to pass it around. A good flowing move resulted in Quinn firing straight at the keeper. United looked the superior team, as they dominated possession and controlled the game. However, I remember few chances early on and do not remember keeper Fon Williams being tested.
Tranmere had a few half chances early on, as they got out of the blocks quickly. Devaney fired across goal, Showumni headed over when under pressure by Maguire and McChrystal volleyed straight down Simmonsen’s throat.
There a shocking tackle on Stephen Quinn that could (and should) have resulted in a red card. Now I am partisan, I was a long way away and I saw it in real time (no replay on the football league show) but infront of the dug out Quinn was pole axed by Devaney. It seemed to me that the players studs were up and he was late. Quinn was hurt and received treatment for 5 minutes. In the modern game it seemed it should have been a straight red, but the referee opted for a yellow. Wilson certainly seemed to think it should have been a red also when asked in his post match interview.
Tranmere carried on in the same vein throughout the early stages. United looked to get the ubiquitous Quinn on the ball and Tranmere responded by cynically hacking at him. Another player (Welsh I think) was given the yellow card after the a late challenge left Quinn on the deck again. The referee seemed to let several fouls go and opted not to book Rovers players for offences that seemed to be worthy of a yellow. Quinn broke away down the left hand side and the referee opted to have a word with Robinson. After his lunge at Quinn missed both ball and man. Robinson was getting himself involved in everything and opted to roll around the floor whenever there was contact and reacted angrily to United players touching him. This seemed to be Tranmere’s game plan and in addition to the cynical, continuous fouling they made a meal of every United tackle/challenge/foul and tried to get United players wound up and booked.
United then had a decent spell and forced a few corners. The Tranmere keeper looked dodgy as. Lescinel should have done better with a heqder and next there was ping pong in the Tranmere area.
Despite Tranmere’s cynical aspects, they enjoyed a good spell of football. I was surprised by how well they passed it around and how comfortable they looked on the ball. After seeing out United’s early dominance Tranmere came back into the game. A smooth passing move resulted in a shot straight at Simmonsen. The next move resulted in the best chance of the game. Rovers caught United on the counter (after Montgomery had been robbed) and broke down the left hand side. They had numbers forward as they the United players were pulled towards the ball. A long cross to the back post went over Lescinel and was met powerfully by Akin, only for Simmonsen to save with his feet. It was a free header, but from a tight angle. He did everything right and headed the ball on target. However Simmonsen had rushed out and close the angle. He managed to get his feet in the way and the ball went out for a corner. The United keeper saved a certain goal and kept United level. Simmonsen made another save when the striker (Showumi?) got in front of Collins and headed goal bound. The Blades keeper was well placed and caught the ball easily.
It seemed the game was going to be a stalemate at half time when the Blades took the lead through a goal worthy of winning a game. Sheffield United captain Nick Montgomery gave his team the lead with an absolute screamer. Lescinel and Slew combined and the young striker did well down the left hand side and ran towards the by line. He passed the ball inside to Quinn, who took a touch and laid it to MONTGOMERY. The Blades midfielder smacked an unstoppable right footed strike into the corner from over 30 yards. The ball was there to be hit, but no one expected to see such as thunderbolt. It was a goal reminiscent of Arrie Hahn’s pearler (for Holland) against Italy in the 1978 world cup.
United went into half time leading what had been quite an entertaining contest.
The second half was not the same standard as the first, as United took their foot of the gas (like Holland in the 1974 world cup final) and Tranmere resorted more direct tactics. The Blades struggled to get going and sat back on their lead. Rovers had given up their footballing philosophy and resulted to bombarding the United area with high balls. The competition turned ugly, as an aerial bombardment from the Merseyside team ensued.
Tranmere were starting to control the game, as United failed to get any sort of foothold in the second half. Tranmere brought on two substitutes (both big lads) and continued to lump it forward. Collins and Maguire brilliantly dealt with the long balls and won everything in the air. They were backed by a confident Simmonsen who’s handling was excellent. There were no signs of nerves as the United goalie held onto some high crosses and shots/headers. Although Simmonsen was the busier keeper, he was not really troubled and I only remember a few tame shots/headers at goal.
Tranmere had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when a cross hit Lowton. It was too far for me to see what happened, but the Tranmere fans on the left hand side (to us) and the fans behind United’s goal (the other end to us) were incensed. No smoke without fire? It did not seem like a handball to me (from 100 yards away) but it was a big appeal.
Despite the home team rarely threatening, I felt a goal was coming. Rovers were eventually rewarded for all their pressure with 10 minutes to go when substitute Joss Labadie headed home. The goal was a cheap one and Danny Wilson will not be happy with the defending. United switched off when Tranmere had a corner on the left. It was taken quickly to the unmarked left back Buchanan. He took his time before crossing onto the head of the big, black substitute. The United defence was unorganised and it was a free header. He buried it and gave Simmonsen no chance. It was disappointing in many ways. We switched off, we did not pressure quick enough and a big guy was left all on his own to head home.
The home crowd finally seemed to wake up as they urged their team forward to try and get a winner. However it was United who had the best chance to win the game. It was the Blades players that finally woke up and started to apply pressure. They passed it around neatly and attacked with urgency. Creswell had a golden opportunity to win the game and will feel he should have done better. He gambled and seemed to latch onto a horrific backpass, but his effort was weak and the keeper gathered. I am not sure if he was a yard short of pace or if he misjudged how much time he had. As he got close to the ball he went to ground. Sliding, he was unable to get power behind the shot and the keeper saved. Cresswell lay head in hands for 30 seconds and I am sure he knows he missed a fantastic chance to keep United’s 100% record.
The game closed out without further incident other than the cynical Robinson being subbed before he was sent off (for the bleeding goalscorer). Quinn was booked after the Tranmere midfielder body checked Lowton and Quinn retaliated. ? Was lucky to stay on the pitch (he should have been booked first half and picked a booking up during the second half). He was subbed immediately.
Crimes against hoof
Today’s crime against hoof goes to Nick Montgomery for his wonder strike. It was a beautiful strike that belonged in a 70’s Holland world cup team game.
Simmonsen deserves a mention and also Collins. Simmo tries to roll the ball out on all occasions and Collins is almost always an option. As well as distributing well, Collins often advances out of defence and starts off united attacks.
Crimes against football
Today’s crime against football goes to Tranmere Rovers and particularly Robinson. Rovers, a decent passing side were just pure cynical and very dirty. They singled out Quinn and nailed him on two or 3 occasions. They dove at every opportunity and did their best to get United players booked for the slightest bit of contact. This was summed up by the midfielder Andy Robinson. He is talented and good on the ball. However he should have been sent off for several wild lunges. Not only that put he spent more time on the ball with theatrics that would have only been bettered in Stratford Upon Avon. Additionally, he retaliated a couple of times and was constantly moaning at the referee.
For United the crime against football has to be given to Harry Maguire. I like Maguire and he is a rock solid defender. He dealt with everything in the air and the 18 year did not look out of depth at all. However his distribution was shocking. He aimless hoofed the ball on countless occasions yesterday. His cross field aimless punts lead to us losing possession and in the second half immediately put us under pressure. I am impressed by the way that Simmo rolls the ball out to the defenders, but Maguire often just whacks (or sometimes floats) the ball down the pitch and gives the ball straight back to the other team.
Men of steel
Collins and Maguire deserve credit for assured defensive performances. They dealt with pretty much everything in the air and put in a solid 90 minutes. They are starting to gel and although very similar players, they are forming a partnership.
Montgomery deserves a mention for his wonder goal and a decent performance. He offered little going forward, other than his goal, but was solid and strong in the tackle. He broke up a lot of their attacks and did a lot of hassling and harrying.
Ollessendro’s man of steel yesterday was Steve Simmonsen. After a poor showing during the week he put in a very good performance. He dealt with high balls, held onto everything and made some very good saves. A lot of this was the basics (and things he is expected and indeed paid to do) but after Tuesday I thought he showed real character. He was confident and self assured. A steely keeping performance.
United
Mixed bag really. A game of two halves. In the first half we looked the better side and outplayed Tranmere for periods. We were comfortable on the ball and passed I around well. Again, we built from the back and were patient. We looked to get talented players like Quinn and Williamson on the ball whenever possible. However despite controlling possession we did not create a lot of chances. I do not remember us testing their keeper and it took a wonder goal to give us the lead.
Something has to be said about how dirty Tranmere Roverswere. They really roughed us up. A caller on Praise and Grumble said ‘if the ref had done his job properly and protected our players, then we would have won the game’. I find it hard to disagree. They could have been down to 10, maybe even 9, men by half time with their rash and persistent fouling.
The second half United were poor and looked second best for long parts. We sat back on the lead and never really threatened the home side. I do not remember their keeper making a save (other than from Cresswell late on). Credit should be given to Tranmere for pegging us back. They bombarded us with high balls. The problem for me was we had no outlet. We really struggled to hold onto possession and they kept coming back at us. This was partly because we kept clearing our lines (i.e. hoofing it away), partly because they pressured us well and partly because we could not get Williamson or Quinn on the ball (or get it to Cresswell’s feet). We were guilty of giving possession away through sloppy passes and the game was screaming for a player to put their foot on the ball and pass it to a red and white shirt, or simply hold on to it.
It was a solid away point, but I think we could have done better. Yet again we did not seem to get out of second gear and only in the last 10 minutes did we show really urgency (too little, too late). The team is still gelling and is a work in progress. We remain unbeaten, yet are far from being spectacular. If you had offered 10 points from the first 4 games I would have snatched your hand off (and given you a big sloppy kiss too!?).
Tranmere
What a horrible, dirty, cynical and cheating side. Diving, moaning and fouling on the first half. They put in some horrendous tackles. Studs up, nowhere near the ball and late. Quinn was lucky not to be hospitalised. They somehow kept 11 players on the pitch and their diving, winding up and general unsporting behaviour carried on throughout the game.
All the above said, they can play. They passed the ball around well in the first half and had several chances. They made Simmonsen work hard and would have felt unlucky to go in one down. The funny thing is that they got their joy from being direct. Their goal was well worked, but it was their relentless pressure that lead to it. They seemed to be slowly wearing us down with their aerial bombardment, but then just as we seemed to be holding out they scored. United were sleeping, but it was good quick thinking and a well take corner.
Wilson
I cannot grumble with his tactics today. He started the team that many would have started, giving starts to Doyle and Williamson on merit. I can understand him playing Monty and Doyle in the middle away from home, if he has creativity in the Williamson and Quinn. However Quinn was kicked out of the game and Williamson was disappointing.
I thought Wilson might have changed things earlier (hindsight is a wonderful thing) as it clearly was not working in the second half. We could not hold onto the ball and gave possession away cheaply. He introduced Porter who won a few headers, but did not have much impact. Perhaps Mendez-Laing could have stretched their defence with his pace, although Slew had little joy all afternoon.
I am sure that Wilson (and Barlow) will be criticised for being too defensive. It did seem we had more quality and that if we stepped it up (like the latter stages against Walsall) then we would easily beat Tranmere. Wilson opted for us to be solid and professional. Perhaps we should be beating teams like this, but many could argue this is a good away point. Wilson was certainly pleased with it. In his Radio interview he said ‘if you would have offered me 1-1 before I would have taken it and being pleased’. I think I am in agreement with that.
Atmosphere
All the talk around the ground, in the pubs in Birkenhead and in the Cowshed stand was about how the we :heart: hoof brigade had scored a small victory earlier that day. There was talk of the injustice of Ollessendro’s satirical thread being closed by the administrators. The we :heart: hoof brigade could be seen at points around Prenton Park drinking lager and talking about how the KOC’s thread had been closed. It was a big victory for the hoof lovers. A big albino gorilla was spotted telling his real ale loving brothers to be patient and that the we :heart: hoof brigade had won the battle and not the war. Danny Wilson’s team silenced the hoof loving lager louts with some spell binding, passing football in the first half. The Blades playing like Holland in 1974 soon silenced the ‘direct’ footballer lovers and there were no shouts of ‘up an attem’, ‘gerr it forrard’ or ‘stop fucking abart beack theer n knock it long’.
Not sure what the United following was, but I guess around 2k. We really got behind the team and it was a cauldron of noise. For the second time this season there has been close to as many United fans as there being home fans. We really got behind the team and made a lot of noise. Fantastic support through the first half.
Half time was excellent, as I went down for a beer. The chant of ‘his name is Nick, Montgomery ….. he has a touch like a rapist …. ‘ rang around the Blades end. There was a real carnival atmosphere and feeling of togetherness. At half time we really were buzzing.
Second half the support tailed off a little (with the Blades performance) but we were still like the home team (other than a 5 minute spell after they scored).
Team
Wilson made the enforced change of bringing Doyle into the team and chose to play Williamson ahead of Mendez Laing. It was essentially the same team that finished the game on Tuesday, with the exception of Slew keeping his place upfront (Bogdanovic).
------------- SS
Lowton Maguire Collins Lescinel
Williamson* Doyle Monty Quinn*
-------- Slew Cresswell
* Quinn and Williamson seemed to interchange wings and Quinn spent a large proportion of the game on the right (and vice versa) as well and drifting inside.
Match
United started the game brightly and made the early going backed by the impressive support. They made their intentions clear early on, getting the ball on the ground and trying to pass it around. A good flowing move resulted in Quinn firing straight at the keeper. United looked the superior team, as they dominated possession and controlled the game. However, I remember few chances early on and do not remember keeper Fon Williams being tested.
Tranmere had a few half chances early on, as they got out of the blocks quickly. Devaney fired across goal, Showumni headed over when under pressure by Maguire and McChrystal volleyed straight down Simmonsen’s throat.
There a shocking tackle on Stephen Quinn that could (and should) have resulted in a red card. Now I am partisan, I was a long way away and I saw it in real time (no replay on the football league show) but infront of the dug out Quinn was pole axed by Devaney. It seemed to me that the players studs were up and he was late. Quinn was hurt and received treatment for 5 minutes. In the modern game it seemed it should have been a straight red, but the referee opted for a yellow. Wilson certainly seemed to think it should have been a red also when asked in his post match interview.
Tranmere carried on in the same vein throughout the early stages. United looked to get the ubiquitous Quinn on the ball and Tranmere responded by cynically hacking at him. Another player (Welsh I think) was given the yellow card after the a late challenge left Quinn on the deck again. The referee seemed to let several fouls go and opted not to book Rovers players for offences that seemed to be worthy of a yellow. Quinn broke away down the left hand side and the referee opted to have a word with Robinson. After his lunge at Quinn missed both ball and man. Robinson was getting himself involved in everything and opted to roll around the floor whenever there was contact and reacted angrily to United players touching him. This seemed to be Tranmere’s game plan and in addition to the cynical, continuous fouling they made a meal of every United tackle/challenge/foul and tried to get United players wound up and booked.
United then had a decent spell and forced a few corners. The Tranmere keeper looked dodgy as. Lescinel should have done better with a heqder and next there was ping pong in the Tranmere area.
Despite Tranmere’s cynical aspects, they enjoyed a good spell of football. I was surprised by how well they passed it around and how comfortable they looked on the ball. After seeing out United’s early dominance Tranmere came back into the game. A smooth passing move resulted in a shot straight at Simmonsen. The next move resulted in the best chance of the game. Rovers caught United on the counter (after Montgomery had been robbed) and broke down the left hand side. They had numbers forward as they the United players were pulled towards the ball. A long cross to the back post went over Lescinel and was met powerfully by Akin, only for Simmonsen to save with his feet. It was a free header, but from a tight angle. He did everything right and headed the ball on target. However Simmonsen had rushed out and close the angle. He managed to get his feet in the way and the ball went out for a corner. The United keeper saved a certain goal and kept United level. Simmonsen made another save when the striker (Showumi?) got in front of Collins and headed goal bound. The Blades keeper was well placed and caught the ball easily.
It seemed the game was going to be a stalemate at half time when the Blades took the lead through a goal worthy of winning a game. Sheffield United captain Nick Montgomery gave his team the lead with an absolute screamer. Lescinel and Slew combined and the young striker did well down the left hand side and ran towards the by line. He passed the ball inside to Quinn, who took a touch and laid it to MONTGOMERY. The Blades midfielder smacked an unstoppable right footed strike into the corner from over 30 yards. The ball was there to be hit, but no one expected to see such as thunderbolt. It was a goal reminiscent of Arrie Hahn’s pearler (for Holland) against Italy in the 1978 world cup.
United went into half time leading what had been quite an entertaining contest.
The second half was not the same standard as the first, as United took their foot of the gas (like Holland in the 1974 world cup final) and Tranmere resorted more direct tactics. The Blades struggled to get going and sat back on their lead. Rovers had given up their footballing philosophy and resulted to bombarding the United area with high balls. The competition turned ugly, as an aerial bombardment from the Merseyside team ensued.
Tranmere were starting to control the game, as United failed to get any sort of foothold in the second half. Tranmere brought on two substitutes (both big lads) and continued to lump it forward. Collins and Maguire brilliantly dealt with the long balls and won everything in the air. They were backed by a confident Simmonsen who’s handling was excellent. There were no signs of nerves as the United goalie held onto some high crosses and shots/headers. Although Simmonsen was the busier keeper, he was not really troubled and I only remember a few tame shots/headers at goal.
Tranmere had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when a cross hit Lowton. It was too far for me to see what happened, but the Tranmere fans on the left hand side (to us) and the fans behind United’s goal (the other end to us) were incensed. No smoke without fire? It did not seem like a handball to me (from 100 yards away) but it was a big appeal.
Despite the home team rarely threatening, I felt a goal was coming. Rovers were eventually rewarded for all their pressure with 10 minutes to go when substitute Joss Labadie headed home. The goal was a cheap one and Danny Wilson will not be happy with the defending. United switched off when Tranmere had a corner on the left. It was taken quickly to the unmarked left back Buchanan. He took his time before crossing onto the head of the big, black substitute. The United defence was unorganised and it was a free header. He buried it and gave Simmonsen no chance. It was disappointing in many ways. We switched off, we did not pressure quick enough and a big guy was left all on his own to head home.
The home crowd finally seemed to wake up as they urged their team forward to try and get a winner. However it was United who had the best chance to win the game. It was the Blades players that finally woke up and started to apply pressure. They passed it around neatly and attacked with urgency. Creswell had a golden opportunity to win the game and will feel he should have done better. He gambled and seemed to latch onto a horrific backpass, but his effort was weak and the keeper gathered. I am not sure if he was a yard short of pace or if he misjudged how much time he had. As he got close to the ball he went to ground. Sliding, he was unable to get power behind the shot and the keeper saved. Cresswell lay head in hands for 30 seconds and I am sure he knows he missed a fantastic chance to keep United’s 100% record.
The game closed out without further incident other than the cynical Robinson being subbed before he was sent off (for the bleeding goalscorer). Quinn was booked after the Tranmere midfielder body checked Lowton and Quinn retaliated. ? Was lucky to stay on the pitch (he should have been booked first half and picked a booking up during the second half). He was subbed immediately.
Crimes against hoof
Today’s crime against hoof goes to Nick Montgomery for his wonder strike. It was a beautiful strike that belonged in a 70’s Holland world cup team game.
Simmonsen deserves a mention and also Collins. Simmo tries to roll the ball out on all occasions and Collins is almost always an option. As well as distributing well, Collins often advances out of defence and starts off united attacks.
Crimes against football
Today’s crime against football goes to Tranmere Rovers and particularly Robinson. Rovers, a decent passing side were just pure cynical and very dirty. They singled out Quinn and nailed him on two or 3 occasions. They dove at every opportunity and did their best to get United players booked for the slightest bit of contact. This was summed up by the midfielder Andy Robinson. He is talented and good on the ball. However he should have been sent off for several wild lunges. Not only that put he spent more time on the ball with theatrics that would have only been bettered in Stratford Upon Avon. Additionally, he retaliated a couple of times and was constantly moaning at the referee.
For United the crime against football has to be given to Harry Maguire. I like Maguire and he is a rock solid defender. He dealt with everything in the air and the 18 year did not look out of depth at all. However his distribution was shocking. He aimless hoofed the ball on countless occasions yesterday. His cross field aimless punts lead to us losing possession and in the second half immediately put us under pressure. I am impressed by the way that Simmo rolls the ball out to the defenders, but Maguire often just whacks (or sometimes floats) the ball down the pitch and gives the ball straight back to the other team.
Men of steel
Collins and Maguire deserve credit for assured defensive performances. They dealt with pretty much everything in the air and put in a solid 90 minutes. They are starting to gel and although very similar players, they are forming a partnership.
Montgomery deserves a mention for his wonder goal and a decent performance. He offered little going forward, other than his goal, but was solid and strong in the tackle. He broke up a lot of their attacks and did a lot of hassling and harrying.
Ollessendro’s man of steel yesterday was Steve Simmonsen. After a poor showing during the week he put in a very good performance. He dealt with high balls, held onto everything and made some very good saves. A lot of this was the basics (and things he is expected and indeed paid to do) but after Tuesday I thought he showed real character. He was confident and self assured. A steely keeping performance.
United
Mixed bag really. A game of two halves. In the first half we looked the better side and outplayed Tranmere for periods. We were comfortable on the ball and passed I around well. Again, we built from the back and were patient. We looked to get talented players like Quinn and Williamson on the ball whenever possible. However despite controlling possession we did not create a lot of chances. I do not remember us testing their keeper and it took a wonder goal to give us the lead.
Something has to be said about how dirty Tranmere Roverswere. They really roughed us up. A caller on Praise and Grumble said ‘if the ref had done his job properly and protected our players, then we would have won the game’. I find it hard to disagree. They could have been down to 10, maybe even 9, men by half time with their rash and persistent fouling.
The second half United were poor and looked second best for long parts. We sat back on the lead and never really threatened the home side. I do not remember their keeper making a save (other than from Cresswell late on). Credit should be given to Tranmere for pegging us back. They bombarded us with high balls. The problem for me was we had no outlet. We really struggled to hold onto possession and they kept coming back at us. This was partly because we kept clearing our lines (i.e. hoofing it away), partly because they pressured us well and partly because we could not get Williamson or Quinn on the ball (or get it to Cresswell’s feet). We were guilty of giving possession away through sloppy passes and the game was screaming for a player to put their foot on the ball and pass it to a red and white shirt, or simply hold on to it.
It was a solid away point, but I think we could have done better. Yet again we did not seem to get out of second gear and only in the last 10 minutes did we show really urgency (too little, too late). The team is still gelling and is a work in progress. We remain unbeaten, yet are far from being spectacular. If you had offered 10 points from the first 4 games I would have snatched your hand off (and given you a big sloppy kiss too!?).
Tranmere
What a horrible, dirty, cynical and cheating side. Diving, moaning and fouling on the first half. They put in some horrendous tackles. Studs up, nowhere near the ball and late. Quinn was lucky not to be hospitalised. They somehow kept 11 players on the pitch and their diving, winding up and general unsporting behaviour carried on throughout the game.
All the above said, they can play. They passed the ball around well in the first half and had several chances. They made Simmonsen work hard and would have felt unlucky to go in one down. The funny thing is that they got their joy from being direct. Their goal was well worked, but it was their relentless pressure that lead to it. They seemed to be slowly wearing us down with their aerial bombardment, but then just as we seemed to be holding out they scored. United were sleeping, but it was good quick thinking and a well take corner.
Wilson
I cannot grumble with his tactics today. He started the team that many would have started, giving starts to Doyle and Williamson on merit. I can understand him playing Monty and Doyle in the middle away from home, if he has creativity in the Williamson and Quinn. However Quinn was kicked out of the game and Williamson was disappointing.
I thought Wilson might have changed things earlier (hindsight is a wonderful thing) as it clearly was not working in the second half. We could not hold onto the ball and gave possession away cheaply. He introduced Porter who won a few headers, but did not have much impact. Perhaps Mendez-Laing could have stretched their defence with his pace, although Slew had little joy all afternoon.
I am sure that Wilson (and Barlow) will be criticised for being too defensive. It did seem we had more quality and that if we stepped it up (like the latter stages against Walsall) then we would easily beat Tranmere. Wilson opted for us to be solid and professional. Perhaps we should be beating teams like this, but many could argue this is a good away point. Wilson was certainly pleased with it. In his Radio interview he said ‘if you would have offered me 1-1 before I would have taken it and being pleased’. I think I am in agreement with that.
Atmosphere
All the talk around the ground, in the pubs in Birkenhead and in the Cowshed stand was about how the we :heart: hoof brigade had scored a small victory earlier that day. There was talk of the injustice of Ollessendro’s satirical thread being closed by the administrators. The we :heart: hoof brigade could be seen at points around Prenton Park drinking lager and talking about how the KOC’s thread had been closed. It was a big victory for the hoof lovers. A big albino gorilla was spotted telling his real ale loving brothers to be patient and that the we :heart: hoof brigade had won the battle and not the war. Danny Wilson’s team silenced the hoof loving lager louts with some spell binding, passing football in the first half. The Blades playing like Holland in 1974 soon silenced the ‘direct’ footballer lovers and there were no shouts of ‘up an attem’, ‘gerr it forrard’ or ‘stop fucking abart beack theer n knock it long’.
Not sure what the United following was, but I guess around 2k. We really got behind the team and it was a cauldron of noise. For the second time this season there has been close to as many United fans as there being home fans. We really got behind the team and made a lot of noise. Fantastic support through the first half.
Half time was excellent, as I went down for a beer. The chant of ‘his name is Nick, Montgomery ….. he has a touch like a rapist …. ‘ rang around the Blades end. There was a real carnival atmosphere and feeling of togetherness. At half time we really were buzzing.
Second half the support tailed off a little (with the Blades performance) but we were still like the home team (other than a 5 minute spell after they scored).
I was in the Bay Horse in Scholes (edge of Rotherham/Sheffield – close to Thorpe Hesley/Chapeltown) which is an excellent, traditional local pub. It won Camra local pub of the year last year and has won numerous local awards. The ale is well kept and there are 6 hand pumps. 
).
:badger:
