United 1 Chesterfield 1 - report

[Deadbat]

It was honours even at Bramall Lane as United and Chesterfield shared the spoils drawing 1-1 on the final game of the season.


Marc McNulty gave a much changed United side the lead but Ian Evatt headed in after the break. After this the visitors threatened to score the winner and overtake the Blades but United featuring several young players held on to the result and to 5th place.


United will now face Swindon over two legs whilst the Spireites will face Preston North End who missed out yet again on automatic promotion.


Manager Clough opted not to take any chances and rested Jamie Murphy, Chris Basham and Paul Coutts with Davies and Holt being on the bench. Michael Doyle, Louis Reed, Jay McEveley and Stefan Scougall came in. Youngster Dominic Calvert Lewin was on the bench again after making his debut last week at Orient.


In front of a big crowd, the sunshine now came out after earlier rain had lashed down. United began well with Adams to the fore. He linked with Scougall who had also looked lively but the latter saw his cross evade everyone. Adams then had a shot pushed away unconvincingly from Lee. At the other end Ryan fed O’Shea but his cross missed everyone.


United had the best effort when McNulty turned after more good work from Scougall and hit a curling shot which Lee did well to turn round the post low down.


O’Shea has a chance after McEveley slipped to the floor but Howard saved smartly low down. Both sides were trying to pass the ball for the most part and it had been fairly entertaining considering both sides were secure of a play-off spot.


The opening goal came on 34 minutes when Brayford hit a low shot from long range but it lacked power and direction and arrived at a United players feet.


MCNULTY turned on it and smashed an unstoppable shot that went past Lee before he could even move; his dive coming after the ball flashed into the net.


The half ended with Scougall breaking but could not find a shirt after breaking well.


Jones had got forward well all game and was left unopposed to put over a deep cross that Evatt powerfully headed into the net giving Howard no chance. The large army of Chesterfield fans celebrated wildly behind the goal.


Buoyed by this they were soon back on the attack and O’Shea came inside and had a shot saved by Howard with the visiting fans on their feet. United had not really got going but a Reed ball saw McNulty nearly in and as he clashed with the keeper; the loose ball fell to Scougall but his shot was poor and blocked on the edge of the area.




Calvert Lewin came on for Doyle and went up top with McNulty playing in a more withdrawn role and Baxter moving into central midfield.


Harris stopped Chesterfield right on the edge of the box and was rightly booked but Roberts effort was well over the bar.


Flynn replaced Scougall as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Soon into the action he drew a foul from Jones who was booked after he had gone through Baxter earlier near the technical area.


Clucas beat the offside flag and seemed set to get in on goal but McEvely made a great block. Roberts then cut in and was just off target as the ball dribbled past the far post.


Red picked up a knock and Davies was put on and United had three attacking players on to finish the game but it was the visitors who continued to look more likely. The giant substitute Gnanduillet got in on a weak back header from McEveley but Howard blocked the ball. It was definitely Chesterfield ended in the ascendancy and they won two late corners but United cleared and Roberts was booked for a cynical late foul as Flynn broke. The game ended soon after and both teams walked off being told their play-off fate with the end of season competition to start in just over 4 days.




United – It was another laborious performance. We did ok for spells but as game went on we got worse and looked no threat at all going forward with a disjointed looking side where the passing became poor and we sat off too much.


First half we did ok in spells and knocked it about reasonably with Adams, Scougall and McNulty looking lively. We had a few half chances and scored a decent goal. After the break we never got going and they played 10 yards higher up the field and upped the tempo. They scored and after this there looked only one winner. We had players all over the field out of position, youngsters on the field and no real partnerships or understanding against a settled side. Chesterfield knew what each other was doing and where they were running in contrast. Sure some will say it does not matter as we rested players etc but we have had a difference team and different spine all season. We have constantly chopped and changed. We never know who is playing one week to the next. At the start of the season you can understand it but now at the end and us entering the playoffs we have no idea nor does Clough; what his best side is. Players are moved around positions constantly


Today we looked slow and sluggish and looked a tired team as the game went on but some of players should have been fresh (many played less than Chesterfield as not been regulars). The passing and control was really poor second half and we never got going, sitting off, not really controlling the midfield and conceding possession and territory. It would not have been a surprise if they got the winner.


I suppose in affect the season starts again Thursday and it is a clean slate but I am concerned we or Clough looks capable of lifting the side and raising the tempo. We have limped into the playoffs (closer to relegation on points than promotion and finished 28 points off the top side and 20 off second which is not good enough) and sadly I cannot see a United side tearing into Swindon in the week and getting the crowd on side. I hope I am wrong. Will help if he picks our strongest eleven players and gets some of them in the right positions. With little options at the back (if Kennedy is not fit) he may have to play the same back four; would play Kennedy and McEveley and Basham right back if we could. In midfield I would want to see Basham with Doyle and Flynn and Murphy wide and if fit play Done just off Davies. If Done is not fit then play McNulty. I really would like us not to play any of the small, mostly ineffective players such as Holt, Scougall, Baxter etc but fear at least one if not two will play and he will bring Coutts back.


Swindon have some really skilful footballers and have pace down the flanks in Thompson and Byrne. Luongo did not play at the Lane and is a very good footballer. They do not have any strikers of ilk of a Garner though and are more of a footballing side than PNE so we should not really get outmuscled like I fear we would have done if we had got them. We beat them at the Lane but forget they could have been 3-0 up at half time before we got the lead and Murphy caused them such problems. We got dumped at their place and I cannot remember us ever getting much there – have to go back too Bassett’s days and goals from Duffield (broke his leg) and Morris I believe but stand to be corrected?


Do I believe we will get through? On what I have seen in recent weeks and for much of the season; then no but this is United. They often do the unexpected but we need a performance. We have not seen the high tempo, committed side that break down the flanks and was solid at the back; for much of the season. Just hope for 2 games we can show some of these qualities. If we play like we have much of the season we will be going out that is clear. We have to improve from recent weeks and for much of the season and quite a bit in terms of individuals and also collectively. Clough also has to show some level of adventure. I fear he will play it cautious Thursday but this defence has proved it cannot stop goals going in (aerial ones mainly) and thus keeping it tight and trying to nick a 1-0 over the tie will not work against a high scoring Swindon side.

 

[Deadbat]

Chesterfield – Decent side who knocked it about well. They will say they had the better chances and more possession and shaded the game. First half it was quite even. They were struggling early on but got more in the game as the half wore on and maybe were unfortunate to be one down. Got level and then had more attacks than us and were quite positive. A side that does not lump it long much and try to get it down and pass it. They use wide men well and are confident on the ball. The lad in midfield we were after Ryan makes them tick but Roberts is a clever player too and O’Shea up top works hard. Evatt scored but is quite clumsy and I feel could be got at down the sides with pace. The two full backs get up and down and both have pace. They have done brilliantly to get 6th. With Doyle going they have no real stars or stand outs but Cook has got them believing in what they do despite the loss of leading scorer in January. They are well organised, have a good team spirt and stick to good football principles. With a small squad and budget they have massively overachieved and most fans would probably have been delighted just to be near half way. How will they do in the playoffs? Unsure really. I think PNE are a big, tough side and glad we avoided them but have a worse play-off record than us and also will be on a real downer and take some lifting after today. Chesterfield have to stick to what they believe in and you never know. The table suggests the two above us both are quite a bit better and I cannot really argue with that. I have a hunch Swindon and PNE will be a bit too strong for both of us with goal scoring threats of each side compared to United and Chesterfield but we will see. They certainly are the side under the least pressure and have nothing to lose.


Howard 7/10 – He did not have too much to do first half as a few balls went across the six yard box. Second half he could not do much about the header but then made a few smart saves as Chesterfield pressed.


Freeman 4/10 – He has done well since he returned but today was his worst game. He was awful from the start and cannot think of many things he did right really. He was sloppy in possession, let his man have too much room and did not communicate with the rest of his defence. Him and Baxter left Jones free between them for an unopposed cross. Looked really poor today.


Brayford 7/10 – Steady enough. Won a few tackles and headers and cannot recall too many errors. Went forward a few times but then ran out of steam after running a long way. His mis hit shot led to the goal. On the goal he seemed to get under the ball and Evatt powered in. With the problems at the back sadly he may have play centre back for the playoffs which is not his best position.


McEveley 7/10 – He did ok today and was decent defensively making some crunching tackles and blocks. Won headers and read the game well too. In fact he was fine until an under hit back pass almost put them in for the winner. It all seemed too good to be trued until the inevitable howler (usually makes one a game).


Harris 6.5/10 – Too many hit and hope balls down the flank to no one in particular. He was careless on the ball and overhit a lot of passes. He was ok defensively but did let them get away once first half when they nearly scored but the ball whizzed across the box.


Doyle 7/10 – Thought he played reasonably well today. Won a number of tackles and won a lot of loose balls. His passing was a bit mixed but he did his job for the most part. I still would like him to start in the week; hopefully with Basham alongside him.


Reed 5/10 – I have to be honest and say he has not took his chance in the games I have seen recently. Really poor at Oldham and subbed; he was equally off form today. His passing was for the most part poor (save for one floated ball when McNulty and then Scougall nearly got in). He lost every 50/50 and his touch was not secure either. Won’t get a start on that performance and has to do much better as promising as he is.


Scougall 7/10 – Better from him today. He looked busy and was more attacking having 2 or 3 good runs that led to half chances in the first half. His touch was better and he looked lively and more like the player from last season. Not quite as influential second half and missed a decent chance when keeper was off his line.


Adams 7/10 – Was one of our most lively players today. He was always positive trying to run forward with the ball or look to get to the byline. Had a few shots blocked and was generally decent when on the ball. Second half we saw less of him as Clough swapped him over with Baxter a bit; trying to get the latter in the game.


Baxter 4.5/10 – Like Reed, given a chance to stake a starting place; he was poor. Lazy, slow and ineffective with the ball most of the day. He set them on the attack a number of times by losing the ball. Tried too many Hollywood balls. Not a winger but even when he was moved inside to end the game; he did not do much right. His set plays were also poor ad floated in meaning it was easier for them to clear.


McNulty 7/10- Did alright. Held it up against two giant centre backs and tried to bring others into play. Had one good curled shot that Lee saved and then scored a cracker that was only a half chance hitting it past the keeper in a flash. Expect Davies to get the nod in the week but hopefully if needed he can come on against some tiring defenders as the game wears on.



Subs-


Calvert Lewin – Brought on for a decent amount of time but not a lot went right for him. He fouled a few times, miscontrolled it and gave it away. Looked very nervous which is understandable but not a home debut where he made any impact.


Flynn – Came on and went wide right and at least gave us some natural width and had a few runs winning a few free kicks and throws down the right. Played one decent ball that just evaded McNulty. Good to see him fit and hoping he can start in the week.


Davies – Brought on for the injured Reed, ended up the lone striker for the close as Calvert Lewin and McNulty flanked him but we were kind of hanging on at that stage. Had one half chance but got crowded out.




Manager rating -


Clough 6/10 – In the end he got what he wanted. We avoided defeat and thus stayed in 5th and play the weaker of the two higher placed sides. He also rested a few players whilst Chesterfield played most if not all of their regulars. He gave a few youngsters a go but it was mixed success with Adams decent; the other two less so. Scougall showed some better form but Baxter did not. Overall it was another patchy display. We never got going second half and could not kick on and we sort of limped to a draw. He does not have us going into the playoffs in any kind of form with no wins in 5 and Swindon will be well rested. Clough for me worries me in that apart from the fact I am not sure if we have another gear; we are now at game 46 and he still does not know his best side. I would love it if he picked the side I mentioned earlier; but fear he will pick some of his favourites such as Baxter or Coutts which slows the side right down. We will see what happens but it is fair to say we are due a decent performance as we have maybe only mustered a couple in the last 2-3 months (Scunthorpe and Barnsley).


Officials – Liked the referee today. Kevin Wright. He was one of the better ones we have had this season. He let things flow, did not blow up for minimal contact and was consistent with his approach both ways. Only booked players when he had to Jones had committed two fouls and Roberts was a cynical trip. Harris’ foul was also pretty clear cut in terms of a yellow as was right on the edge of the box. The rest of the game he tried to let it flow, was not fussy and let players get on with it often ignoring players going to ground too easily; for both sides.


Crowd – A great crowd of over 26,000 with maybe 4,000 coming from Chesterfield too. They were noisy and got behind their team and trying to will them to a late winner and double. United fans were quiet; maybe saving themselves for bigger things to come. To finish the season with an average of 19,805 (so nearly 20,000 is incredible to say we are served up such rubbish much of the time). This is nearly 6,500 higher than next team; Bradford. With season ticket sales over 10,000 again it seems crowds will once again be above 15,000 at very least next season whatever happens in the next few weeks.

 

[sitwell]

Disagree on Freeman and Adams ,would swap their marks actually. Freeman had no protection in front of him and virtually did 2 players jobs ,I think Adams will be a player ,but is still very naïve and inexperienced. He has great upper body strength and a powerful shot with little backlift ,both of which he could use more. That will come with experience but I don't think he is ready yet.

 

[Deadbat]

Maybe. Neither full back got much protection but Adams offered us a goal threat and had a few decent half shots/crosses. He can make things happen. I don't think he was any worse than any and brighter than most. His job is to attack but granted has to do the other stuff. At the end of the day though he wont start on Thursday but a useful impact player as a sub. By the way if he is not ready then neither are most of the side! Reed was awful today and Adams did a lot more right than him I felt in terms of touch, passing and running. I have been quite disappointed with Reed to end the season in the game he has played. He has been so careless with the ball and looked out of his depth.

I think both eventually will make good players though!

I thought Freeman with or without argument over protection was abysmal today and I think he has played well this season but cant recall him doing anything right.

 

[JohnDenver]

Now then Deadbat old spadge. 7 of our players earn 7/10 when we couldn't put a single serious threat on their goal in the entire second half?

I'd give marks like that for a convincing 3-0 victory. You're clearly mellowing.

 

[blade too long]

preston looked dog shit today swindon have struggled as much as we have and chesterfield , well nothing to fear really when we play a first 11

will be a preston united final where one shitty play off record will go , if it is preston be strange playing a team with a worse play off record

not one of play off contenders won today

 

[sitwell]

Agree , I would use Adams as an impact player certainly. I think Reed is suffering a lack of confidence at the moment and maybe has burnt himself out mentally for this season. I also agree with you that both will become good players. As for Baxter ,the last 2 games have been an embarrassment to the bloke ,I really don't know if there is a solution for him.

 

[JohnDenver]

I really don't know if there is a solution for him.

The only niche I see for him is as a cult hero for a small town lower league club.

 

[Deadbat]

Like Oldham?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Plenty of other things to say but I agree about the ref: I thought he had a very good game.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I thought Brayford had his best game since he signed. Seemed up for it, carried the ball forward, showed leadership, and a beautifully disguised pass for the goal.

 

[Wards]

I have to agree about Freeman, yes he got little protection as Sitwell points out but even one on one he got skinned time and time again. He was off the pace along with Reed and a couple others.

 

[diplomat]

I thought Chezzy completely controlled the tempo through the two centre mids. I thought they seemed more assured in possession and looked familiar and trusting of each other. We looked a bit like a team that have never played as an eleven before. The midfield were very deep which left mcNulty all alone too much for a home team. Quite what was expected from Baxter wide right I don't know and I hope Flynn's injury doesn't flare up.

Positives: I thought it was a decent game. Adams showed a couple of flashes that looked promising. McNulty scored a great goal (we need to give him more opportunities though).

Well done to Chezzy for coming sixth. I think they've assembled a decent team there.

 

[sitwell]

I thought Chezzy completely controlled the tempo through the two centre mids. I thought they seemed more assured in possession and looked familiar and trusting of each other. We looked a bit like a team that have never played as an eleven before. The midfield were very deep which left mcNulty all alone too much for a home team. Quite what was expected from Baxter wide right I don't know and I hope Flynn's injury doesn't flare up.

Positives: I thought it was a decent game. Adams showed a couple of flashes that looked promising. McNulty scored a great goal (we need to give him more opportunities though).

Well done to Chezzy for coming sixth. I think they've assembled a decent team there.

That is a team who have never played as an 11 before ,clearly saving players for the play offs. Baxter would hardly control the tempo of the game ,unless we were going back in time.

 

[LSF]

We bossed the first 20 mins and could have scored on 2 or 3 occasions. They dominated after we scored and could easily have won it.
However, the disjointed team we fielded looked like strangers compared to Chezzys well oiled familiarity.
The play offs will hopefully yield a different more cohesive Xl who will click into gear smoothly (lol!)

 

[Deadbat]

We bossed the first 20 mins and could have scored on 2 or 3 occasions. They dominated after we scored and could easily have won it.
However, the disjointed team we fielded looked like strangers compared to Chezzys well oiled familiarity.
The play offs will hopefully yield a different more cohesive Xl who will click into gear smoothly (lol!)

That is the thing many have said 'Ah but we have played a different team or rotated things...Chesterfield played their normal eleven etc'

Does anyone know what our normal or best X1 is. Certainly our manager does not. We have looked like stranges most of the season with constant chopping and changing. The idea that we have rested players or rotated has not worked as we are so far off the top two.

Not sure why many think we will suddenly throw together another new/different eleven on Thursday and suddenly be ready. We needed to build understandings, partnerships and some familiarity in the closing weeks but now we go into a game with players all probably having to just come back in and suddenly expect to click. Clough has made a right mess of things this season. I hope he can get 'a' performance out of them in the week but the evidence of so far suggests not.

 

[alcoblade]

I think you're generous throughout. That was a 5 /10 performance at the very best. I'd mark the players around there, plus or minus one.

Good report though, and I share your pessism about our future. None the less, I've just shelled out £100 plus for tickets, so as ever I live in hope without expectation.

UTB

 

[Woodwardfan]

Yesterday's performance was like so many others. Disjointed, slow, lacking teamwork, boring, desperate as always in the second half unless we are losing when we really turn up the tempo. Chesterfield gave us a lesson in unity, organisation, style of play and workrate. They deserved a 3-1 scoreline.

How the manager can watch the product of his best efforts turn out performances like this so regularly I do not know.

I'll confine my comments to the biggest failing yesterday LACK OF MOVEMENT by 8 players when we are in possession (apart from Doyle and of course the keeper who doesnt count). It's a disgrace for a team with pretentions of achieving anything. The gap between McNulty and the midfield was 30 yards at times and not a single player bust a gut to get up there alongside him. Even the movement Doyle makes is to help out the man in possession to play an easy ball if needed. When the much maligned Baxter gets the ball you can see him look forward and if he doesn't settle for the easy sideways or backwards ball he often tries to move it quick and forward but usually messes up because there's nobody who wants the ball or has the nous to make a threatening run.

This happens week after week and I'm pissed off with it. Surely Thursday has to be different, but why should it be different?

 

[Blade59]

I'll confine my comments to the biggest failing yesterday LACK OF MOVEMENT

Absolutely spot on. We never take advantage when the opposition looses possession. It as if players almost take the opportunity to take a breather when we gain possession. What usually happens we make 4 or 5 safe passes whilst the other team gets everybody back in position. None ever appears to take a risk by moving off the ball which is why our play is so slow and pedestrian. Baxter for all the some justified criticism he gets suffers particularly due to this.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I'll confine my comments to the biggest failing yesterday LACK OF MOVEMENT

Myself and Foulkes Jr Sr were looking at this yesterday - but Chesterfield were very similar. When the ball was in the middle third often there was very little movement from either team in the final third. I know occasionally they did put together moves but often they'd be static up front when in possession. Perhaps it's some master plan.

(Related to this is our total lack of movement from throw-ins. (Scoogs is sometimes off message and runs around, Holt too.) We could only figure that this non-aggression pact is a development of modern football ie rather than us all running around like mad you can throw the ball to who you like within reason and then we'll start to contest it.)

 

[sitwell]

I'll confine my comments to the biggest failing yesterday LACK OF MOVEMENT

Absolutely spot on. We never take advantage when the opposition looses possession. It as if players almost take the opportunity to take a breather when we gain possession. What usually happens we make 4 or 5 safe passes whilst the other team gets everybody back in position. None ever appears to take a risk by moving off the ball which is why our play is so slow and pedestrian. Baxter for all the some justified criticism he gets suffers particularly due to this.

This type of thought excusing Baxter is what drives me up the wall. Any other player is crap and not up to it ,but he gets apologists making a case for him when if he is so talented shouldn't need to. I just don't get it.

 

[Blade59]

This type of thought excusing Baxter is what drives me up the wall. Any other player is crap and not up to it ,but he gets apologists making a case for him when if he is so talented shouldn't need to. I just don't get it.

Not excusing him at all. I think he has been poor most of the season. I was just pointing out that he would be a lot more effective if we had players moving off the ball into space to give him options to pass to. He has some ability and skills which our other midfielders don't but also many limitations which is why he will struggle to play higher than the level he is.

For what its worth he would not be in my first choice 11 as we usually have to compromise some other area of the team / formation to accommodate him.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Yesterday's performance was like so many others. Disjointed, slow, lacking teamwork, boring, desperate as always in the second half unless we are losing when we really turn up the tempo. Chesterfield gave us a lesson in unity, organisation, style of play and workrate. They deserved a 3-1 scoreline.

How the manager can watch the product of his best efforts turn out performances like this so regularly I do not know.

I'll confine my comments to the biggest failing yesterday LACK OF MOVEMENT by 8 players when we are in possession (apart from Doyle and of course the keeper who doesnt count). It's a disgrace for a team with pretentions of achieving anything. The gap between McNulty and the midfield was 30 yards at times and not a single player bust a gut to get up there alongside him. Even the movement Doyle makes is to help out the man in possession to play an easy ball if needed. When the much maligned Baxter gets the ball you can see him look forward and if he doesn't settle for the easy sideways or backwards ball he often tries to move it quick and forward but usually messes up because there's nobody who wants the ball or has the nous to make a threatening run.

This happens week after week and I'm pissed off with it. Surely Thursday has to be different, but why should it be different?

I'll extend my theme a little further:

Not only is there a lack of movement by every player, we are one-trick ponies too. Slow passes sideways and backwards always lead to a pass to Murphy even if the ball has to be passed across the field twice over and even if Murphy is clearly doubled up on by the opposition. We used to have Ryce as an outlet but not any more. Whoever is playing right side midfield just is not capable of taking on a man and beating him so the ball is regurgitated back across midfield. This applies to Flynn as much as anybody though he did have a purple patch last season and showed he can beat a man when his confidence is high. If Adams were allowed to play on the opposite flank to Murphy it would add something at least but they never play in the same team.

So, we have ONE ATTACKING IDEA and if Murphy is off colour and can't beat his two markers we have nothing. We never drive up the middle, we never play one-twos on the edge of the area. All we do is slowly move it out wide and send in a speculative cross from deep. All the opposition defence is back in place and stand 5 or 6 inches taller than us. We never get to the byeline and we rarely shoot at goal from outside the area. How many times do we turn the opposition defence in any game? The answer is only if we are losing with 20 minutes to go. If we are level or winning by the odd goal we just plough on with the same 'owd tripe.

Can anybody else think of any other moves we have up our sleeve? Any other threats? No wonder opposition keepers never need to wash their kit after a game at Bramall Lane.

 

[grafikhaus]

I'll extend my theme a little further:

Not only is there a lack of movement by every player, we are one-trick ponies too. Slow passes sideways and backwards always lead to a pass to Murphy even if the ball has to be passed across the field twice over and even if Murphy is clearly doubled up on by the opposition. We used to have Ryce as an outlet but not any more. Whoever is playing right side midfield just is not capable of taking on a man and beating him so the ball is regurgitated back across midfield. This applies to Flynn as much as anybody though he did have a purple patch last season and showed he can beat a man when his confidence is high. If Adams were allowed to play on the opposite flank to Murphy it would add something at least but they never play in the same team.

So, we have ONE ATTACKING IDEA and if Murphy is off colour and can't beat his two markers we have nothing. We never drive up the middle, we never play one-twos on the edge of the area. All we do is slowly move it out wide and send in a speculative cross from deep. All the opposition defence is back in place and stand 5 or 6 inches taller than us. We never get to the byeline and we rarely shoot at goal from outside the area. How many times do we turn the opposition defence in any game? The answer is only if we are losing with 20 minutes to go. If we are level or winning by the odd goal we just plough on with the same 'owd tripe.

Can anybody else think of any other moves we have up our sleeve? Any other threats? No wonder opposition keepers never need to wash their kit after a game at Bramall Lane.

And that is the undeniable truth. Week in, week out it's been like this. We all know it but, unfortunately, our 'coaching staff' seem oblivious.

 

[sitwell]

I'll extend my theme a little further:

Not only is there a lack of movement by every player, we are one-trick ponies too. Slow passes sideways and backwards always lead to a pass to Murphy even if the ball has to be passed across the field twice over and even if Murphy is clearly doubled up on by the opposition. We used to have Ryce as an outlet but not any more. Whoever is playing right side midfield just is not capable of taking on a man and beating him so the ball is regurgitated back across midfield. This applies to Flynn as much as anybody though he did have a purple patch last season and showed he can beat a man when his confidence is high. If Adams were allowed to play on the opposite flank to Murphy it would add something at least but they never play in the same team.

So, we have ONE ATTACKING IDEA and if Murphy is off colour and can't beat his two markers we have nothing. We never drive up the middle, we never play one-twos on the edge of the area. All we do is slowly move it out wide and send in a speculative cross from deep. All the opposition defence is back in place and stand 5 or 6 inches taller than us. We never get to the byeline and we rarely shoot at goal from outside the area. How many times do we turn the opposition defence in any game? The answer is only if we are losing with 20 minutes to go. If we are level or winning by the odd goal we just plough on with the same 'owd tripe.

Can anybody else think of any other moves we have up our sleeve? Any other threats? No wonder opposition keepers never need to wash their kit after a game at Bramall Lane.

How the hell did we get in the play offs eh ? 46 boring defeats ,what a bastard .

 

[Woodwardfan]

How the hell did we get in the play offs eh ? 46 boring defeats ,what a bastard .

Underachievers but fair enough Sitwell. Just a wasted opportunity but it could yet end well, even then we have too much to do this summer.

We are 20 points plus goal difference behind where we ought to be. All IMO of course and I understand yours.

 

[alcoblade]

How the hell did we get in the play offs eh ? 46 boring defeats ,what a bastard .

We finished about 1 win above Rochdale who played in front of 1700 the other night. I'd guess that we pay Brayford more than they pay their first 11 in total.

So my answer would be that we made the playoffs because we have better players than Rochdale, Fleetwood and the likes, and in spite of the efforts of the management.

To a man, everyone I know would suggest that this season has been a total borefest, and missed opportunity. The last bit might still be rectified.

UTB

 

[sitwell]

We finished about 1 win above Rochdale who played in front of 1700 the other night. I'd guess that we pay Brayford more than they pay their first 11 in total.

So my answer would be that we made the playoffs because we have better players than Rochdale, Fleetwood and the likes, and in spite of the efforts of the management.

To a man, everyone I know would suggest that this season has been a total borefest, and missed opportunity. The last bit might still be rectified.

UTB

when did they change it to 7 points for a win ? If that's the case we were only 3 wins off automatic.

 

[alcoblade]

when did they change it to 7 points for a win ? If that's the case we were only 3 wins off automatic.

Fair does, hadn't checked the table lately. But your need to be facetious rather than concentrate on the issue confirms that the gist of my point is correct.

UTB