Ollessendro
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Ollessendro’s quest for real and proper football took him to South East London yesterday, where the Blades frustratingly lost out to league leaders Charlton. A solitary goal won the game for the Addicks at the Valley. It was a wonder strike from Johnnie Jackson that won the game for Charlton. In a tight affair, with few chances, the 30 yard free kick settled the game. United will feel that they should have taken something from the game after controlling possession and generally being in ascendency. However the Blades struggled to break down a well organised Charlton and created few chances. It was a frustrating afternoon when little seemed to go United’s way and I just felt our luck was out.
The match
Wilson named an unchanged team for this highly anticipated encounter. The Blades made the early running and looked lively early on. They quickly showed their intentions, by starting on the front foot. We were knocking the ball about well and looking to take the game to Charlton. That said, Charlton were no slouches and looked dangerous countering. Despite us controlling the first 20 minutes, we did not create that much. I remember Doyle having a tame effort and McDonald shooting over, but not much else. Like the rest of the game we huffed and puffed, but lacked that bit extra in the final third.
Disaster struck on 21 minutes when Charlton got a soft free kick on the edge of the area. Collins was judged to have fouled Hollands. I thought it was a foul, but I was in a minority. I have not managed to see a replay. Every Blade I spoke to thought it was a dive and a soft free kick. Collins certainly thought so. Jackson slammed the free kick past Simmonsen into the top right hand corner of the goal. It was a superb free kick, but the keeper may think he could have done better. It was on Simmo’s side and if he’d stayed put he might have got it. I might be being harsh, but a top quality keeper would have saved in my opinion. I can understand why Simmonsen moved across his goal, with Jackson slamming it in the other corner against Wednesday last week, but felt he shouldn have stayed put. It was a superb strike though and worthy of a goal. The Blades may feel a tad unlucky (it was a debatable free kick and cracking strike) and it just shows that a bit if luck can decide these big games.
United were undeterred and continued to press. Buoyed by the fantastic travelling support the Blades pressed to find an equaliser. Williamson tested the keeper Hamer with a 30 yard free kick, that turned out to be United’s only shot on target. The Blades had the ball in the net shortly after, but Cresswell was offside. Another controversial refereeing decision saw United have another goal disallowed. Hamer was under no pressure, yet he spilled Williamson’s corner into his own goal. The ball had clearly crossed the line, but Maguire was pulled for fouling the defender. I was a long way away from the incident and there were few appeals from the Blades players. However watching the highlights, it seemed harsh. If anything Maguire was being fouled and the keeper was not touched. Charlton got lucky, as it could easily have been given. It’s really frustrating to see goals like Huddersfield’s first allowed, yet this not.
The second half saw United push on more and look for the equaliser. Charlton were happy to sit back and let the Blades play. We looked good up until the final third. The back 4 and midfield were passing the ball well, but the strikers looked a little isolated. There was not enough movement from Evans or Cresswell and we were guilty of making some bad decisions in the final third. Credit to Charlton who were well organised and gave us little time and space in and around their area. They have a good defence and we struggled to break them down.
Still, United had the chance to get level mid way through the second half. Evans missed a sitter. Hamer came for a corner and spilled it. Evans picked up the loose ball and took it round the keeper, only to fire over the bar. It was a bad miss. He did everything right, except for hitting the target. That was our big chance and we blew it.
There was lots more huffing and puffing from United, but no end product. McDonald was wasteful in possession in the final third on 2 occasions. Maguire opted to shoot, when McDonald was well positioned and we had men over. Still I do not remember any shots on target. Disappointing as I do not rate Charlton’s keeper.
Beattie and Williams were introduced and not longer came more controversy. Charlton’s sub Russell was sent of for a bad tackle on McDonald. It looked a little harsh, but he went in studs showing. The ref branded the red card straight away. In the preceding handbags, Beattie came in and grabbed a Charlton player by the neck. It was a stupid and rash thing to do and right in front of the ref. The red sent of Beattie and there were few complaints. It was really disappointing and unprofessional. At 34 he should know better. What little chance we had of getting back in it gone after Beattie’s stupidity. That may be his last action in a Blades shirt.
The day was summed up in the final seconds when Porter ballooned his header over the bar from a Quinn corner. A frustrating afternoon saw Charlton extend their lead at the top and Huddersfield later go above the Blades.
Ollessendro’s thoughts on United
We were the better team today, but lacked that cutting edge. We controlled possession, but just did not work the Charlton keeper enough. There was some nice ticky tacky passing, but not enough bite. I was impressed by the way we knocked it about, but we need to work the keeper more. It’s nice to see us come to the top of the league and look in control, but disappointing to lose. Evans and Cresswell looked a little isolated and struggled against a good Charlton defence. The likes of McDonald, Williamson, Quinn and Evans are used to having a bit more time to create things. They will continue to create and score against the likes of Yeovil and Bury, but struggled against a well organised defence.
I was a bit disappointed with our bench today. Where was Flynn? This makes me question our squad. The first team is one of the best in the league, but we don’t have strength in depth. Plan A was clearly not working, but we had little options to change it. We had the ineffective Porter and past it Beattie. Then it was Monty, Long and Williams. If we are going to finish top 2 I think we need a winger and centre mid (and probably a defender). Looking at our squad (without my red and white specs) I am not sure it is good enough for automatic promotion. Of course I think it will depend on luck and keeping McDonald and Evans fit. I am confident that we’ll win most of our home games, but don’t think we’ll pick up points at the likes of Huddersfield. Tough games at Brentford, MK Dons and the Sty will be telling too.
I also thought we were a bit narrow. Guess this comes from playing Quinn and Willo. We struggled to get behind Charlton and I think some pace out wide might have helped.
Charlton
Wasn’t that impressed by them, but they got the result. They offered little going forward and rarely threatened. However they won the game. Their luck was in (with the wonder strike and disallowed goal) but though Powell got it spot on today. They knew that not losing was a good result and set out to nullify us. They kept their shape and worked hard. They are a well organised defensive unit and gave us little time and space in the final third. Their keeper is a bit dodgy, but their back 4 is excellent. They really shut up shop and put in a very professional defensive performance. I would not go as far as the guy on Radio Sheffield, saying they were like Red Star Belgrade vs Olympic Marseille in the late 80’s, but they did ‘park the bus’ so to speak. I was unsure about how they would set up (whether they’d attack us or sit back) but it worked. They did the same things vs Wednesday. Of course they had the benefit of being way ahead in the league and knowing that any result would have been a good one.
Thought they were a bit cynical actually. Their nobhead keeper (his celebrations at the end were completely unnecessary) time wasted terribly. They were constantly moaning at the ref and were a bit dirty. Their number 18 (little black fella) could and should have been sent off. He was yellow carded and then put in a bad tackle. They also got away with lots of time wasting and lots of fouling.
They’ll go up as champions this year. They are a very hard team to beat and have enough quality to pick off most teams. They were a bit lucky, but that is the way things go at the top.
Crimes Against Hoof
I think the whole team could have been locked up for crimes against hoof. We passed from the back, controlled possession and looked completely comfortable on the ball. It was a proper footballing performance. Despite us lacking that cutting edge, it was pleasing on the eye. Neil Collins and Michael Doyle rarely put a foot wrong and found a red and white shirt on almost every occasion.
Crimes Against football
Couldn’t single anyone out. Maguire’s distribution was not great, but he played well. Under Danny Wilson the Blades seem to have banished hoof.
Player ratings
SS 6/10 – generally had a decent game, but could maybe have saved the goal. His distribution was pretty good and he looked competent and composed. His handling was good and he made some decent routine saves and catches.
Lowton 7.5/10 – probably our best player. Defended well and got forward well too. Played with passion and grit. Charlton did not have a look in down the left hand side. He also got forward well and supported Willo.
Jean Francois 6/10 – his usual self! Defended pretty well and looked good going forward. However does some strange things sometimes and looks like a bomb waiting to go off when he had the ball in possession in our half.
Maguire 7/10 – solid game. Dealt really well with the pace of Wright Phillips. He defended well all afternoon. However his distribution was not great. He aims to go long way too often. One ball was an excellent one to Cresswell, but all too often it gives away possession. The bald Charlton defender (number 6) just lapped these up all afternoon.
Collins 7/10 – solid game. Similar to Maguire he defended well and gave Charlton little. His distribution was good too. He always looks for the pass and makes himself available for other defenders and Simmo. Generally dealt with everything Charlton threw at us. The whole defence played well yesterday and back 4 looked well organised.
Williamson 4.5/10 – bit disappointing yesterday. He had quality, but struggled against a decent left back. We did not see him get into the box, take his full back on etc. His corners were good and troubled the dodgy Harper, but I expected more from him.
Quinn 5.5 – Mixed game for me. He looked lively and tried to get on the ball and do things. He looked like he might actually do something and be the player to trouble Charlton. However he drifts in and out of the game. He has a tendency to hang onto the ball too long and still does those aimless flicks. He also drifts inside too often it means we are too narrow.
Doyle 6/10 – had a decent game yesterday. He is limited, but he does a job. He helped United to control the midfield. Thought he did the defensive job well and his distribution was good. He is not going to make a killer pass, but he kept the ball well.
McDonald 5/10 – mixed game. Looked good on the ball for the most part. His usual incise short and long passing, creating space and finding a yard was there. However he wasted possession a few times. In the final third he made a few bad decisions. I expect more from him in big games. He could have been the key to unlocking Charlton, but was slightly off yesterday.
Evans 4/10 – through he was poor yesterday. His touch was awful and the ball did not stick. His movement was not good enough and Charlton tamed him easily. He was up against good defenders and he really struggled. Also missed a massive chance. Simply have to take chances like that against the best teams. Bad day at the office.
Cresswell 4.5/10 – thought he struggled today. He offered more of an outlet that Evans, but got dominated by a good defence. It highlighted to me that he was not quite good enough. We know he is slow and does not have great strength/aerial ability. He usually makes up for it with hard work and a tendency to be in the right place at the right time. However I felt, despite his hard work, that Charlton dealt with him easily.
Officials
Thought the ref had a bad game. Got some big decisions wrong (the free kick according to many and the disallowed goal) and seemed to lose it towards the end. It was funny when the whole ground joined in singing ‘you’re not fit to referee’. Thought he was a bit finicky and inconsistent. Quick to show his card on occasions and not on others. Should have sent a couple of Charlton players off for 2nd bookings. The linesman close to us was shocking too. As Foxy stated in another thread he pulled up McDonald for doing nothing/the defender falling over (when he was well positioned), missed the ball going on and showed general incompetency.
Atmosphere
Good following and a cracking atmosphere in the away end. Got behind the team and did us proud. Quite like the Valley. Decent enough stadium. Close to the train station and like the surrounding area (residential). The away end is not designed to deal with 3 thousand people though!
I have a gripe of course. When are clubs going to learn how to deal with more fans? You would hope that someone at the club would say to the catering manager ‘were expecting nigh on 3k away fans’ and they would get prepared. They had 4 members of staff serving at one catering stand. Why can’t common sense be applied. For example pulling one hundred pints of bitter and one hundred lagers in the first half in preparation for half time. Instead there chaos as the painfully slow staff pulled drinks to order.
Also, why the fuck did the Met close all the pubs in the area? Didn’t realise we lived in a fascist state. Shutting all the pubs in the area is more likely to lead to trouble imo. Why not allow us to have a few beers with the Charlton fans after the game? Bit annoying.
Ale
Drank a lot of ale yesterday! Was in the George in London Bridge before midday and back after the game. Left when it closed (I think). The George does good ale and the pick was George (brewed for them by Greene King). It's a medium ale, slightly tinted with red. Fairly strong tasting, though not overloaded with hops or anything. I tried a couple of others (Whiting and one I can’t remember) but they were not as good. So I stuck to the George. Fuck knows how many I sank, but it must have been a lot.
Olle’s final thoughts
We played well, but we lost. We can take solace that we came to the top of the league’s ground and outplayed them. However we need to be more clinical when playing top teams. We need more movement up front, more quality in the final third and to take our chances when they come up. I am obviously disappointed with the result. However, on reflection, I think we were a bit unlucky. We lost to a moments brilliance. We also should have had a goal. The ref cost us with a bad decision. I was pleased with how we knocked it about and we looked good defensively. Charlton rarely troubled us. However, Charlton have done the double over us fairly easily. Our record against the other top teams in the division is not good. I have concerns that we’ll get turned over against these teams and feel we’ll need to step it up a gear in these games. My concern is that Huddersfield and Charlton are slightly better than us. But, it is not time to panic. We are still in with a shout of automatic promotion. February is going to be a difficult month. If we’re still within touching distance of the top 2 at the end of the month, then I think we have a really good chance.
The match
Wilson named an unchanged team for this highly anticipated encounter. The Blades made the early running and looked lively early on. They quickly showed their intentions, by starting on the front foot. We were knocking the ball about well and looking to take the game to Charlton. That said, Charlton were no slouches and looked dangerous countering. Despite us controlling the first 20 minutes, we did not create that much. I remember Doyle having a tame effort and McDonald shooting over, but not much else. Like the rest of the game we huffed and puffed, but lacked that bit extra in the final third.
Disaster struck on 21 minutes when Charlton got a soft free kick on the edge of the area. Collins was judged to have fouled Hollands. I thought it was a foul, but I was in a minority. I have not managed to see a replay. Every Blade I spoke to thought it was a dive and a soft free kick. Collins certainly thought so. Jackson slammed the free kick past Simmonsen into the top right hand corner of the goal. It was a superb free kick, but the keeper may think he could have done better. It was on Simmo’s side and if he’d stayed put he might have got it. I might be being harsh, but a top quality keeper would have saved in my opinion. I can understand why Simmonsen moved across his goal, with Jackson slamming it in the other corner against Wednesday last week, but felt he shouldn have stayed put. It was a superb strike though and worthy of a goal. The Blades may feel a tad unlucky (it was a debatable free kick and cracking strike) and it just shows that a bit if luck can decide these big games.
United were undeterred and continued to press. Buoyed by the fantastic travelling support the Blades pressed to find an equaliser. Williamson tested the keeper Hamer with a 30 yard free kick, that turned out to be United’s only shot on target. The Blades had the ball in the net shortly after, but Cresswell was offside. Another controversial refereeing decision saw United have another goal disallowed. Hamer was under no pressure, yet he spilled Williamson’s corner into his own goal. The ball had clearly crossed the line, but Maguire was pulled for fouling the defender. I was a long way away from the incident and there were few appeals from the Blades players. However watching the highlights, it seemed harsh. If anything Maguire was being fouled and the keeper was not touched. Charlton got lucky, as it could easily have been given. It’s really frustrating to see goals like Huddersfield’s first allowed, yet this not.
The second half saw United push on more and look for the equaliser. Charlton were happy to sit back and let the Blades play. We looked good up until the final third. The back 4 and midfield were passing the ball well, but the strikers looked a little isolated. There was not enough movement from Evans or Cresswell and we were guilty of making some bad decisions in the final third. Credit to Charlton who were well organised and gave us little time and space in and around their area. They have a good defence and we struggled to break them down.
Still, United had the chance to get level mid way through the second half. Evans missed a sitter. Hamer came for a corner and spilled it. Evans picked up the loose ball and took it round the keeper, only to fire over the bar. It was a bad miss. He did everything right, except for hitting the target. That was our big chance and we blew it.
There was lots more huffing and puffing from United, but no end product. McDonald was wasteful in possession in the final third on 2 occasions. Maguire opted to shoot, when McDonald was well positioned and we had men over. Still I do not remember any shots on target. Disappointing as I do not rate Charlton’s keeper.
Beattie and Williams were introduced and not longer came more controversy. Charlton’s sub Russell was sent of for a bad tackle on McDonald. It looked a little harsh, but he went in studs showing. The ref branded the red card straight away. In the preceding handbags, Beattie came in and grabbed a Charlton player by the neck. It was a stupid and rash thing to do and right in front of the ref. The red sent of Beattie and there were few complaints. It was really disappointing and unprofessional. At 34 he should know better. What little chance we had of getting back in it gone after Beattie’s stupidity. That may be his last action in a Blades shirt.
The day was summed up in the final seconds when Porter ballooned his header over the bar from a Quinn corner. A frustrating afternoon saw Charlton extend their lead at the top and Huddersfield later go above the Blades.
Ollessendro’s thoughts on United
We were the better team today, but lacked that cutting edge. We controlled possession, but just did not work the Charlton keeper enough. There was some nice ticky tacky passing, but not enough bite. I was impressed by the way we knocked it about, but we need to work the keeper more. It’s nice to see us come to the top of the league and look in control, but disappointing to lose. Evans and Cresswell looked a little isolated and struggled against a good Charlton defence. The likes of McDonald, Williamson, Quinn and Evans are used to having a bit more time to create things. They will continue to create and score against the likes of Yeovil and Bury, but struggled against a well organised defence.
I was a bit disappointed with our bench today. Where was Flynn? This makes me question our squad. The first team is one of the best in the league, but we don’t have strength in depth. Plan A was clearly not working, but we had little options to change it. We had the ineffective Porter and past it Beattie. Then it was Monty, Long and Williams. If we are going to finish top 2 I think we need a winger and centre mid (and probably a defender). Looking at our squad (without my red and white specs) I am not sure it is good enough for automatic promotion. Of course I think it will depend on luck and keeping McDonald and Evans fit. I am confident that we’ll win most of our home games, but don’t think we’ll pick up points at the likes of Huddersfield. Tough games at Brentford, MK Dons and the Sty will be telling too.
I also thought we were a bit narrow. Guess this comes from playing Quinn and Willo. We struggled to get behind Charlton and I think some pace out wide might have helped.
Charlton
Wasn’t that impressed by them, but they got the result. They offered little going forward and rarely threatened. However they won the game. Their luck was in (with the wonder strike and disallowed goal) but though Powell got it spot on today. They knew that not losing was a good result and set out to nullify us. They kept their shape and worked hard. They are a well organised defensive unit and gave us little time and space in the final third. Their keeper is a bit dodgy, but their back 4 is excellent. They really shut up shop and put in a very professional defensive performance. I would not go as far as the guy on Radio Sheffield, saying they were like Red Star Belgrade vs Olympic Marseille in the late 80’s, but they did ‘park the bus’ so to speak. I was unsure about how they would set up (whether they’d attack us or sit back) but it worked. They did the same things vs Wednesday. Of course they had the benefit of being way ahead in the league and knowing that any result would have been a good one.
Thought they were a bit cynical actually. Their nobhead keeper (his celebrations at the end were completely unnecessary) time wasted terribly. They were constantly moaning at the ref and were a bit dirty. Their number 18 (little black fella) could and should have been sent off. He was yellow carded and then put in a bad tackle. They also got away with lots of time wasting and lots of fouling.
They’ll go up as champions this year. They are a very hard team to beat and have enough quality to pick off most teams. They were a bit lucky, but that is the way things go at the top.
Crimes Against Hoof
I think the whole team could have been locked up for crimes against hoof. We passed from the back, controlled possession and looked completely comfortable on the ball. It was a proper footballing performance. Despite us lacking that cutting edge, it was pleasing on the eye. Neil Collins and Michael Doyle rarely put a foot wrong and found a red and white shirt on almost every occasion.
Crimes Against football
Couldn’t single anyone out. Maguire’s distribution was not great, but he played well. Under Danny Wilson the Blades seem to have banished hoof.
Player ratings
SS 6/10 – generally had a decent game, but could maybe have saved the goal. His distribution was pretty good and he looked competent and composed. His handling was good and he made some decent routine saves and catches.
Lowton 7.5/10 – probably our best player. Defended well and got forward well too. Played with passion and grit. Charlton did not have a look in down the left hand side. He also got forward well and supported Willo.
Jean Francois 6/10 – his usual self! Defended pretty well and looked good going forward. However does some strange things sometimes and looks like a bomb waiting to go off when he had the ball in possession in our half.
Maguire 7/10 – solid game. Dealt really well with the pace of Wright Phillips. He defended well all afternoon. However his distribution was not great. He aims to go long way too often. One ball was an excellent one to Cresswell, but all too often it gives away possession. The bald Charlton defender (number 6) just lapped these up all afternoon.
Collins 7/10 – solid game. Similar to Maguire he defended well and gave Charlton little. His distribution was good too. He always looks for the pass and makes himself available for other defenders and Simmo. Generally dealt with everything Charlton threw at us. The whole defence played well yesterday and back 4 looked well organised.
Williamson 4.5/10 – bit disappointing yesterday. He had quality, but struggled against a decent left back. We did not see him get into the box, take his full back on etc. His corners were good and troubled the dodgy Harper, but I expected more from him.
Quinn 5.5 – Mixed game for me. He looked lively and tried to get on the ball and do things. He looked like he might actually do something and be the player to trouble Charlton. However he drifts in and out of the game. He has a tendency to hang onto the ball too long and still does those aimless flicks. He also drifts inside too often it means we are too narrow.
Doyle 6/10 – had a decent game yesterday. He is limited, but he does a job. He helped United to control the midfield. Thought he did the defensive job well and his distribution was good. He is not going to make a killer pass, but he kept the ball well.
McDonald 5/10 – mixed game. Looked good on the ball for the most part. His usual incise short and long passing, creating space and finding a yard was there. However he wasted possession a few times. In the final third he made a few bad decisions. I expect more from him in big games. He could have been the key to unlocking Charlton, but was slightly off yesterday.
Evans 4/10 – through he was poor yesterday. His touch was awful and the ball did not stick. His movement was not good enough and Charlton tamed him easily. He was up against good defenders and he really struggled. Also missed a massive chance. Simply have to take chances like that against the best teams. Bad day at the office.
Cresswell 4.5/10 – thought he struggled today. He offered more of an outlet that Evans, but got dominated by a good defence. It highlighted to me that he was not quite good enough. We know he is slow and does not have great strength/aerial ability. He usually makes up for it with hard work and a tendency to be in the right place at the right time. However I felt, despite his hard work, that Charlton dealt with him easily.
Officials
Thought the ref had a bad game. Got some big decisions wrong (the free kick according to many and the disallowed goal) and seemed to lose it towards the end. It was funny when the whole ground joined in singing ‘you’re not fit to referee’. Thought he was a bit finicky and inconsistent. Quick to show his card on occasions and not on others. Should have sent a couple of Charlton players off for 2nd bookings. The linesman close to us was shocking too. As Foxy stated in another thread he pulled up McDonald for doing nothing/the defender falling over (when he was well positioned), missed the ball going on and showed general incompetency.
Atmosphere
Good following and a cracking atmosphere in the away end. Got behind the team and did us proud. Quite like the Valley. Decent enough stadium. Close to the train station and like the surrounding area (residential). The away end is not designed to deal with 3 thousand people though!
I have a gripe of course. When are clubs going to learn how to deal with more fans? You would hope that someone at the club would say to the catering manager ‘were expecting nigh on 3k away fans’ and they would get prepared. They had 4 members of staff serving at one catering stand. Why can’t common sense be applied. For example pulling one hundred pints of bitter and one hundred lagers in the first half in preparation for half time. Instead there chaos as the painfully slow staff pulled drinks to order.
Also, why the fuck did the Met close all the pubs in the area? Didn’t realise we lived in a fascist state. Shutting all the pubs in the area is more likely to lead to trouble imo. Why not allow us to have a few beers with the Charlton fans after the game? Bit annoying.
Ale
Drank a lot of ale yesterday! Was in the George in London Bridge before midday and back after the game. Left when it closed (I think). The George does good ale and the pick was George (brewed for them by Greene King). It's a medium ale, slightly tinted with red. Fairly strong tasting, though not overloaded with hops or anything. I tried a couple of others (Whiting and one I can’t remember) but they were not as good. So I stuck to the George. Fuck knows how many I sank, but it must have been a lot.
Olle’s final thoughts
We played well, but we lost. We can take solace that we came to the top of the league’s ground and outplayed them. However we need to be more clinical when playing top teams. We need more movement up front, more quality in the final third and to take our chances when they come up. I am obviously disappointed with the result. However, on reflection, I think we were a bit unlucky. We lost to a moments brilliance. We also should have had a goal. The ref cost us with a bad decision. I was pleased with how we knocked it about and we looked good defensively. Charlton rarely troubled us. However, Charlton have done the double over us fairly easily. Our record against the other top teams in the division is not good. I have concerns that we’ll get turned over against these teams and feel we’ll need to step it up a gear in these games. My concern is that Huddersfield and Charlton are slightly better than us. But, it is not time to panic. We are still in with a shout of automatic promotion. February is going to be a difficult month. If we’re still within touching distance of the top 2 at the end of the month, then I think we have a really good chance.
