My take ...

[Southend Blade]

Can't complain coming away from Hudds with a point and a clean sheet. Although we weren't our best and rode some fortunate refereeing decisions ... and the team is still a tad unbalanced ... I think the result is justified. AT least we came away with something and not empty handed and to me, a draw is a game in hand unwasted. The Blades go marching on ...

A new midfield to try out (one hopes it gives Hourihane and Norwood some leg rest) and Berge making a start alongside Fleck and MGW. Would it work? Did it work? Well, in short, no it didn't. Four of the five behind them were 'regulars' in that slot with Furious retaining his last-match position in LWB. We hoped it was temporary and I still hope it is. George, for all his energy and endeavour offs nowt out wide left and is reliant on cutting onto his right, utilising Fleck and Berge as support players and JLT was noteable by his reluctance to play flying centreback. It all looked unfluid down the left. Even BIlly had to go out there a couple of times to help out. Up front we have McBurnie who huffed and puffed with Billy completing another ninety. How much has he in the tank for Tuesday, we ask?

The game was a typical matched pair of sides slapping each other's faces. Yes, Hudds had a clear goal disallowed, there was a penalty shout or two and we hit the post and had a scramble with there were plenty of forays into each other's final thirds but the end result was still lacking. The team today looked slightly flustered at times as Hudds tried to go at us. The back three however showed pleasing levels of confidence and competence although the opposition chose to play a front three which did them all the favours. First half I felt we had a decent 20 minute spell where we knocked and knocked on their door but couldn't feed Billy or McBurnie a decent opportunity and the second half, despite a promising start has us floundering a little trying to find an effective way through a somewhat well drilled Hudds midfield. If either side had won 1-0 there could have been no complaints really, it was that tight. Overall though the improvement in output continues and coming away with a point is testimony to Hecky's steadying hand on the tiller.

Foderingham 7/10: Pulled off a couple of decent stops and positionally was where we wanted him to be
Baldock 6.5/10: Out of position again but full of energy. Lucky not to give a penalty away. If he had a left foot, maybe today could have ended differently.
Robinson 7.5/10: Loses his C3PO title now. Is now playing with some admirable confidence considering the fucking pie-drop start to the season he had. Still not JOC, but moving there
Egan 7/10: Marshalled the defence well and moved forward at times to intercept and harry
Basham 7/10: Still Mr Dependable and involved in many moves up the right flank
Bogle 7/10: More retracted in his advances than of late, but still a threat at times
Fleck 5.5/10: Busy day with not much outcome. He does look underconfident and exposed at times still. Decent strike on goal but in truth, hit harder and that goes in
Berge 5/10: Not still impressed with Berge. Although he saw a lot of the ball today and was involved in a lot of passing moves and even had a crack on goal. But his 'sum total' isn't impressive our convincing. And no, he isn't 'still coming back from injury'. He should be fully fit now and switched on. Today he still looked laconic and preoccupied.
MGW 4/10: Poor game for him. Out of position in RM he was clumsy and error prone and not on his usual game
McBurnie 4/10: Didn't think he had much effect to be honest. Was expecting a complete forward's output but he's back to shithousing, appealing to the ref and not being in the zone when needed
Sharp 6/10: Great effort from him with nothing but a few scrambles and a shot into the side netting. But to me Hudds were more concerned with denying him alone the opportunity to score than they were worried about anyone else. Which says a lot.

Norwood 7.5/10: Now he has (largely - save for his first one which was fucking woeful) stopped Hollywooding we can see a better side of Norwood's game. When he came on and went to CDM allowing Berge to go right in place of MGW we looked a bit better equipped to advance. A decent game for him
NDaiye n/a: Wasn't on long enough to see much of him

Would have liked to have seen Jebbo at some time

Onwards unbeaten to the Hull at home game where (on anyone's sheet of paper) we should win comfortably

Oh, and Sky Sports editor: if the ball is in play, we don't want lingering shots of individuals in the crowd or on the bench or overlong replays, you fucking CUNTS. Show us the fucking game

pommpey

Needs multiple likes especially the comment on over long fucking replays. I think Berge needs to be played in a more advanced position as his natural game is to hold the ball and play a pass, which when tried in a defensive role is not good for the sphincter of any fan.

 

[Alan Roberts' Jinking Run]

Did you watch the game if so how does McBurnie get rated 2 less than Sharp?

Errm, cos he didnt play as well as sharp maybe?! Shall we give oli an extra point for running around like Mr Soft all day? Couldnt trap a coffin full of bricks.

 

[Alan Roberts' Jinking Run]

I read a lot on here and rarely post, but it's always the same scapegoats in these ratings. Fleck was abysmal today yet gets a higher rating than berge?. Sharp looked absolutely nackered and did nothing of note, but Mcburnie gets slated .

Maybe they should play better then? Do you seriously think players will get slated if they play well, just because you think people dont like them?

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

I read a lot on here and rarely post, but it's always the same scapegoats in these ratings. Fleck was abysmal today yet gets a higher rating than berge?. Sharp looked absolutely nackered and did nothing of note, but Mcburnie gets slated .

Correct mate I just tell it how I see it even if that may be wrong

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

baldock was a disaster waiting to happen and nearly did on numerous occasions

I thought he played well considering he was out of position

We have two top wing backs it’s just a shame they are both on the right

 

[metalblade]

Errm, cos he didnt play as well as sharp maybe?! Shall we give oli an extra point for running around like Mr Soft all day? Couldnt trap a coffin full of bricks.

We all know anyone who was ever a Blades record signing gets to be a scapegoat Brewster Berge McBurnie will always be the same got to be up and at em cloggers like Montgomery and run abaht like headless chickens.
Where's Pinchy when you need him?

 

[Alan Roberts' Jinking Run]

I thought he played well considering he was out of position

We have two top wing backs it’s just a shame they are both on the right

Fkc me I agree with you for once. He did try to cross with his left once, wasnt a bad effort. But yeah, defo takes his dynamism away from him being on the wrong side.

 

[Bearlie]

McBurnie hate again.
Billy Sharp one turn and shot into the side netting 6/10
McBurnie 3 headers 2 on target one turn and shot kicked of the line 4/10
The problem today was midfield not up front all three terrible in the 1st half better when Norwood came on Berge needs to play more advanced. Still we didn't lose and still have games in hand while giving some players rest and others minutes on the pitch after injury. Both teams could claim they should have won a draw seems about fair, we go again Tuesday night.

Isn't he a defensive midfield player ?

 

[Bell4]

I thought he played well considering he was out of position

We have two top wing backs it’s just a shame they are both on the right

He has immense energy and on the right he was one of the best wing backs in the country .

He still has energy but today he was a liability , IMO. He was reckless and added very little - he improved things worse . I would honestly play Norrington Davis who was starting to develop his role.

I totally get that Hecky wants Baldock energy but today his energy was channelled in a destructive way

 

[Houston_Blade]

Berge was definitely better than Fleck. It’s only MGW’s horror show that kept Fleck on the pitch. Saying that Fleck came closer than anyone else towards the end with what would have been a cracking goal.

McBurnie was a solid 5/10. Sharp probably a 5.5/10 for the extra running he did on behalf of his strike partner. No quality from either today.

Baldock was one of the better players but cutting inside every time just isn’t going to work, it’s a shame Stevens and RND are so bad and we haven’t got much choice.

 

[Snowflake]

Can't complain coming away from Hudds with a point and a clean sheet. Although we weren't our best and rode some fortunate refereeing decisions ... and the team is still a tad unbalanced ... I think the result is justified. AT least we came away with something and not empty handed and to me, a draw is a game in hand unwasted. The Blades go marching on ...

A new midfield to try out (one hopes it gives Hourihane and Norwood some leg rest) and Berge making a start alongside Fleck and MGW. Would it work? Did it work? Well, in short, no it didn't. Four of the five behind them were 'regulars' in that slot with Furious retaining his last-match position in LWB. We hoped it was temporary and I still hope it is. George, for all his energy and endeavour offs nowt out wide left and is reliant on cutting onto his right, utilising Fleck and Berge as support players and JLT was noteable by his reluctance to play flying centreback. It all looked unfluid down the left. Even BIlly had to go out there a couple of times to help out. Up front we have McBurnie who huffed and puffed with Billy completing another ninety. How much has he in the tank for Tuesday, we ask?

The game was a typical matched pair of sides slapping each other's faces. Yes, Hudds had a clear goal disallowed, there was a penalty shout or two and we hit the post and had a scramble with there were plenty of forays into each other's final thirds but the end result was still lacking. The team today looked slightly flustered at times as Hudds tried to go at us. The back three however showed pleasing levels of confidence and competence although the opposition chose to play a front three which did them all the favours. First half I felt we had a decent 20 minute spell where we knocked and knocked on their door but couldn't feed Billy or McBurnie a decent opportunity and the second half, despite a promising start has us floundering a little trying to find an effective way through a somewhat well drilled Hudds midfield. If either side had won 1-0 there could have been no complaints really, it was that tight. Overall though the improvement in output continues and coming away with a point is testimony to Hecky's steadying hand on the tiller.

Foderingham 7/10: Pulled off a couple of decent stops and positionally was where we wanted him to be
Baldock 6.5/10: Out of position again but full of energy. Lucky not to give a penalty away. If he had a left foot, maybe today could have ended differently.
Robinson 7.5/10: Loses his C3PO title now. Is now playing with some admirable confidence considering the fucking pie-drop start to the season he had. Still not JOC, but moving there
Egan 7/10: Marshalled the defence well and moved forward at times to intercept and harry
Basham 7/10: Still Mr Dependable and involved in many moves up the right flank
Bogle 7/10: More retracted in his advances than of late, but still a threat at times
Fleck 5.5/10: Busy day with not much outcome. He does look underconfident and exposed at times still. Decent strike on goal but in truth, hit harder and that goes in
Berge 5/10: Not still impressed with Berge. Although he saw a lot of the ball today and was involved in a lot of passing moves and even had a crack on goal. But his 'sum total' isn't impressive our convincing. And no, he isn't 'still coming back from injury'. He should be fully fit now and switched on. Today he still looked laconic and preoccupied.
MGW 4/10: Poor game for him. Out of position in RM he was clumsy and error prone and not on his usual game
McBurnie 4/10: Didn't think he had much effect to be honest. Was expecting a complete forward's output but he's back to shithousing, appealing to the ref and not being in the zone when needed
Sharp 6/10: Great effort from him with nothing but a few scrambles and a shot into the side netting. But to me Hudds were more concerned with denying him alone the opportunity to score than they were worried about anyone else. Which says a lot.

Norwood 7.5/10: Now he has (largely - save for his first one which was fucking woeful) stopped Hollywooding we can see a better side of Norwood's game. When he came on and went to CDM allowing Berge to go right in place of MGW we looked a bit better equipped to advance. A decent game for him
NDaiye n/a: Wasn't on long enough to see much of him

Would have liked to have seen Jebbo at some time

Onwards unbeaten to the Hull at home game where (on anyone's sheet of paper) we should win comfortably

Oh, and Sky Sports editor: if the ball is in play, we don't want lingering shots of individuals in the crowd or on the bench or overlong replays, you fucking CUNTS. Show us the fucking game

pommpey

Your final paragraph sums up my rants at the tv when they do this !

 

[Bell4]

Berge was definitely better than Fleck. It’s only MGW’s horror show that kept Fleck on the pitch. Saying that Fleck came closer than anyone else towards the end with what would have been a cracking goal.

McBurnie was a solid 5/10. Sharp probably a 5.5/10 for the extra running he did on behalf of his strike partner. No quality from either today.

Baldock was one of the better players but cutting inside every time just isn’t going to work, it’s a shame Stevens and RND are so bad and we haven’t got much choice.

why do we see things totally opposite (Baldock) - its fascinating

 

[Houston_Blade]

why do we see things totally opposite (Baldock) - its fascinating

He defends and he makes effort. His attacking output was just poor but that’s because the defender just showed him outside every time and he wanted to cut in.

 

[Harry's Game]

Fodders 7

Bogle 6
Bash 7
Egan 7
Robinson 8. (Yes really)
Baldock 6

Fleck 3
Berge 5
MGW 4

McBurnie 3
Sharp 6

Norwood 6
Ndiaye 6

Hecky 6

 

[Bell4]

Fodders 7

Bogle 6
Bash 7
Egan 7
Robinson 8. (Yes really)
Baldock 6

Fleck 3
Berge 5
MGW 4

McBurnie 3
Sharp 6

Norwood 6
Ndiaye 6

Hecky 6

Know what - thats not a bad shout

 

[ATL Recs]

Can't complain coming away from Hudds with a point and a clean sheet. Although we weren't our best and rode some fortunate refereeing decisions ... and the team is still a tad unbalanced ... I think the result is justified. AT least we came away with something and not empty handed and to me, a draw is a game in hand unwasted. The Blades go marching on ...

A new midfield to try out (one hopes it gives Hourihane and Norwood some leg rest) and Berge making a start alongside Fleck and MGW. Would it work? Did it work? Well, in short, no it didn't. Four of the five behind them were 'regulars' in that slot with Furious retaining his last-match position in LWB. We hoped it was temporary and I still hope it is. George, for all his energy and endeavour offs nowt out wide left and is reliant on cutting onto his right, utilising Fleck and Berge as support players and JLT was noteable by his reluctance to play flying centreback. It all looked unfluid down the left. Even BIlly had to go out there a couple of times to help out. Up front we have McBurnie who huffed and puffed with Billy completing another ninety. How much has he in the tank for Tuesday, we ask?

The game was a typical matched pair of sides slapping each other's faces. Yes, Hudds had a clear goal disallowed, there was a penalty shout or two and we hit the post and had a scramble with there were plenty of forays into each other's final thirds but the end result was still lacking. The team today looked slightly flustered at times as Hudds tried to go at us. The back three however showed pleasing levels of confidence and competence although the opposition chose to play a front three which did them all the favours. First half I felt we had a decent 20 minute spell where we knocked and knocked on their door but couldn't feed Billy or McBurnie a decent opportunity and the second half, despite a promising start has us floundering a little trying to find an effective way through a somewhat well drilled Hudds midfield. If either side had won 1-0 there could have been no complaints really, it was that tight. Overall though the improvement in output continues and coming away with a point is testimony to Hecky's steadying hand on the tiller.

Foderingham 7/10: Pulled off a couple of decent stops and positionally was where we wanted him to be
Baldock 6.5/10: Out of position again but full of energy. Lucky not to give a penalty away. If he had a left foot, maybe today could have ended differently.
Robinson 7.5/10: Loses his C3PO title now. Is now playing with some admirable confidence considering the fucking pie-drop start to the season he had. Still not JOC, but moving there
Egan 7/10: Marshalled the defence well and moved forward at times to intercept and harry
Basham 7/10: Still Mr Dependable and involved in many moves up the right flank
Bogle 7/10: More retracted in his advances than of late, but still a threat at times
Fleck 5.5/10: Busy day with not much outcome. He does look underconfident and exposed at times still. Decent strike on goal but in truth, hit harder and that goes in
Berge 5/10: Not still impressed with Berge. Although he saw a lot of the ball today and was involved in a lot of passing moves and even had a crack on goal. But his 'sum total' isn't impressive our convincing. And no, he isn't 'still coming back from injury'. He should be fully fit now and switched on. Today he still looked laconic and preoccupied.
MGW 4/10: Poor game for him. Out of position in RM he was clumsy and error prone and not on his usual game
McBurnie 4/10: Didn't think he had much effect to be honest. Was expecting a complete forward's output but he's back to shithousing, appealing to the ref and not being in the zone when needed
Sharp 6/10: Great effort from him with nothing but a few scrambles and a shot into the side netting. But to me Hudds were more concerned with denying him alone the opportunity to score than they were worried about anyone else. Which says a lot.

Norwood 7.5/10: Now he has (largely - save for his first one which was fucking woeful) stopped Hollywooding we can see a better side of Norwood's game. When he came on and went to CDM allowing Berge to go right in place of MGW we looked a bit better equipped to advance. A decent game for him
NDaiye n/a: Wasn't on long enough to see much of him

Would have liked to have seen Jebbo at some time

Onwards unbeaten to the Hull at home game where (on anyone's sheet of paper) we should win comfortably

Oh, and Sky Sports editor: if the ball is in play, we don't want lingering shots of individuals in the crowd or on the bench or overlong replays, you fucking CUNTS. Show us the fucking game

pommpey

NDiaye was on long enough 12 minutes to do more than our number 9 did in 78 minutes change our approach and gave the midfield options further forward - 6.5/10

 

[Houston_Blade]

Fodders 7

Bogle 6
Bash 7
Egan 7
Robinson 8. (Yes really)
Baldock 6

Fleck 3
Berge 5
MGW 4

McBurnie 3
Sharp 6

Norwood 6
Ndiaye 6

Hecky 6

Swap MGW and Fleck’s marks around and not a million miles away.

 

[Lane Ender]

baldock was a disaster waiting to happen and nearly did on numerous occasions

Only because hes a right sided player selection error

 

[Sheffsteel]

Pompey,

Fair report that….agree with virtually all of it..

Entertainment and flair we scored 4 out 10
Doggedness, character and spirit 8 out of 10

Although we looked poor with Fleck and Berger in midfield we all know that’s teams that get promoted are those that can draw or win even when playing poorly.

So as daft as it sounds we can take positives from todays draw. We now need a minimum of 7 points from our next 3 home games.

 

[blade too long]

Won't lose any sleep on their penalty claims as we lose out to loads of them
Possession was 50 50 and overall chances we probably came closest but
We failed to find the net so the point was earned.
4 changes lost our flow a bit but Hecky needs to spread the load and we kept another clean sheet

 

[Bell4]

Pompey,

Fair report that….agree with virtually all of it..

Entertainment and flair we scored 4 out 10
Doggedness, character and spirit 8 out of 10

Although we looked poor with Fleck and Berger in midfield we all know that’s teams that get promoted are those that can draw or win even when playing poorly.

So as daft as it sounds we can take positives from todays draw. We now need a minimum of 7 points from our next 3 home games.

Those that dont get promoted throw away points by selecting the wrong players

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

He has immense energy and on the right he was one of the best wing backs in the country .

He still has energy but today he was a liability , IMO. He was reckless and added very little - he improved things worse . I would honestly play Norrington Davis who was starting to develop his role.

I totally get that Hecky wants Baldock energy but today his energy was channelled in a destructive way

Nope I would play RND aswell

Hecky is doing the overthinking like wilder did

Now we are playing a flat 3 away in midfield which is defensive

 

[Bladesince59]

McBurnie hate again.
Billy Sharp one turn and shot into the side netting 6/10
McBurnie 3 headers 2 on target one turn and shot kicked of the line 4/10
The problem today was midfield not up front all three terrible in the 1st half better when Norwood came on Berge needs to play more advanced. Still we didn't lose and still have games in hand while giving some players rest and others minutes on the pitch after injury. Both teams could claim they should have won a draw seems about fair, we go again Tuesday night.

I don't hate McBurnie. He's just crap.

 

[Shoes_On]

I actually think George has been better on the left. All about opinions innit

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thought Robinson had a really good game although he'll never be JOC unless he learns how to cross a ball.

McBurnie touch, control and passing were poor, there was about 3 or 4 occasions where his 'touches' set them on the attack. Shame because his cameos in the last two games were encouraging. Berge was too hesitant and takes too long on the ball. You just feel that he's capable of completely running the game if he put his mind to it.

 

[diplomat]

Huddersfield are unbeaten for 13/14 games or something. Since November. Decent point. I thought as the game went on we looked better so whilst a bit unhappy we didn’t win it’s a decent point. On game moments they were a bit unlucky. We had better chances (a good save and some desperate blocking on the line) but they kept them out at the end of the day.

Onward and upward.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Probably a fair result , a scrappy game desperately lacking in quality I thought the 4 changes from Weds nights side left us totally disjointed .
For me you don’t change winning teams & if the games are coming thick & fast rest the players between games .
Middle of the park with Fleck & Berge neither created anything or stopped anything both looked off the pace & MGW looked rusty , I always think MGW plays better when linking with Ndiaye . Defensively we did well , the 3 centre backs were solid , but playing Baldock as left wing back just doesn’t work & cannot see the logic whatsoever? Every time he got space down the left he had stop & check back into his right foot .
The front two had little to feed off & Sharpe was very unlucky with turn & shot that just missed the top corner .
Had a couple of chances to win it with Flecks shot from outside area , cracking save from Nicholls really rate him as a keeper & the two scrambled in box with McBurnie’s shot & Berge’s sitter , also got away with one from their disallowed goal .
I think if we’d had Norwood, Hourihane , Ndiaye & RND in the side there was 3 points for the taking .
Anyway another point , a clean sheet & only Boro winning around us wasn’t a bad day .
Just gotta make these next 3 home games count if we want to get in amongst the pack
MOTM - Jack Robinson

PS - Somebody shoot that annoying twat Hendrie , unbelievably biased against Blades

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Fodders 7

Bogle 6
Bash 7
Egan 7
Robinson 8. (Yes really)
Baldock 6

Fleck 3
Berge 5
MGW 4

McBurnie 3
Sharp 6

Norwood 6
Ndiaye 6

Hecky 6

Can’t disagree with those marks at all. When you look at those ratings for our midfield 3 then you can see why we struggled to create anything for the front 2. Add to that a very good defensive showing, and a point against a decent Huddersfield side is very welcome.

 

[Deadly_D'Jaffo]

Norwood 7.5/10: Now he has (largely - save for his first one which was fucking woeful) stopped Hollywooding we

What exactly is 'hollywooding' and why is it used as a slur to describe someone who can effectively pick out a long pass?

Should we criticise Egan for all his heading or Billy for his shooting too?

 

[pommpey]

What exactly is 'hollywooding' and why is it used as a slur to describe someone who can effectively pick out a long pass?

Should we criticise Egan for all his heading or Billy for his shooting too?

D'Jaffo characteristically and deliberately 'not seeing the point' and finding his moment to stir the pot.

You know exactly what I mean by 'Hollywooding' and for that matter, many have used that term on here to describe exactly what you then went onto describe in your daft-arsed post. So why are you here, again?

Try as you might D'Jaffo, you won't score points off me. There are one or two on here who are far better t it and you try your hardest to get on the wagon, but your little legs aren't fast enough.

Clean sheets recently regarding Egan's heading and Billy has 11 goals this season so I am comfortable with their input. Norwood's propensity to receive the ball and instantly whap it out to a marked wingback for his own entertainment is worthy of critique, especially when Heckyball doesn't seem to support that nonsense any more. Norwood's first touch yesterday played us into trouble straight away so I'd say you will have to account for the 'slur'. Fortunately someone has had a word and he's not quite so apt to do this, hence the vast improvement in his performance, and indeed his 'out of ten' in 'My take ... '

Over to you

pommpey