Ollessendro
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On the train back darn Sarth, so thought I would write a match report. Ollessendro’s first match of this season was a disappointing one, as the Blades went down 3-1 at New York stadium. Sheffield United can have little complaints as they were beaten by a better side. Despite leading at half time, SUFC were comprehensively beaten by the Millers. Some individual mistakes let Rotherham in, but really the home side taught us a lesson in attacking with pace and taking our chances.
The match
My first recollection of the match was SUFC hitting the woodwork. Loan signing Cuvelier drew a foul just outside the area to the left hand side. He stepped up and hit a beauty of a right footed free kick that hit the underside of the bar and came back out. As the ball came out there were appeals for a penalty that were waved away. How the fuck the ball stayed out I will never know. As soon as Cuvelier hit it, I thought it’s in. A bloke behind me summed it up when he (looking astonished) shouted “HOW THE FUCK DID THAT STAY OUT???!”. I didn’t see the incident in the area, but a Miller mate of mine told me we should have had a penalty as the ball clearly struck the arm of a Rotherham player. United were very unlucky not to be in the lead.
The game was pretty dull for the first half an hour, with few chances created. United controlled possession, but looked toothless. Passes just went sideways or backwards. There was little pace or attacking threat. It was ticky tacky, but all in the Blades half. This was a theme that continued through the game Even when in good positions SUFC opted to overpass the ball rather than shooting.
Rotherham had a good chance to take the lead in front of the away fans. A decent move saw them carve United open (too easily) and the lanky striker headed it over. It was a free header from 10 yards out and he should have buried it. The Blades defence look pedestrian as the Millers right back went on the overlap and put in a great cross. It was a let off for SUFC when the Rotherham striker headed over.
All of a sudden the Blades were in the lead and the goal came out of nowhere. Some quick thinking from BAXTER saw the Blades take the lead. It was an attacking throw in the corner on the right hand and McMahon acted quickly, throwing it to Baxter. The Blades new signing darted into the area, controlled the ball, advanced past a Rotherham defender and squeezed the ball past the Rotherham keeper to put the Blades 1-0 up. It was the other end to me, but it looked like a tight angle. It was a good throw from McMahon(?) but the goal was all about Baxter.
Not long before the goal Collins had advanced out of defence and gone on the attack. All of a sudden this seemed to spark United and they had a decent spell. It took the centre back marauding forward to get the others to show some ambition. Bouyed by the goal United had a decent spell and were the better team in the latter stages of the first half. The atmosphere (which had been flat as a pancake) suddenly picked up and the Blades fans were in good voice. I went into half time pretty happy.
Rotherham changed their tactics and put on an extra striker. There was a difference straight away as they looked to get at SUFC. Both teams had chances in the opening exchanges and it was end to end stuff. All of a sudden Rotherham were level and it came from nowhere. I was not paying attention as Rotherham had a free kick in their own half. From what I gather a ball was hoofed long, headed out by a United defender and then a thunderbolt strike from AGARD put the Millers level. The bloke at the side of my dad said it was a “wonder strike” but many around us were criticising Howard. Afterwards in the pub several Rotherham fans told me it was soft keeping and Howard should have saved it. Apparently it was a venomous shot, but straight down his throat.
The game was turning into a good spectacle as Rotherham sensed blood and the Blades tried to get level. I was absolutely sure that there would be another goal, but did not think it would be the Blades with their current formation and personnel. Things needed changing and Weir did not spot it. Porter was completely isolated up top (and he is hopeless) and the wingers were doing very little. Baxter was the only attacking threat and looked very lively. Everything came through him. But it was evident that changes needed to be made.
United did not heed the warnings and all of a sudden Rotherham were in front. McMahon was adjudged to have committed a foul in the area and NARDIELLO dispatched the penalty. It was at the other end to us (like all the action!) but it looked like a penalty to me. It was perhaps a bit soft, but my first instinct was it was a pen. The Millers player seemed to be goalside of McMahon and the Blades right back was always risking it going across him to get the ball. The clumsy challenge gave away a spot kick. There was perhaps not a great deal of contact, but an experienced defender like McMahon should have known better. I had no qualms with the penalty decision. It was a decent pen, struck hard and low into the bottom right hand corner.
Rotherham’s tails were up and Blades heads down and there was only going to be one winner. SUFC did not force the Rotherham keeper into any saves and before long the game was effectively over. This time it was Maguire’s turn to gift Rotherham a chance. The centre back dallied with the ball and gave it away in a dangerous area. The Rotherham striker MILSOM ran at the Blades defence and hit a left footed shot past Howard an into the corner. It was a good finish, but a soft goal. Maguire (who had a stinker) should have got rid of the ball and cleared the danger.
SUFC had lost al belief and despite Taylor and Bunn coming on they created very little. Baxter continued to cause the home team problems, but he was the gem in an otherwise sack of shite performance from the Blades. Rotherham had a couple more half chances, forcing Howard into another save, whilst the best the Blades did was hit the wall from a McMahon free kick.
Blades
It was a disappointing performance to say the least. We looked pedestrian and lacking ideas. There was very little attacking intent and no pace or urgency to our play. It was neat and tidy, but no one showed ambition. We defended poorly, with some bad individual mistakes and we attacked terribly. Rotherham’s midfield completely overran us for most of the game.
We created little and that was the problem. I do not remember the Rotherham keeper having a save to make 2nd half. Even when in good positions we opted to pass or hang on to it, rather than shoot. Flynn and Cuvelier were very disappointing and Coady was was off the pace. I was not impressed by the Liverpool youngster who looked like a big lump and chased shadows most of the afternoon.
Rotherham
They are not a bad side. They will definitely stay up and probably finish top half. They might even be an outside bet for the play offs. First half they got it wrong and were too defensive. They tried to pack out the midfield and showed the Blades too much respect. When they changed things at half time it transformed them. They realised SUFC are a poor side and went for it. When they attacked us we fell to bits. I think Nardiello is decent and he made a difference. They looked much better when they went 4-4-2.
There was not a huge amount of difference between the sides to be honest. Rotherham were just more dangerous. They counter attacked well, had some pace and took their chances.
Crimes against hoof
Jose Baxter. He is very good. A good touch, good vision, he can pass and he scored. He was at the centre of everything for United. He drops into that (Teddy Sherrigham) area between strikers and midfield and picks the ball up. He looked lively and caused a lot of problems. By far the best Bkades player and an excellent signing.
Crimes against football
Harry Maguire. If he plays like that every week then we might be wishing we had offloaded him in the transfer window. He was slow and off the pace. He played like he had been suppin Chantry ale with me. He showed poor judgement, holding on to the ball when he should have cleared. Several times he gave the ball away in our half and one lead to a goal. He tried to overpass or dribble it when he should have got rid. Maguire occasionally has these types of games. I am not sure I it is arrogance, lack of experience, an off day or what. He was terrible though. He was not helped by central defensive partner Collins who was awful as well. Yesterday we saw the Neil Collins we had seen under Micky Adams. Rotherham fans singled him out in the ale house after, saying he was shocking. Slow to react, nervous and a donkey was how an old school mate of mine described him.
Weir: tactics
I didn’t think there was that much wrong with how we lined up today. I am not sure that 4-5-1 is the best option with these players, but with Brandy out I can see why he did it. The problem for me was the lack of plan B. It was obvious it was not working an he did nowt. He had options out wide with the likes of Macfeazden. The substitutions of Bunn and Taylor were too late. Porter was having a mare and both wingers were gash. It was obvious after 5 minutes of the 2nd half we needed a change. Weir was very slow to react. After the goal he did not do anything and our team looked like lambs going to the slaughter.
I think Weir needs some help. I would like to see him bring in a more experienced assistant or coaching staff. Bardsley and him look lost at times. My mate was telling me that Dougie Freedman brough in Lennie Lawrence to help him out when he took over at Palace. Perhaps Weir could do the same. I hope that things change for him as we get better personnel, but he looks slightly naïve at the moment.
Ale
This was by far the best thing of my trip to Rotherham. The finest performer of the day was definitely Chantry ales. The Parkgate brewery is absolutely excellent and serves top quality beer. I started with an Iron and Steel which is a classic malt bitter. It has a toffee and caramel taste and goes down easy. Next on the menu was the Man of Steel. This is a blonde ale and is very dry. It’s hoppy and had a slight kick. It has citrus notes to it and is a really nice summery drink. Chantry’s Pale Ale was very nice too. It is floral, dry and hoppy. Another very nice ale that goes down well in the nice weather. Their Porter was excellent too. It did not have the taste of burnt liquorice or owt, just a nice nutty hint. It was a classic porter. The final drink I had of theirs was Mighty Millers (how fitting) which is a stong pale ale. It is 5.6% and delicious. It is very similar to the pale ale (hoppy, bitter, light, floral and citrusy) but it has a real kick. You can taste the 5%+. Not a session ale, but a good drink. I had a nice drink called California, but cannot remember who it was by. That was really bitter, so much so that it was slightly overpowering. It had a real bitter aftertaste and was very hoppy. Nice drink, but I could not stomach many. The only rival to Chantry was Sheffield’s own Abbeydale. Their Moonshine is a belter of a drink. A light, floral easy drinking pale ale. It is slightly hoppy, but not bitter. It has that real elderflower scent that some pale ales now have. Mmmm.
The New York Tavern was the best ale house we went in. The owners of Chantry Brewery bought the Prince of Wales Feather on Westgate and have turned it into a real ale haven. 10 hand pumps, with 5 guests and 5 Chantry ales. The beer was in immaculate condition and only £2 a pint! If anyone is going to Rotherham for a drink, then they should go here. The Bridge Inn by the station is good too. The new owners have done it up and it is a decent ale real place. They have Chantry ales and a few guest beers.
Atmosphere and stadium
I thought the atmosphere was pretty flat to be honest. For a local derby it was very quiet. The home fans did not make much noise, until they were 3-1 up. The Blades fans were quiet too, other than the spell after the goal. After Baxter scored it was great in the Blades end. It was buzzing and the atmosphere really picked up. This was not sustained much during the 2nd half and Blades fans were did not make much noise after Rotherham equalised.
I like the stadium. It’s pretty good for a new ground. The right size for Rotherham and a good design. It looks good from the away end, with the Rotherham skyline jutting out over the stand. You can see the church and tall building on the horizon and it is quite picturesque. Credit to the Millers for building a stadium that suits their fans base and not having a third filled stadium (like Donny Rovers) every week. The stadium is clearly contributing a lot to the town centre and the council are doing their best to use it to transform that part of town. Good luck to them I say.
I thought the atmosphere not great, but you could see that the stadium is well built for that. The corners are filled in and it holds in noise. I like the way that the seating goes back quickly and ensures fans have a good view. You are not far from the pitch, yet high up.
Olle’s final thoughts
Beaten by the better team. Simple as. A team with more fire in their bellies, more pace and more attacking threat. We are a very average League One side and we desperately need 3 or 4 loan players to turn this into a squad that can finish anywhere near the top 6.
The match
My first recollection of the match was SUFC hitting the woodwork. Loan signing Cuvelier drew a foul just outside the area to the left hand side. He stepped up and hit a beauty of a right footed free kick that hit the underside of the bar and came back out. As the ball came out there were appeals for a penalty that were waved away. How the fuck the ball stayed out I will never know. As soon as Cuvelier hit it, I thought it’s in. A bloke behind me summed it up when he (looking astonished) shouted “HOW THE FUCK DID THAT STAY OUT???!”. I didn’t see the incident in the area, but a Miller mate of mine told me we should have had a penalty as the ball clearly struck the arm of a Rotherham player. United were very unlucky not to be in the lead.
The game was pretty dull for the first half an hour, with few chances created. United controlled possession, but looked toothless. Passes just went sideways or backwards. There was little pace or attacking threat. It was ticky tacky, but all in the Blades half. This was a theme that continued through the game Even when in good positions SUFC opted to overpass the ball rather than shooting.
Rotherham had a good chance to take the lead in front of the away fans. A decent move saw them carve United open (too easily) and the lanky striker headed it over. It was a free header from 10 yards out and he should have buried it. The Blades defence look pedestrian as the Millers right back went on the overlap and put in a great cross. It was a let off for SUFC when the Rotherham striker headed over.
All of a sudden the Blades were in the lead and the goal came out of nowhere. Some quick thinking from BAXTER saw the Blades take the lead. It was an attacking throw in the corner on the right hand and McMahon acted quickly, throwing it to Baxter. The Blades new signing darted into the area, controlled the ball, advanced past a Rotherham defender and squeezed the ball past the Rotherham keeper to put the Blades 1-0 up. It was the other end to me, but it looked like a tight angle. It was a good throw from McMahon(?) but the goal was all about Baxter.
Not long before the goal Collins had advanced out of defence and gone on the attack. All of a sudden this seemed to spark United and they had a decent spell. It took the centre back marauding forward to get the others to show some ambition. Bouyed by the goal United had a decent spell and were the better team in the latter stages of the first half. The atmosphere (which had been flat as a pancake) suddenly picked up and the Blades fans were in good voice. I went into half time pretty happy.
Rotherham changed their tactics and put on an extra striker. There was a difference straight away as they looked to get at SUFC. Both teams had chances in the opening exchanges and it was end to end stuff. All of a sudden Rotherham were level and it came from nowhere. I was not paying attention as Rotherham had a free kick in their own half. From what I gather a ball was hoofed long, headed out by a United defender and then a thunderbolt strike from AGARD put the Millers level. The bloke at the side of my dad said it was a “wonder strike” but many around us were criticising Howard. Afterwards in the pub several Rotherham fans told me it was soft keeping and Howard should have saved it. Apparently it was a venomous shot, but straight down his throat.
The game was turning into a good spectacle as Rotherham sensed blood and the Blades tried to get level. I was absolutely sure that there would be another goal, but did not think it would be the Blades with their current formation and personnel. Things needed changing and Weir did not spot it. Porter was completely isolated up top (and he is hopeless) and the wingers were doing very little. Baxter was the only attacking threat and looked very lively. Everything came through him. But it was evident that changes needed to be made.
United did not heed the warnings and all of a sudden Rotherham were in front. McMahon was adjudged to have committed a foul in the area and NARDIELLO dispatched the penalty. It was at the other end to us (like all the action!) but it looked like a penalty to me. It was perhaps a bit soft, but my first instinct was it was a pen. The Millers player seemed to be goalside of McMahon and the Blades right back was always risking it going across him to get the ball. The clumsy challenge gave away a spot kick. There was perhaps not a great deal of contact, but an experienced defender like McMahon should have known better. I had no qualms with the penalty decision. It was a decent pen, struck hard and low into the bottom right hand corner.
Rotherham’s tails were up and Blades heads down and there was only going to be one winner. SUFC did not force the Rotherham keeper into any saves and before long the game was effectively over. This time it was Maguire’s turn to gift Rotherham a chance. The centre back dallied with the ball and gave it away in a dangerous area. The Rotherham striker MILSOM ran at the Blades defence and hit a left footed shot past Howard an into the corner. It was a good finish, but a soft goal. Maguire (who had a stinker) should have got rid of the ball and cleared the danger.
SUFC had lost al belief and despite Taylor and Bunn coming on they created very little. Baxter continued to cause the home team problems, but he was the gem in an otherwise sack of shite performance from the Blades. Rotherham had a couple more half chances, forcing Howard into another save, whilst the best the Blades did was hit the wall from a McMahon free kick.
Blades
It was a disappointing performance to say the least. We looked pedestrian and lacking ideas. There was very little attacking intent and no pace or urgency to our play. It was neat and tidy, but no one showed ambition. We defended poorly, with some bad individual mistakes and we attacked terribly. Rotherham’s midfield completely overran us for most of the game.
We created little and that was the problem. I do not remember the Rotherham keeper having a save to make 2nd half. Even when in good positions we opted to pass or hang on to it, rather than shoot. Flynn and Cuvelier were very disappointing and Coady was was off the pace. I was not impressed by the Liverpool youngster who looked like a big lump and chased shadows most of the afternoon.
Rotherham
They are not a bad side. They will definitely stay up and probably finish top half. They might even be an outside bet for the play offs. First half they got it wrong and were too defensive. They tried to pack out the midfield and showed the Blades too much respect. When they changed things at half time it transformed them. They realised SUFC are a poor side and went for it. When they attacked us we fell to bits. I think Nardiello is decent and he made a difference. They looked much better when they went 4-4-2.
There was not a huge amount of difference between the sides to be honest. Rotherham were just more dangerous. They counter attacked well, had some pace and took their chances.
Crimes against hoof
Jose Baxter. He is very good. A good touch, good vision, he can pass and he scored. He was at the centre of everything for United. He drops into that (Teddy Sherrigham) area between strikers and midfield and picks the ball up. He looked lively and caused a lot of problems. By far the best Bkades player and an excellent signing.
Crimes against football
Harry Maguire. If he plays like that every week then we might be wishing we had offloaded him in the transfer window. He was slow and off the pace. He played like he had been suppin Chantry ale with me. He showed poor judgement, holding on to the ball when he should have cleared. Several times he gave the ball away in our half and one lead to a goal. He tried to overpass or dribble it when he should have got rid. Maguire occasionally has these types of games. I am not sure I it is arrogance, lack of experience, an off day or what. He was terrible though. He was not helped by central defensive partner Collins who was awful as well. Yesterday we saw the Neil Collins we had seen under Micky Adams. Rotherham fans singled him out in the ale house after, saying he was shocking. Slow to react, nervous and a donkey was how an old school mate of mine described him.
Weir: tactics
I didn’t think there was that much wrong with how we lined up today. I am not sure that 4-5-1 is the best option with these players, but with Brandy out I can see why he did it. The problem for me was the lack of plan B. It was obvious it was not working an he did nowt. He had options out wide with the likes of Macfeazden. The substitutions of Bunn and Taylor were too late. Porter was having a mare and both wingers were gash. It was obvious after 5 minutes of the 2nd half we needed a change. Weir was very slow to react. After the goal he did not do anything and our team looked like lambs going to the slaughter.
I think Weir needs some help. I would like to see him bring in a more experienced assistant or coaching staff. Bardsley and him look lost at times. My mate was telling me that Dougie Freedman brough in Lennie Lawrence to help him out when he took over at Palace. Perhaps Weir could do the same. I hope that things change for him as we get better personnel, but he looks slightly naïve at the moment.
Ale
This was by far the best thing of my trip to Rotherham. The finest performer of the day was definitely Chantry ales. The Parkgate brewery is absolutely excellent and serves top quality beer. I started with an Iron and Steel which is a classic malt bitter. It has a toffee and caramel taste and goes down easy. Next on the menu was the Man of Steel. This is a blonde ale and is very dry. It’s hoppy and had a slight kick. It has citrus notes to it and is a really nice summery drink. Chantry’s Pale Ale was very nice too. It is floral, dry and hoppy. Another very nice ale that goes down well in the nice weather. Their Porter was excellent too. It did not have the taste of burnt liquorice or owt, just a nice nutty hint. It was a classic porter. The final drink I had of theirs was Mighty Millers (how fitting) which is a stong pale ale. It is 5.6% and delicious. It is very similar to the pale ale (hoppy, bitter, light, floral and citrusy) but it has a real kick. You can taste the 5%+. Not a session ale, but a good drink. I had a nice drink called California, but cannot remember who it was by. That was really bitter, so much so that it was slightly overpowering. It had a real bitter aftertaste and was very hoppy. Nice drink, but I could not stomach many. The only rival to Chantry was Sheffield’s own Abbeydale. Their Moonshine is a belter of a drink. A light, floral easy drinking pale ale. It is slightly hoppy, but not bitter. It has that real elderflower scent that some pale ales now have. Mmmm.
The New York Tavern was the best ale house we went in. The owners of Chantry Brewery bought the Prince of Wales Feather on Westgate and have turned it into a real ale haven. 10 hand pumps, with 5 guests and 5 Chantry ales. The beer was in immaculate condition and only £2 a pint! If anyone is going to Rotherham for a drink, then they should go here. The Bridge Inn by the station is good too. The new owners have done it up and it is a decent ale real place. They have Chantry ales and a few guest beers.
Atmosphere and stadium
I thought the atmosphere was pretty flat to be honest. For a local derby it was very quiet. The home fans did not make much noise, until they were 3-1 up. The Blades fans were quiet too, other than the spell after the goal. After Baxter scored it was great in the Blades end. It was buzzing and the atmosphere really picked up. This was not sustained much during the 2nd half and Blades fans were did not make much noise after Rotherham equalised.
I like the stadium. It’s pretty good for a new ground. The right size for Rotherham and a good design. It looks good from the away end, with the Rotherham skyline jutting out over the stand. You can see the church and tall building on the horizon and it is quite picturesque. Credit to the Millers for building a stadium that suits their fans base and not having a third filled stadium (like Donny Rovers) every week. The stadium is clearly contributing a lot to the town centre and the council are doing their best to use it to transform that part of town. Good luck to them I say.
I thought the atmosphere not great, but you could see that the stadium is well built for that. The corners are filled in and it holds in noise. I like the way that the seating goes back quickly and ensures fans have a good view. You are not far from the pitch, yet high up.
Olle’s final thoughts
Beaten by the better team. Simple as. A team with more fire in their bellies, more pace and more attacking threat. We are a very average League One side and we desperately need 3 or 4 loan players to turn this into a squad that can finish anywhere near the top 6.
well loan to start with
