Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,574
- Reaction score
- 38,961
This will not be a full report as so many saw it or were there…..Sadly I was not able to get a ticket for the game but did go to the beam back with my lad and a few others. So my report is not a totally accurate reflection as you can only see so much on TV/Screens…..but here goes…..
Fortunately, I am at every other game left and will do reports. I also will start compiling a few specials for the end of the season; my School Report and also a Farewell to League One with some thoughts and reflections on the last 6 years. Not wrote either of these yet so these will appear once the season is officially finished in 3 weeks time.
-----
It was an expectant afternoon for the Blades with 1,456 fans (and probably many more in home ends and on the hills) at the Sixfields and over 6,000 fans at Bramall Lane watching the game being beamed back on giant screens. United knew a win would send them up but also had the comfort that they only needed to match the Fleetwood result to seal promotion.
Manager Chris Wilder has shown he is not afraid to make big decisions and his latest gamble saw him leave out skipper and leading scorer Billy Sharp; along with key men Mark Duffy and James Hanson. Sharp had looked leggy in the last few games but it was still a big call as it was to leave the others out. He brought in the hero from the week Leon Clarke, Samir Carruthers and Jay O’Shea. It seemed O’Shea would start just behind Clarke. Paul Coutts began as skipper. Northampton had former Blade Jon O’Toole in their line up and included experienced performers Lewis Nyatanga, Marc Richards and Matty Taylor.
The game began bathed in bright sunshine and the Blades were on the front foot and had some really good chances. Decent built up led to the ball sitting up nicely for Carruthers to hit a dipping half volley that caromed off the top of the bar and behind. Keeper Smith was well beaten and grasping air. Soon after a chance came for O’Shea but he curled his shot wide. Coutts then also shot over. It had been a really promising start and no sign of any nerves as United looked to get over the line.
However, Northampton came back into the game and slowly started to take control and they also had a series of chances. Richards fired over when he ought to have done better before Anderson shot wide. Soon after they had a great chance as Smith got in on goal but Moore made a really good reaction save to flick the ball away. United had started to give the ball away and Lafferty was beaten twice down the left-hand side and the Blades had to clear.
News had come in that both Bolton and Fleetwood were losing in their games and cheers went around both the Sixfields and those watching back at Bramall Lane.
The sloppy play continued for both sides but United had a chance when Fleck took a free kick from the angle but it was comfortable for Smith at his near post. There was a minute signalled of additional time but in this time the home side stunned the Blades by scoring the opener. The defence let the ball bounce and Smith nodded on for RICHARDS to get on the ball on the angle. It seemed only a half chance but he took the ball on and powered it into the angle of bar and post giving Moore no chance. It was a superb strike but the defence could have reacted better in the original build up and to get out to the striker. The half time whistle came straight after. Despite the late blow, results elsewhere meant United were still in position for promotion.
Manager Wilder did not mess around and made a change straight away with skipper Sharp on for Carruthers. United started well and won two early corners. From the second the ball fell to O’Connell who thumped a shot that Smith saved at his near post. On 53 minutes Hanson came on for O’Shea as Wilder signalled his intents once again as the Blades now had 3 up top.
News came in that Oldham has doubled their lead over Fleetwood meaning United in all reality were probably nearly there and the promotion party really began to start when just after the hour the Blades were level; Fleck played a ball through and CLARKE beat the offside trap and took a touch steadied himself before coolly placing the ball high past Smith’s right hand side and into the top of the net. Numerous Blades piled on the pitch to celebrate with the players and the game was delayed for a period until they returned to their seats.
After this it was all United and Northampton could not get into the game at all. The sense of momentum and belief continued to flow through the players and it was wave after wave of attack. Sharp was in but his deflected shot was sent behind for a corner. Basham’s header was somehow kept out from the keeper Smith from point blank range. Sharp was in again but Smith did well to save this time as the game entered the final 15 minutes. Clarke then header over after a good cross from Lafferty.
Ebanks Landell came on for Clarke as the game entered the final stages and results were still going United’s way. Regardless of that the Blades were determined to go out in glory and kept attacking. Fleck had a shot saved from Smith before Hanson flicked on but the ball was cleared before Sharp could get there.
With the game entering the final 2 minutes, a dramatic and jubilant late winner came in front of the United fans. Sharp did the running down the right and played it into the box, FLECK got there first and touched past two defenders and then as the keeper came out, composed himself and poked home. Cue delirium. More Blades fans entered the field to celebrate and this time the delay was even longer before the game could restart.
There was an extra 5 minutes to be played but little happened apart from United keeping the ball sensibly and ended this period being the more likely to score again. All that was needed for the referee to stage managed the final whistle the best he could so that players could get off the field. His whistle came but most United players were engulfed by the fans that stormed onto the pitch. One fan grabbed a corner flag, another the ball (see Sunji’s post on S2 for who got it!) and flares were set off in celebration. Skipper Billy Sharp was hoisted shoulder high by United fans and held a red and white sharp aloft as he joined in the singing! After the game, the players came back out and Wilder led the chanting with his rendition of ‘Shoreham boys! We are here!’ from above the tunnel. Back at Bramall Lane a similar pitch invasion was held with an impromptu mass game of football started by some bright spark who had the foresight to bring a ball! It was all good natured and after 6 years of disappointment and pain you could not deny the supporters the chance to celebrate.
United – Well we did it. We are up! Deservedly so. We have been the best side in the league all season and the last few weeks/months have shown no sign of relenting and powered on. Whilst others keep dropping points and showing inconsistency we do not. The results and performances continue to be of a high level and whilst recently we have not quite dominated teams like we had been doing, we are still deservedly winning games. The level of commitment has remained high and the team has not had any let ups. To not even lose one game since Fleetwood (13 unbeaten) and to lose just 2 in 22 sums it up. We just keep getting the results. Wilder had been sensational in having the team at it every game.
Today we could have easily seen the results elsewhere and not gone for it like we did, but the management of Wilder and leadership of Sharp (when he came off the bench) inspired them to not only get one goal, but two and the win. We were ok to start the game and played some decent football. In hindsight, the changes did not really work. You felt maybe a few needed a rest and freshening up but Wilder admitted that it did not lead to the energy he wanted despite an ok start to the game as we tailed off. Carruthers was patchy, Clarke not really in it and O’Shea a peripheral figure for the most part. They scored a late goal and you felt here we go again, despite the results elsewhere and that it would be a bit of a let-down or to get promoted with a loss.
However, second half Sharp came on and helped change things. He led the team and was able to help us get a foothold. We kept going forward and made another positive change and it paid off. It was great to get the win and it seemed the players were so determined to do it as they could easily have just seen things out at 1-1. That change in us going from losers in mentality (some of players were here last season) to winners has been superb and Wilder had to really take credit for that.
Not much more to say other than what a season it has been! It is not finished yet either. I feel as confident as I have ever done as a United fan that there will be no let-up (even with the celebrations this weekend) and think we will get 100 points and win the last four. If we do not then we will certainly do enough to win the league and it seems it will more than likely happen next weekend, pending what Bolton do at Oldham. Be nice if we could do it at the Lane v Bradford so no issues if Bolton win assuming we take care of business at Vale Park.
Northampton – First half they could have been behind after 10 minutes as we started well and had a few chances. They gradually grew into the game and then had a few chances of their own. They probably shaded things in terms of football and also chances. However, it seemed it would be 0-0 but fair play to their lad who hit a great strike. It stunned United.
Second half they were never really in it and other than a few set plays that they wasted most of the game was played in their half and they could not handle the tempo and relentless attacking play of United. They were hanging on when it went to 1-1 and seemingly just wanted to try and get a point and showed no attacking intent at all. The goal was kind of inevitable as they sat further back all second half and invited pressure but credit too United who were just too strong. Another side that was overcome by superior football and play but also superior fitness levels. We simply overpowered them.
They had nothing to play for I suppose and did show some decent patches of play but second half looked a team that was maybe thinking of the beach. Hope MK Dons fold in the same in a few weeks. Overall though to finish just below half way is a great season. Wilder laid out the foundations of course and I felt Page was harshly treated as they had one ok until a poor run. Edinburgh was another harshly treated at Gillingham I felt after doing a great job and sure he will do fine there. Key for them is to make sure they consolidate at this level and do not get sucked into a relegation scrap. Not sure they will have enough resources to mount a play -off campaign and they so have a fair few experienced/older players that will not really improve.
Fair play to them for the way they handled the Wilder exit last summer and how they greeted him and Knill, both at Bramall Lane and at the Sixfields. They showed a lot of class and the video the chairman posted this week was really good too.
Opponent man of the match : The keeper Smith made some good saves but I was quite impressed by O’Toole. He was busy, got about the pitch and decent on the ball. Also, thought he was ok at the Lane but he has become a bit of a journeyman but has found a home seemingly. Richards of course scored a really good goal and was lively. Glad Revell did not start as he is a big lad and a handful but did little when he came on. The lad at the back Diamond had a good game and won a lot of clearances/headers. I also thought the right back Moloney was decent too and better than the lad we were supposedly looking at, Buchanan. Anderson was a threat at the Lane but did not do much today.
Opponent Weak link : I thought that Taylor was really wasteful with the ball today. Every time they got a free kick I was worried that he might do something but he was awful on his delivery today. I also thought Nyatanga was poor. He is another that has played for lots of clubs and although has some good games, is woefully inconsistent and is a bit McEveley in that regard.
Fortunately, I am at every other game left and will do reports. I also will start compiling a few specials for the end of the season; my School Report and also a Farewell to League One with some thoughts and reflections on the last 6 years. Not wrote either of these yet so these will appear once the season is officially finished in 3 weeks time.
-----
It was an expectant afternoon for the Blades with 1,456 fans (and probably many more in home ends and on the hills) at the Sixfields and over 6,000 fans at Bramall Lane watching the game being beamed back on giant screens. United knew a win would send them up but also had the comfort that they only needed to match the Fleetwood result to seal promotion.
Manager Chris Wilder has shown he is not afraid to make big decisions and his latest gamble saw him leave out skipper and leading scorer Billy Sharp; along with key men Mark Duffy and James Hanson. Sharp had looked leggy in the last few games but it was still a big call as it was to leave the others out. He brought in the hero from the week Leon Clarke, Samir Carruthers and Jay O’Shea. It seemed O’Shea would start just behind Clarke. Paul Coutts began as skipper. Northampton had former Blade Jon O’Toole in their line up and included experienced performers Lewis Nyatanga, Marc Richards and Matty Taylor.
The game began bathed in bright sunshine and the Blades were on the front foot and had some really good chances. Decent built up led to the ball sitting up nicely for Carruthers to hit a dipping half volley that caromed off the top of the bar and behind. Keeper Smith was well beaten and grasping air. Soon after a chance came for O’Shea but he curled his shot wide. Coutts then also shot over. It had been a really promising start and no sign of any nerves as United looked to get over the line.
However, Northampton came back into the game and slowly started to take control and they also had a series of chances. Richards fired over when he ought to have done better before Anderson shot wide. Soon after they had a great chance as Smith got in on goal but Moore made a really good reaction save to flick the ball away. United had started to give the ball away and Lafferty was beaten twice down the left-hand side and the Blades had to clear.
News had come in that both Bolton and Fleetwood were losing in their games and cheers went around both the Sixfields and those watching back at Bramall Lane.
The sloppy play continued for both sides but United had a chance when Fleck took a free kick from the angle but it was comfortable for Smith at his near post. There was a minute signalled of additional time but in this time the home side stunned the Blades by scoring the opener. The defence let the ball bounce and Smith nodded on for RICHARDS to get on the ball on the angle. It seemed only a half chance but he took the ball on and powered it into the angle of bar and post giving Moore no chance. It was a superb strike but the defence could have reacted better in the original build up and to get out to the striker. The half time whistle came straight after. Despite the late blow, results elsewhere meant United were still in position for promotion.
Manager Wilder did not mess around and made a change straight away with skipper Sharp on for Carruthers. United started well and won two early corners. From the second the ball fell to O’Connell who thumped a shot that Smith saved at his near post. On 53 minutes Hanson came on for O’Shea as Wilder signalled his intents once again as the Blades now had 3 up top.
News came in that Oldham has doubled their lead over Fleetwood meaning United in all reality were probably nearly there and the promotion party really began to start when just after the hour the Blades were level; Fleck played a ball through and CLARKE beat the offside trap and took a touch steadied himself before coolly placing the ball high past Smith’s right hand side and into the top of the net. Numerous Blades piled on the pitch to celebrate with the players and the game was delayed for a period until they returned to their seats.
After this it was all United and Northampton could not get into the game at all. The sense of momentum and belief continued to flow through the players and it was wave after wave of attack. Sharp was in but his deflected shot was sent behind for a corner. Basham’s header was somehow kept out from the keeper Smith from point blank range. Sharp was in again but Smith did well to save this time as the game entered the final 15 minutes. Clarke then header over after a good cross from Lafferty.
Ebanks Landell came on for Clarke as the game entered the final stages and results were still going United’s way. Regardless of that the Blades were determined to go out in glory and kept attacking. Fleck had a shot saved from Smith before Hanson flicked on but the ball was cleared before Sharp could get there.
With the game entering the final 2 minutes, a dramatic and jubilant late winner came in front of the United fans. Sharp did the running down the right and played it into the box, FLECK got there first and touched past two defenders and then as the keeper came out, composed himself and poked home. Cue delirium. More Blades fans entered the field to celebrate and this time the delay was even longer before the game could restart.
There was an extra 5 minutes to be played but little happened apart from United keeping the ball sensibly and ended this period being the more likely to score again. All that was needed for the referee to stage managed the final whistle the best he could so that players could get off the field. His whistle came but most United players were engulfed by the fans that stormed onto the pitch. One fan grabbed a corner flag, another the ball (see Sunji’s post on S2 for who got it!) and flares were set off in celebration. Skipper Billy Sharp was hoisted shoulder high by United fans and held a red and white sharp aloft as he joined in the singing! After the game, the players came back out and Wilder led the chanting with his rendition of ‘Shoreham boys! We are here!’ from above the tunnel. Back at Bramall Lane a similar pitch invasion was held with an impromptu mass game of football started by some bright spark who had the foresight to bring a ball! It was all good natured and after 6 years of disappointment and pain you could not deny the supporters the chance to celebrate.
United – Well we did it. We are up! Deservedly so. We have been the best side in the league all season and the last few weeks/months have shown no sign of relenting and powered on. Whilst others keep dropping points and showing inconsistency we do not. The results and performances continue to be of a high level and whilst recently we have not quite dominated teams like we had been doing, we are still deservedly winning games. The level of commitment has remained high and the team has not had any let ups. To not even lose one game since Fleetwood (13 unbeaten) and to lose just 2 in 22 sums it up. We just keep getting the results. Wilder had been sensational in having the team at it every game.
Today we could have easily seen the results elsewhere and not gone for it like we did, but the management of Wilder and leadership of Sharp (when he came off the bench) inspired them to not only get one goal, but two and the win. We were ok to start the game and played some decent football. In hindsight, the changes did not really work. You felt maybe a few needed a rest and freshening up but Wilder admitted that it did not lead to the energy he wanted despite an ok start to the game as we tailed off. Carruthers was patchy, Clarke not really in it and O’Shea a peripheral figure for the most part. They scored a late goal and you felt here we go again, despite the results elsewhere and that it would be a bit of a let-down or to get promoted with a loss.
However, second half Sharp came on and helped change things. He led the team and was able to help us get a foothold. We kept going forward and made another positive change and it paid off. It was great to get the win and it seemed the players were so determined to do it as they could easily have just seen things out at 1-1. That change in us going from losers in mentality (some of players were here last season) to winners has been superb and Wilder had to really take credit for that.
Not much more to say other than what a season it has been! It is not finished yet either. I feel as confident as I have ever done as a United fan that there will be no let-up (even with the celebrations this weekend) and think we will get 100 points and win the last four. If we do not then we will certainly do enough to win the league and it seems it will more than likely happen next weekend, pending what Bolton do at Oldham. Be nice if we could do it at the Lane v Bradford so no issues if Bolton win assuming we take care of business at Vale Park.
Northampton – First half they could have been behind after 10 minutes as we started well and had a few chances. They gradually grew into the game and then had a few chances of their own. They probably shaded things in terms of football and also chances. However, it seemed it would be 0-0 but fair play to their lad who hit a great strike. It stunned United.
Second half they were never really in it and other than a few set plays that they wasted most of the game was played in their half and they could not handle the tempo and relentless attacking play of United. They were hanging on when it went to 1-1 and seemingly just wanted to try and get a point and showed no attacking intent at all. The goal was kind of inevitable as they sat further back all second half and invited pressure but credit too United who were just too strong. Another side that was overcome by superior football and play but also superior fitness levels. We simply overpowered them.
They had nothing to play for I suppose and did show some decent patches of play but second half looked a team that was maybe thinking of the beach. Hope MK Dons fold in the same in a few weeks. Overall though to finish just below half way is a great season. Wilder laid out the foundations of course and I felt Page was harshly treated as they had one ok until a poor run. Edinburgh was another harshly treated at Gillingham I felt after doing a great job and sure he will do fine there. Key for them is to make sure they consolidate at this level and do not get sucked into a relegation scrap. Not sure they will have enough resources to mount a play -off campaign and they so have a fair few experienced/older players that will not really improve.
Fair play to them for the way they handled the Wilder exit last summer and how they greeted him and Knill, both at Bramall Lane and at the Sixfields. They showed a lot of class and the video the chairman posted this week was really good too.
Opponent man of the match : The keeper Smith made some good saves but I was quite impressed by O’Toole. He was busy, got about the pitch and decent on the ball. Also, thought he was ok at the Lane but he has become a bit of a journeyman but has found a home seemingly. Richards of course scored a really good goal and was lively. Glad Revell did not start as he is a big lad and a handful but did little when he came on. The lad at the back Diamond had a good game and won a lot of clearances/headers. I also thought the right back Moloney was decent too and better than the lad we were supposedly looking at, Buchanan. Anderson was a threat at the Lane but did not do much today.
Opponent Weak link : I thought that Taylor was really wasteful with the ball today. Every time they got a free kick I was worried that he might do something but he was awful on his delivery today. I also thought Nyatanga was poor. He is another that has played for lots of clubs and although has some good games, is woefully inconsistent and is a bit McEveley in that regard.
