United 1 Derby 3 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

It is now 5 defeats out of 6 at Bramall Lane and after the back-to-back wins, the Blades have followed it up with consecutive defeats and remain in deep trouble at the foot of the table. It was a sorry performance as fellow strugglers Derby County came to the Lane, and won with relative comfort. A Carlton Morris hat trick saw off United as the Blades conceded three goals again and have now conceded 23 goals in 13 games, only scoring 10 goals in reply. United now have lost as many games this campaign as they had lost all of last season and make no mistake are in a real scrap to stay in the division after being so close to exiting it, at the other end only last May.



United made two changes from the side that began at Deepdale with Soumare in for Riedewald and McCallum back in for Burrows. One and Nwachukwu were on the bench for the home side. Former Blade loanee Ben Brereton Diaz started for Derby whilst another former United forward, Rhian Brewster, was on the bench.



After a tribute for former Blades player Colin Addison, Derby started on the attack and won an early corner. United struggled to find much headway as the Rams looked to play off the muscular front two of Morris and Agyemang. It was a scrappy game with little quality in the middle of the field, but Derby were continuing to use long throws and balls down the side to stretch McGuiness and Mee. United tried to find space down the right and Ogbene went on one decent run and was fouled before overrunning it. O’Hare was busy but the lack of movement in front of him meant space was restricted.



Derby took the lead on 24 minutes and it came from United’s ridiculous tactic of passing the ball around their backline. Mee, McGuiness and Soumare all took touches before Cooper eventually had to knock it forward but it was returned quickly and the Rams won a corner. Ward’s inswinger was on the money and MORRIS met it with Peck somehow being the man responsible for marking him, and he glanced into the far corner. Immediately after this Derby could have scored another. Brereton Diaz was allowed too much time as the Blades defence backed off after another giveaway prior to this. The striker hit a dipping shot that Cooper had to palm over. From the resultant corner Morris met it again and it just evaded a teammate at the far post. United looked in disarray at the back.



United finally had a spell of play with Ogbene and O’Hare the two linking up and the former won a corner that McCallum put over and Tanganga headed down but straight at Zetterstrom. It was at least an effort on goal from the Blades who had struggled to fashion much at all. They did have another chance as Ogbene sent a cross over but Campbell headed over when well placed.



After the break, the strains of the Greasy Chip Butty had barely died down, when disaster struck for the home side. Peck played a blind pass back and it took out both centre backs and MORRIS, who had stayed forward, waited and took it on and cooly chipped Cooper. It was two for Derby and two for Morris and a ridiculous goal to concede. Some United players were asking for an offence in the build up but it was hard to see what their gripes were?



Tanganga had another header, but once again down and comfortable for the keeper before One and Matos came on for McGuiness and Brooks but one of the substitutes first contributions led to the game being effectively finished. It seemed Agyemang had perhaps fouled Ogbene in the build up as United oddly tried to let the ball go out, but the contact with Matos was more incidental and the midfielder fell onto the ball and definitely used his hand in a moment of madness. The referee pointed to the spot and MORRIS casually rolled it into the corner and completed his hat trick. The visiting fans were in dreamland with their side 3-up and coasting to an east victory. Compare this to the reaction at the other end, as many Blades saw this as the cue to leave the ground with still half an hour left to play!



There was clear frustration inside the ground at the poor efforts served up from the home players who seemed completely unable to fashion much of anything to get the crowd excited although McCallum did have a header that the keeper somehow palmed away. O’HARE was the one bright spot and his willing running was rewarded when he got on a loose ball from a throw, found space and fired home. After this, the same player had another shot tipped away from the keeper after another cross dropped to him but United struggled to really find many more chances after this. Peck’s long ranger deflected wide but Derby broke up the play and make changes to make the game bitty and United seemed to run out of any momentum after that first goal back. Morris continued to give a classic centre forward performance as Mee was struggling to hold him up where as Campbell was completely unable to bring others into play at the other end. One was playing down the side and won a corner but



Burrows and Ings came on but the game was drifting to a foregone conclusion now. Indeed Brewster – on for his Lane return – and then Agyemang had chances for more goals. Ings bizarre header near the end where he effectively cleared the ball, summed up the afternoon as United went down to yet another home defeat.

 

[Deadbat]

United – Today was wretched I am sorry to say. As bad as anything we served up under Selles as we looked toothless attacking wise, sloppy in possession, lost so many duels across the field and defended horribly. It was a total mess from start to finish where I had no idea of what our plan was at all? We have nothing up front and in midfield only O’Hare gets the ball and tried to make things happen. Throw in the fact an abject defence that is as bad as the Bindon/Robinson mess and we are going to struggle to get many points. In the end, the stats may show us having as many shots/on target and a better possession but the reality is, it was a comfortable away victory. The performance was totally insipid and we got exactly what we deserved – nothing. I see no plan or shape to the side. It is boring to watch. It is slow, pedestrian and we never really flood the boxes. We knock it about and go nowhere. We are easy to defend against. We have no urgency and when we have the ball – no one moves at all. They all stand still. It is like walking football! When we lose it, teams do try and force us back and know we struggle with crosses so get throws/corners into the box. For a side with so many big centre backs we are dreadful at defending or own box but we also make things hard.



We try and play football at the back which is crazy as we have no movement in front of them so cough things up and concede chances. We start games so slowly every week – same at Preston. Derby swarmed on us from the off and won corners early. I thought we kind of came back a bit and Ogbene at least tried to carry the ball but the end product was limited. O’Hare buzzed around but Campbell continues to look unfit and stationery and the midfield two behind were sloppy on the ball and did not win enough of the loose stuff. Defensively we got bullied all game and Morris and the lad Agyemang run us ragged- compare those two to the pitiful output of our front men (Campbell and Cannon).



I thought that for an away side they looked the more likely and when they scored I was not surprised – albeit a game of few chances but was of our own making. We messed around passing it across the box and then after 4 or 5 pointless passes, we barely get to half way, they break, win a corner and then score. Why we have Peck on Morris I do not know? Surely one of the big centre backs need to take him – but then after seeing Mee and McGuiness aerially then maybe not! They nearly scored again straight after. We had one Tanganga header and that was it. We created next to nothing in general play. I hoped for a response but just like last week – somehow concede in the first minute. I



After Chris Wilder came back and spoke about the low confidence and how he had to get them believing in themselves, the reality is probably hitting home for him now. This is a poor squad that lacks character, pace, fitness and ability at both ends – which means they are continuing to lose most games despite the change at the top. The team is shuffled around each week but the results and performances continue to be indifferent and it is alarming the lack of plan, style and approach to trying to control games of football. Derby were not a great side but had a plan and a direct style that yielded chances and goals. United took forever to move the ball up field and Derby just got men behind the ball and repelled the timid attacks/crosses we sent over.



We have signed some utter dross in the summer/transfer window (so will not blame Wilder for that of course) and are now stuck with some experienced players on big wages who will only get worse not better I feel. At least a few of the loans we can send back and Mee/Ings are only here short term (both look done to me) but the other longer-term signings – Matos, McGuinness, Chong look frighteningly bad (along with Mee/Ings) and are going to be stuck here taking money out of the club. It seems these signings were not XG but from the scouting network we had before (Hoyland/Allen?). These signings have been diabolical I am afraid. No other clubs were even looking at these players at all seemingly but in we come – agents must see us a mile off. It showed today when Morris – we could have had relatively cheaply as Moore type replacement – looked far superior than Ings/Campbell in terms of physique/attitude and also fitness. The team, as I have said before, are a mostly unlikeable set of misfits. I called the defence gormless goons which sadly sums up Mee and McGuiness but we have two midfielders who look League One level (Peck has fallen off a cliff and not sure why people are so excited about Soumare who looks all arms and legs and lacks composure and does not dominate physically). The front options are laughably bad. The ball never sticks and no one ever moves. All in all, it is a bit of a mess. O’Hare has been the one bright spot.



Surely, he has to move Tanganga back inside and go back to a two – the three – if it is that – is not working and we are continuing to ship 3’s most weeks. Ogbene had not offered much at all but Brooks was disappointing today. Cooper continues to ship goals but none his fault today. I think McCallum and O’Hare are the two that escape criticism last few weeks. The rest have routinely lost individual battles, not imposed themselves on games and when the going has got tough, have folded pathetically. We saw it at Preston and saw it again today. I do not have any confidence Wilder will change things tactically (I agree personnel wise he is limited as it is a really poor (yet bloated squad) but keeps picking same favourites such as Peck and Mee – at least he took Cannon and Barry out today.



I do not see us really turning things round. It seems like we took a few steps forward and about 5 back in the 2nd half v PNE and today. Any confidence they had found has gone and Wilder is publicly slating them once again. It feels like he is shuffling 2 or 3 week each week, but for the most part the performances remain average to poor. We concede stupid goals and struggle to score at the other end. This pattern continues and we are going to struggle to stay up. I see many say we won’t be bad enough to go down but I am not sure. Today, we played a really poor side and they beat us easy. We now have Coventry away and I think we might get a bit of a going over (team coming off a defeat looking for a reaction) and then the pressure really ramps up before another home game – against a better side than Derby. It is all a bit of a mess currently and the managerial changes despite many thinking it would – has not really made a huge difference. I am not sure if the coaching are saying it is not tactics and the personnel we have – is what we have – how we turn it around. Wilder saying we do not get the free pass that Peck gave to make it 2-0 – was a worry – like he is waiting for opponents to do something stupid? Well guess what we are in the bottom 3 and have lost 10 out of 13 as we are a really poor side – with poor unfit (and slow) players making mistakes and not coached very well at all. This trend will continue for me unless somehow the players find something they have not shown at all so far this season.



Ratings:



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have lots to do weirdly but they did have chances. A few went past his post and he made the push away from Brereton Diaz. He was irritating me with the short passes out but clearly been told to do that. One of these led to the corner and the goal. Had no chance on any of the goals as he was badly exposed. Feel sorry for him playing in front of the gormless goons (use the phrase again) of Bindon and JLT and now Mee and McGuiness.



Ogbene 4.5/10 - Saw him get lots of criticism first half (one of my group chats a few were saying he was awful) and I think he has been a poor signing but he actually did some ok things first half. Looked our main threat in that he tried to run with it, sent over a few crosses and our main chances came from his run (led to a corner – Tanganga header) and the Campbell header which was the only decent cross we put over. Second half he was awful though and lost the ball, got ran past defensively and seemed to mis control everything. Quite easy to see why Ipswich let him go but I maintain he was one of the few bright spots first half in that he at least got involved.



McCallum 5/10 – He was ok in terms of basic possession and had a few headed efforts at goal but his corners were not the best (one to Tanganga apart) and floated too high. He did at least try and get involved but I thought that at times as Brooks drifted it did not help him defensively and had two on one. One of the few players that was ‘ok’ but nothing special. Sadly, a number were even worse!



McGuiness 2/10 – I have defended him for some of his performances and he has been better than I thought overall but seen some of the issues we saw at other clubs when he played here (gets under the ball in the air/does not dominate for a big bloke) and clumsy in possession. Today was his worst game for us by some distance and carried on his drop off 2nd half at PNE. He took so many poor touches although not sure why he is playing it out as he is awful technically. Did not win headers and the front two completely bullied our defenders. Twice second half he just fell to the floor as the lad Agyemang just shoved him off easily. So weak for a 6’4’’ bloke and seems quite lacking physically in the challenge which is a real worry as that is what he is in the team for (winning the aerial/physical stuff). I thought it was a panic buy that is not much better than Robinson (right to move him on btw) and stand by that. He will be another (like Cannon, Matos, Chong) that are here on long term contracts and if we are serious about producing a good team – he should be nowhere near it. No idea why Tanganga is having to play an almost right back role to accommodate him and Mee. He actually appealed for offside on the 2nd! Seriously. That sums up his footballing intelligence.



Tanganga 4/10 – He at least battled to win some challenges but I thought it was a struggle for him too today at times and lost out in a few races/50-50’s. He was superb at Boro but has got nowhere near that since but he is playing in the wrong position for me. He is almost a right back and this is not suiting him. He did have two headed efforts at the keeper – maybe should have done better with both of these but at least got on the end of it (something McGuiness and Mee never do) and has looked dangerous setting up chances with headers across in recent games. However, defensively he has not looked comfortable at all and another that looks like he does not quite know what his plan is?



Mee 2.5/10 – He was not much better than McGuiness and also got physically manhandled by Morris and Agyemang all game. Looks what he is – old and slow. He did well in the first game at Oxford and looked composed and steady but now faced with 2 or 3 games a week where the ball is coming at us a lot – he looks like he cannot handle the intensity of it all. Another you’d take out if we had any other options. We had a few games where we improved here but the last month we have gone right back to same poor levels as we had under Bindon and JLT. We are still losing crosses, concede goals from set play and still look physically weak here. It is much the same but just different bodies here. It’s remarkable that we needed 2 centre backs and probably still need 2 (Although Tanganga and one other surely would be the way we would go?) We signed so many defenders but we have not really improved in this area. If he was a player on a shorter-term deal (say January) not sure you’d keep him. He has declined badly after a promising start. If I was a centre forward facing Mee and McGuiness, my eyes would light up as you can impose yourself them in so many ways (physicality, movement, pace, aerially).



Peck 2/10 – His mark may seem harsh as I did feel he would look for the ball and try and make himself square/available (not many others did that – Soumare will get more praise than Peck but he hid for long spells) but his performances are getting worse and directly contributed to two goals conceded. He takes too many touches when he has it, rarely plays forward and not sure he wins many tackles theses days. The first goal he gives up a free header (Wilder talked about a zone man attacking it – or spare but Peck was on him and he got the run and than was marking him again the corner after). Still, like with Burrows last week – the defending is still poor as he has to be stronger and at least get a body on him. The second goal is atrocious. No idea what he was thinking or doing – this was worse than the Kieffer Moore pass at Wembley – as he played it backward and effectively the best pass Morris will have all season. After this he had his long range shot off target but then fell over when O’Hare had a chance at 1-3 and felt he continued to play sideways but when he went long it was aimless stuff. Needs to come out of the team for a period. He has played every game almost and we are losing most games. We need to try something different although Davies cannot stay fit and Soumare/Matos do not convince me.



Soumare 4/10 – I am not as high on him as some are. He does get his foot in a bit and tries to at least go forward but his touch is very up and down and he seems all arms and legs. Never seems in control of what he is doing and not much of a ball winner/stopper. We never seem to have control of midfield and him and Peck again were not able to stem the ball to the Derby forward’s or play the ball into ours. They played a lot of square balls and not sure we saw any penetration from the central area. He is just very raw. As I say, seen some say he is really promising but I am not convinced yet. He has just done a bit more than the other midfielders.



O’Hare 8/10 – Once again our one shining light and bright spot by a distance. He worked hard, got on the ball, ran at players, looked for link ups and only one who looked like he might make something happen. He chased back and won tackles and looked like he cared. Some of the others were at jogging/walking pace in comparison. He scored a really good goal and had a few other decent efforts too. Felt sorry for him. If I was his agent, I think I would be looking for a move in January as he looks a cut above this sorry set of hapless clowns around him.



Brooks 3.5/10 – Once again got the start but after doing ok in the last two away games, he struggled again at the Lane (does seem better away from home oddly – nearly all his goals and decent games – WBA home las December apart- been on the road). He seemed to start on the left but then kept moving across and ended up in the middle and kept getting crowded out. Had a few runs but ran into trouble. As the game went on, we saw less and less of him and he got took off on the hour.



Campbell 2.5/10 – Another statuesque performance where he saw his opponent at the other end score 3, win headers, lead the line, and cause defenders issues by nonstop running/closing. He had a few ok moments to start with but then faded badly and was always wrong side of his man or not able to get there first. He then was holding his shorts and blowing after half an hour. Missed a good headed chance. After the break a few better link ups but generally he was stood still and not even trying to make runs. Wilder said we do not have a number 9 in the club post-game which is damning as was his comments that he could not play at a high level for more than an hour. We are not even seeing that currently. We need two centre forwards in January as him, Cannon and Ings are miles off the level needed. Not sure there are many other teams in the league we would not swap our strikers for (SWFC might be the only one!). We are starting to see why Stoke got rid.



Subs -



One 3.5/10 – Glad to see him get a chance but at 0-2 it felt all a bit much asking him to make an impact. The third then goes in and he ends up wide. He did get down the side and win a few corners but got crowded out and then nearly set them up for a breakaway goal.



Matos 1.5/10 – One of the most laughable substitute performances I have ever seen! I will give him some leeway as he is not a right back/right wing back but boy, did it show. He spent most of the time falling over looking for free kicks but his touch was horrible when it came to him. He also took some of the worst throw in’s I have ever seen a professional footballer take – at least 4 clear foul throws – none given! The penalty, I thought Ogbene may have been fouled but then he sort of dives to the floor and grabs the ball almost. It was a handball – regardless of the possible foul before this. He then fell over at the other end- pathetic really. On that cameo can see why he has not been involved but then Wilder kind of threw him under the bus putting him there – although his lack of ability for a Chelsea graduate was frightening.



Davies 4.5/10 – Tried to get on the ball and at least pass it forward but even he telegraphed a few but they just sat in. Least got back to deny Brewster a goal. He has to start next game but then you know he will be out for a few weeks after that.



Burrows – Not on long enough to make an impact as we just recycled it over to his side and sent loopy crosses over or tried to play through a mass of bodies.



Ings – Another who did not have long but what he did was awful. Ran into trouble twice and then attempted a header (decent ball) that he somehow cleared! He looks miles off the player he was and you can see why he did not have a club. Another whom if he was only here till January – you would terminate the deal. Looks miles off it.

 

[Deadbat]

Manager: Wilder 2/10 – Hard listen post-game which I will come on to. Once again we start both halves terrible – corner after a minute first half and then concede 2nd half. Whatever he is saying in the dressing room is having no impact whatsoever as we start slow and sluggish every game currently. After we went behind, (says it was just a corner but does not mention why Peck was on their best header of the ball or the stupid overplay before that led to the corner?) we did not really have much of a response but the 2nd kills it. The subs after are bewildering with Matos at right back just baffling. Spent ages in his post-match talking about the third goal – which could have been a foul before it was still moronic. We got one back but never really threatened that much after -he said we had enough chances. We did not. The keeper has barely made a save of note all game (neither has ours really either). In the end they saw it out easily and was a classic away win. They had 4 or 5 players that played better than ours in key positions and outside of O’Hare, looked the side who were hungrier throughout. That has to be a worry from the coaching staff.



His interview post-game was really poor. He used the same stock phrases and words. Selles got hammered for saying the same stuff but Wilder is saying the same stuff every week and not taking any responsibility. Did not like his prickly response when asked if we were positive enough and he said, ‘ask the players.’ That attitude is poor and throws it back on them – as he has done a few times since he came back. At some point he has to look at formations and tactics and shape – not say ‘it’s not systems.’ He came back and I think thought we would move away from the bottom but he is struggling to get much out of this group – which of course the players have to take a big share of blame but I think carping on about Selles is redundant now. I do expect us to have some kind of plan – despite the players not being very good – we still should have enough to be able to get results against sides Derby but we were not and he has to look at himself and what we are doing. He is rolling out the same formation – that is not working and a lot of the same players – sadly those in reserve you can argue are no better (saw that with Matos, Ings today). He will somehow hope he can limp to January with a few wins to try and keep us from being marooned (which on current form over the season sees us lose sort of 2 in 3 – even more) and could mean we are really stuck down there regardless of recruitment. I also worry that many of his recent buys (look at last January) have been poor on the whole. I think the next few weeks will be interesting. Bettis words about him staying no matter what were ill advised. If we lose at Coventry, as sadly I expect and do not beat QPR, then the pressure is on for that Wednesday game in a few weeks. Sadly, they seem to be fighting harder than our lot at the moment and I would be concerned about us not getting beat at Hillsborough as our players have very little spine or fight. If that happens – then the turn may tide against Wilder. A number are saying they are not his players but I still think they should be coached better than they are doing and to keep saying it is not tactics is a worry. If he is not impacting systems or tactics or it is not about that – and the players are making following his instructions or unable to do – then I am concerned. He is supposed to be a motivator but the players have seemed mostly flat since he came back. They look so down in confidence and even though we won a couple – have now reverted to the same players that just look clueless how to score goals, keep them out and win games of football. I am not saying we should sack him – but I think there is a big reality check for some fans. These performances and form were well ingrained from Easter (it’s now 3 wins in 8 and 2 in 10 to end the last season = 5 in 18 and 11 defeats is form for a side near the bottom and it has caught up with us). I worry that he is not the same manager we saw from the first spell – and seems almost scared to go at teams – maybe he is worried we get done the other end but we are currently caught between doing neither. It is boring to watch too which means we are not being entertained and we are losing. It is a huge few weeks for United and Wilder. If we can get another mini run (of say 2 wins together) that is huge but I see us losing far more games than we win and means the form we will need to show to stay up will be akin to a side nearer the top than bottom. We are really in the mire and I see little to suggest we will climb out of it. Despite Wilder saying we are not far off. I do not see it. We look miles off to me.





Derby – They were not great but did not need to be. Did what they had to. Started aggressively as Eustace discussed and forced us back but the game was fairly even until they scored. A classic set play but they pressured us when we messed around with it – compare that to our half arsed press at the other end. After this we did not really worry them too much at all. They defended fairly easily – other than a few headers from crosses whilst they had 2 or 3 other chances to go further ahead – tested Cooper and one just past the post.



They scored a second and that kills the game – given on a plate but well finished. After this the game sort of peters out and the third means they are strolling to a win. We do score and not sure they were that great at the back and we could have took advantage with more movement/aggressiveness and desire but they were not really tested. However, when it went 1-3, we really ought to have put them under more pressure as another before 80 or even 85 and they may have gone under but the pressure never came as we played safe passes, never got behind them and any crosses that came in were loopy and easy for the big centre back/keeper.



They will be delighted to win a game between wo strugglers and win it so well. It was a well-deserved victory and for whatever Wilder says about big moments/things we dd wrong – surely that is football – the team that profits from others mistakes as much as own good play – certainly at this level. They were clinical and had the two best forwards on the field. The rest of the game was mediocre and lacked quality both ways but they always looked like they could fashion more chances than us I felt. It was much easier for them to get into our area, than us to get into the Derby box.



Eustace did well to move them away from trouble and I thought they would carry this on, so surprised they have struggled this season but you look at the squad and you think, why did I have them near the playoffs?! Maybe it was just momentum or seeing what Eustace did last season. I thought Morris would be effective and so it has proved – shown today as he did things we could only dream of. I also thought they signed some other decent players who would improve them but they have not really been able to get on a run but now have won two back-to-back and move away from the bottom places. I think they will be around the middle but I say that about most teams so that show what a mess we are in as have to find two worse teams – likes of Norwich and Soton will sack their managers and have an upsurge you think – one that we did not have when we changed managers.



Opponent Man of the Match – Morris will take this award as scored three well taken goals but Agyemang ran him close. He caused us all sort of problems and looked a real powerful threat. The rest of the side did what they had to but I thought they picked up a lot of loose things and the passion when they made blocks/tackles as our players looked down at the floor was telling. Brewster skinned McGuiness when he came on and had a few neat touches but took too long twice on other breaks. Found it funny most United fans clapped him off – many whom had given him pelters for 5 years! To be fair, I think he always tried but he was often injured or not good enough until an ‘ok’ season last time out and of course will always be remembered for the Wednesday winner but still a 20+ million signing that drained big wages on top of this -that the club simply does not have. A failure we have repeated with Cannon. 30 million+ on two total flops really.



Opponent Weak link – Clarke is a clumsy so and so and despite a few bits of nimble skill, is there for the taking with movement/pace. We had none though. Brereton Diaz was poor overall but did have one shot but resorted to fouling, grappling and cynical stuff. How he did not get booked is bewildering (see below). I am not sure he plays much higher than this in the future – maybe even lower – has the heart of a pea and so slow.



Referee / Officials – Michael Salisbury. We deservedly lost and nothing to do with him or the officials but he gave us very little all game. Maybe he saw the same as me – our powder puff players constantly looking for contact/free kicks instead of playing the game? I do think a few 50-50’s went against us to be fair but then our players need to grow a pair I am afraid and are constantly whinging or falling over. I am not sure what United (McCallum asking for a foul?) on the 2nd but I was just sitting down so may have missed an offence? Just seemed Peck played him through! After this he sort of lost his way and gave some odd decisions. I thought most refs would have given a foul on Ogbene in the lead up the penalty – he does grab his shirt – but then after this he had to give the handball as Matos just falls over. I do think refs can’t stand Wilder and his chippy attitude and will give things against him if they can. Just my opinion and of course they should not but he constantly bleats about them so like with Warnock before, refs are probably going to think ‘f’ you. I know they should not. In general play we somehow ended up with two bookings – Mee for blocking the keeper’s throw – to be fair they are told to book them for that now and Soumare – might have been for protests on the penalty? How BBD does not get booked I do not know. He cynically hauls Soumare down and then is wrestling McCallum – this is after 2 fouls on Peck first half. No card for him though! Incredible. It became very stop start and he wanted free kicks from very precise moments yet failed to spot some of the most outrageous foul throws ever seen from Matos. Thought his game summed up the fare we saw. Really ordinary with little authority on display.





Crowd – Smattering of boos at half time. Much more at full time – from those that left. It was a poor watch and we have now seen 5 out of 6 defeats at home and we have become a soft touch that loses battles, races and headers (to quote Wilder) and teams rock up here and think, ‘There are crap now and for the taking!’ Even sides like Charlton and Derby know they can cause problems and know it is not the same intimidating Lane (not been for a long time to be fair). I do not blame the fans for this. They are watching turgid, slow football and a set of players that seem to be just ambling around. So, the apathy spreads. It was telling a decent number left after the third. I know a fair few who did not bother today (for genuine reasons but said they could have tried to move things around but just could not be bothered). It is so flat at the moment and Wilder’s return has not led to the change in fight or passion, many pro Wilder fans said it would signal. I worry what will happen in terms of the reactions from fans if things carry on? Despite many saying that everyone was United when Wilder came back, I am not sure it was as one sided as perhaps we thought and now there are genuine grumblings growing. There needs to be a huge turnaround of staff sooner rather than later but with crap players on long contracts, I worry if we can do this quickly? It is really depressing that the only positive now is if we stay up this season and do not get embarrassed to Wednesday, What a sorry state of affairs.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

I’m not gonna go into detail but today was fkg dire ..we looked like 11 strangers dragged together on a football pitch .. I don’t mind losing but today there were no leaders ..no captains .. lost all the 50/50s and just fkg capitulated ., left at 70 mins .. Jesus Christ how far have we dropped since Wembley

 

[Addison]

The loss is down to the manager and his tactics. Post match he bristled at a question about formations. The simple fact is his reluctance to admit he is getting it wrong is costing us and if he doesn't change tack we are heading for League 1. We played 4-4-1-1 for 96 minutes. Same shape and he still believes we are heading in the right direction. His possession based obsession just doesn't suit the players he has at his disposal. Playing Tanganga at right back and his refusal to see any fault in Pecks performance hamper any progress. The green shoots of recovery are now back in the dustbin.

Tactically we are inept. The players fear using their initiative sticking to a rigid system fearful if they get a shot off or a cross in first time they will get a bollocking. We are playing the same turgid football from the second half of last season. Why we have moved to zonal marking from corners is anybodys guess. Peck on Morris ridiculous. The players just look now as confused as they did under Selles.

The counter arguments about lack of pre season and poor recruitment are wearing thin. If you can't respond to the opposition changing tactics during a game then it falls at the door of the coaching staff.

Can we get out of this downward spiral? All depends on the manager accepting he has to change imo. Stop the experiment at right back. Go for a 3 at the back with four in the middle one at 10 and two up top. Lets at least try and cause the opposition some problems. Ohare the stand out player. Soumare is raw but he at least looked to move the ball forward when in possession. The rest were treading treacle all game. Maybe time now to bring in an experienced coach as support with some fresh ideas as the others have gone stale.

 

[Deadbat]

The loss is down to the manager and his tactics. Post match he bristled at a question about formations. The simple fact is his reluctance to admit he is getting it wrong is costing us and if he doesn't change tack we are heading for League 1. We played 4-4-1-1 for 96 minutes. Same shape and he still believes we are heading in the right direction. His possession based obsession just doesn't suit the players he has at his disposal. Playing Tanganga at right back and his refusal to see any fault in Pecks performance hamper any progress. The green shoots of recovery are now back in the dustbin.

Tactically we are inept. The players fear using their initiative sticking to a rigid system fearful if they get a shot off or a cross in first time they will get a bollocking. We are playing the same turgid football from the second half of last season. Why we have moved to zonal marking from corners is anybodys guess. Peck on Morris ridiculous. The players just look now as confused as they did under Selles.

The counter arguments about lack of pre season and poor recruitment are wearing thin. If you can't respond to the opposition changing tactics during a game then it falls at the door of the coaching staff.

Can we get out of this downward spiral? All depends on the manager accepting he has to change imo. Stop the experiment at right back. Go for a 3 at the back with four in the middle one at 10 and two up top. Lets at least try and cause the opposition some problems. Ohare the stand out player. Soumare is raw but he at least looked to move the ball forward when in possession. The rest were treading treacle all game. Maybe time now to bring in an experienced coach as support with some fresh ideas as the others have gone stale.

Excellent post. Summed it up better than I did, in less words!

 

[N20 Blade]

Fair report. It's so sad that the wonder years under Wilder will be forever overshadowed by events thereafter.

 

[Gannon's perm]

Think you were a bit too kind with some of those marks. Pretty much to a man they were truly awful. I'd probably mark McCallum a bit higher though. Only him and O'Hare seem to give a shit and put a shift in, week in week out. These two have lifted their performances this season, when all those around them have been comically bad

 

[richblade]

watched this video yesterday and I thought what the hell is this ... none of em were taking it
seriously and looked like it was a kick about in the park on a Sunday morning,
and if any opposition managers picked up the attitude of them in the Gym then they would have been laughing at them just pissing about and not giving a shit about anything they were doing.

Todays performance mirrored what I saw on that video and it is worrying as fuck what lies ahead.

Still going to Coventry on Tuesday but I'm not looking forward to watching this bunch of slackers again ! hopefully Wilder can change their attitude beforehand but I very much doubt it ... UTB

 

[54yrblade]

Chris's ego and need to be in charge at BDTBL is writing cheques his ability, and lack of personal responsibility, cannot cash.

Right now he's just noise, fronting for a joke of a club who bought into him. Again.

Regards

A punter

 

[HighfieldBlade]

Don't know how you do it Deadbat, you must have a photographic memory or you must be tapping away on your laptop during the game.

How you can muster up enough will power to do a detailed write-up like that after such an abysmal performance, I'll never know.

 

[Deadbat]

watched this video yesterday and I thought what the hell is this ... none of em were taking it
seriously and looked like it was a kick about in the park on a Sunday morning,
and if any opposition managers picked up the attitude of them in the Gym then they would have been laughing at them just pissing about and not giving a shit about anything they were doing.

Todays performance mirrored what I saw on that video and it is worrying as fuck what lies ahead.

Still going to Coventry on Tuesday but I'm not looking forward to watching this bunch of slackers again ! hopefully Wilder can change their attitude beforehand but I very much doubt it ... UTB

Why they show videos of them training or them arriving and playing silly games I do not know? Do the kids like to watch these things?

We are at the bottom of the league. Losing every week. I don't want to see anything off the field until they start playing better. It's embarrassing they are all shown laughing and joking and as you say jogging around, when they serve up the dross we saw today.

 

[Deadbat]

Don't know how you do it Deadbat, you must have a photographic memory or you must be tapping away on your laptop during the game.

How you can muster up enough will power to do a detailed write-up like that after such an abysmal performance, I'll never know.

It's starting to become harder and harder let me tell you!

 

[Paisley Blade]

Excellent post. Summed it up better than I did, in less words!

Fewer

 

[Bladesthorpe]

Agree with most of that except your criticism of Chong who most of us have hardly seen because of injury, not expecting him to be a world beater but give him a chance before lumping him in with the rest of this shite.

 

[bakeblade]

The loss is down to the manager and his tactics. Post match he bristled at a question about formations. The simple fact is his reluctance to admit he is getting it wrong is costing us and if he doesn't change tack we are heading for League 1. We played 4-4-1-1 for 96 minutes. Same shape and he still believes we are heading in the right direction. His possession based obsession just doesn't suit the players he has at his disposal. Playing Tanganga at right back and his refusal to see any fault in Pecks performance hamper any progress. The green shoots of recovery are now back in the dustbin.

Tactically we are inept. The players fear using their initiative sticking to a rigid system fearful if they get a shot off or a cross in first time they will get a bollocking. We are playing the same turgid football from the second half of last season. Why we have moved to zonal marking from corners is anybodys guess. Peck on Morris ridiculous. The players just look now as confused as they did under Selles.

The counter arguments about lack of pre season and poor recruitment are wearing thin. If you can't respond to the opposition changing tactics during a game then it falls at the door of the coaching staff.

Can we get out of this downward spiral? All depends on the manager accepting he has to change imo. Stop the experiment at right back. Go for a 3 at the back with four in the middle one at 10 and two up top. Lets at least try and cause the opposition some problems. Ohare the stand out player. Soumare is raw but he at least looked to move the ball forward when in possession. The rest were treading treacle all game. Maybe time now to bring in an experienced coach as support with some fresh ideas as the others have gone stale.

I thought we've recently brought in a first team coach

 

[lazyfecklessblade]

Manager: Wilder 2/10 – Hard listen post-game which I will come on to. Once again we start both halves terrible – corner after a minute first half and then concede 2nd half. Whatever he is saying in the dressing room is having no impact whatsoever as we start slow and sluggish every game currently. After we went behind, (says it was just a corner but does not mention why Peck was on their best header of the ball or the stupid overplay before that led to the corner?) we did not really have much of a response but the 2nd kills it. The subs after are bewildering with Matos at right back just baffling. Spent ages in his post-match talking about the third goal – which could have been a foul before it was still moronic. We got one back but never really threatened that much after -he said we had enough chances. We did not. The keeper has barely made a save of note all game (neither has ours really either). In the end they saw it out easily and was a classic away win. They had 4 or 5 players that played better than ours in key positions and outside of O’Hare, looked the side who were hungrier throughout. That has to be a worry from the coaching staff.



His interview post-game was really poor. He used the same stock phrases and words. Selles got hammered for saying the same stuff but Wilder is saying the same stuff every week and not taking any responsibility. Did not like his prickly response when asked if we were positive enough and he said, ‘ask the players.’ That attitude is poor and throws it back on them – as he has done a few times since he came back. At some point he has to look at formations and tactics and shape – not say ‘it’s not systems.’ He came back and I think thought we would move away from the bottom but he is struggling to get much out of this group – which of course the players have to take a big share of blame but I think carping on about Selles is redundant now. I do expect us to have some kind of plan – despite the players not being very good – we still should have enough to be able to get results against sides Derby but we were not and he has to look at himself and what we are doing. He is rolling out the same formation – that is not working and a lot of the same players – sadly those in reserve you can argue are no better (saw that with Matos, Ings today). He will somehow hope he can limp to January with a few wins to try and keep us from being marooned (which on current form over the season sees us lose sort of 2 in 3 – even more) and could mean we are really stuck down there regardless of recruitment. I also worry that many of his recent buys (look at last January) have been poor on the whole. I think the next few weeks will be interesting. Bettis words about him staying no matter what were ill advised. If we lose at Coventry, as sadly I expect and do not beat QPR, then the pressure is on for that Wednesday game in a few weeks. Sadly, they seem to be fighting harder than our lot at the moment and I would be concerned about us not getting beat at Hillsborough as our players have very little spine or fight. If that happens – then the turn may tide against Wilder. A number are saying they are not his players but I still think they should be coached better than they are doing and to keep saying it is not tactics is a worry. If he is not impacting systems or tactics or it is not about that – and the players are making following his instructions or unable to do – then I am concerned. He is supposed to be a motivator but the players have seemed mostly flat since he came back. They look so down in confidence and even though we won a couple – have now reverted to the same players that just look clueless how to score goals, keep them out and win games of football. I am not saying we should sack him – but I think there is a big reality check for some fans. These performances and form were well ingrained from Easter (it’s now 3 wins in 8 and 2 in 10 to end the last season = 5 in 18 and 11 defeats is form for a side near the bottom and it has caught up with us). I worry that he is not the same manager we saw from the first spell – and seems almost scared to go at teams – maybe he is worried we get done the other end but we are currently caught between doing neither. It is boring to watch too which means we are not being entertained and we are losing. It is a huge few weeks for United and Wilder. If we can get another mini run (of say 2 wins together) that is huge but I see us losing far more games than we win and means the form we will need to show to stay up will be akin to a side nearer the top than bottom. We are really in the mire and I see little to suggest we will climb out of it. Despite Wilder saying we are not far off. I do not see it. We look miles off to me.





Derby – They were not great but did not need to be. Did what they had to. Started aggressively as Eustace discussed and forced us back but the game was fairly even until they scored. A classic set play but they pressured us when we messed around with it – compare that to our half arsed press at the other end. After this we did not really worry them too much at all. They defended fairly easily – other than a few headers from crosses whilst they had 2 or 3 other chances to go further ahead – tested Cooper and one just past the post.



They scored a second and that kills the game – given on a plate but well finished. After this the game sort of peters out and the third means they are strolling to a win. We do score and not sure they were that great at the back and we could have took advantage with more movement/aggressiveness and desire but they were not really tested. However, when it went 1-3, we really ought to have put them under more pressure as another before 80 or even 85 and they may have gone under but the pressure never came as we played safe passes, never got behind them and any crosses that came in were loopy and easy for the big centre back/keeper.



They will be delighted to win a game between wo strugglers and win it so well. It was a well-deserved victory and for whatever Wilder says about big moments/things we dd wrong – surely that is football – the team that profits from others mistakes as much as own good play – certainly at this level. They were clinical and had the two best forwards on the field. The rest of the game was mediocre and lacked quality both ways but they always looked like they could fashion more chances than us I felt. It was much easier for them to get into our area, than us to get into the Derby box.



Eustace did well to move them away from trouble and I thought they would carry this on, so surprised they have struggled this season but you look at the squad and you think, why did I have them near the playoffs?! Maybe it was just momentum or seeing what Eustace did last season. I thought Morris would be effective and so it has proved – shown today as he did things we could only dream of. I also thought they signed some other decent players who would improve them but they have not really been able to get on a run but now have won two back-to-back and move away from the bottom places. I think they will be around the middle but I say that about most teams so that show what a mess we are in as have to find two worse teams – likes of Norwich and Soton will sack their managers and have an upsurge you think – one that we did not have when we changed managers.



Opponent Man of the Match – Morris will take this award as scored three well taken goals but Agyemang ran him close. He caused us all sort of problems and looked a real powerful threat. The rest of the side did what they had to but I thought they picked up a lot of loose things and the passion when they made blocks/tackles as our players looked down at the floor was telling. Brewster skinned McGuiness when he came on and had a few neat touches but took too long twice on other breaks. Found it funny most United fans clapped him off – many whom had given him pelters for 5 years! To be fair, I think he always tried but he was often injured or not good enough until an ‘ok’ season last time out and of course will always be remembered for the Wednesday winner but still a 20+ million signing that drained big wages on top of this -that the club simply does not have. A failure we have repeated with Cannon. 30 million+ on two total flops really.



Opponent Weak link – Clarke is a clumsy so and so and despite a few bits of nimble skill, is there for the taking with movement/pace. We had none though. Brereton Diaz was poor overall but did have one shot but resorted to fouling, grappling and cynical stuff. How he did not get booked is bewildering (see below). I am not sure he plays much higher than this in the future – maybe even lower – has the heart of a pea and so slow.



Referee / Officials – Michael Salisbury. We deservedly lost and nothing to do with him or the officials but he gave us very little all game. Maybe he saw the same as me – our powder puff players constantly looking for contact/free kicks instead of playing the game? I do think a few 50-50’s went against us to be fair but then our players need to grow a pair I am afraid and are constantly whinging or falling over. I am not sure what United (McCallum asking for a foul?) on the 2nd but I was just sitting down so may have missed an offence? Just seemed Peck played him through! After this he sort of lost his way and gave some odd decisions. I thought most refs would have given a foul on Ogbene in the lead up the penalty – he does grab his shirt – but then after this he had to give the handball as Matos just falls over. I do think refs can’t stand Wilder and his chippy attitude and will give things against him if they can. Just my opinion and of course they should not but he constantly bleats about them so like with Warnock before, refs are probably going to think ‘f’ you. I know they should not. In general play we somehow ended up with two bookings – Mee for blocking the keeper’s throw – to be fair they are told to book them for that now and Soumare – might have been for protests on the penalty? How BBD does not get booked I do not know. He cynically hauls Soumare down and then is wrestling McCallum – this is after 2 fouls on Peck first half. No card for him though! Incredible. It became very stop start and he wanted free kicks from very precise moments yet failed to spot some of the most outrageous foul throws ever seen from Matos. Thought his game summed up the fare we saw. Really ordinary with little authority on display.





Crowd – Smattering of boos at half time. Much more at full time – from those that left. It was a poor watch and we have now seen 5 out of 6 defeats at home and we have become a soft touch that loses battles, races and headers (to quote Wilder) and teams rock up here and think, ‘There are crap now and for the taking!’ Even sides like Charlton and Derby know they can cause problems and know it is not the same intimidating Lane (not been for a long time to be fair). I do not blame the fans for this. They are watching turgid, slow football and a set of players that seem to be just ambling around. So, the apathy spreads. It was telling a decent number left after the third. I know a fair few who did not bother today (for genuine reasons but said they could have tried to move things around but just could not be bothered). It is so flat at the moment and Wilder’s return has not led to the change in fight or passion, many pro Wilder fans said it would signal. I worry what will happen in terms of the reactions from fans if things carry on? Despite many saying that everyone was United when Wilder came back, I am not sure it was as one sided as perhaps we thought and now there are genuine grumblings growing. There needs to be a huge turnaround of staff sooner rather than later but with crap players on long contracts, I worry if we can do this quickly? It is really depressing that the only positive now is if we stay up this season and do not get embarrassed to Wednesday, What a sorry state of affairs.

U ok hun?

 

[Deadbat]

Agree with most of that except your criticism of Chong who most of us have hardly seen because of injury, not expecting him to be a world beater but give him a chance before lumping him in with the rest of this shite.

I saw him play 3 games...one he started and he was dreadful in every appearance.

I am friends with a Luton fan who was amazed we took him off them.

Seen nothing to suggest he will be a success here. Like McGuiness was on his way down and not even starting for a side near the bottom of League 1. Only us could sign not only one but two Luton losers.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Why they show videos of them training or them arriving and playing silly games I do not know? Do the kids like to watch these things?

We are at the bottom of the league. Losing every week. I don't want to see anything off the field until they start playing better. It's embarrassing they are all shown laughing and joking and as you say jogging around, when they serve up the dross we saw today.

The media team are misguided fools. They could raise the profile of the U21 fixtures by having them streamed on youtube and they'd instantly get thousands of views. This would increase the pressure and make these games a bit closer to real football matches, rather than the training sessions that they're currently similar to. We've got a huge squad and players returning to match fitness and youngsters desperate to prepare for the environment that meets them in men's football are currently not being helped one bit by the club's careless and amateur-like media strategy.

Instead they're interviewing players about who they like to sit with on the bus. Fools.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

I've criticised you for marking too low this season but today you've been over generous. Cooper should have come and collected the ball for The 3rd goal, even the 1st he's rooted to the spot. Is that what keepers do now, just stand on their goal line and hope for the best?

Ogbene was a 2, he's added nothing to the team, just a terrible signing and a waste of a squad number. Tanganga gets worse every game, whether he's on the right or not he looks weak, is poor in the air, can't read the game and is as bad as Mee, who's another complete let down.

Lastly Andre Brooks, fuck me his first touch today reminded me of a prime Nick Montgomery, it was that bad. If his first touch wasn't bad enough, what the fuck happened second half when he got outrun by the big, lumbering centre half despite having a 2 yard start on him? Shocking performance, 1.5 at the very most.

We're in big trouble and the worrying thing is that Wilder didn't see fit to start with two up top, he didn't think it was bad enough to change it at half time and he waited before changing it after their 2nd. When he did he just added to the confusion, we don't look like we practice and we look like kids in the playground. Major rebuild needed because this squad is appalling, not sure even prime Wilder gets a tune out of them, let alone the jaded and somewhat cowardly version.

UTBFTP

 

[Houston_Blade]

I think those criticising Deadbat of low marks in the past need to understand the generally accepted scale. If anyone honestly thinks we’ve had players frequently above 4’s or 5’s this season then they’re delusional.

AI suggests the scale is as below:




[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]

 

[Keen Blade]

Why they show videos of them training or them arriving and playing silly games I do not know? Do the kids like to watch these things?

We are at the bottom of the league. Losing every week. I don't want to see anything off the field until they start playing better. It's embarrassing they are all shown laughing and joking and as you say jogging around, when they serve up the dross we saw today.

Those videos epitomise what we are - a joke club that has taken the £ parachutes and pissed them away for fun

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

Thanks for you efforts in the dark times Deadbat.

I have to wonder in Campbell is carrying a knock but is still deemed better than the alternatives. He seems to be much less of a handful this season.

Felt so sorry for Callum O'Hare, giving 110% whilst the rest gave 10%. I think he deserves the captaincy on effort alone.

 

[Blade56]

r 3 week each week, but for the most part the performances remain average to poor.

He is rolling out the same formation – that is not working and a lot of the same player

Doing the same things over and over and expecting a different outcome

 

[Revolution]

Yesterday’s performance was brought to you by the word “stupid”.

It was stupid, when the opposition have Carlton Morris (who has bust his arse every week to have the career he’s had: Campbell was pathetic compared to him) and some young, quick forwards to be buggering around at the back, leading to the corner. It was even more stupid to have Peck marking Morris. Have we not seen Morris play?

It was stupid of Peck to make that pathetic no look pass to lay on the second. A better pass than one he’s made to any of our players this season. Incidentally, did anyone think Cooper would save that shot, or the penalty? What’s happened to him?

Conceding in the first minute of a second half for the second game in a row.

It was stupid of Matos, another shocking signing, to try to walk that ball out of play. It was a stonewall penalty. Mind you, last season Cooper would have dived on that.

We were stupid during the transfer window, have saddled ourselves with a number of players who are awful for this level, and have brought back a manager who seems to have learned nothing from last season. The faceless clowns who own us won’t pay for quality in January, so down we go.

Finally, well played Callum O’Hare. If only some of your teammates showed your effort and application.

 

[ekke287]

I can’t buy into this narrative around these players not being Wilders, as while some of it is true, other parts aren’t.

The summer signings, yep, they’re not his, but his core favourites are still there (Burrows, Cooper, Campbell, Peck, Cannon, Hamer, O’Hare etc).

Alongside this, no manager starts a job with their own squad, they always inherit, yet only CW seems to be incapable of working with other people’s players.

The reality is he’s now had more games with this squad in a professional setting than Selles did, and he’s still got no plan B or even basic idea of how to set up his best team.

O’Hare aside, the team has no cohesion, joined up thinking or even a clue about where they’re supposed to be. They look clueless to a man.

I went yesterday with a Derby fan and after the first I told him you’ve won this. It was only his own pessimism that kept him from believing me but I assured him we won’t come good and was unfortunately right.

Even when we score, it’s one of the most muted celebrations as we all know the games gone by then.

What is wrong with this team? They have no idea what they’re doing, now under a second manager.

We’re now stuck with a bad team AND a bad manager, who seems to think throwing them under the bus will somehow spark a resurgence in form, which has never worked before.

Fuck me, it’s so grim. Walking home with said Derby fan I wasn’t upset, just apathetic. I was annoyed that I’d paid £40, got soaked and my “team” couldn’t even muster showing up. At home. Again.

 

[Freddie]

It is now 5 defeats out of 6 at Bramall Lane and after the back-to-back wins, the Blades have followed it up with consecutive defeats and remain in deep trouble at the foot of the table. It was a sorry performance as fellow strugglers Derby County came to the Lane, and won with relative comfort. A Carlton Morris hat trick saw off United as the Blades conceded three goals again and have now conceded 23 goals in 13 games, only scoring 10 goals in reply. United now have lost as many games this campaign as they had lost all of last season and make no mistake are in a real scrap to stay in the division after being so close to exiting it, at the other end only last May.



United made two changes from the side that began at Deepdale with Soumare in for Riedewald and McCallum back in for Burrows. One and Nwachukwu were on the bench for the home side. Former Blade loanee Ben Brereton Diaz started for Derby whilst another former United forward, Rhian Brewster, was on the bench.



After a tribute for former Blades player Colin Addison, Derby started on the attack and won an early corner. United struggled to find much headway as the Rams looked to play off the muscular front two of Morris and Agyemang. It was a scrappy game with little quality in the middle of the field, but Derby were continuing to use long throws and balls down the side to stretch McGuiness and Mee. United tried to find space down the right and Ogbene went on one decent run and was fouled before overrunning it. O’Hare was busy but the lack of movement in front of him meant space was restricted.



Derby took the lead on 24 minutes and it came from United’s ridiculous tactic of passing the ball around their backline. Mee, McGuiness and Soumare all took touches before Cooper eventually had to knock it forward but it was returned quickly and the Rams won a corner. Ward’s inswinger was on the money and MORRIS met it with Peck somehow being the man responsible for marking him, and he glanced into the far corner. Immediately after this Derby could have scored another. Brereton Diaz was allowed too much time as the Blades defence backed off after another giveaway prior to this. The striker hit a dipping shot that Cooper had to palm over. From the resultant corner Morris met it again and it just evaded a teammate at the far post. United looked in disarray at the back.



United finally had a spell of play with Ogbene and O’Hare the two linking up and the former won a corner that McCallum put over and Tanganga headed down but straight at Zetterstrom. It was at least an effort on goal from the Blades who had struggled to fashion much at all. They did have another chance as Ogbene sent a cross over but Campbell headed over when well placed.



After the break, the strains of the Greasy Chip Butty had barely died down, when disaster struck for the home side. Peck played a blind pass back and it took out both centre backs and MORRIS, who had stayed forward, waited and took it on and cooly chipped Cooper. It was two for Derby and two for Morris and a ridiculous goal to concede. Some United players were asking for an offence in the build up but it was hard to see what their gripes were?



Tanganga had another header, but once again down and comfortable for the keeper before One and Matos came on for McGuiness and Brooks but one of the substitutes first contributions led to the game being effectively finished. It seemed Agyemang had perhaps fouled Ogbene in the build up as United oddly tried to let the ball go out, but the contact with Matos was more incidental and the midfielder fell onto the ball and definitely used his hand in a moment of madness. The referee pointed to the spot and MORRIS casually rolled it into the corner and completed his hat trick. The visiting fans were in dreamland with their side 3-up and coasting to an east victory. Compare this to the reaction at the other end, as many Blades saw this as the cue to leave the ground with still half an hour left to play!



There was clear frustration inside the ground at the poor efforts served up from the home players who seemed completely unable to fashion much of anything to get the crowd excited although McCallum did have a header that the keeper somehow palmed away. O’HARE was the one bright spot and his willing running was rewarded when he got on a loose ball from a throw, found space and fired home. After this, the same player had another shot tipped away from the keeper after another cross dropped to him but United struggled to really find many more chances after this. Peck’s long ranger deflected wide but Derby broke up the play and make changes to make the game bitty and United seemed to run out of any momentum after that first goal back. Morris continued to give a classic centre forward performance as Mee was struggling to hold him up where as Campbell was completely unable to bring others into play at the other end. One was playing down the side and won a corner but



Burrows and Ings came on but the game was drifting to a foregone conclusion now. Indeed Brewster – on for his Lane return – and then Agyemang had chances for more goals. Ings bizarre header near the end where he effectively cleared the ball, summed up the afternoon as United went down to yet another home defeat.

Fact check:

"After the break, the strains of the Greasy Chip Butty had barely died down, when..."

Nope. We were about two lines in and most saw what was coming and stopped singing it.

 

[Northernsoulblade]

Great report deadbat can feel ur frustration soumare only grumble thought he was 2 at best

 

[Grappler]

I've said many times, it depends where you sit in the ground, as to how you see players play, and on that basis, I thought Peck was ok, but will agree with the rest of your scores. We were fucking crap, especially in the first half, there is no getting away from that.

I was talking to a few mates in the pub after, and said the Derby keeper had a good game, saved about four or five attempts on goal. Then I realised I say the same every week, their keeper had a great game.

On paper, you would have to think that these players are much better, man for man, than the poor team that Micky Adams led to the drop, but in terms of heart/guts these are shocking, probably the weakest set of players I have ever seen.

Why are we still trying to play with one up front?

I hate the pigs as much as anyone, but you have to start thinking that the pig manager would at least get us playing an industrial type game, where we don't concede all the time. His player choice (like his fan base) are shit, but seem better organised than ours.

 

[Grappler]

I've criticised you for marking too low this season but today you've been over generous. Cooper should have come and collected the ball for The 3rd goal, even the 1st he's rooted to the spot. Is that what keepers do now, just stand on their goal line and hope for the best?

Ogbene was a 2, he's added nothing to the team, just a terrible signing and a waste of a squad number. Tanganga gets worse every game, whether he's on the right or not he looks weak, is poor in the air, can't read the game and is as bad as Mee, who's another complete let down.

Lastly Andre Brooks, fuck me his first touch today reminded me of a prime Nick Montgomery, it was that bad. If his first touch wasn't bad enough, what the fuck happened second half when he got outrun by the big, lumbering centre half despite having a 2 yard start on him? Shocking performance, 1.5 at the very most.

We're in big trouble and the worrying thing is that Wilder didn't see fit to start with two up top, he didn't think it was bad enough to change it at half time and he waited before changing it after their 2nd. When he did he just added to the confusion, we don't look like we practice and we look like kids in the playground. Major rebuild needed because this squad is appalling, not sure even prime Wilder gets a tune out of them, let alone the jaded and somewhat cowardly version.

UTBFTP

"...prime Nick Montgomery..."

The thing is, if two players are going into a tough, 50/50, to win the ball, and it's 5 foot 5 Nick "Monty" Montgomery, against 6 foot 5 Kieffer Moore, it would be Monty coming away with the ball, and passing it to a creative/flair player, to move the ball up field.

You can have all the skill in the world, but sometimes, you need a big heart and a load of guts and stop being frightened of your own shadow.