Peterborough 0 United 1 - report

[Deadbat]

The Blades extended their lead at the top of League One to 5 points as they beat Peterborough United at the ABAX Stadium thanks to a late goal from master poacher Billy Sharp. In freezing cold weather that had seen sleet, snow and rain throughout various stages of the day, United controlled the game from start to finish and deserved the victory. Only poor finishing and erroneous final balls prevented the game being decided long before Sharp’s late, late show. The goal sparked jubilant scenes for the massed Blades fans around the ground as they realised how important it could be in the promotion chase.


Manager Wilder had to make two changes with Paul Coutts and Ethan Ebanks Landell missing out due to injury. Both players are expected back for the midweek fixture at Bristol Rovers and the injuries are not seen to be serious. In came Samir Carruthers for this first start and also Chris Basham who had performed well when replaced Ebanks Landell last week.


Peterborough had some talent in their line up including Marcus Maddison and incoming midfielder Anthony Grant. They also welcomed back Craig Mackail Smith who seemingly always seems destined to return to Posh! They could afford to leave two goal hero Junior Morias, Jack Baldwin and captain Chris Forrester on the bench.


Despite the difficult weather credit must go to the Peterborough groundsman who seemed to have prepared a decent service considering the circumstances.


United kicked away from the large contingent that were massed behind the goal with half the main stand also occupied with Blades in a superb away following that saw them have almost half of the crowd.


The game began with Sharp being deemed offside as he nearly got in on Duffy’s pass. Carruthers was busy early as United had most of the early ball and the midfield looked to control matters. Hanson won two early headers and Freeman continued to motor down the right but there few early openings. Edwards fired well over and Binnon Williams got down the wing to put over a decent cross but Basham cleared.


Wright stepped in stop two attacks as Peterborough tried to come back into the game. Fleck fired over before United had a nice exchange of play that saw the ball cut back from Sharp, Hanson shot was blocked but then was driven back from Lafferty but Sharp could not convert goalwards when well placed. Another good move saw Hanson have another shot blocked. Peterborough had played mostly on the break but Edwards shot at least saw Moore had to get his gloves dirty. Posh won a free kick for an innocuous foul which frustrated the United fans and Maddison hit the free kick well but it drifted wide with Moore scrambling across his goal.


Fleck was continuing to show his abilities in midfield winning tackles and springing United forward at every opportunity but Laffety was wasteful twice down the left. Carruthers also was guilty of giving the ball away but fortunately O’Connell was alive to snuff out any break from Grant.


Sharp and Hanson looked to combine at every opportunity and from such a moment nearly came a goal as United had the best chance of the game. Sharp beat the offside trap and got down the right hand side to pull back and Hanson’s low shot was well saved by McGee at his near post. The rebound came back to him but the big striker scuffed wide when he maybe should have done better.


A poor foul from Nichols saw him booked with many screaming for red in the away end. It was certainly a late challenge which left O’Connell in a heap. Duffy then curled wide as United ended the half as they started it on top in a game that had seen few chances but the away side will feel they had done enough to lead.


The second half began with United on top again and Fleck and Carruthers linked well to find Freeman but his cross did not beat the first man. Peterborough were being pinned further back and the Blades missed two great chances. Freeman sent over a cross, Hanson muscled his man out of the way but his header lacked direction and the keeper saved with his legs. The rebound fell to Lafferty but he sliced horribly over the bar when he really should have scored. Fleck then had a shot saved as it was becoming one way traffic. When Posh broke, the three centre backs continued to be first to the ball and sent United back into attack the other way.


Forrester and Morias came on for Nichols and Edwards for the home side as they looked to find a way into the game. O’Shea came on for Duffy for United just after the hour and he had a few early touches before shooting over. A rare Peterborough break saw Maddison test Moore who did well to hold a decent low shot. It was the only real save he had to make all game. Sharp was booked for a late tackle after his frustration at not getting the earlier award.


Lavery came on for Lafferty as United went to a more attacking formation with Sharp and Lavery either side of Hanson and more of a flat back four with O’Connell left side. However, with O’Shea also on the field it showed United’s attacking intent.


O’Connell then whipped over a cross that saw Hanson again beat his man but he headed over. It was another decent chance for United who just could not get that elusive goal. With time ticking by it seemed that the Blades would have to settle for a point but the winning goal came with around three minutes to play. United continued to move the ball about and it was played into Lavery who showed neat footwork to move it back to O’Shea. His cross was perfect for the rising Hanson at the back post who headed across goal to the waiting SHARP who nodded home from close range. Sharp had not had his best of games but that is why he was left on the pitch as he scored the vital goal. There were tremendous scenes from the Blades fans both behind and to the side of the goal with a few joining the field to celebrate with the players. Many in the ground knew Scunthorpe were losing and thus were aware of the ramifications of this late goal.


Riley came on for Carruthers and Samuelsen for Inman as the game entered stoppage time. United managed to play a spell of keep ball in the corner and keep it sensibly as the home side failed to muster another effort or even attack of note as the final whistle came to signify unbridled joy in the away end.


The Blades players and management came to the fans as one at the end to salute the superb support who in turn applauded another excellent performance and victory in the quest for promotion.


United – It was a well-deserved victory and should have been a lot more. We did not create tons of chances but created enough. We had at least 4 or 5 clear ones and many other half ones. We also had a lot more of the ball than them all game and dictated the game. We had so many chances to get better balls in the final third but often poor crosses or bad final decisions stopped us getting the goals our domination deserved.


It appeared for long spells that United were the home side as encouragingly they seemed fitter, stronger and also more skilled than a decent side who had showed this season they can be very good. Posh had a few spells and a few long range shots but never really got through us all game. The United defence was excellent today; top notch. They barely made a mistake all game and all three centre backs were faultless as was the keeper. The thing that impressed me most about the defence is that they moved us up the pitch and kept the ball coming back. They recycled it quickly and to a shirt. They were really good and to restrict a good side to barely an attack/shot was excellent. They provided us the base for the rest of the side.


The wing backs also defended well although made some poor decisions/balls the other way. The midfield were busy all game and had most of the ball winning many of the 50/50 things and dictating play. Carruthers and Duffy were a bit mixed with some poor final balls but were both still very energetic and I think we will see better from Carruthers. He did ok today but think he can do better. Duffy also had had more influential games but he too never hid and got on the ball a lot. Fleck was superb and maybe the best player on the field again. He seems to be getting better and better.


We started both halves in control and ended both halves in control. Peterborough had a few decent spells but as the local press report (see below link) the home side could have no complaints.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/...ders-strike-late-to-take-the-points-1-7812970)


It was as controlled and dominant as away performance as you could see where you restrict the home side completely but the major flaw was the poor finishing and the indecision at times when we got in the final third. I felt we hit the first man too much again and also overplayed sometimes. Hanson was winning everything and I am all for touch and play football but when we get in the final third surely we have to get it into the box at some point and he was winning everything and I mean everything. Still we got the goal in the end as the pressure told. The Posh played looked exhausted at the end and they had been pulled about all match. The stats on corners, shots, shots on target show our control but I question the possession which says 51% - that is a nonsense. It seemed more like 70% to me in United’s favour.


With Scunny losing and others not making up ground (granted Bolton had their first win for a while) we are not in a commanding position. We need to go to Bristol Rovers and replicate today which will be hard and a different type of game. We may change 3 or 4 round to keep things fresh with big games coming up and a run of games. No issues if Wilder does this. We face 3 games now that can go a long way to decide our fate. Three positive results and we have one foot in the Championship. A poor run and we face a nervy end. Let’s home we seize the moment and are not scrambling around at the end of the season like we almost always seem to be. United clearly have the best team in the division. There are things to improve on but today gave me great heart as we went to a very decent side without two key players and outplayed them.

 

[Deadbat]

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Peterborough – They were poor but I think we made them look poor. They looked languid and offered little threat. I felt they lost many individual battles and the key areas of the field. They started on the back foot and even though they had a few spells with Maddison having a few shots, they rarely got behind us or properly penetrated even when the quick lad Morias came on for the last half hour. United snuffed out anything they offered attacking wide. Midfield they have some decent players but they were second best and I felt at the back they never controlled Hanson all game. They were last ditch for long spells and you kind of felt a goal might be inevitable as they were being pressed back.


I am not sure they even set out to be quite defensive or play on the break; I think they just could not cope with United’s pressing and wave after wave of passes/attacks. If the game had finished 0-3 it would have been a fairer reflection. I tipped them for promotion at the start of the season but things have not quite come together for them. They have some talent but I do not think they have great strikers really – signing Mackail Smith seemed a bit of a desperate move – was he even playing for Luton? I also feel that they lack experience in key areas although Bostwick and Baldwin have been playing centre backs much of the season I believe, the two lads today were poor.


Not sure they will even get into the playoffs with one of the top 3 a shoe in and then Bradford, Southend, Rochdale and also Millwall now making a late run. They will have to have a real push but seem woefully inconsistent. The 4-0 defeat at home to MK was followed by a 3-0 win at Port Vale. They seem unable to string results together.


Opponent man of the match : The keeper made a few good saves and Grant showed some of his passing and strength at times but the lad Maddison was the main threat and standout (his bleached blond hair helped with that!). He did not do too much for spells and maybe did not help with the midfield battle as he is quite a forward thinking player but he had 2 or 3 efforts on goal and looked lively when get got on the ball.


Opponent Weak link : Not sure there was one particularly poor player but the two centre backs Tafazolli (we had an escape not signing him I feel looking at what we have now) and Ball were pulled apart all game. Also the full backs struggled to keep up with our runs forward. I will say though the two strikers Mackail Smith and Nichols (seemed to be closet to Mackail Smith) offered nothing. Surprised one stayed on all game and it took an hour for the other to come off. They were not in the game and did not even offer nuisance value.


SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 7/10 – Had little do really. Seemed almost caught out on that free kick as he scurried across the goal and seemed to be too far over but after this he did everything really well. His handling in tricky condition was excellent. He made one very good save from a low shot second half from Maddison and then caught/held the few others bits he had to do.


Freeman 7.5/10 – Good energy all game. He got up and down and seems incredibly fit. It is odd as he seems almost languid as he runs with his sleeves of his undershirt over his hands but he is actually very quick and athletic. He got into some superb positions but at times was a bit wasteful when he got there. Two crosses he hit first man and then miscontrolled another good chance second half but he kept going forward and I felt turned the dangerous Binnon Williams the other way and made sure he was not a threat attacking wise. He is key to many of our attacks as he stretches defences.


Lafferty 7/10 – Functional and showed his worth by being that solid player down the left. Nothing flashy and good defensively but I felt but his final ball was often poor. He drove two good crosses in but he hit his man or telegraphed quite a few others. He missed a really good chance as he leant back and skied it badly over in the second half when he should have scored. Came off for Lavery with 10 minutes to go as United went even more attacking.


Basham 8/10 – All the centre backs comments and ratings will be similar. They were all superb. All won their battles, came onto the ball and got to it first and then carried it the other way. All were strong decisive and quicker than their opponents. Posh did not get behind us all game and did not have a clear chance in the box. They really were that good. Basham was solid with some good tackles, headers and stepped out when he could and used the ball very well.


O’Connell 8/10- As above. Really strong in the tackles and then also got forward well when he was allowed to come down the left second half and put in two good crosses. He has been so consistent in recent times and every week seems to be really solid. He was faultless today.


Wright 8/10 – As above. Showed his class as he constantly read through balls, made interceptions or got in tackles to stop Posh from making inroads. So calm and assured and today he just swept up the loose pieces. Made one super tackles as they threatened to break after we gave it away up the other end. A really solid player who seems to have that winning mentality as his record shows having never lost in a Blades shirt.


Fleck 8/10 – Fleck was superb again – the best player on the field for me. He won tackles, chased, harried and then on the ball rarely lost it. He played short, long, drove forward and generally made us tick. With Coutts out he had to step up even more today and he did. He is a bundle of energy but he just keeps coming and Posh had no answer to him.


Carruthers 6.5/10 – Mixed bag. A player who wants to get involved and to make things happen. Plays it off and goes again for the return and he wanted to get forward. His final pass was not always on the money and he gave it away a few times but he is still perhaps getting to know players and their runs. He is a different player to Coutts and more of a box to box type. He gets across the pitch and offers us a bit more pace I felt but needs to be a bit more secure in his passing. He will get better I think.


Duffy 6.5/10 – Not quite his day. He had a few shots over and some decent bits of link play. He actually started the game well and for the first half hour he was one of our more influential players but I felt his impact lessened. He did not quite impact things as much after this and not surprised he came off on the hour. A real talent but he does drift out of games and at times I feel his final product recently has been a bit lacking. A really good footballer though and still technically better than many of his opponents he faces.


Hanson 7.5/10 – Up top Hanson was excellent in everything apart from finishing. He won every header and completely dominated the centre backs. They won nothing against him all day and he completely outplayed them from a physical perspective. His link play was good too. The goal was really down to him in many ways as he won the big header at the back stick. The only fault was his finishing – he missed two big chances first half and then a couple of headers second half. Although a couple were not easy, two should have been buried – second shot on rebound and first header he missed. Still he had really added something to the side. I will also say; he is more mobile than I thought and for someone who had not played much football, he did not tire and got stronger. He can get about the pitch and is not quite the big lumbering striker some portrayed him as when we signed him. Him and Sharp have linked well. They look a good partnership.


Sharp 6.5/10 – His mark to be honest would have been maybe a 5 at best if not for the goal. He did not play well at all but gains extra marks for the all important winner. He did pull back well to Hanson first half but outside of this not his day and many would not have been surprised if he had been hooked but the reason he stayed on is because he does things like that. His overall touch and effort was not there today. He seemed very slow and behind the play and often he was caught offside or on his heels. I felt he seemed somewhat sluggish. Maybe be needs a rest Tuesday night which would be bold for our leading scorer but I would not be surprised if he went Hanson and Lavery keeping Billy fresh for the big one next week.


Subs –


Lavery – Busy when he came on. He is a good impact sub at the moment; he is lively and always looks to move the ball either with touches himself or playing others in. He was involved in quite a few attacks as we piled on the pressure at the end and helped make the goal. Might get a start with the busy run of games coming up but it works well having his energy and legs at the end and does look a goal threat.


O’Shea – Did ok actually. Played just off the strikers but moved across the lie quite a bit. He looked for the ball and wanted to get involved. One poor shot over and another moment he dithered a bit but seems an intelligent footballer who looks to get on the ball. His cross for the winner was excellent with little back lift. He really dug it out. I think he may start at Bristol and Duffy may get a rest.


Riley – Came on right at the death. Think he had a couple of touches as he played in midfield as we saw out time.



Manager – Wilder 8/10 – A win and another very good assured performance where we controlled things all game. He brought in two players who did ok and made the changes at right time, making us go even more attacking. In short he wanted to win the game and in the end this bold, attacking stance paid off. Under Adkins/Clough we would not have done that and settled for a draw but were determined to get the winner. Sometimes it backfires but Peterborough just got further and further pinned back. Deserves credit for getting us back to the high pressing, quicker tempo play we had come to expect till recent poor run. Two excellent back to back wins and now are well set for the run in. I think he will move a few players around to keep the freshness in the run in.


Ref – Andy Haines. Utterly abysmal. Fussy, error ridden, wanted to be the star of the show. He was diabolical – both ways but I felt we got some awful decisions though. A few clear fouls were ignored or he had no idea how to play the advantage rule (twice we were sprinting away and he brought us back). He booked Sharp for a poor tackle but missed a clear foul on us before. In fairness, the other 3 bookings, Carruthers, Nichols and Edwards were deserved but in general play he was poor. He seemed to do his best for them who were so poor they needed an extra man it seemed. He gave most 50/50’s to them and seemed intent on stopping the game whenever he could. I half expected him to find a mysterious foul on our goal. He just looked like a rabbit in the headlights and had no control of the game. He seemed to think constantly blowing his whistle and stopping it would bring that control but it just slowed down the game. He was not helped by two assistants that struggled to keep up with play and seemed unaware what a foul throw was (ironic Haines gave one against us but missed the Posh player being 3 yards over the line on an earlier one).




Crowd – 10,528 with around 4,000 Blades in the ground. In contrast to the poor atmosphere and lack of noise at the Lane, as is often the case the away support was superb. The Blades fans both behind the goal and to the stand in the right, sang from start to finish and really got behind the side. The volume was really loud and a god variety of songs too – the new Caolan Lavery chant is a novel one I suppose (sure someone will post a link of the song it is from – some dance song – cannot remember!) but is quite catchy. As they kicked towards us second half, the fans kept with the team as they searched for the goal and when it came…scenes….there were arms and legs everywhere. I ended up hugging someone I did not know; ditto for my mate. That is what a late winner does for you. I may have also ended up on a different row as did many others. A few went on the pitch (not sure why they did that and a bit disappointing if a few stewards got hurt in the commotion) and it was bedlam all around. United saw out the stoppage time and then the fans celebrated again as the team came to salute them. Nothing finder than a late winning goal; especially from your leading scorer, skipper and boyhood Blade.


This was my first visit to Peterborough (place and ground). A place that has somehow eluded me so far. The ground was odd. It has a couple of decent stands, away end is ok and a fairly new stand and the big two tiered stand to the left is good too. They have a very old fashioned main stand that was 50% United fans and then a poor home end which is standing and is very small. There were not nay fans inside this. Outside the ground, it is a bit of a mess with a big car park and pools of water everywhere. It is not the most salubrious of settings. You have to wade through said puddles and car park to get around to the away end. Inside the away end the facilities were ok and you had an almost patio doors to look out of at the back of the concourse. Been in worse although people were struggling to find where you got beer from but fans seemed to find somewhere. Of course most games they struggle to get more than 5,000 but today the United fans helped swell the gate somewhat. Peterborough fans were fairly quiet but you expect that I suppose when the away side were quite dominant.


Day Out – The day consisted of the 8.37am train direct to Peterborough with my mate getting on at Nottingham. We got there no bother and was surprised how empty the train was- did many who went by train go later or via Doncaster? We got into the centre and had a quick beer at the Sir Henry Royce (Wetherspoons) before lots of Blades entered – timed it well! We then went to the delightfully named Osterich Inn before heading to the Wortley Almshouses (Sam Smiths) to have a beer by the fire which was nice considering the weather outside. A portly lady came in and declared it was ‘Thirty dip at Witherspoons’ and that O’Neills had run of beer. They decided they were stopping here. That was our cue to leave and we went to the Brewery Tap which was an odd place. Huge pub with an eating bit (Chinese above). We then moved onto Puzzles? – a nice little pub not far from the Cathedral (had a look at that en route). Peterborough town centre did not have much to look at really and seemed quite an ordinary place really. I cannot say I will be in a rush to return and there was little of note to really see outside of the aforementioned Cathedral and a strange looking chapel type building right in the middle of the shopping area near another Church.


A sandwich and a sausage roll to soak up the beer was followed by a trip on the Charters Arms (boat/barge bar). Very busy on here but we got a beer and then stood outside on the bank watching some well oiled Blades sing their catalogue of tunes. We then walked the 10 minutes from there to the ground for the game and were in well before kick-off. After the game we returned to Puzzles and then went to The Stoneworks bar where you chose your ale from 20 or so numbers and brief descriptions with all the taps next to each other. Lovely little bar. We decided to get the 18.26 train I think it was and headed for home, via Nottingham where my mate got lives – we went for some tea at Pizza Express and another beer before heading for the 21.17 train back to Sheffield for me. Had a few more beers with some other Blades on the way home. Got home, tired but smiling. A great away day. I am getting too old to drink as much as above but do enjoy doing it when I can. The late win made it all the better.

 

[super_pig]

love it. nice one DB as always

 

[Seanshoreham]

Didn't make it yesterday DB, sounded great, but our 'oldies' trip to Peterboro 1982 lives in the heart - forever

Thanks yet again

 

[Esablade]

Cheers DB.

Must say how impressed I am by Hanson's mobility, for a big feller he gets about the pitch and puts himself about...definitely a missing piece in the jigsaw.

Lots of good performances on the day.

UTB!

 

[LoughboroBlade]

SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 7/10 – Had little do really. Seemed almost caught out on that free kick as he scurried across the goal and seemed to be too far over but after this he did everything really well. His handling in tricky condition was excellent. He made one very good save from a low shot second half from Maddison and then caught/held the few others bits he had to do.


Freeman 7.5/10 – Good energy all game. He got up and down and seems incredibly fit. It is odd as he seems almost languid as he runs with his sleeves of his undershirt over his hands but he is actually very quick and athletic. He got into some superb positions but at times was a bit wasteful when he got there. Two crosses he hit first man and then miscontrolled another good chance second half but he kept going forward and I felt turned the dangerous Binnon Williams the other way and made sure he was not a threat attacking wise. He is key to many of our attacks as he stretches defences.


Lafferty 7/10 – Functional and showed his worth by being that solid player down the left. Nothing flashy and good defensively but I felt but his final ball was often poor. He drove two good crosses in but he hit his man or telegraphed quite a few others. He missed a really good chance as he leant back and skied it badly over in the second half when he should have scored. Came off for Lavery with 10 minutes to go as United went even more attacking.


Basham 8/10 – All the centre backs comments and ratings will be similar. They were all superb. All won their battles, came onto the ball and got to it first and then carried it the other way. All were strong decisive and quicker than their opponents. Posh did not get behind us all game and did not have a clear chance in the box. They really were that good. Basham was solid with some good tackles, headers and stepped out when he could and used the ball very well.


O’Connell 8/10- As above. Really strong in the tackles and then also got forward well when he was allowed to come down the left second half and put in two good crosses. He has been so consistent in recent times and every week seems to be really solid. He was faultless today.


Wright 8/10 – As above. Showed his class as he constantly read through balls, made interceptions or got in tackles to stop Posh from making inroads. So calm and assured and today he just swept up the loose pieces. Made one super tackles as they threatened to break after we gave it away up the other end. A really solid player who seems to have that winning mentality as his record shows having never lost in a Blades shirt.


Fleck 8/10 – Fleck was superb again – the best player on the field for me. He won tackles, chased, harried and then on the ball rarely lost it. He played short, long, drove forward and generally made us tick. With Coutts out he had to step up even more today and he did. He is a bundle of energy but he just keeps coming and Posh had no answer to him.


Carruthers 6.5/10 – Mixed bag. A player who wants to get involved and to make things happen. Plays it off and goes again for the return and he wanted to get forward. His final pass was not always on the money and he gave it away a few times but he is still perhaps getting to know players and their runs. He is a different player to Coutts and more of a box to box type. He gets across the pitch and offers us a bit more pace I felt but needs to be a bit more secure in his passing. He will get better I think.


Duffy 6.5/10 – Not quite his day. He had a few shots over and some decent bits of link play. He actually started the game well and for the first half hour he was one of our more influential players but I felt his impact lessened. He did not quite impact things as much after this and not surprised he came off on the hour. A real talent but he does drift out of games and at times I feel his final product recently has been a bit lacking. A really good footballer though and still technically better than many of his opponents he faces.


Hanson 7.5/10 – Up top Hanson was excellent in everything apart from finishing. He won every header and completely dominated the centre backs. They won nothing against him all day and he completely outplayed them from a physical perspective. His link play was good too. The goal was really down to him in many ways as he won the big header at the back stick. The only fault was his finishing – he missed two big chances first half and then a couple of headers second half. Although a couple were not easy, two should have been buried – second shot on rebound and first header he missed. Still he had really added something to the side. I will also say; he is more mobile than I thought and for someone who had not played much football, he did not tire and got stronger. He can get about the pitch and is not quite the big lumbering striker some portrayed him as when we signed him. Him and Sharp have linked well. They look a good partnership.


Sharp 6.5/10 – His mark to be honest would have been maybe a 5 at best if not for the goal. He did not play well at all but gains extra marks for the all important winner. He did pull back well to Hanson first half but outside of this not his day and many would not have been surprised if he had been hooked but the reason he stayed on is because he does things like that. His overall touch and effort was not there today. He seemed very slow and behind the play and often he was caught offside or on his heels. I felt he seemed somewhat sluggish. Maybe be needs a rest Tuesday night which would be bold for our leading scorer but I would not be surprised if he went Hanson and Lavery keeping Billy fresh for the big one next week.


Subs –


Lavery – Busy when he came on. He is a good impact sub at the moment; he is lively and always looks to move the ball either with touches himself or playing others in. He was involved in quite a few attacks as we piled on the pressure at the end and helped make the goal. Might get a start with the busy run of games coming up but it works well having his energy and legs at the end and does look a goal threat.


O’Shea – Did ok actually. Played just off the strikers but moved across the lie quite a bit. He looked for the ball and wanted to get involved. One poor shot over and another moment he dithered a bit but seems an intelligent footballer who looks to get on the ball. His cross for the winner was excellent with little back lift. He really dug it out. I think he may start at Bristol and Duffy may get a rest.


Riley – Came on right at the death. Think he had a couple of touches as he played in midfield as we saw out time.



Manager – Wilder 8/10 – A win and another very good assured performance where we controlled things all game. He brought in two players who did ok and made the changes at right time, making us go even more attacking. In short he wanted to win the game and in the end this bold, attacking stance paid off. Under Adkins/Clough we would not have done that and settled for a draw but were determined to get the winner. Sometimes it backfires but Peterborough just got further and further pinned back. Deserves credit for getting us back to the high pressing, quicker tempo play we had come to expect till recent poor run. Two excellent back to back wins and now are well set for the run in. I think he will move a few players around to keep the freshness in the run in.

Pretty much exactly how I saw the match.

Wilder has a big decision to make on Tuesday on whether EEL is brought back in. Based on how well the three at the back played, I would give them a run and only change it if one of them becomes injured. None of them deserve to be dropped.

 

[Deadbat]

The Caolan Lavery song.- basically sing his name at the end of the der,der, derr, der bit!

 

[Deadbat]

Agreed. Defence stays the same. I would bring in O'Shea for Duffy and Lavery for Sharp. Keep them fresh for the weekend. Might be bold but thats what I would do.

Then bring back Coutts, Sharp and Duffy next Saturday

 

[sheffielder]

I think I would consider leaving EEL until next weekend when he's coming up against the arial threat of Van der whats his face for Scunthorpe.
Would leave Coutts and Hanson out in prep for next week.
I don't think resting your 20 goal striker is prudent, especially as he's a fit lad.

 

[ForgeBlade]

Excellent report as ever but I'd have given Fleck another point...for me he ran the game and looked a class apart from everyone else on the pitch.

On another note, I drove past the boat/bar on the way out and was really annoyed that I was driving as it looked a cracking venue!

 

[JohnDenver]

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Peterborough – They were poor but I think we made them look poor. They looked languid and offered little threat. I felt they lost many individual battles and the key areas of the field. They started on the back foot and even though they had a few spells with Maddison having a few shots, they rarely got behind us or properly penetrated even when the quick lad Morias came on for the last half hour. United snuffed out anything they offered attacking wide. Midfield they have some decent players but they were second best and I felt at the back they never controlled Hanson all game. They were last ditch for long spells and you kind of felt a goal might be inevitable as they were being pressed back.


I am not sure they even set out to be quite defensive or play on the break; I think they just could not cope with United’s pressing and wave after wave of passes/attacks. If the game had finished 0-3 it would have been a fairer reflection. I tipped them for promotion at the start of the season but things have not quite come together for them. They have some talent but I do not think they have great strikers really – signing Mackail Smith seemed a bit of a desperate move – was he even playing for Luton? I also feel that they lack experience in key areas although Bostwick and Baldwin have been playing centre backs much of the season I believe, the two lads today were poor.


Not sure they will even get into the playoffs with one of the top 3 a shoe in and then Bradford, Southend, Rochdale and also Millwall now making a late run. They will have to have a real push but seem woefully inconsistent. The 4-0 defeat at home to MK was followed by a 3-0 win at Port Vale. They seem unable to string results together.


Opponent man of the match : The keeper made a few good saves and Grant showed some of his passing and strength at times but the lad Maddison was the main threat and standout (his bleached blond hair helped with that!). He did not do too much for spells and maybe did not help with the midfield battle as he is quite a forward thinking player but he had 2 or 3 efforts on goal and looked lively when get got on the ball.


Opponent Weak link : Not sure there was one particularly poor player but the two centre backs Tafazolli (we had an escape not signing him I feel looking at what we have now) and Ball were pulled apart all game. Also the full backs struggled to keep up with our runs forward. I will say though the two strikers Mackail Smith and Nichols (seemed to be closet to Mackail Smith) offered nothing. Surprised one stayed on all game and it took an hour for the other to come off. They were not in the game and did not even offer nuisance value.


SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 7/10 – Had little do really. Seemed almost caught out on that free kick as he scurried across the goal and seemed to be too far over but after this he did everything really well. His handling in tricky condition was excellent. He made one very good save from a low shot second half from Maddison and then caught/held the few others bits he had to do.


Freeman 7.5/10 – Good energy all game. He got up and down and seems incredibly fit. It is odd as he seems almost languid as he runs with his sleeves of his undershirt over his hands but he is actually very quick and athletic. He got into some superb positions but at times was a bit wasteful when he got there. Two crosses he hit first man and then miscontrolled another good chance second half but he kept going forward and I felt turned the dangerous Binnon Williams the other way and made sure he was not a threat attacking wise. He is key to many of our attacks as he stretches defences.


Lafferty 7/10 – Functional and showed his worth by being that solid player down the left. Nothing flashy and good defensively but I felt but his final ball was often poor. He drove two good crosses in but he hit his man or telegraphed quite a few others. He missed a really good chance as he leant back and skied it badly over in the second half when he should have scored. Came off for Lavery with 10 minutes to go as United went even more attacking.


Basham 8/10 – All the centre backs comments and ratings will be similar. They were all superb. All won their battles, came onto the ball and got to it first and then carried it the other way. All were strong decisive and quicker than their opponents. Posh did not get behind us all game and did not have a clear chance in the box. They really were that good. Basham was solid with some good tackles, headers and stepped out when he could and used the ball very well.


O’Connell 8/10- As above. Really strong in the tackles and then also got forward well when he was allowed to come down the left second half and put in two good crosses. He has been so consistent in recent times and every week seems to be really solid. He was faultless today.


Wright 8/10 – As above. Showed his class as he constantly read through balls, made interceptions or got in tackles to stop Posh from making inroads. So calm and assured and today he just swept up the loose pieces. Made one super tackles as they threatened to break after we gave it away up the other end. A really solid player who seems to have that winning mentality as his record shows having never lost in a Blades shirt.


Fleck 8/10 – Fleck was superb again – the best player on the field for me. He won tackles, chased, harried and then on the ball rarely lost it. He played short, long, drove forward and generally made us tick. With Coutts out he had to step up even more today and he did. He is a bundle of energy but he just keeps coming and Posh had no answer to him.


Carruthers 6.5/10 – Mixed bag. A player who wants to get involved and to make things happen. Plays it off and goes again for the return and he wanted to get forward. His final pass was not always on the money and he gave it away a few times but he is still perhaps getting to know players and their runs. He is a different player to Coutts and more of a box to box type. He gets across the pitch and offers us a bit more pace I felt but needs to be a bit more secure in his passing. He will get better I think.


Duffy 6.5/10 – Not quite his day. He had a few shots over and some decent bits of link play. He actually started the game well and for the first half hour he was one of our more influential players but I felt his impact lessened. He did not quite impact things as much after this and not surprised he came off on the hour. A real talent but he does drift out of games and at times I feel his final product recently has been a bit lacking. A really good footballer though and still technically better than many of his opponents he faces.


Hanson 7.5/10 – Up top Hanson was excellent in everything apart from finishing. He won every header and completely dominated the centre backs. They won nothing against him all day and he completely outplayed them from a physical perspective. His link play was good too. The goal was really down to him in many ways as he won the big header at the back stick. The only fault was his finishing – he missed two big chances first half and then a couple of headers second half. Although a couple were not easy, two should have been buried – second shot on rebound and first header he missed. Still he had really added something to the side. I will also say; he is more mobile than I thought and for someone who had not played much football, he did not tire and got stronger. He can get about the pitch and is not quite the big lumbering striker some portrayed him as when we signed him. Him and Sharp have linked well. They look a good partnership.


Sharp 6.5/10 – His mark to be honest would have been maybe a 5 at best if not for the goal. He did not play well at all but gains extra marks for the all important winner. He did pull back well to Hanson first half but outside of this not his day and many would not have been surprised if he had been hooked but the reason he stayed on is because he does things like that. His overall touch and effort was not there today. He seemed very slow and behind the play and often he was caught offside or on his heels. I felt he seemed somewhat sluggish. Maybe be needs a rest Tuesday night which would be bold for our leading scorer but I would not be surprised if he went Hanson and Lavery keeping Billy fresh for the big one next week.


Subs –


Lavery – Busy when he came on. He is a good impact sub at the moment; he is lively and always looks to move the ball either with touches himself or playing others in. He was involved in quite a few attacks as we piled on the pressure at the end and helped make the goal. Might get a start with the busy run of games coming up but it works well having his energy and legs at the end and does look a goal threat.


O’Shea – Did ok actually. Played just off the strikers but moved across the lie quite a bit. He looked for the ball and wanted to get involved. One poor shot over and another moment he dithered a bit but seems an intelligent footballer who looks to get on the ball. His cross for the winner was excellent with little back lift. He really dug it out. I think he may start at Bristol and Duffy may get a rest.


Riley – Came on right at the death. Think he had a couple of touches as he played in midfield as we saw out time.



Manager – Wilder 8/10 – A win and another very good assured performance where we controlled things all game. He brought in two players who did ok and made the changes at right time, making us go even more attacking. In short he wanted to win the game and in the end this bold, attacking stance paid off. Under Adkins/Clough we would not have done that and settled for a draw but were determined to get the winner. Sometimes it backfires but Peterborough just got further and further pinned back. Deserves credit for getting us back to the high pressing, quicker tempo play we had come to expect till recent poor run. Two excellent back to back wins and now are well set for the run in. I think he will move a few players around to keep the freshness in the run in.


Ref – Andy Haines. Utterly abysmal. Fussy, error ridden, wanted to be the star of the show. He was diabolical – both ways but I felt we got some awful decisions though. A few clear fouls were ignored or he had no idea how to play the advantage rule (twice we were sprinting away and he brought us back). He booked Sharp for a poor tackle but missed a clear foul on us before. In fairness, the other 3 bookings, Carruthers, Nichols and Edwards were deserved but in general play he was poor. He seemed to do his best for them who were so poor they needed an extra man it seemed. He gave most 50/50’s to them and seemed intent on stopping the game whenever he could. I half expected him to find a mysterious foul on our goal. He just looked like a rabbit in the headlights and had no control of the game. He seemed to think constantly blowing his whistle and stopping it would bring that control but it just slowed down the game. He was not helped by two assistants that struggled to keep up with play and seemed unaware what a foul throw was (ironic Haines gave one against us but missed the Posh player being 3 yards over the line on an earlier one).




Crowd – 10,528 with around 4,000 Blades in the ground. In contrast to the poor atmosphere and lack of noise at the Lane, as is often the case the away support was superb. The Blades fans both behind the goal and to the stand in the right, sang from start to finish and really got behind the side. The volume was really loud and a god variety of songs too – the new Caolan Lavery chant is a novel one I suppose (sure someone will post a link of the song it is from – some dance song – cannot remember!) but is quite catchy. As they kicked towards us second half, the fans kept with the team as they searched for the goal and when it came…scenes….there were arms and legs everywhere. I ended up hugging someone I did not know; ditto for my mate. That is what a late winner does for you. I may have also ended up on a different row as did many others. A few went on the pitch (not sure why they did that and a bit disappointing if a few stewards got hurt in the commotion) and it was bedlam all around. United saw out the stoppage time and then the fans celebrated again as the team came to salute them. Nothing finder than a late winning goal; especially from your leading scorer, skipper and boyhood Blade.


This was my first visit to Peterborough (place and ground). A place that has somehow eluded me so far. The ground was odd. It has a couple of decent stands, away end is ok and a fairly new stand and the big two tiered stand to the left is good too. They have a very old fashioned main stand that was 50% United fans and then a poor home end which is standing and is very small. There were not nay fans inside this. Outside the ground, it is a bit of a mess with a big car park and pools of water everywhere. It is not the most salubrious of settings. You have to wade through said puddles and car park to get around to the away end. Inside the away end the facilities were ok and you had an almost patio doors to look out of at the back of the concourse. Been in worse although people were struggling to find where you got beer from but fans seemed to find somewhere. Of course most games they struggle to get more than 5,000 but today the United fans helped swell the gate somewhat. Peterborough fans were fairly quiet but you expect that I suppose when the away side were quite dominant.


Day Out – The day consisted of the 8.37am train direct to Peterborough with my mate getting on at Nottingham. We got there no bother and was surprised how empty the train was- did many who went by train go later or via Doncaster? We got into the centre and had a quick beer at the Sir Henry Royce (Wetherspoons) before lots of Blades entered – timed it well! We then went to the delightfully named Osterich Inn before heading to the Wortley Almshouses (Sam Smiths) to have a beer by the fire which was nice considering the weather outside. A portly lady came in and declared it was ‘Thirty dip at Witherspoons’ and that O’Neills had run of beer. They decided they were stopping here. That was our cue to leave and we went to the Brewery Tap which was an odd place. Huge pub with an eating bit (Chinese above). We then moved onto Puzzles? – a nice little pub not far from the Cathedral (had a look at that en route). Peterborough town centre did not have much to look at really and seemed quite an ordinary place really. I cannot say I will be in a rush to return and there was little of note to really see outside of the aforementioned Cathedral and a strange looking chapel type building right in the middle of the shopping area near another Church.


A sandwich and a sausage roll to soak up the beer was followed by a trip on the Charters Arms (boat/barge bar). Very busy on here but we got a beer and then stood outside on the bank watching some well oiled Blades sing their catalogue of tunes. We then walked the 10 minutes from there to the ground for the game and were in well before kick-off. After the game we returned to Puzzles and then went to The Stoneworks bar where you chose your ale from 20 or so numbers and brief descriptions with all the taps next to each other. Lovely little bar. We decided to get the 18.26 train I think it was and headed for home, via Nottingham where my mate got lives – we went for some tea at Pizza Express and another beer before heading for the 21.17 train back to Sheffield for me. Had a few more beers with some other Blades on the way home. Got home, tired but smiling. A great away day. I am getting too old to drink as much as above but do enjoy doing it when I can. The late win made it all the better.

Great work. If I drank that much I'd be hospitalised.

 

[sitwell]

I agree with above fleck deserved an extra point and MOM ,buut I agree with all your report Deadbat apart from virtually everything about Peterboro. I think they are a good side with some very good players ,its just Utd played really well to nullify them. I actually thought Maddison who was my main worry was their weak link and far from their MOM. Grant is a good player and they have a few more ,we had to play very well to get a result.
One disappointed was whoever the prick was who threw a bottle at their keeper when we scored ,he gave it to the ref ,who gave it to a copper ,it wasn't even immediately after so it was meant ,what sort of dickhead does that ?

 

[1973Blade]

Good to see an away report from you. Looking back, yes we dominated possession, but during the game I always feel we are about to concede! Do you do these reports from memory or do you write notes during the game?

 

[1973Blade]

The Caolan Lavery song.- basically sing his name at the end of the der,der, derr, der bit!

Blades chants getting into the 21st century! Have we exhausted all the 70s and 80s songs?!

 

[Dkc]

It would be bold to drop Sharp on Tuesday, but I'd back Wilder if he left him on the bench. If it's a fitness issue he can be brought on for the second 45 mins. Thing is, Sharp has a nose for the net that others don't, and he's always looking to attack the goal. He may not be the fastest but you know if Sharp has a sniff of the ball the opposition's goal is under threat.

Good report btw, sounds like a top drinking session

 

[Grappler]

Good report, pretty much as I saw it.

I have always thought Maddison was a decent player at this level, and he was pretty much the main threat.

I drove down, got parked near the ground, but too late for a pre match pint. Thought their away end was fine, stewards were all friendly. Lively Blades crowd, in fine voice.

Your player scores are fairly accurate DB; back three were excellent and I would not bring EEL back in yet, Basham is far more mobile.

Moore made a couple of saves but not much else to do.

Carruthers - not the best player, thought he was ok in short bursts and looks for the right pass, but a few simple short ones went astray.

Duffy - not his best game but he has had a decent season so I won't pull him up too much. I was impressed by O'Shea who looks strong at this level, he could be that midfielder that bursts into the box and causes mayhem.

Fleck - ran the game single handed, always looks for the right pass, always looks to stretch opposition defence, and has a thunderous shot when he lets it go.

Freeman and Lafferty - steady and a strong work rate, especially Freeman, never stops.

Hanson and Sharp - played well together, Hanson is good as a target man, gets the ball, simple lay off to midfield players and then runs up to get in position for the goal threat. Strong in the air, strong on the ground, decent shot on him and an absolute 6ft 4" handful in the box. Billy wears his heart on his sleeve, he is a Blades fan who just happens to be Captain of the team he supports, he gets just as frustrated as the Blades fans when things don't go our way, but patience paid off and a lovely header from Hanson, over the keeper, to Billy at the back post, saw a simple head in for goal.

Lavery looked good when he came on, very tricky player.

It must be daunting for opposition teams, opposition managers and opposition fans, when they look at our bench, most of those players would be first team starters anywhere else!

Went to the Drapers Arms (Wetherspoons) after, packed full of Blades, had wander round the centre and then drove back, A1 dead clear, back in well under 2 hours.

UTB.

 

[Deadbat]

I agree with above fleck deserved an extra point and MOM ,buut I agree with all your report Deadbat apart from virtually everything about Peterboro. I think they are a good side with some very good players ,its just Utd played really well to nullify them. I actually thought Maddison who was my main worry was their weak link and far from their MOM. Grant is a good player and they have a few more ,we had to play very well to get a result.
One disappointed was whoever the prick was who threw a bottle at their keeper when we scored ,he gave it to the ref ,who gave it to a copper ,it wasn't even immediately after so it was meant ,what sort of dickhead does that ?

To be honest I meant to put 8.5 for Fleck but missed typing it. Thats what his mark should be.

I felt Maddison flattered to deceive but was still the main threat. They are a decent side but we were much better

 

[TBW57]

A few random thoughts

Peterborough is a friendly town. It's nowt to write home about but has a great Cathedral and some very old bits which look very incongruous in the less-than-thrilling town centre.

The Blades were hugely superior. Posh defended bravely, especially the number 2 who was injured and yet still carried on as best he could. Marcus Maddison had an off day (and has an ice cream on his head) but looks dangerous. Junior Morias is an absolute monster. He looks a million miles from a professional athlete but is in fact remarkably quick for such a huge man. The goalie played well too.

The moment when we scored was one of those moments that don't come along in life as often as they should. I lost my head, as did 4000 fellow Blades.

John Fleck and Jack O'Connell stood out as particularly good in what was a great team performance.

There was a woman in front of me; very feminine, with long hair and with her boyfriend. That didn't stop her singing songs about the Shoreham boys, including shagging Peterborough's women and drinking their beer.

Little boy next to me also joined in, and sang about Wednesday running away, swinging a pig etc. At half time I tried to talk to him and he was too shy to speak to me.

The ref was so bad it was almost funny at first, but then became annoying. I bet he was fed up he couldn't find an excuse to disallow our goal. After the game I heard some Posh fans saying they thought he was crap as well.

There is a road in Newark called The Woodwards.

 

[10-0 win]

Think we'll see more of Riley, as CW states he's showing in training he's a cut above...

 

[coaxingstar71]

Cheers Deadbat , reading this in Penang, Malaysia. You're a godsend. Even looks like CW took your advice on team selection for the Bristol Rovers game!