JohnDenver
¡No Pasarán!
A performance that typified United's season so far. A team much reduced in talent, but totally committed and with just enough about them to outdo most opponents.
A very tight first half in which neither team had any attacking edge, but Kitson, who otherwise was labouring without joy, suddenly ran onto a ball over the top to finish classily. Horrible defending by Preston who were caught totally square, just as they were repeatedly against MK Dons on TV last week.
The second half was much more entertaining with PNE pushing forward and United using Blackman's pace to break dangerously. Maguire and Hill were rock solid in defence, dealing with a series of high crossed balls, while McDonald finally found the occasional bit of space to play his football. United had to soak up pressure but had the best of the chances with Blackman nearly scoring a great solo goal, while another of his breaks led to a PNE defender hitting his own post.
At the other end, Akpo Sodje came on and inevitably won a few high balls and caused a few scrambles in the box. But United protected Long's goal fiercely until the final minute of added time when Long secured the points with what one PNE player called a 'worldie'. I couldn't tell whether the ball just hit him or whether he saved it. But either way - critical stuff.
So there we have it. United much less easy on the eye than before, much greener in attack, but still made effective by Wilson. Credit to him.
Long - 8 - Couldn't fault him.
McMahon - 5 - Decent defensively but couldn't do much right on the ball.
Williams - 7 - Solid, pacey, impressive.
Hill - 7 - Solid is the word of the day.
Maguire - 8 - A giant.
Flynn - 5 - Scurried, ran, and scurried some more.
McDonald - 5.5 - Totally squashed by PNE in the first half. A couple of great bursts in the second.
Doyle - 6.5 - Some misplaced passes but we really do rely on him to cover for McDonald.
McAllister - 5 - Worked hard, lacks a bit of self belief.
Blackman - 7 - Did little in the first but was our threat in the second. Still frustrates but could become a super player.
Kitson - 6 - Couldn't get a kick or a flick but scored the winner totally out of the blue before coming off at HT.
Porter - 6 - A totally selfless player. Did all the right things.
Collins - N/A - Only on a short time, but enjoyable because a home fan behind the dugout yelled "I'm glad you're coming on cos you're shit".
Miller - N/A - Again on a short time. Would like to see more.
Ref - Did fine.
Wilson - All the right calls.
A very tight first half in which neither team had any attacking edge, but Kitson, who otherwise was labouring without joy, suddenly ran onto a ball over the top to finish classily. Horrible defending by Preston who were caught totally square, just as they were repeatedly against MK Dons on TV last week.
The second half was much more entertaining with PNE pushing forward and United using Blackman's pace to break dangerously. Maguire and Hill were rock solid in defence, dealing with a series of high crossed balls, while McDonald finally found the occasional bit of space to play his football. United had to soak up pressure but had the best of the chances with Blackman nearly scoring a great solo goal, while another of his breaks led to a PNE defender hitting his own post.
At the other end, Akpo Sodje came on and inevitably won a few high balls and caused a few scrambles in the box. But United protected Long's goal fiercely until the final minute of added time when Long secured the points with what one PNE player called a 'worldie'. I couldn't tell whether the ball just hit him or whether he saved it. But either way - critical stuff.
So there we have it. United much less easy on the eye than before, much greener in attack, but still made effective by Wilson. Credit to him.
Long - 8 - Couldn't fault him.
McMahon - 5 - Decent defensively but couldn't do much right on the ball.
Williams - 7 - Solid, pacey, impressive.
Hill - 7 - Solid is the word of the day.
Maguire - 8 - A giant.
Flynn - 5 - Scurried, ran, and scurried some more.
McDonald - 5.5 - Totally squashed by PNE in the first half. A couple of great bursts in the second.
Doyle - 6.5 - Some misplaced passes but we really do rely on him to cover for McDonald.
McAllister - 5 - Worked hard, lacks a bit of self belief.
Blackman - 7 - Did little in the first but was our threat in the second. Still frustrates but could become a super player.
Kitson - 6 - Couldn't get a kick or a flick but scored the winner totally out of the blue before coming off at HT.
Porter - 6 - A totally selfless player. Did all the right things.
Collins - N/A - Only on a short time, but enjoyable because a home fan behind the dugout yelled "I'm glad you're coming on cos you're shit".
Miller - N/A - Again on a short time. Would like to see more.
Ref - Did fine.
Wilson - All the right calls.
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