MK 0 United 3 - Report of game/weekend

[Deadbat]

In the final away game of the season, Sheffield United made it three consecutive 3-0 wins as they easily saw off Milton Keynes Dons at Stadium MK. After a relatively even first half, the Champions edged in front just before the break and then never looked back. Billy Sharp got goals 28 and 29 and his 200th league goal to add to Leon Clarke’s header on the stroke of half time. United at times gave the home side a footballing masterclass as once again they won at a canter as for yet another game the Blades were too good for the opponents.


Manager Wilder had to make a change with Ebanks Landell in for Wright, who was ill but then the Wolves loanee himself had to drop out himself due to a tight hamstring in the warm up. James Wilson came in for a rare start after not playing since the start of the season. Former MK player Samir Carruthers was on the bench but still out injured was James Hanson and also deemed unfit was Jay O’Shea so there was a place for Stefan Scougall also as a substitute. MK had a number of players in their squad that could be making their final appearances for the club with long serving keeper Martin and stalwart from the Wimbledon days, Dean Lewington, another who could be saying goodbye.


The game was delayed for 5 minutes due to congestion outside as a decent number of the 7,251 United fans had not got in. When the game did finally start it was clear there were a number of visiting fans in the sections deemed as home only but sensibly as the game kicked off, theses fans were moved to be in with the rest of the United fans with a temporary cover moved to allow the away section to be increased in affect. The remainder of the ground was barely even a third full making a mockery of the decision to only allow the above ‘official’ allocation.


United started the game in confident manner; knocking it about at pace and precision and drawing out the MK defence. Basham was involved regularly down the right coming out of defence and Fleck was constantly getting on the ball. The neat stuff saw the first chance come as Coutts played a wonderful ball inside the full back for Basham to run onto. He pulled it back cleverly to Sharp who had peeled off but the striker’s finish hit the post with the keeper nowhere and the defender rotating back to the line. It was a really good move and so close to the opening goal. The good football continued as the ball was transferred to the left this time but Lafferty struck a shot over the bar.


O’Connell then came out and had a shot himself that was blocked before MK slowly started to come back into the game. Some strong running from Baldock down the right and a neat flick from Agard led to a chance but Wilson did well to block. Leicester loanee Barnes then came inside and hit a shot that deflected off Basham and onto the roof of Moore’s net for a corner. The MK revival continued with more good build up and eventually it was played back to defender Lewington who curled a lovely effort that beat Moore all ends up but glanced the far post and bounced away. 1-1; at least in efforts off the post.


The next 10-15 minutes became quite scrappy. United had most of the ball with Fleck and Coutts heavily influential in the centre and Lafferty making some good dashes down the wing. Wilson had been solid on his return but Barnes playing just off Agard was causing some problems with his quick feet and running. The half seemed to be petering out but as MK attacked Basham stepped in and cleared and Freeman won a late corner. The kick came over Fleck and CLARKE got up highest to power a header into the net. The United fans at the far end celebrated wildly as the Blades were in front again. The half time whistle came soon after the restart and the same fans cheered the team to the dressing room.


The second half began with Barnes running at the United defence but despite him evading both O’Connell and Basham, his low shot was well saved by Moore who tipped behind for a corner. After this MK won a number of corners and United struggled to get out for a period and a strong appeal for a spot kick for an alleged hold from Wilson at a corner was ignored by the referee.


Carruthers came on to face his former club, replacing Duffy. Slowly United started to regain control and Fleck once again was the main man, making space and time. Him and Coutts were pivotal in calming things down and allowing a series of keep ball to take place.


United then created a good chance as Lafferty won the header and after neat build up, the ball found Clarke who’s curling right footed effort went just past the post. Done then came on for Wilson as United switched to a back four with Done now playing in an orthodox left wing position.


MK had a really good chance to get level when a cross came in from the left and Agard was free but his header was well over despite him being well positioned to score. Fleck then broke up play again before Coutts almost got Clarke in. Thomas Asante came on for Potter who drew different reactions from the two sets of fans; due to his Wednesday connections and the fact it may be his last game for the club.


The second goal came when Coutts played a ball forward and Williams attempted to knock the ball back to his keeper but was completely unaware that SHARP was waiting to pounce. The leading scorer in the English League nipped in and smashed an unstoppable half volley high into the net sending the Blades fans into raptures again.


After this United were dominant with subs Carruthers and Done playing well in many pretty passing moves. Coutts and Fleck were completely dominating midfield and Clarke and Sharp continued to look a threat. Done had a shot blocked and Carruthers then saw the keeper hold a rising shot on the angle. MK were not really in the game now and it looked like the visitors would get chances every time they attacked.


The third goal came with just under 10 minutes to go. Coutts won possession and powered forward holding off a challenge and as he was fouled knocked a lovely through ball into the path of SHARP. The frontman was not going to miss as he was one on one again. This time he hit it hard and low and into the net and it was celebration time again for the massed army behind the goal as Sharp jumped for joy in front of them.


The final stages saw a flurry of substitutes with Reeves coming on for Muirhead for the home side and then Chapman coming on for Freeman for the Blades. There was also a final bow for long serving keeper Martin who came on for Nicholls as the game entered stoppage time. Good natured pleas from the home fans for the keeper to go up for a late corner were ignored and the final whistle came soon after this was cleared.


A few hundred United fans went on the pitch (again) but eventually they returned to their seats and both teams came out again with MK doing their final game traditional lap of honour and the Blades players celebrating in front of their fans. Billy Sharp received an inflatable trophy from the fans but also was keen to get a magic hat and brick for Jack O’Connell. Sure enough the current anthem of choice for Blades fans was belted out and the defender recreated the words to the song by heading said brick (not a real one!) as Sharp tossed it towards him. The rest of the team cheered behind him and the party continued as the players walked round and saluted the huge travelling support many of which had not stopped singing and smiling all afternoon.



United – Another very good performance. First half we seemed a bit leggy at times and I felt did not quite have same zip we have shown but still played decent football in pockets ad did start the game ok but then went off the boil. We still had more of the ball and I felt we had control even though they did have a spell. They had some chances too but we had more of the play. Sharp should have scored but then Lewington could have also, as they both hit the post. We then scored on the stroke of half time and never really looked back. They did have a few chances early second half but from about the hour mark it was a footballing masterclass from United.


Some of the football second half was a joy to watch. Coutts and Fleck were fantastic and the whole team as they have in this long unbeaten run, just kept getting better and better. It was as if the longer the game went on, the stronger we became and made MK look a sorry bunch by the end. We scored two more good goals and could have had more. It was exhibition stuff at times and superb to watch. A lot of keep ball as the oles went round the away end. Done and Carruthers both did really well when they came on and Sharp looked dangerous every time the ball went into him. I actually think if we wanted to we could have scored even more goals. It was that dominant at times and they simply could not get the ball off him.


Good to see a lad like Wilson get a game (easy to forget how important that header was he scored in that first win v Oxford) and he did ok. The rest of the side were solid with Sharp and Clarke getting the plaudits for the goals but the stars for me were the two midfield lads who dominated play. They got their foot in, won it and then used it very well. They looked a class apart today.


We won 3-0 and it was another comfortable win. Like Vale and Bradford, the opposition had a spell. Today it was a 10-15 minute one first half and then just after the break and maybe should have scored (Agard missed a bit of a sitter) but once the second goal went in; it was a matter of how many United might get. They kept coming forward and at times it was relentless. I hate saying it as it sounds a bit arrogant but we are too good for this division. Whether we can continue it next season at a higher level it is hard to see but at the moment the team are flying and confidence could not be higher. I think the fans and team do not want the season to end as we are that good at the moment and everything is so enjoyable. The football is superb, we are scoring goals, the team are playing for each other and fighting and scrapping as well as the pretty stuff. Cannot fault them at all.


We have one game left and I hope he still plays a strong team. Be nice if a few get run outs; maybe farewells for McNulty and Scougall and also a cameo for Brooks; from the bench but would rather smash Chesterfield. Hope Billy gets goal 30 and we can make that 100 point mark. At the moment, I cannot see the side slipping up and very confident they will finish the season on a high. Indeed, if Chesterfield come half arsed then it could be very one sided next week with United in this kind of rampant mood.


–

 

[Deadbat]

MK Dons – They did ok in patches and first half were right in the game. Not sure I quite agree with the manager saying it was the odd moment that turned it. All the quality came from United and we saw so much of the ball. After we did go ahead they had a few decent chances but it never seemed in doubt the final verdict.


They had a few decent players who ran at us and were not scared but in the central area they never really got control other than for a few small spells. I felt they struggled with our passing and movement and we looked in a different league (we are nearly) at times. They were not awful and showed some nice moments in the game but looked a bit punchless up top, lacked steel in midfield and made errors at the back.


They would have felt they would have been up there keeping a good core of the side that went down but lost a few players and some maybe have been there too long and it seems talk of a bit of a cull with many of Karl Robinson’s former stalwarts maybe moving on and Nielson bringing in some of his own players. He will definitely need to reshape the side and they will hope they can do this and contend more for a top 6 spot. I have to say the stadium is impressive but a bit soulless and having so many empty seats/gaps makes it a bit flat. I can imagine many games are almost like reserve/friendlies playing in front of swarms of empty spaces.


Opponent man of the match: Two players stood out. The lad Harvey Barnes, on loan from Leicester, was lively throughout and tried to run at defenders when he could. However, the right back Baldock I thought was excellent and really tried to get at United. He had several mazy runs. He was not as sure defensively but go no help from the lad in front.


Opponent Weak link: The defender Williams made a right rick of the second goal but I thought the lads in midfield got completely outplayed all game. Upson and Potter never had a kick for long spells as Coutts and Fleck completely dominated. Recall the lad Potter being a decent player but he looked a shadow of that player today.


SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 7/10 – Did not have too much to do, like the previous couple of games. However, when he was called on, he did make the important save with another reaction save early in a second half. His flicked save from Barnes effort was really good. Outside of this I cannot recall too much he had to do. Saw one shot hit the post and another headed over. The rest of the time he was well protected.


Freeman 7/10 – Decent performance. He did not get forward as much as he has done but was still involved in a few attacks first half when he had our normal formation. He showed his quick feet and strong running down the right. A few miscontrols/passes apart he did his job. When we switched to a 4 he was concentrating more on defending and got a few clearances and blocks in.


Lafferty 7/10 – Began the game sloppy with a few poor passes/crosses that hit first man but improved as the game went on and was involved in some decent moves. Put in one cross that Sharp nearly got on the end of, had a shot over and then second half he won a header well that led to a chance for Clarke. Steady performance where he just did what he needed to.


Basham 7.5/10 – Another good performance where he showed how much he wanted to win those loose balls and pick up the pieces. Began as centre back but seemed to be the one released to go forward so much and he nearly set up a Sharp goal. Had a few other runs down the right. Second half he was not going forward as much as we switched the formation when Wilson went off. He actually put a few poor crosses in and telegraphed a few balls but overall his commitment and effort again was top class. Continued to drive us forward and made sure he always was first to the ball.


O’Connell 8/10 – Continued the very consistent form he has shown the second half of the season. He won headers, got tackles in, read the game and also went on a few runs with the ball when he had it. Cannot recall too many mistakes he made; save for one block tackle he missed when Barnes nearly got in but he defended very competently again.


Wilson 7/10 – Rare start and he did ok. Will not have been expecting to start so the fact he was put in just before kick-off meant he had to be ready and he was alert from the start. Made a few interceptions, used it well (played right in the centre of the three). Might have been a bit lucky to get away with a possible foul on a corner (several of the MK players were convinced it was a penalty). Came off after an hour. Probably quite tired as he has not played many games even at u23 level recently. He is one that I am not sure will be here long term as the step up in division means some players may move on – he may be kept as cover of course.


Fleck 9/10 – Co man of the match with Coutts. Those two ran the game; particularly second half. Rarely if ever gave the ball away and his ability to get in, nick the ball away or make a tackle and then drift into space and find his teammates is uncanny. A really skilled player whose touch is superb. Passing range again was varied but allowed us to get forward also and he always wants to get us going the right way if he can. Sets the tempo for the side with his pressing defensively and then driving forward offensively. He seemed to be everywhere at times. Recall one moment he won a tackle and then a few seconds later he was combining with the Done down the left. The central midfield partnership with bits and pieces from Duffy and then Carruthers later; saw us overpower MK.


Coutts 9/10 – As above. Simply superb. Strong, competitive, skilful, enterprising and tough to stop. He showed the side of the game that has improved so much this year; his tackling, harrying and ability to get the ball back. His strength when he gets the ball and holds defenders off still is surprising me. He really is hard to hold back. He had several lung busting runs where he took opponents away and just carried the ball. One tremendous ball nearly set up a goal for Sharp first half. A few other cute balls throughout the game. He was superb in the second half and his runs and assists led to Sharp’s second and third goas. The second was more of a mistake after but the third was superb as he ran away from his man and played a great ball. Him and Fleck were superb to watch second half.


Duffy 6/10 –Quiet-ish game today. He was involved in a few bits of play early but gave it away a bit too. He sometimes tries to do too much and twice they broke after he lost the ball. Still he never hides and always wants it and continued to try and probe and make us play. Wilder took him off very early in the second half; as seems to be customary now as United opted to go to a 4-4-2 and it worked as after this we had even greater control of the game.


Sharp 8/10 – First half he hit the post with an effort he maybe should have scored with and was quiet but he improved immeasurably after the break. Started to get in front of his man, link with others and ran the channels well too. He became a real threat on the shoulders of the defence. Scored two opportunistic strikes. They were finishes you never thought he would miss when he got in. Really clinical and brilliant cool strike play. He senses a hat trick after this but alas another chance did not come. After the came led the team out and orchestrated the fun and celebrations with the fans. Knows what it means to us and you can see how delighted he is with this season. Hope he can get that 30th goal now next week. Seems set to finish the leading scorer in the English Leagues which is a superb achievement.


Clarke 7/10 – A handful and he got better after he scored after an iffy start. His touch was a bit mixed and some things did not stick as they have been early on but he kept running and chasing when he could. After he scored his confidence grew and he had a decent second half. He is not that great in the air actually and I was saying he somehow seems to make himself smaller when he jumps but then suddenly he shut me up with a great rising header from a corner. After this he improved and second half he was always involved and nearly got another with a shot just wide. He had had a brilliant end to the season with 6 goals in 5 games.


Subs


Carruthers 7.5/10 – Thought he was really good when he came. Only remember him giving it away maybe once. He kept it well, looked lively and had a few shots also. Linked really well with others and particularly Fleck and Coutts. He is a player that has tantalised us with flashes of good play with some frustration but there is clearly a really good footballer in there. Just needs to get fully fit and really stake a claim to start next season. Got a good hand from all the MK Dons fan where he was clearly a favourite.


Done 7.5/10 – He was excellent when he came on. Ironic he began the season wide left at Bolton and for the final away game ended up in the same position. He was ineffective opening day but today he ran at the defence, linked well and played some nice balls. He nearly got in a few times with runs and a few crosses he put in were just cut out. He showed he might be a handy lad to have around next year as a back-up even though many feel he may move on. I am not so sure; players like him always can be useful. He should not be played a defender though as he is a forward-thinking player.


Chapman – Only came on for the closing moments. Not sure he kicked the ball; unless you count the beach ball at the end after the game.


Manager – Wilder 8/10 – Another superb performance and win. We controlled much of the game again and he made changes (Wilson came in) to the team and the formation (second half) and these worked also. Everything he does at the moment does seem to be coming off. Hard as it must be tempting to play a few fringe/young players but wants us to power on and be professional. We are really doing that and showing no let up. We are getting better even though in affect we have nothing to play for really. He loved the celebrations at the end of the game as he pumped his fist and kissed his badge again!



Nice that Alan Knill got a chant today and Wilder shoved him forward to take the applause on the edge of the technical area. He seemed a bit embarrassed by it all but felt it was excellent the United fans recognised his part in the management team. The staff and subs clearly loved it and were joining in with the chant!


Ref – John Brooks. He was ok. A nothing game to referee so was fairly easy. They will say they had a strong call for a penalty from a corner when there was some grappling but their players were doing the same on Clarke for corners for us. He booked Potter for a really cynical foul on Fleck (he let game go after this and then went back) but no other cards all game. There was barely a bad tackle. He tried to use the advantage rule at times (like when we scored the third) but also would say he errored on it a few times too and blew his whistle too quick (both ways). He did not get much help from his assistants who seemed like they did not want to make a decision at times. One corner that led to the chance they hit the post was taken a good yard outside the quadrant. It was comedy style officiating.

 

[Deadbat]

Crowd/Stadium – The stadium is really nice. It is a typical new ground in that it is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by retail parks full of Shops and Fast Food places but it looks very nice from both the exterior and the interior. It was my first visit here and it was impressive. Odd that it is kind of a hotel in a ground or a ground in a hotel as the Hilton is all around the stadium.


We stayed there the Friday night and the room was nice and we had a view of the pitch. Bit odd that as we were sat in our room; we had lot of hotel staff walking past us setting up different events nearby (room is level with the boxes and seated areas for the hospitality outside). Good job I was not in various stages of undress! You cannot get out of the room as the doors are locked – so the idea of going into the stands could not be done! We only had one drink in the hotel as the Red Dot bar was closed for a private event (comedy night). Think we went in the pitch side bar which was a bit dark and dingy. There was another bar; the terrace bar that was apparently for United fans on the Saturday – they made the big bar (Red dot) home only apparently downstairs? Clearly a lot of Blades were staying on both nights but maybe more seemed to be coming for the Saturday judging by the number checking in as we were checking out and leaving our bags there during the game. Seemed a good atmosphere though wherever we went.


Back the actual ground, it reminds me of the Reading ground but is nicer. Seems to have a nice lay out inside. Like the fact that the concourse are open and you are not closed in – you could see down to the lower areas. Your kind of enter the ground at the mid-level anyway and then you either go up or down to where you are sat seemingly. Of course, that has led to the videos doing the rounds on you tube where many Blades congregated to celebrate and lit a few flares etc. Not sure why fans felt the need to walk on girders but suppose made for some ‘different’ videos and pictures!


It is a bit odd that it is so big and yet their average crowd is just less than 10,000. That means in affect two thirds of the ground is empty most weeks. I heard they do use it for Northampton Saints rugby games now and again and does get full for these. Winkleman has clearly hoped the support would grow more than it has. Maybe if they did go up the crowds would start to grow. I saw people wearing Chelsea and Man Utd shirts going into the ground! It does seem for many it is an adopted team…almost a second club. They clearly are trying to attract kids and families and the fact you see numerous Pick N Mix sweet stalls around the ground says it all. Quite a difference from a trip to say Rochdale!


It took too long to get us in and the way they had us filtered in queues might not have necessarily helped. It just seemed to make it take longer as we queued like we were waiting to get to the front of a post office. Did not help that many were just pushing in and it was not stewarded very well. There was one man doing the body/bag search for our entrance which made it take ages. Many United fans did arrive very late though and maybe did not realise how far it was to walk from some of the villages/areas where you could drink. We only just got in for kick off though and we were outside the ground for 2.40pm. It was helped that a man just told us to go through a side door and straight up which was sensible.


It was clear that they had planned for some United fans to be in the home bit and the movement of the neshing to allow them all to sit there was clearly pre-meditated. Apparently, they did it with Leeds a few years ago. It was only then when you realised how many Blades were in there. Some were in shirts and hardly conspicuous. The arguments have been done to death over why we could not have another say 4 or 5,000 seats. It seems ridiculous that they cite the safety certificate when they have had 25,000+ for the Rugby the previous week. I know football fans are different but MK have still lost a lot of money out of the game; even though a lot of Blades found a way to get in. Bizarre decision if you ask me.


The views in the ground are very good. We sat right behind the goal in the upper tier. The stands are quite steep and you get good views of the pitch. There are four big screens in every corner and the seats are very comfortable (I sat in mine for about a minute at half time). Everyone stood up, even in the upper section which was a bit odd but you kind of expect it now at away games. Great to see the goals go in at our end second half and such a commanding way to finish the game and the away campaign. Good that the fans recognised Ugo Ehiogu with two separate chants (second one on 33 mins – his Blades squad number) and also good that MK put up his image on the scoreboards.


The singing and atmosphere in the away end was excellent both in and outside of the stands – the morons lighting flares and those who just have to go on the pitch- apart. It really annoys me that some feel they have to go on the pitch. It will be same ones who go on every time. Not sure what the point was again today? To see grown men pulling their shorts down and pulling mooneys or doing roly polys was embarrassing. Eventually they got off and the scenes at the end with the players was excellent. Lot of fans were in fancy dress (more below) and we saw some superb efforts. Various hats were created and lots of bricks were attached to said headwear– not sure some know difference between witches’ hats and magic hats mind?! Saw numerous old shirts also which is always good.



Day / Weekend – Covered the game and stadium above but the rest of the weekend was very good also. We arrived in Milton Keynes around 4pm ish on the Friday after changing at Tamworth. We got a cab to the hotel opting not to stay in the soulless centre of MK (my mate had stayed there with work and said it was awful). We went past the inappropriately named Midsummer Boulevard and got to the hotel in about 5 minutes.


After checking in and admiring the view of the pitch; we went for a quick beer in the hotel and saw some fellow Blades before going on a bit of a pub crawl. We walked round past the Asda and out of the huge car park that surrounded the ground. We then want down some very odd paths under some of the A5 and through a nice park; Ashland Park.


We then began at the Plough in Simpson which was a nice country style pub. We sat outside and had a quick drink. We then moved on and walked towards another park; Farm Park. We had another beer outside; by the Inn on the Lake before heading into Fenny Stratford via the canal towpath. This was a fair old walk but we reached the Red Lion pub and had a drink here and sat outside (would be a bit busier the next day!).


We walked 5 minutes further into Fenny Stratford and had a curry at Gagnes Lounge. We ended up sat next to a couple who spent most of the meal arguing but our food was good! Further stops included the Bull and Butcher (stank of fish), the Maltsers Arms (stank of p**s) and then the Swann (stank of body odour). This last pub was a real throw back. The old woman serving would not win any customer service awards. Oddly there was an old man in there with a Marching On Together Leeds shirt who seemed to be spoiling for a fight with a group of elderly and well behaved Blades in the other room!


It was now around 11pm ish and we had a choice between going back or staying out so opted for the Pink Punters night club. It declares itself a gay club and the signage and entry where they tell you it is a gay club confirms this but in reality, it is not. The clientele inside were really mixed and there were large groups of lads/girls and lots of birthday/stag/hen parties going on. Nice place it was. A big old converted sort of pub/country house; it has several rooms and the bouncers/staff are on it. Any spillage is cleared in seconds and they are really helpful. The music was not quite our taste in either of the main rooms (think modern day chart music). Still we busted out a few moves to Chainsmokers 9have I really just typed that). My mate got chatted up twice (not sure what that says about me) but two ‘older’ men. Overall it was a good laugh though and if anyone happens to be in that area for work etc; it is worth a trip. We left at 2.30am but people were still coming in (opens till 7am I think!). We had a cab waiting outside (again incredibly efficient) the exit door of the club.


The next day we got up a little worse for wear but had a McDonalds breakfast (not healthiest weekend) and then saw a few Blades around before we checked out. We then went back to the Inn on the Lake around midday and went in this pub as it opened. The man who ran it was very nervous and said he had considered shutting but it was all good natured when we left but was getting full.


We walked back through the same industrial spot and dirty paths as the previous night and back down the canal to the Red Lion. The pub was very busy with United fans everywhere with just the landlord and landlady serving (said we were very polite and a good bunch) so we were queuing outside the door but decided to stay fearing the other pubs in Fenny Stratford would be even busier. Also, the clientele here seemed a little more normal (less chavvy/younger Blades) so we got a drink x 2 eventually and stood by the canal. It was a great atmosphere here as we drank near Darth Vader, Amy Winehouse, Batman, Mexicans, Wrestlers, Jesus Christ, Oooma lumpas, several Jesus Christs (walked over the lock which led to the predictable ‘Thought you could walk on water ‘ gags) and a lot of people wearing hats/bricks. It was baking hot and the tunes from the juke box were all Blades connected. Superb gathering and really enjoyable. We even all helped with moving the lock gates when boats came past although the one boat called the Long-Eared Owl got a less than welcoming response as it came past with ‘We hate Wednesday chant!’ getting an airing. We opted to stay here as reports in Fenny Stratford itself (just down the road) were the pubs were jammed. Apparently the S24SU forum crowd were outside here but did not see them or would have come and said hello.


We walked into the village around and saw the Swan jam packed. First thing we saw was a guy weeing on a car and a flare being lit. Not the same man! Seemed we picked a great pub and venue as there was no way we would have got in any of those other pubs or it would have taken an age to get served. We had some chips (Fenny Friar) and then walked up to the ground. Post game we walked away from the ground for a bit and then got an Uber back to the station. We got the train back to Tamworth around 18.20pm-ish and then after a change (saw a lot of Blades who decided to drink in Tamworth) got to Nottingham where my mate lives. Had a quick beer by the canal there (theme of the day) and then I got back to Sheffield and was home around 11pmish.


Today woke up very tired but a tremendous weekend. Drank too much and ate too much rubbish. A weekend where you realised what following football and your club is all about. Beer, banter and a win. Everyone was in good spirits and was a game/occasion you will never forget. Just a superb weekend where it made you feel very proud to be a Blade.

 

[GrayBlade]

Cheers DB. Get yersen on a fitness regime next month pal, it all begins again in August. UTB.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Little harsh on Duffy – thought he was one of the better players first half before tiring in the 2nd. One of the best games I've seen Coutts play, he was excellent throughout – for me shaded the similarly excellent Fleck for MOTM.

 

[Deleted member 875]

Great report Deadbat, although having experienced the Malsters Arms for a couple I would eat my magic hat if it is still open in 6 months. It's a right dump

 

[Deadbat]

Great report Deadbat, although having experienced the Malsters Arms for a couple I would eat my magic hat if it is still open in 6 months. It's a right dump

Agreed. The Swan was not much better. Indeed, most of the pubs there were pretty dire. The Red Lion was a good choice from us

 

[Deadbat]

Cheers DB. Get yersen on a fitness regime next month pal, it all begins again in August. UTB.

I do run farily regularly and play 5-a-side a few times a week. I think if I tried to run today I might struggle to get much further than the end of our road.

My response to my wife asking me if I had much to drink (over the weekend) when I got in bleary eyed last night - 'Had a couple'

She did not believe me.

 

[DronnieBlade]

The Brave Old Oak, Towcester.

A good time had by all

UTB

 

[1066blade]

Crowd/Stadium – The stadium is really nice. It is a typical new ground in that it is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by retail parks full of Shops and Fast Food places but it looks very nice from both the exterior and the interior. It was my first visit here and it was impressive. Odd that it is kind of a hotel in a ground or a ground in a hotel as the Hilton is all around the stadium.


We stayed there the Friday night and the room was nice and we had a view of the pitch. Bit odd that as we were sat in our room; we had lot of hotel staff walking past us setting up different events nearby (room is level with the boxes and seated areas for the hospitality outside). Good job I was not in various stages of undress! You cannot get out of the room as the doors are locked – so the idea of going into the stands could not be done! We only had one drink in the hotel as the Red Dot bar was closed for a private event (comedy night). Think we went in the pitch side bar which was a bit dark and dingy. There was another bar; the terrace bar that was apparently for United fans on the Saturday – they made the big bar (Red dot) home only apparently downstairs? Clearly a lot of Blades were staying on both nights but maybe more seemed to be coming for the Saturday judging by the number checking in as we were checking out and leaving our bags there during the game. Seemed a good atmosphere though wherever we went.


Back the actual ground, it reminds me of the Reading ground but is nicer. Seems to have a nice lay out inside. Like the fact that the concourse are open and you are not closed in – you could see down to the lower areas. Your kind of enter the ground at the mid-level anyway and then you either go up or down to where you are sat seemingly. Of course, that has led to the videos doing the rounds on you tube where many Blades congregated to celebrate and lit a few flares etc. Not sure why fans felt the need to walk on girders but suppose made for some ‘different’ videos and pictures!


It is a bit odd that it is so big and yet their average crowd is just less than 10,000. That means in affect two thirds of the ground is empty most weeks. I heard they do use it for Northampton Saints rugby games now and again and does get full for these. Winkleman has clearly hoped the support would grow more than it has. Maybe if they did go up the crowds would start to grow. I saw people wearing Chelsea and Man Utd shirts going into the ground! It does seem for many it is an adopted team…almost a second club. They clearly are trying to attract kids and families and the fact you see numerous Pick N Mix sweet stalls around the ground says it all. Quite a difference from a trip to say Rochdale!


It took too long to get us in and the way they had us filtered in queues might not have necessarily helped. It just seemed to make it take longer as we queued like we were waiting to get to the front of a post office. Did not help that many were just pushing in and it was not stewarded very well. There was one man doing the body/bag search for our entrance which made it take ages. Many United fans did arrive very late though and maybe did not realise how far it was to walk from some of the villages/areas where you could drink. We only just got in for kick off though and we were outside the ground for 2.40pm. It was helped that a man just told us to go through a side door and straight up which was sensible.


It was clear that they had planned for some United fans to be in the home bit and the movement of the neshing to allow them all to sit there was clearly pre-meditated. Apparently, they did it with Leeds a few years ago. It was only then when you realised how many Blades were in there. Some were in shirts and hardly conspicuous. The arguments have been done to death over why we could not have another say 4 or 5,000 seats. It seems ridiculous that they cite the safety certificate when they have had 25,000+ for the Rugby the previous week. I know football fans are different but MK have still lost a lot of money out of the game; even though a lot of Blades found a way to get in. Bizarre decision if you ask me.


The views in the ground are very good. We sat right behind the goal in the upper tier. The stands are quite steep and you get good views of the pitch. There are four big screens in every corner and the seats are very comfortable (I sat in mine for about a minute at half time). Everyone stood up, even in the upper section which was a bit odd but you kind of expect it now at away games. Great to see the goals go in at our end second half and such a commanding way to finish the game and the away campaign. Good that the fans recognised Ugo Ehiogu with two separate chants (second one on 33 mins – his Blades squad number) and also good that MK put up his image on the scoreboards.


The singing and atmosphere in the away end was excellent both in and outside of the stands – the morons lighting flares and those who just have to go on the pitch- apart. It really annoys me that some feel they have to go on the pitch. It will be same ones who go on every time. Not sure what the point was again today? To see grown men pulling their shorts down and pulling mooneys or doing roly polys was embarrassing. Eventually they got off and the scenes at the end with the players was excellent. Lot of fans were in fancy dress (more below) and we saw some superb efforts. Various hats were created and lots of bricks were attached to said headwear– not sure some know difference between witches’ hats and magic hats mind?! Saw numerous old shirts also which is always good.



Day / Weekend – Covered the game and stadium above but the rest of the weekend was very good also. We arrived in Milton Keynes around 4pm ish on the Friday after changing at Tamworth. We got a cab to the hotel opting not to stay in the soulless centre of MK (my mate had stayed there with work and said it was awful). We went past the inappropriately named Midsummer Boulevard and got to the hotel in about 5 minutes.


After checking in and admiring the view of the pitch; we went for a quick beer in the hotel and saw some fellow Blades before going on a bit of a pub crawl. We walked round past the Asda and out of the huge car park that surrounded the ground. We then want down some very odd paths under some of the A5 and through a nice park; Ashland Park.


We then began at the Plough in Simpson which was a nice country style pub. We sat outside and had a quick drink. We then moved on and walked towards another park; Farm Park. We had another beer outside; by the Inn on the Lake before heading into Fenny Stratford via the canal towpath. This was a fair old walk but we reached the Red Lion pub and had a drink here and sat outside (would be a bit busier the next day!).


We walked 5 minutes further into Fenny Stratford and had a curry at Gagnes Lounge. We ended up sat next to a couple who spent most of the meal arguing but our food was good! Further stops included the Bull and Butcher (stank of fish), the Maltsers Arms (stank of p**s) and then the Swann (stank of body odour). This last pub was a real throw back. The old woman serving would not win any customer service awards. Oddly there was an old man in there with a Marching On Together Leeds shirt who seemed to be spoiling for a fight with a group of elderly and well behaved Blades in the other room!


It was now around 11pm ish and we had a choice between going back or staying out so opted for the Pink Punters night club. It declares itself a gay club and the signage and entry where they tell you it is a gay club confirms this but in reality, it is not. The clientele inside were really mixed and there were large groups of lads/girls and lots of birthday/stag/hen parties going on. Nice place it was. A big old converted sort of pub/country house; it has several rooms and the bouncers/staff are on it. Any spillage is cleared in seconds and they are really helpful. The music was not quite our taste in either of the main rooms (think modern day chart music). Still we busted out a few moves to Chainsmokers 9have I really just typed that). My mate got chatted up twice (not sure what that says about me) but two ‘older’ men. Overall it was a good laugh though and if anyone happens to be in that area for work etc; it is worth a trip. We left at 2.30am but people were still coming in (opens till 7am I think!). We had a cab waiting outside (again incredibly efficient) the exit door of the club.


The next day we got up a little worse for wear but had a McDonalds breakfast (not healthiest weekend) and then saw a few Blades around before we checked out. We then went back to the Inn on the Lake around midday and went in this pub as it opened. The man who ran it was very nervous and said he had considered shutting but it was all good natured when we left but was getting full.


We walked back through the same industrial spot and dirty paths as the previous night and back down the canal to the Red Lion. The pub was very busy with United fans everywhere with just the landlord and landlady serving (said we were very polite and a good bunch) so we were queuing outside the door but decided to stay fearing the other pubs in Fenny Stratford would be even busier. Also, the clientele here seemed a little more normal (less chavvy/younger Blades) so we got a drink x 2 eventually and stood by the canal. It was a great atmosphere here as we drank near Darth Vader, Amy Winehouse, Batman, Mexicans, Wrestlers, Jesus Christ, Oooma lumpas, several Jesus Christs (walked over the lock which led to the predictable ‘Thought you could walk on water ‘ gags) and a lot of people wearing hats/bricks. It was baking hot and the tunes from the juke box were all Blades connected. Superb gathering and really enjoyable. We even all helped with moving the lock gates when boats came past although the one boat called the Long-Eared Owl got a less than welcoming response as it came past with ‘We hate Wednesday chant!’ getting an airing. We opted to stay here as reports in Fenny Stratford itself (just down the road) were the pubs were jammed. Apparently the S24SU forum crowd were outside here but did not see them or would have come and said hello.


We walked into the village around and saw the Swan jam packed. First thing we saw was a guy weeing on a car and a flare being lit. Not the same man! Seemed we picked a great pub and venue as there was no way we would have got in any of those other pubs or it would have taken an age to get served. We had some chips (Fenny Friar) and then walked up to the ground. Post game we walked away from the ground for a bit and then got an Uber back to the station. We got the train back to Tamworth around 18.20pm-ish and then after a change (saw a lot of Blades who decided to drink in Tamworth) got to Nottingham where my mate lives. Had a quick beer by the canal there (theme of the day) and then I got back to Sheffield and was home around 11pmish.


Today woke up very tired but a tremendous weekend. Drank too much and ate too much rubbish. A weekend where you realised what following football and your club is all about. Beer, banter and a win. Everyone was in good spirits and was a game/occasion you will never forget. Just a superb weekend where it made you feel very proud to be a Blade.

.
Your last paragraph some sort it all up for me mate. We drove back this morning after what was a truly magical day and week-end.

 

[Deadbat]

http://ball-sup.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/view-from-home-end.html

Good write up

Love this bit which sums up our attacking intent....

'What a performance. What formation is that? Jake Wright Snr & Ebanks-Landell can't start. So, James Wilson is lobbed in. In the first half, Basham (supposedly one of three at the back) is OVERLAPPING Freeman on the right. O’Connell (supposedly one of three at the back) is OVERLAPPING Lafferty on the left. It's like 1-3-4-2. With the four being Basham, Freeman, Lafferty & O’Connell - playing in front of Coutts, Fleck & Duffy at times. Ridiculous.'

 

[TTMeysh]

I was sat twenty feet behind Wilder and Knill, what was fascinating was how much all that overlapping, position switching etc is choreographed from the technical area. And the players are definitely listening and responding. Having previously sat behind managers who either stand with arms folding like a mannequin throughout the 90 or shout out a load of incoherent bollocks which leaves the players looking perplexed, it was quite pleasing.

On another note, the hotel bogs made for quite the classiest half-time piss I've ever had.

 

[sitwell]

Neshing ?? that's for pigs
Shame I didn't bump into you as I stayed both nights in the hotel ,saw Foxy and Linz ,SF ,Swiss ,Prince albert and his mates in the terrace bar ,cant recall the other apologies .Stony stratford was good ,The George being my favourite however we had a shit Indian ,cant even remember its name.

Oh I would mark Lafferty and Duffy up a mark ,and give Coutts a 10