Match Thread Morecambe v. Blades

[Alfreton14Blade]

I was at the game last night and there definitely a few of the clichéd positives to take from the game. Attacking wise we looked threatening, especially when the Adams and J.Wallace got the ball. The difference between these two and the rest of the team is that, when space allows, they immediately look to attack at pace. Over the last season or so our attacking play has been far too pedestrian. As someone else has mentioned, Wallace also has an ability to play some penetrating balls into key areas of the pitch - thought he looked a class above everyone else and really hoping that he will stay fit and cement a place in this team. Sammon held the ball up well and brought others into play, something we were also missing last season. However, whilst there were a number of slick United moves during the game, the passing was also a little wayward on occasion - probably because we are trying to play at a higher tempo which provides a greater test of the player's technical ability.

Defensively I thought we still looked vulnerable and Morecambe could and should have had a couple of goals. Still don't think we have resolved the left back issue. Whilst Wallace was reasonably steady, I think League 1 wingers may give him some trouble. However, there are signs of improvement here as well with Edgar giving us some presence in the air.

Overall, it was a half decent away performance and Collins' reaction to scoring is probably an indicator of how important it was to get a win last night from a confidence perspective.

Great to hear James Wallace's performance sound so positive & generally encouraging, & great that he got through 90 minutes unscathed.

If (&, of course it's a big if) he's finally got over his injury problems, can see him being the key to this higher tempo & slickness of passing that NA seems to be demanding.

 

[Czech Blade]

Great to hear James Wallace's performance sound so positive & generally encouraging, & great that he got through 90 minutes unscathed.

Most of our best chances came about as a direct result of Wallace running at defenders and putting quality balls both through and behind the defence. He tried passes that few others on our team would be capable of making and added an element of creativity to our attack that has been badly needed. With Adams on the left, we frequently looked dangerous in the second half but, as usual, failed to make the most of our chances. It has been a long wait to see a fully fit Wallace playing but, if last night is anything to go by, he will be a massive addition to the side this season.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Most of our best chances came about as a direct result of Wallace running at defenders and putting quality balls both through and behind the defence. He tried passes that few others on our team would be capable of making and added an element of creativity to our attack that has been badly needed. With Adams on the left, we frequently looked dangerous in the second half but, as usual, failed to make the most of our chances. It has been a long wait to see a fully fit Wallace playing but, if last night is anything to go by, he will be a massive addition to the side this season.

Great stuff.

Any sign of a hangover from his injury plague on the physical front? Was he getting stuck in wholeheartedly too?

 

[Czech Blade]

No sign of any problems, though he took about a month to walk back to the half way line after delivering the cross for Collin's goal. Mind you that was the 93rd minute and he hasn't played too many full competitive matches in recent times.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I was at the game last night and there definitely a few of the clichéd positives to take from the game. Attacking wise we looked threatening, especially when the Adams and J.Wallace got the ball. The difference between these two and the rest of the team is that, when space allows, they immediately look to attack at pace. Over the last season or so our attacking play has been far too pedestrian. As someone else has mentioned, Wallace also has an ability to play some penetrating balls into key areas of the pitch - thought he looked a class above everyone else and really hoping that he will stay fit and cement a place in this team. Sammon held the ball up well and brought others into play, something we were also missing last season. However, whilst there were a number of slick United moves during the game, the passing was also a little wayward on occasion - probably because we are trying to play at a higher tempo which provides a greater test of the player's technical ability.

Defensively I thought we still looked vulnerable and Morecambe could and should have had a couple of goals. Still don't think we have resolved the left back issue. Whilst Wallace was reasonably steady, I think League 1 wingers may give him some trouble. However, there are signs of improvement here as well with Edgar giving us some presence in the air.

Overall, it was a half decent away performance and Collins' reaction to scoring is probably an indicator of how important it was to get a win last night from a confidence perspective.

Agree with all that Czech and about the higher tempo, we have the technical players to do just that.

I like watching J.Wallace on the ball too but his defensive work was very limited, can't remember him making a tackle. He did the yards mainly but seemed to hold back a lot and I know he can normally get up to their penalty area more; not sure he's fit enough for Saturday. Takes good corners including the one for the winner.

Czech, maybe you're a tad harsh on K.Wallace who I think played very well and we'll not know how he does in the league until he plays; better than McFadzean I suspect. Wallace looks a proper footballer with a brain and uses the ball sensibly and well for a young lad.

I thought Scougall's performance was encouraging and so was McNulty's mostly as he is better suited to playing off a big striker.

Ratings: Howard 7, Freeman 8, Edgar 7, McEveley 7, K.Wallace 7, J.Wallace 7, Basham 6, Scougall 7, Sammon, 6, McNulty 7, Woolford 5. Subs: Adams 7, Collins 8!! ( somebody who can head a ball at goal)

Overall a decent performance against a very well organised team. Great trip, just back after half a day touring Morecambe Bay which is stunning. Fair result, good weather and a new ground for us.

 

[Czech Blade]

You may be right with regard to Kieron Wallace, Woodwardfan. He looked comfortable on the ball and had some good touches. I just felt that Morecambe looked most dangerous down the flanks. However, it is worth starting Wallace against Chesterfield on Saturday and see how he goes.

My parents have a place over in Fleetwood so we stayed over there for a 24 hour period - which helped break the journey up a little and made it a nice leisurely trip up to Morecambe yesterday evening. Would generally agree with your ratings but McEveley made one horrendous decision to charge at a ball that he was never going to reach which could easily have cost us. Would therefore give him a 6. McNulty and Sammon both did some good things but both also made mistakes.

 

[Kendal]

Sammon looks like a big useless lump, who works hard to little effect. He had a clear shot in both halves and didn't hit the target with either, it's easy to see why he doesn't score many.

Wouldn't even say he worked hard. Slow & ponderous, but seemed to be knocked off the ball too easily & unwilling to shoot when he had the chances, except to slice it.
Edgar clearly not fully fit, so better to come. Seemed solid.
Scougall worked hard and seemed to be the only one putting a shift in in the first half.
One thing I noticed was how little communication there was across the back. The crowd was quiet enough at times to hear their manager, but absolutely nowt from McEveley. Howard kept trying to get the defence organised, but being ignored.
For such a little club, their terrace end was surprisingly noisy. I think someone might have shoved that bloody trumpet where the sun doesn't shine eventually.