Leyton Orient 0 United 1 - report

[Deadbat]

Sheffield United remain unbeaten after a hard fought but deserved success in East London. In a game United controlled for long periods but struggled to create many chances it took a wonder goal from Nick Blackman to settle proceedings. United still needed a tremendous save by substitute teenage George Long to preserve the victory.



It had been a scrappy game with few chances at either end but United did enough to win the game and complete back to back away wins and move into third place in the table behind Stevenage and the seemingly unstoppable Tranmere.



United had to make an enforced change with the injured Neil Collins (toe) being replaced by Marcus Williams with the versatile Matt Hill moving inside to partner Harry Maguire. There was also no place in the match day squad for John Cofie who was also missing with a minor injury (groin). There were places however on the bench for Shaun Miller and Callum McFadzean.



United began well and McMahon got forward twice with the second run leading to a shot that was with his unflavoured left foot that the keeper saved. United looked the more adventurous side as the two line ups and formations emerged and they were controlling early proceedings but then suffered a blow only 10 minutes into the game.



Howard kicked a ball away but United had to put the ball out as the keeper had clearly injured himself. It was a hamstring injury and he had to go off and probably face a spell on the sidelines. George Long came on and comfortably took a through ball not long after for his first touch.



Hill then made a good tackle that led to a corner soon after but United cleared the ball with little fuss. McMahon had another chance as he once again overlapped from Flynn and then Blackman blazed badly over when given a good chance after excellent work from Kitson. Orient had seen little of the ball and had few chances but from a corner; Kitson had to kick away from a header from Chorley. United were keeping the ball but poor crosses and decisions in the final third saw them also struggle to create much of note. McDonald slipped when well placed after another well worked move.



The half time whistle came with little action of note in the period leading up to it other than a tame Kitson shot wide after Flynn’s cross and whilst Wilson would have been reasonable content he would have wanted more punch in the attacking part of United’s game.



The second half began with Symes on for Smith but it continued in the same vein as the first with United dominating possession and McDonald and Doyle completely dictating midfield but again chances were at a premium. Kitson was holding the ball up well but Gallagher and Flynn were not at their best with crossing and the on loan Leicester man sent two wayward crosses over when well placed after some neat football had led to the opportunity. A flurry of bookings saw Sawyer and Chorley go into the referee’s notebook; quickly followed by Williams for United. United won a few corners and looked to turn the screw but Blackman was pulled up twice for hand ball; the first one a clear breast down from his chest that the referee somehow saw as a hand!

Soon after the frustrated striker showed the other side of his game on the hour mark. After decent build up Kitson laid off for BLACKMAN and from around 25 yards there seemed little danger but he curled a wonderful effort right into the top corner. The keeper did not even dive. It would have mattered little if he had as he had no chance. Blackman stood motionless in the most arrogant celebration you could wish to see before his teammates mobbed him! Once again it showed what potential the young striker has with the right coaching and development.



United had deserved to lead despite not having that many chances themselves. Orient had a bit of resurgence but Griffith was well off target and other than a few free kicks and corners did not create much of a riposte. United nearly killed the game off with just over 20 minutes to go with a lovely move. McDonald and Flynn combined down the right and the run from the latter saw him come inside and keep the ball in cleverly before pulling the ball back. The onrushing Doyle’s shot seemed as if it was going in but the keeper saved well with his legs and then the ball was scrambled away. This was the sign for Orient’s best spell of the game but in truth it probably only lasted 5 minutes. They won two corners in succession and then from a cross from the left Lisbie seemed certain to score but Long pulled off a tremendous save at point blank range that was Schmeichel-esque as he spread-eagled his body to keep it out. The ball was blazed over on the rebound as a flag went up. It was uncertain if the flag had been raised before or after the save but it was a vital stop if it had been deemed legitimate. A silly foul given away from Hill which was maybe his only error of the game, saw a good chance but Cook’s effort was whipped round the wall but just wide.



United managed to calm things down over the next few minutes and Orient opted to make a double change in an attempt to snatch a point. James and Brunt replaced Rowlands and Lisbie with the striker suffering the same fate as Howard; with his hamstring unfortunately ‘going’ too. Most United fans would have been relieved though as he is one of those players that invariably scores against the Blades and they will have feared a repeat of last season’s late leveller.



Porter and Cresswell came on for the excellent Kitson and goalscorer Blackman with just over 5 minutes to go. United were conscious of the fact they had conceded so late in this game last season and were determined not to sit deep with Hill imploring his defence to come out and keep a high line. A wild tackle by Cook nearly saw things spill over right in front of the United bench and there was some debate over what the colour of the card may be but it was only deemed a yellow.



The visiting defence kept strong and won more headers and clearances before the referee adjudged there would be 5 additional minutes of stoppage time. In this extra time; Cresswell had a chance to seal things but shot meekly at Allsop to keep Orient still in the end. Orient pumped balls forward but did not get really close and a wild shot from Chorley that nearly went out of the ground summed up the home sides performance. Long’s goal kick forward saw United keep the ball deep in home territory and as the game entered the 97th minute; referee David Phillips finally ended the game to signal celebrations in the away contingent. It had been hard fought and took a great goal but was a deserved three points to complete a haul of 7 from 9 for the Blades in the last week.

 

[Deadbat]

United – It was not a vintage Blades performance but it was solid and we defended very well for the most part restricting the home side to only a couple of chances all game. At the other end we did not create much ourselves and in the final third the passing and crossing was poor at times. However we scored a wonderful individual goal that was fit to win any game. We also played some neat and tidy football for long periods and many of the outstanding players on the field were wearing the white shirts. We did control long spells of the game but it was just the final elements of our play that were missing and we really should have won the game quite comfortably with better decisions in these areas. It was the sort of game that if we had the players we possessed last year from an attacking sense we would have won 3 or 4-0 but then we did defend better than last season and were less open. All of the defence were excellent today. The midfield did their job if a little wasteful in the final third. The two most disappointing players were probably Blackman and Gallagher but the former then scores a peach. Kitson was very good again and showed real class at times. United were not superb but it was proper away performance in terms of all the qualities you need to win and keep a clean sheet.



Despite me being critical of United earlier in the season and citing some poor opponents looking at the table, we have now played some higher placed sides but in truth these sides have been no better than some of the so called strugglers. There has been little between Bury and Notts County; as an example and today Orient were no better or worse than anyone we have played. I have not seen a really good side all season and as ordinary as we have been for long spells of games; we have still been better than any other side we have faced. Of course we have not played anyone else in the top 6 and so tougher tests you would assume or to come but the way the division is shaping up. United really do have nothing to fear and if they can keep solid and organised and find a bit more going forward; we should definitely finish in the playoffs at the very least. How much further we go depends on us making improvements in the last third and ensuring we don’t pick up any major injuries. We now have a spell of games with George Long in the goal but 3 of the next 4 are at home so that should help him.



We have started very steadily in terms of results and performances and hopefully we can build from this. We now have 3/4 at home (tough trip to Preston sandwiched in there) and need to make sure we improve our home results and should be aiming to win 2 out of 3 at least of these games against Oldham, Walsall and Pompey.





Orient – Thought they were poor but much like last season and this; another side that were much of a muchness in comparison to other sides. They seemed no better than last year and if anything I felt they lacked the attacking threat they showed in the games between us both of last year. They almost looked a bit concerned by us and were quite unadventurous which was odd being the home side but it seemed like they were away for long periods looking at the shape of the side; one up top with one just behind and two deep lying midfielders. They only started to have a bit of a go when they went behind and you got the impression both before and after this they would have regarded a point as an excellent result and would have taken it. After recent wins and performances and a fairly good start (compared to last season) I expected them to be more adventurous and create a more open game but it was them that tried to tighten the game and stifle it and this made it really scrappy.



Russell Slade’s words after the game summed this up and showed what control we had of the game: "They were the best side we've played this season. You've only got to look at their record to know they're a difficult side to beat. It was always going to be a tight affair and that's what it turned out to be. We lost to a good side and arguably we deserved to lose the game."

They possess some experienced players such as Cook, Lisbie and Rowlands and I expected more from this trio but they barely affected the game. The talented Cox was also handled really well by our defence and both full backs (he kept swapping) gave him little all day. The defence was a little slow and I felt we could get at them more than we did but it was midfield where they never really saw enough of the ball. United had 61% of the ball and really did control the central area of the play. Orient have enough players (those mentioned alone) to comfortably stay in the division but they will not contend for the top place and I think they will probably finish just below mid table but that is a punt as the teams in this division all look the same!

 

[Deadbat]

Howard – Had little to do in early stages and then when kicking the ball pulled up and clearly had ‘done’ his hamstring. Obvious he had to go off and his game was over after 10 minutes. A shame as he does seem to have improved after a few wobbly games earlier in the season and was settling down. Now will probably be out for 3 or 4 weeks at least.



Hill 8/10 – Whisper it quietly but Matt Hill; often the butt of many fans jokes and a bit of a scapegoat; has now become one of our most consistent players. He has been pretty faultless most games this season I have seen and today he was our man of the match for me. He played at centre back; an area he has struggled when put there previously; but he was excellent today. He won headers, made clearances, read the game well and you felt like whenever the ball went in the box him or Maguire would clear it or handle the threat. Showed what it meant to him at the end when he was fist pumping ferociously to the visiting throng!



McMahon 7/10 – Steady game. He is certainly not spectacular but defensively he was better than he has been in recent games. He tried to get forward and had a few runs down the right; especially in the first half and had a few efforts on goal I recall. He did not make any mistakes I can recall and just quietly did his job like the rest of the defence.



Maguire 7.5/10 – Like Hill, he was excellent and a real contender for man of the match. Won headers, swept up when needed and dealt with most of the danger. Did appear to lose Lisbie when he nearly scored with the header and seemed to be playing an offside trap which could have backfired. Overall though he was very good and is maturing into a dependable performer. His performances this year have been very consistent and he has been the better of the two (Collins).



Williams 7/10 – Pressed into action at left back; he also had a solid game where he did what he needed and cleared the ball, made interceptions and contributed to a mostly faultless backline. He is not one of my favourite players and like many I look forward to when Francois is back to give competition to Hill and others; but today Williams did well and like Hill (who he worked well with on the left side of defence); he did nothing wrong and had a good game.



Gallagher 5/10 – Very frustrating performance. He clearly has tons of ability with a good touch and control and can strike a good ball for crosses and shots. However again he really did not deliver today. I counted at least 4 crosses he put behind the goal and a few others passes/balls did not find their expected target. He knew it had not been his day looking at his body language. Worryingly there were a few 50/50 balls that he did not exactly commit to and he just had a real off day. I would probably extend his loan if we can. Not because of his performances which have been disappointing on the whole but because I do think there is much more to come and surely he can only get better.



Flynn 7/10 – Another who had nice touch and control and always gets ball under control quite quickly. He does seem to be improving. He did have a few opportunities to beat his man or go at his man but did not attack the full back that much (one occasion he did and he got by him in the second half). Steady without being spectacular. He did help defensively and covers well for the full backs and does a good job for the team.



McDonald 7/10 – Thought it was an up and down game for him but we controlled midfield most of the afternoon with him and Doyle. Most good things again came through him but like last week he was a bit careless with his passing which is usually spot on. His control and touch remained assured and he always looks to get on the ball. You could tell Orient were worried by him as they pressed on him at every opportunity.



Doyle 7/10 – Did the bits and pieces stuff in front of the defence and kept it well when he could. A typical Doyle performance where he did the basics well and did not try anything he was not capable of. A very important player that stands out at this level for his type of player; a defensive midfielder who keeps it simple and win the balls/covers for others.



Blackman 7/10 – Without his goal his mark would be much lower as he did very little most of the game in terms of with the ball. He did work harder than he has done and chased things down but he did not really get in the game much and was thinking he may be one that came off but then all of a sudden he scores a superb goal. It came out of nothing but showed his raw talent. He is one that could play much higher and our much critiqued scouting department may have found a gem. He has so many rough edges and needs to do more for the team but his shooting alone is tremendous and whilst he maybe shoots too much and can be a bit selfish; many of his shots are in or around the goal. The goal he scored today was out of nothing. He had the ball in a very unthreatening position and just hit a peach of a shot that gave the keeper no chance.



Kitson 7.5/10 – Thought he was very good today. He held the ball up, played others in and used great experience to win numerous free kicks. He is an intelligent guy and it shows through his play where he does most things sensibly with a minimum of fuss. A really cute player (not looks!) who has experience and nous to worry most players at this level. It is early days but we really ought to be tying him down; at least until the end of the season. He is a much better option than Cresswell and/or Porter.



Subs



Long 7.5/10 – Thrown into the action early he must have been nervous but it did not show and it was a far cry from the horror show of his last league game against Exeter last season. He commanded his box and took crosses when he had to. His kicking overall was good (one slice apart) and then he made a superb point blank save from the header when it seemed certain they would score. A big chance for him now and as long as the defence plays like it did today then hopefully he can be ok. He knows now he will be playing for the next few games so should not be fearful of making mistakes and just play his natural game. For the last season or so; there has been talk of what a talent he is (Joe Hart comparisons) compared to some saying they feel he has shown nothing to suggest he can be a top keeper. I guess we will have a better idea in the next month.



Cresswell – Came on for the last 7 minutes and stoppage time. Had one chance but his shot was straight at the keeper when he should have done better and then gave the ball away right near the end when he could have kept it and they went forward for one last time. Fortunately it came to nothing.



Porter – As above he came on at the same time as Cresswell. He held the ball up a few times and flicked on a few headers.





Officials – A strange referee that actually reffed it quite well for the most part and did try to let things flow but he also seemed to give a lot of very harsh free kicks based on crowd reactions from both the home and away fans. A few appeals for penalties; one on McMahon in the first half and one on their man in the second half were rightly waved away. He booked 4 players; 3 for them and 1 for us but he did not actually seem to ever show the yellow card (in the air) which was odd. They certainly committed a few more fouls than us and the booking count proves this. The one at the end by Cook was an awful tackle and close to being red as he lunged in wildly.



Crowd/Atmosphere/Day out – Another excellent away day out in the ‘smoke.’ Arrived around 10.30amish and had a few drinks and breakfast around Liverpool Street (where quite a few other Blades fans were). We then found an excellent pub called the Birbeck Tavern; not far from Leyton tube station that saw us sat outside in the beer garden (it was that warm in that, there London!) in t shirts! At the ground the United fans were in good spirits and there was a good noisy support from the packed, sold out section all game with amusing ditty’s about George Lone (by the way; how has he earned that reputation from the song about his alleged proficiency with the ladies?!) and Dave Kitson. Always good to win away (combined with a Wednesday home defeat) and there was some good signing on the tube back into London. With the train not till gone 9pm; we opted to go up to Camden and had a few in the Hawley Arms, Albert, Pembroke and another where we watched the Arsenal game with a lot of Gooners. Saw nobody famous at all. A lot of wannabes. Then had a quality train journey home with good banter with Blades and many other passengers. Felt for the girl next to me who seemed less impressed by the noise, countless beer cans, junk food that was all around here. Got home around 11.30pm. Excellent day. A Blades win, a lot of beer and a good laugh. Discussed this with some Leicester fans on the way home and we all said the same. Football is such now that it has been tainted and daft as it sounds it does not matter whether we are playing Arsenal or Orient. It is about the crack, watching your team (win or lose) and not taking things too seriously. Last seasons ending and what has gone on in years past has made me more calm about watching the Blades; with a more what will be, will be attitude but that still did not stop me screaming at the ref to blow his bloody whistle yesterday at the end!

 

[blade too long]

deadbat " Despite me being critical of United earlier in the season and citing some poor opponents looking at the table, we have now played some higher placed sides but in truth these sides have been no better than some of the so called strugglers. There has been little between Bury and Notts County; as an example and today Orient were no better or worse than anyone we have played."

The most relevant observation of the season, we just have to be slightly better than the mediocrity we face over the next 35 fixtures to achieve our aim

 

[BladeInThatcham]

Long's save was an absolute worldy - well it appeared to be at the time - but I think a foul had already been given on Hill so any goal wouldn't have counted. Just watched the highlights on bladesplayer as I was looking forward to seeing that save again and it doesn't even feature....instead they opted for showing 30 seconds of Howard going off!

Agree with pretty much all that Deadbat, in particular your comments on Gallagher. I think the only reason I'd extend his loan is because he is (marginly) better than McAllister who I do not rate at all.

 

[Ollessendro]

I was going to write a report, but Deadbat has already written an excellent one, so I will just offer a few thoughts.

Overall

I thought that we were a tad lucky today. I usually agree with Deadbat, but am perhaps slightly more clinical. From opinions on here and after discussing with Unite fans after the game yesterday, then perhaps I am being a bit harsh. I did sink 5/6 pints in the pub beforehand, so perhaps this affected my opinions. I think that if Blackman’s shot had not gone in or if Long had not made an excellent game, then we could not have complained about the result. We looked very solid and never looked like losing, but we rarely threatened. There was the Doyle chance and the goal, but other than that we did not work their keeper. In the final third we were terrible. We huffed and puffed, but did little. We dominated possession, but failed to create. Other than a moment of magic, then we never really looked like scoring.
The bottom line is that we forged out a good away victory. We kept a clean sheet and picked up all 3 points. My opinion is that we were a little fortunate, but I will take 3 points like that away from home any day of the week.

Men of steel
There were quite a few men of steel today. The two centre backs were excellent. I thought Maguire was awesome and faultless today. He really stepped up to the mark in the absence of Collins. Hill did very well too. I actually thought he misjudged a couple of headers and let the ball bounce when he should not have, on 2 occasions, but other than that he was solid. Ryan Flynn had a very good game today. He was a constant threat. When he took his man on he almost created a goal. Kitson was excellent also. A proper strikers performance. He lead the line really well. He often dropped into the hole between midfield and strikers and won the ball. It just seemed to stick to him. I was a bit dubious about the signing, but he is clearly a class act. He is much better than this division and will be an asset.

Crimes against football
The whole spectacle was a bit of a crime against football. It was a truly dire match, between 2 poor sides. Orient were absolutely terrible and we were only slightly better. I thought it was a proper hoof-off. I cannot say I enjoyed the game very much. I would signal Gallagher out for the crime against football award today. He was truly awful. His crossing was abysmal. He wasted 3 or 4 good opportunities by sending the ball into the stand, when well placed. His set piece play was crap too. He needs to change his boots I think. A real off day for him.

Crimes against hoof
There were not many yesterday I am afraid. I thought McDonald was quiet and had a bit of an off day. Doyle played pretty well, but I would not signal him out for the award. It was a solid away performance and unfortunately that does not bring any crimes against hoof with it. In fact I thought it was a performance Kevin Blackwell would have been proud of. Keep it tight and nick a goal. Not pretty to watch, but effective. Like under Blackwell (when we went on that amazing run away from home) we were rock solid and then just took one of the few chances we created.

Ale
Supped plenty of the stuff yesterday. I’ve given up my search for proper football (I am not going to find it watching United in this division) and have just settled for the ale. We went to the East Tap in Stratford to start off with. It is a pub and Microbrewery. I had a delicious porter, that had coffee in it. They also did a nice, hoppy and light pale ale. I think the best drink was a strong ale called Siberia. It was Jaipur-esque. A nice, light and hoppy ale with a real kick (5.9%).

Atmosphere/day out
We were in the pub just after 11. Had some good banter and the ale was flowing. Then up to Leyton for the match. What a shithole. We were laughing, because our tickets said ‘upper tier’. However it was basically just one stand and there was a slight step/gap, which they classed as the upper tier. The ground was awful, with shocking facilities, wooden chairs, numpty stewards and terrible food and drink (if you could get any).

We walked up to Walthamstow afterwards. I did not realise what a shithole it is around the Leyton area. It is really poor and there is just nowt. Terrace housing, fried chicken takeaways and convenience stores. Hardly any pubs (presumably because the population is largely Muslim) and just rough. We arrived at a pub called the King William IV, which is supposed to be a decent real ale place. However it was full of West Ham fans and they did not exactly make us feel welcome. We finished out drinks and got out of their sharp-ish!!?
Walthamstow village was a lot nicer and we finished the evening with a few more ales and more banter.

Good following from United and we made a lot more noise than the home fans. Not sure I would go back to Orient, as it is a real hole. Hopefully we will be out of this godforsaken division and we will not have to. I actually disagree with Deadbat in that I think Orient were shocking. I would be surprised if they stayed up. They offered absolutely nothing. I am not sure there are 4 worse sides than them and think that come May they might be in the relegation zone.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

Siberia is made with rhubarb by Ilkley brewery, Olle. Nice drop I thought, but the star of the show was their own Mild. Very nice!

 

[Ollessendro]

Siberia is made with rhubarb by Ilkley brewery, Olle. Nice drop I thought, but the star of the show was their own Mild. Very nice!

This one ......

 

[Ollessendro]

Courtesy of Mod the God and his 100 beers challenge .....

Urban hop (their own ale) was the pale ale I talked about. Dinner (another one from Ilkley) was a pale, hoppy and extremely dry and bitter pale ale. Was not a massive fan of that. The Siberia one was excellent.

 

[moDtheGod]

Are you thieving pictures off my Facebook? I charge a fee for that, you know?

 

[BladeInThatcham]

Courtesy of Mod the God and his 100 beers challenge .....

Urban hop (their own ale) was the pale ale I talked about. Dinner (another one from Ilkley) was a pale, hoppy and extremely dry and bitter pale ale. Was not a massive fan of that. The Siberia one was excellent.

That 'green goddess' ale was liquidised shite in a glass. Horrible stuff. It was that bad I had to sup it in double quick time to get rid. I'm northern, I'm not gonna leave it. Come to think of it, that pint in king William was pretty toss as well - again another that had to be supped very quickly because a) it was shit and b) the amount of hammers fans giving us the daggers. Tho moDtheGod just remind me what you did with yours? ;-)
Urban Hop was the winner of the day for me - a crackin pint.

 

[moDtheGod]

My remaining half went in the plant pot. It was just ammonia in a glass. With subtle sulphurous undertones.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Sheffield United remain unbeaten after a hard fought but deserved success in East London. In a game United controlled for long periods but struggled to create many chances it took a wonder goal from Nick Blackman to settle proceedings. United still needed a tremendous save by substitute teenage George Long to preserve the victory.



It had been a scrappy game with few chances at either end but United did enough to win the game and complete back to back away wins and move into third place in the table behind Stevenage and the seemingly unstoppable Tranmere.



United had to make an enforced change with the injured Neil Collins (toe) being replaced by Marcus Williams with the versatile Matt Hill moving



United began well and McMahon got forward twice with the second run leading to a shot that was with his unflavoured left foot that the keeper saved. United looked the more adventurous side as the two line ups and formations emerged and they were controlling early proceedings but then suffered a blow only 10 minutes into the game.



Howard kicked a ball away but United had to put the ball out as the keeper had clearly injured himself. It was a hamstring injury and he had to go off and probably face a spell on the sidelines. George Long came on and comfortably took a through ball not long after for his first touch.



Hill then made a good tackle that led to a corner soon after but United cleared the ball with little fuss. McMahon had another chance as he once again overlapped from Flynn and then Blackman blazed badly over when given a good chance after excellent work from Kitson. Orient had seen little of the ball and had few chances but from a corner; Kitson had to kick away from a header from Chorley. United were keeping the ball but poor crosses and decisions in the final third saw them also struggle to create much of note. McDonald slipped when well placed after another well worked move.



The half time whistle came with little action of note in the period leading up to it other than a tame Kitson shot wide after Flynn’s cross and whilst Wilson would have been reasonable content he would have wanted more punch in the attacking part of United’s game.



The second half began with Symes on for Smith but it continued in the same vein as the first with United dominating possession and McDonald and Doyle completely dictating midfield but again chances were at a premium. Kitson was holding the ball up well but Gallagher and Flynn were not at their best with crossing and the on loan Leicester man sent two wayward crosses over when well placed after some neat football had led to the opportunity. A flurry of bookings saw Sawyer and Chorley go into the referee’s notebook; quickly followed by Williams for United. United won a few corners and looked to turn the screw but Blackman was pulled up twice for hand ball; the first one a clear breast down from his chest that the referee somehow saw as a hand!

Soon after the frustrated striker showed the other side of his game on the hour mark. After decent build up Kitson laid off for BLACKMAN and from around 25 yards there seemed little danger but he curled a wonderful effort right into the top corner. The keeper did not even dive. It would have mattered little if he had as he had no chance. Blackman stood motionless in the most arrogant celebration you could wish to see before his teammates mobbed him! Once again it showed what potential the young striker has with the right coaching and development.



United had deserved to lead despite not having that many chances themselves. Orient had a bit of resurgence but Griffith was well off target and other than a few free kicks and corners did not create much of a riposte. United nearly killed the game off with just over 20 minutes to go with a lovely move. McDonald and Flynn combined down the right and the run from the latter saw him come inside and keep the ball in cleverly before pulling the ball back. The onrushing Doyle’s shot seemed as if it was going in but the keeper saved well with his legs and then the ball was scrambled away. This was the sign for Orient’s best spell of the game but in truth it probably only lasted 5 minutes. They won two corners in succession and then from a cross from the left Lisbie seemed certain to score but Long pulled off a tremendous save at point blank range that was Schmeichel-esque as he spread-eagled his body to keep it out. The ball was blazed over on the rebound as a flag went up. It was uncertain if the flag had been raised before or after the save but it was a vital stop if it had been deemed legitimate. A silly foul given away from Hill which was maybe his only error of the game, saw a good chance but Cook’s effort was whipped round the wall but just wide.



United managed to calm things down over the next few minutes and Orient opted to make a double change in an attempt to snatch a point. James and Brunt replaced Rowlands and Lisbie with the striker suffering the same fate as Howard; with his hamstring unfortunately ‘going’ too. Most United fans would have been relieved though as he is one of those players that invariably scores against the Blades and they will have feared a repeat of last season’s late leveller.



Porter and Cresswell came on for the excellent Kitson and goalscorer Blackman with just over 5 minutes to go. United were conscious of the fact they had conceded so late in this game last season and were determined not to sit deep with Hill imploring his defence to come out and keep a high line. A wild tackle by Cook nearly saw things spill over right in front of the United bench and there was some debate over what the colour of the card may be but it was only deemed a yellow.



The visiting defence kept strong and won more headers and clearances before the referee adjudged there would be 5 additional minutes of stoppage time. In this extra time; Cresswell had a chance to seal things but shot meekly at Allsop to keep Orient still in the end. Orient pumped balls forward but did not get really close and a wild shot from Chorley that nearly went out of the ground summed up the home sides performance. Long’s goal kick forward saw United keep the ball deep in home territory and as the game entered the 97th minute; referee David Phillips finally ended the game to signal celebrations in the away contingent. It had been hard fought and took a great goal but was a deserved three points to complete a haul of 7 from 9 for the Blades in the last week.

DB Notts County were 2nd last week so yes we have played a top 6 team. And 2 weeks ago or last week it was get rid of Gallagher now we must keep him.
And Hill, from hate to love..very sudden change of heart DB.

 

[Ollessendro]

Once photos are up on facebook, they are anyone's Mod. Yes, Thatch that Belgium beer was fookin awful. And the King Billy wins shit pub of the day. It didn't help our cause when one of he boys was singing 'United hate fucking cockneys' outside!? That fat bastard with the West Ham shirt did not look impressed. If looks could kill. It was a smart move to get shitfting quick, as the pint pots might have been launched outside if we'd stayed. Had it not been for the shit beer and imminent kickin, it would have been fun to have stayed around and watch Arsenal tear them a new one.

 

[Deadbat]

Technically you are right about Notts County hello. My mistake!

As for Gallagher; he has not impressed and I have mixed feelings over whether we should keep him. I still think there is talent there and realisticallly if we did send him back I am unsure whether we could get anyone better and he is still preferable to others out there. Be nice to see McFadzean get a go in the JPT in a few weeks though.

As for my criticisms/praise of Hill; I do sometimes get called for having favourites or scapegoats as many fans do but I do call it as I see and mostly I have praised him the back end of last season and this season. He has been one of our most consistent players. It is not so much a change of heart but ratings that reflect much improved performances.

 

[sitwell]

Gallagher has more assists and goals during his time here than any other player.

 

[Pinchy]

sitwell

Good point. He has yet to look the player we expected, but I would certainly keep him for another month. He hasn't been a regular starter for some time and I think he'll get a lot better with games on board.

I also have a feeling he's a man for a big occasion (you know, a play-off final or something like that!).