Some positives, but...

[HoodedClaw]

I though Porter was about as effective as he could have possibly been

Aye, he was as effective if not more so than a lot of the others

 

[breeny]

Agree with much that has been written - some positives (Higdon and Reed stood out) but time needed to gel. We'll be alright

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I thought we were mince going forward. Time and again a player got the ball, stopped, looked sideways, saw nobody, looked behind him, saw somebody, and passed it backwards. The amount of space that went unattacked was incredible at times. Bristol must have been pissing themselves.

Spot on. And it was the story of the 2nd half, they even did it within injury time, trailing 2 1 FFS.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I'm not Nigel Clough, but I'm assuming as he's fit enough to put some minutes in which will help him get up to speed.

Same reason he gave Higdon 90 minutes I'd imagine.

And hey presto 3 points down the toilet.

 

[Kev Gee]

Its one poor result over what will be a very long season.
If anything this could turn out to be a good thing and galvanise the squad.
They should not take anything for granted.

 

[metalblade]

Sorry but I don't see any positives in that display apart from maybe Alcock who saved us from further embarrassment a number of times in the second half. Youngster Reed looking our best midfielder says all you need to know. Slow pedestrian and clueless just about sums up our efforts today, apart from a short spell after they scored. I really don't know what the thinking was behind that team selection but we would surely have been better with defenders in their usual positions rather than square pegs in round holes. One thing is for sure this team will not be pushing for promotion or even the play off's without significant changes in personnel and tactics. I don't want to hear the excuse they need time to gel, every club in the division has brought in new players and that includes Bristol City who don't look anything special, but then again we were so poor they didn't need to to be.

 

[super_pig]

Clapper.

provocative.. Linz??

 

[Zanzibar]

[QUOTE="pommpey, post: 634361, member: 2814"]Howard: 6/10 - Unlucky with the first. Let down by his defence. Could have been more forward for the second to narrow the angle. Good save I second half
Harris: 4/10 - Faded after his injury. Looked short of confidence and positioning.
McGahey: 5/10 - It should have been him on Wilbrahim formost of the game given his height. He wasn't too bad but is a bit naïve in spells.
Alcock: 7.5/10 - Like this bloke. For his lack of height, he is a grafter. Better with Collins and McGahey in the middle and Alcock in place of Harris or Davies?
Davies:4/10 - Thought he had a torrid game. Wasn't impressed. Second half he was nowhere to link with Flynn or JCR
Scogall: 5/10 - first half he was superb. Busy with everything and unlucky with the header and blocked shot. Second half I have no idea why he was subbed.
Reed:7/10 - This lad is excellent. Looks up, places the pass. I counted one pass that failed to connect. He is one to watch.
Basham:4/10 - Didn't look up to much and was instrumental in both their goals. Not impressed so far
Flynn: 3/10 - We have last year's Ryan Flynn back, it seems. Take the fucking man on Ryan, eh?
Murphy:5/10 - Made no real impact in either half. Gets the ball, defender shows him the inside channel, he takes it. Job done. Playing the 4-3-2(wide)-1 system lends itself to wingers burning up the touchline and banging crosses in for the CF or for the second ball. Flynn and Murphy were playing Weir-standard today and they are why we only got one goal and not much more.
Higdon:6/10 - Big, strong and dangerous and not Porter. He won't score goals however unless he gets the service of which today there was next to nowt.

Subs:

JCR5/10: Didn't get much but the fact that every time Davies got the ball, two defenders drifted over toward JCR to stop him bombing down the line. He is more a winger than Flynn.
McNulty: */10 - didn't see him touch the ball save for away from goal.
Baxter: */10 - Too little involvement to judge

We need to switch this to 4-1-2-1-2 in my opinion. Two up front puts more pressure on their defence (there wasn't much of that today that actually resulted in anything) and the wide me need to get round the back of their defence and get on their fucking toes.

Disappointing loss at the beginning of a season where something positive needs to happen.

pommpey[/QUOTE]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
There, amended your numbers for players' performances.
Only Reed made any sense today but was not influential enough because of lack of movement of just about everyone.
An abysmal performance despite Clough saying how pleased he was.

 

[Small Mendonca]

Sorry but I don't see any positives in that display apart from maybe Alcock who saved us from further embarrassment a number of times in the second half. Youngster Reed looking our best midfielder says all you need to know. Slow pedestrian and clueless just about sums up our efforts today, apart from a short spell after they scored. I really don't know what the thinking was behind that team selection but we would surely have been better with defenders in their usual positions rather than square pegs in round holes. One thing is for sure this team will not be pushing for promotion or even the play off's without significant changes in personnel and tactics. I don't want to hear the excuse they need time to gel, every club in the division has brought in new players and that includes Bristol City who don't look anything special, but then again we were so poor they didn't need to to be.

Agreed. Every other team has had all of pre season like us. I won't accept the number of new players as an excuse as Bristol City had 6 debutants like ourselves and still played with cohesion. Bristol City dominated the majority of the game, something that should never be allowed to happen, especially in the 3rd division and in our own back yard!

 

[Deadbat]

Surprised by some of these ratings. I felt Davies played well and was main source of chances all game and kept going down right and wanting to get on the ball - he made a few errors but I felt on the other side Harris was woeful.

Do want to temper the praise of Reed who I do like by the way. Reed was decent and played 3 or 4 good balls but some are getting carried away. He equally gave ball away a bit too and for long stretches Bristol completely controlled midfield. Looks a really good prospect and a proper footballer but 9/10! Some have been on the juice I think!!!

Liked Alcock and I felt McGahey looked one who was the weaker on todays showing. Flynn and Murphy both poor.

 

[alcoblade]

why is he playing then??

Higdon is miles away from being fit but still scored our only goal. It's about being better than the alternative, not necessarily about being at peak fitness. That said JCR stepped it up for the last 25.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

Surprised by some of these ratings. I felt Davies played well and was main source of chances all game and kept going down right and wanting to get on the ball - he made a few errors but I felt on the other side Harris was woeful.

Do want to temper the praise of Reed who I do like by the way. Reed was decent and played 3 or 4 good balls but some are getting carried away. He equally gave ball away a bit too and for long stretches Bristol completely controlled midfield. Looks a really good prospect and a proper footballer but 9/10! Some have been on the juice I think!!!

Liked Alcock and I felt McGahey looked one who was the weaker on todays showing. Flynn and Murphy both poor.

Spot on, all if it.

UTB

 

[Esablade]

Bristols were the better team for the most and when you see the players coming off the bench you've got to think they'll be up there.

Positives similar to most others on here, Higdon looks the part, Reed deserved his place and thought JCR tried to be positive and attack when he came on, certainly caused them problems.

Actually think Alcock and McGahey could form a very strong partnership...it's just how much time..?

 

[bladesadviser]

Thought Reed and Alcock were excellent, Higdon worked hard but I just felt he needed to be part of two up front not one behind him especially if no midfielders are going to run beyond him

 

[SwindonBladeJnr]

My view from a sofa in Swindon (for what it is worth):

Alcock was our man of the match comfortably. Did all of the defensive basics brilliantly, to say he was a make shift CB up against two dangerous league one strikers makes his performance all the more impressive.

Reed was good, but with Basham and Scougall both having disappointing games and not providing the forward runs from midfield we need, it was in vain as we completely lost the midfield battle in the second half.

Murphy was up against a player in Mark Little who is a better athlete than him and it showed in his reluctance to try and beat his man - Little was happy to show him inside where he was crowded out and had few options to pick from in our static midfield.

Higdon impressed me with his movement in the box, it was noticeable that every time we did work the ball into a dangerous area, he was always in a position to receive the ball in a goal scoring position. He looks a threat every time the ball reaches him in the air too.

The main thing I had in my head watching that game was the question Bergen Blade has been asking during pre season; will our team still be able to maintain its energy and attacking thrust on the counter without the box-to-box runs of Coady and without Brayford bombing on to link with Flynn? The answer, on today's evidence would be 'no' unfortunately.

Worth remembering we were up against a good side and it was overall a game that probably 'should' have ended level. If we can find a little more dynamism at full back and in central midfield, then we will be right up there. Most sides will not contain the same level of quality that Bristol City do.

Lastly, my main gripe with Cloughy today was the late introduction of Baxter. In a game where we were struggling to create, I would have liked to have seen him on with 25-30 left. His vision and passing may have created that one extra chance we needed.

As ever, UTB.

 

[pdincubus]

Basham: 6/10 - Didn't look up to much and was instrumental in both their goals. Not impressed so far
Flynn: 4/10 - We have last year's Ryan Flynn back, it seems. Take the fucking man on Ryan, eh?

Not sure how you can mark Basham higher than Flynn. Sure, Flynn didn't have his best game but Basham had a shocker for the most part. He did have a decent effort in the first half and made a couple decent passes, but he looks so lightweight. He fell over a lot and generally didn't seem at the races. He needs to do a lot more to convince me he's first choice in the centre of our midfield.

 

[pdincubus]

Alcock was our man of the match comfortably. Did all of the defensive basics brilliantly, to say he was a make shift CB up against two dangerous league one strikers makes his performance all the more impressive.

I agree. He was very good for the most part today. Definitely a good acquisition.

Higdon impressed me with his movement in the box, it was noticeable that every time we did work the ball into a dangerous area, he was always in a position to receive the ball in a goal scoring position. He looks a threat every time the ball reaches him in the air too.

He tired badly in the second half, but showed some really nice touches in the first. Surprisingly good close control for a big lad. Before he tired, I thought he had a pretty good game.

Worth remembering we were up against a good side and it was overall a game that probably 'should' have ended level. If we can find a little more dynamism at full back and in central midfield, then we will be right up there. Most sides will not contain the same level of quality that Bristol City do.

I think a draw would have been a fair score. I also think if the referee had ANY balls at all we would have won the match having a one man advantage. I thought that Bristol were really cynical, play-acted a lot, were generally quite unsporting and wore a bloody awful kit. If they are the best this league has to offer then I don't think we have anything to fear because I really didn't think they had all that much quality overall.

Lastly, my main gripe with Cloughy today was the late introduction of Baxter. In a game where we were struggling to create, I would have liked to have seen him on with 25-30 left. His vision and passing may have created that one extra chance we needed.

Agreed. He came on too late, probably needed a good 20 minutes longer. I think Clough should have taken Higdon off as he was really struggling for the last 30 minutes. We were far too pedestrian and there was no where near enough movement when we attacked. The second half was painful to watch. The first half, not so bad. Could tell there were a lot of fresh faces because it felt pretty disjointed at times, unlike the second half of last season.

 

[JJ Sefton]

Davies was crap today. If Clough wants someone to stand around in a Blades shirt looking out of breath he can get me to do it for less money.

 

[Rodley]

I agree. He was very good for the most part today. Definitely a good acquisition.



He tired badly in the second half, but showed some really nice touches in the first. Surprisingly good close control for a big lad. Before he tired, I thought he had a pretty good game.



I think a draw would have been a fair score. I also think if the referee had ANY balls at all we would have won the match having a one man advantage. I thought that Bristol were really cynical, play-acted a lot, were generally quite unsporting and wore a bloody awful kit. If they are the best this league has to offer then I don't think we have anything to fear because I really didn't think they had all that much quality overall.



Agreed. He came on too late, probably needed a good 20 minutes longer. I think Clough should have taken Higdon off as he was really struggling for the last 30 minutes. We were far too pedestrian and there was no where near enough movement when we attacked. The second half was painful to watch. The first half, not so bad. Could tell there were a lot of fresh faces because it felt pretty disjointed at times, unlike the second half of last season.

Excellent post. Very early days yet. A few other tipped teams lost so let's show some patience and back the lads and Clough.

When Higdon, Flynn and (hopefully) Wallace are up to full fitness we should be a better proposition.

 

[IOM Blade]

I like Davies but he shouldn't be in the first 11. You can't play someone for set pieces alone to the detriment of the other 85mins.

I don't think that first 11 would make the playoffs. We've lost three good players and replaced them with average ones. Something we've been doing summer after summer.

 

[KenMcnaughtsNuts]

McGahey isn't ready
McNulty isn't ready and to be honest i don't think he ever will be
Davies is a utility player and should be used on the bench as such
Basham looks like the worst 3 year contract since the BBC's Eldorado
Higdon looks a decent target man
Flynn isn't fit
Reed probably shouldn't be starting just yet
Alcock looks like he may be a regular
Harris is a bit bobbins
Murphy is the main threat and we need to get him in the game more
Scougs is Scougs
Baxter needs to be given a run in the team to see if he's gonna grab it or ship him off to Accrington
Porter is a waste of a contract but he looks rather dashing in his stripey top
Collins may as well turn it in he can't get a start ahead of a 17 year old
Howard is Howard
Campbell-Ryce is a decent sub but that's about it
Doyle is rubbish without Bodie


Did i miss anybody out?

 

[Bladesman]

McGahey isn't ready
McNulty isn't ready and to be honest i don't think he ever will be
Davies is a utility player and should be used on the bench as such
Basham looks like the worst 3 year contract since the BBC's Eldorado
Higdon looks a decent target man
Flynn isn't fit
Reed probably shouldn't be starting just yet
Alcock looks like he may be a regular
Harris is a bit bobbins
Murphy is the main threat and we need to get him in the game more
Scougs is Scougs
Baxter needs to be given a run in the team to see if he's gonna grab it or ship him off to Accrington
Porter is a waste of a contract but he looks rather dashing in his stripey top
Collins may as well turn it in he can't get a start ahead of a 17 year old
Howard is Howard
Campbell-Ryce is a decent sub but that's about it
Doyle is rubbish without Bodie


Did i miss anybody out?

Most of that sounds about right.

Clough said he picked from the people he thought performed best in pre season but I am not entirely sure about that.

 

[Going up]

For those that are bitching and complaining already, it was the first game of the season with a a team of half a dozen new players.
We played what will be one of the strongest teams snd could easily have been out of sight after the first half.
For those saying Davies was crap, he did the one main thing he is in there for, he supplied and inch perfect cross for Higdon to score. Higdon, likewise did what he was purchased for, despite being unfit.
The old guard, of Flynn, Scougs and Murphy and Harris are also not yet up to speed. Wallace will be a sure starter, once fit too. It will come, sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[HoodedClaw]

For those that are bitching and complaining already, it was the first game of the season with a a team of half a dozen new players.
We played what will be one of the strongest teams snd could easily have been out of sight after the first half.
For those saying Davies was crap, he did the one main thing he is in there for, he supplied and inch perfect cross for Higdon to score. Higdon, likewise did what he was purchased for, despite being unfit.
The old guard, of Flynn, Scougs and Murphy and Harris are also not yet up to speed. Wallace will be a sure starter, once fit too. It will come, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Think I must have watched a different match, we played better first half compared to second, but to say we could have been out of sight is definitely seeing things through red and white lenses.

Davies was picked at right back therefore he had defending to do as well as supplying crosses. Fair enough if he was played further forward then he can only think about his crosses. Bar the free kick for our goal I'd say his crossing was pretty poor too, didn't clear the near post or was from too deep too often.

But as I said in another post early days.

 

[Revolution]

For those that are bitching and complaining already, it was the first game of the season with a a team of half a dozen new players.

It was the same for City. Didn't seem to present them with any problems. Mind you, they played more than 1 forward, a few midfielders over 5 foot 8, and 2 recognised centre backs.

 

[Going up]

I' m not looking through red and white glasses. We had chances in the first half and we hit the post. Another day, with fitter players, we will win those kind of games.
Regardless, I do like the look of Higdon and as he has only just arrived, most of the players know little about him, when the players figure out his game and he figures out theirs, he and therefore we, will be a force in this league.
Unfortunately, we him just arriving, Flynn and Wallace not fully fit and Scougs and Murphy not quite firing on all cylinders, it will take a few games.

 

[Bulletnut]

For those that are bitching and complaining already, it was the first game of the season with a a team of half a dozen new players.
We played what will be one of the strongest teams snd could easily have been out of sight after the first half.
For those saying Davies was crap, he did the one main thing he is in there for, he supplied and inch perfect cross for Higdon to score. Higdon, likewise did what he was purchased for, despite being unfit.
The old guard, of Flynn, Scougs and Murphy and Harris are also not yet up to speed. Wallace will be a sure starter, once fit too. It will come, sit back and enjoy the ride.

They had half a dozen new players too so bollocks to that for an excuse. A bit like saying one or two aren't up to speed. What does that mean? If they weren't fit they shouldn't have been playing, we keep hearing what a marvellous squad we have so where was the strength in depth?

Same old story, we had a half decent player, sold him and have done fuck all with the cash. Not that we needed it, our Prince Charming is loaded so they say, has even more cash than Superblade so surely they aren't going to spend another season with their thumbs up each other's arses till it's too late again........oh wait a minute though, I heard we're making a MASSIVE signing in the January transfer window etc.

 

[s35blade]

Personally I don't think you can tell much from the very first game of the season. I'd guarantee next week on of the big Premier league clubs will lose to a mid-table club. If my memory serves the right, one season Man U lost to Newcastle and I think maybe they lost to Wigan as well a few seasons later. My point is: Everyone's gutted about losing the first game, you spend all summer thinking about this new team and how they'll bring the good times back to beautiful downtown Bramall lane. And then when the time comes.......It's a poor performance. Personally I think when Higdon gets some fitness and defense is sorted out, we'll have good chance of going up. My only criticism of Clough is that he didn't play Collins. But apart from that I think Saturday was a typical bad day at the office.

 

[Going up]

Totally agree s35blade!

 

[Houso]

Complaining that we don't look ready and that we're somewhat short in various areas is fine.

Writing players off after less than one full game proper into their Sheffield United career is hilarious; especially given how many did the same with Murphy, Baxter, Flynn, Howard and more last season.

Do we never learn as football supporters?