United 1 Portsmouth 0 - report

[Deadbat]

It was another win for the Blades and yet again another 1-0 victory with a Nick Blackman penalty once again proving the difference. United had been second best in the first half but improved in the second half and a clumsy challenge from a Portsmouth defender gave Blackman the chance to continue his expert penalty taking. It was another poor game with few chances created on goal by either side but United defended well once again and showed the organization and stubbornness that has served them well to continue their winning streak. It continued a long run without a win for Pompey at the Lane which now stretches back to 1955!



United began with the opportunity to go up to joint top with a victory against an inconsistent Pompey side; that none the less is scattered with talent and experience. United had to do without injured striker Dave Kitson who had injured his hamstring and faces 2-3 weeks on the side lines. In came Chris Porter up to partner Nick Blackman; with Neil Collins also returning allowing Matt Hill to move back to left back and Marcus Williams to play further forward.



Pompey had a number of ex Blades in their line up with Jon Harley, Johnny Ertl, Izale McLeod and Lee Williamson all starting. Brian Howard was suspended but the visitors still could field on loan players such as Akos Buszaky and Carl Dickinson.



The game started with United on the attack and had a great chance in the first minute. Porter flicked on the ball forward and Blackman was in the clear and shot first time but Anderson saved with his legs. United then forced a corner but Flynn’s delivery was poor. United had started well but the visitors had showed some decent touches with Buzsaky influential in their bets promptings. The same player advanced forward and hit a shot from 30 yards that beat Long and hit the cross bar. The ball came back out but McLeod was ruled offside on the rebound. It was a let off for United who now were losing most of the midfield battle with former Blade, Williamson, sitting deep and acting as a quarter back in most of their best attacks. Allan then had a shot cleared away and Collins had to head away as the visitors started to get on top.



However despite this United still created chances with Collins heading over and then a corner scrambled clear. It was end to end with McLeod firing over after Maguire had been put in trouble from McDonald. Porter then flicked wide from a deep cross from McMahon. Allan then ran fully 50 yards before pulling his shot wide and Buzsaky fired over when well placed. The game was probably a little open from United’s point of view and they were conceding too much possession in the central area of the pitch. A few niggly fouls both ways were not penalised with a booking as the referee tried to let things flow as United’s players became frustrated as they were a number of cynical fouls, with Flynn in particular coming in for some heavy challenge. The half time whistle came after another foul on Blackman had gone without a caution but overall United would feel they would need to do better if they were to chalk up another victory.



The second half began with Portsmouth winning a corner but Dickinson’s effort was palmed away by Long as the teenager once again showed his quick reactions. United went on the attack and forced Portsmouth back winning a corner that eventually led to Maguire firing over after a neat turn. United finally seemed to be on top and finally the likes of McDonald and Flynn were starting to become influential. A series of fouls were once again ignored before finally the referee realised he did bring his notebook as he cautioned Dickinson for going through the back of Flynn. On 66 minutes a moment of madness led the deadlock being broken. The ball was played down the inside channel and Porter got to the ball first as Michalik slid in and wildly chopped the United forward to the floor. The linesman signalled it was a foul and it was clearly inside the box as he put his flag across his chest. It was an obvious penalty award and there were little appeals from the Pompey players or management. BLACKMAN took the kick and followed his usual routine before after stopping in his run up as per normal, the keeper Anderson remained motionless but the striker actually put it into the opposite corner to score with ease.



Harley and McMahon had a series of confrontations with the ex Blade going in late on two separate occasions and McMahon also retaliating. Both men were fortunate not to be cautioned. The United man then was the saviour as a ball came across from Buzsaky and McMahon did superbly to turn the ball away from the awaiting striker. Rodgers and Harris came on for Ertl and Harley as Portsmouth tried to find more of an attacking edge but the game seemed to be petering out which was to United’s benefit of course. The game became scrappy and United were defending well but in truth the attacking threat from Pompey had died out and they seemed less threatening now than they had in the first half. United brought on Cresswell and Miller for Blackman and Williams as the game entered the additional three minutes of stoppage time. Little happened as United sensibly kept the ball and played it into the right areas to ensure that they hang on relatively comfortably as the final whistle came to signal another narrow win.

 

[Deadbat]

United – Once again we were far from scintillating and for the most part were very ordinary against a decent Pompey side that in the first half were as good as anything we have faced this season. We rode out luck in the first half and they had a few decent chances despite United probably having the best chance (Blackman effort very early on) and I felt they played the better football and looked more incisive. I was pleased to get to the break level and I did feel we won more balls/second balls in the second half and started to show more urgency finally. We had more of the football and started to at least get into the last third with some intent. We maybe shaded things but again neither side looking like creating much. Long made a good reaction save and we had a few half chances too with Maguire firing over. Still it seemed like neither side looked likely when an awful tackle led to an obvious penalty. After this I expected us to defend deeper and deeper and for them to have a real go but it never really happened. They did not have any real chances of note and despite us being less than assured in possession, we actually rode things out and held on quite comfortably. The last 20 minutes we kept the ball better and whilst we did not create much more or really go for the second we still controlled things better after the goal. They seemed a bit clueless in the closing spells and ended up a bit desperate.



For United it was again far from great and we gave the ball away too much. At least we started to get amongst them in the second half and McDonald and Doyle started to win more balls in the middle for the field. Flynn got on the ball more and also Blackman and Porter got closer together. It was a relatively even game with a few chances either way and united again suffered for lack of pace and penetration in the final third. We missed Kitson a lot and whilst Porter worked hard, the difference between his touch and control and Kitsons was obvious to see. Blackman tried hard but he too had a mixed night. I felt at the back we let them run at us too much and we gave ourselves problems and they easily could have got one but we did get better in the second half and the three areas of our team played closer together. In the first half they were big gaps between these respective areas. We got tighter, better organised and doubled up on key men to ensure they ended up being bottled up. They became the clueless side and after we got the goal at a crucial side, we did enough to win. It easily could have been a draw and maybe they would have been the right result but overall it was a repeat of many of the games of this season where we have been quite average but got the goal and then defended well and kept our shape. Of course it is a mile off from last season but we have far lesser personnel and we have to adapt accordingly.



We now face 2 very tough away games at Swindon and MK Dons. I seriously expect a defeat in at least one of these two games; against maybe the top 2 teams in the league. If we can nick a win at one of these two teams then we are in great shape with 2 more home games to come but we will have to improve from recent performances if we want to continue to remain unbeaten. It is great we are unbeaten and the table looks good but we do not look a side full of confidence that looks like going on and on without a defeat. We have given ourselves a really solid base and now need to show more creativity and attacking threat the other way.



Portsmouth – Firstly I have got to say that it is annoying to say the least when teams all over the country are struggling and having to cut their cloth accordingly and Pompey have spent above their means on numerous occasions. Sure they have been docked points but what is happening with the point deduction this year? Is it because technically they have not left administration? Surely the deduction will still occur, if and when, they finally get taken over. What irks me most is the fact they have signed numerous players (many of which many in this league would love to sign) and must be paying them reasonable amounts (albeit on short term contracts or loans). United would have loved to keep Williamson but Pompey offered more even though they are in administration? How can they sign so many players and this continues with Buzsaky and Dickinson both coming in recently? It stinks when the likes of United (unofficially) and Swindon (officially) have transfer embargos as they are close or over the amount they can use on wages with the new FFP rulings. The teams near the bottom who could go down must also be wondering what is going on? I am not saying they should have a team of kids or be completely embarrassed but the mess they got themselves into through numerous years of mismanagement should mean they have to suffer accordingly. They should at best be signing lower league players or certainly players on insignificant wages; at least in football terms. However players like Howard, Williamson, Ertl, Harley and ones mentioned will surely command some of the best salaries in the division? It stinks.



Their fans are tremendous; some of the best in the land and this is no dig at them. They may say that they have suffered enough but I have seen nothing to suggest they have masses of money all of a sudden to afford such players and to try and rebuild so quickly. Where is the money coming from when they effectively had to sack/release so many players in the summer as they could not afford their wages? I have no axe to grind with Pompey and there are many more clubs up and down the land I dislike more but it is annoying when teams seem to effectively disregard rules on ownership/debts and then can suddenly be competitive so quickly?



As for their side they ought to be doing much better than they are. They have a wealth of experience and probably stronger squad than most at this level; albeit a lot of teams cast offs but still strong players at this level. You would expect them to be in and around the playoffs and despite being thrown together so to speak, the team has enough quality to beat most in this division on any given day.



The Williamson situation amuses me somewhat as it is clear he thought he was going to get better offers than us and waited and waited and guess what none came. A short term month by month deal at a club as far away from his home as could be nearly; is surely not what he was waiting for? Still that is his fault. I heard some criticise United for effectively low balling him with a new contract but come on he had maybe 1 good season in 3 at the Lane; was injured or suspended for most of the first 2 seasons and then when the going got tough in the big games even at lowly League One; he bottled it (Stevenage home in league – gifted them first goal and was shocking and then anonymous in the Play Off Final and scuffed a crucial penalty). Do not get me wrong at this level he is better than most but United were right not to offer daft wages and whatever they offered was probably still better than anything else at this level (where he has played most of his career). I can see why fans gave him the bird tonight as he decided the grass was greener elsewhere and after years of patience and loyalty (how much on medical fees/suspension fines etc!) he bolted.



As for them today, they showed what I expected with some really talented technical players in the likes of Buzsaky and Allan who were two of the better players on display today; if not the best two players on the park outside of maybe Maguire for us. The former; Buzsaky was very good on the ball but then he always impressed me at QPR and so the fact he dictated play at such a low level was not surprising. He was the best player on the pitch in the first half but then his influence lessened in the second half as Doyle got closer. Allan (another on loan – from WBA) also looked good and had a few good runs and we seemed to struggle with McMahon in particular giving him way too much time. As for the rest of their team McLeod looked lively and caused a few problems and Dumbuya the right wing back showed some good skill and pace but could not cross a ball! At the back Michalik and Gyepes were big, slow and clumsy and I felt they were always there for the taking but we struggled to get behind such slow and immobile defenders. Harley was quite sly and dirty tonight and was not the player I remembered. As for the other ex Blades Williamson played in a deeper lying position and often picked the ball up and tried to create/prompt from deep. He did not really have a major influence but did see a lot of the ball and showed some neat and tidy touches without really cutting us open. It seemed a strange position for him and he did not seem comfortable but was restricted getting forward as they operated an unusual 4-5-1 formation that saw the wing backs pushing on and two deep lying midfielders and then another two more advanced. Ertl was utterly appalling. He looked exactly the same player that disappointed so much at the Lane, playing in central midfield where he was so ineffective (always better at centre back). He gave the ball away constantly, miscontrolled it and looked clumsy in possession. I was disappointed when he was taken off! A truly appalling player.



They will argue they did enough to take a point as they did play well in the first half but they were quite poor after the break and never really responded after we scored. They do have some real talent even if it rankles as my rant above confirms and I cannot see them finishing anywhere below the top 7 or 8 and will be in and around the playoffs if they keep the same squad together. They were better than many of the teams I have seen at the Lane and at least had a go making it a bit more entertaining than some of the shocking games we have seen. They got it down and passed it and showed some invention and with a better final product could have got something. I would argue that for all their pretty football (in the first half mainly) I can only recall one save from Long all game. they may argue it was the same the other way and it was always going to be one goal that probably settled it but a moment of madness from their defender settled it.

 

[Deadbat]

Long 7/10 – Did not have much to do. Well beaten with the shot that hit the bar and saw a few other shots pulled wide of goal. In the second half he did make a good reaction save from the corner when it easily could have gone in. His general handling and command of his area was good again and it was another clean sheet for him.



Hill 7/10 – Put back to left back. Not sure I would have changed the defence that had done so well but then again Pompey have a big side and maybe he put Collins back to compensate for this. He did ok from a defensive point of view even though Dumbuya got down the right and was threatening on a few occasions. Going the other way he often just played the same clipped ball down the wing but he knows his limitations from an attacking point of view and so does not step out of his comfort zone. Been very consistent this season.



McMahon 6.5/10 – Another so so game where he made some poor telegraphed balls and also was quite sloppy in possession. However, whilst his overall performance as not the best he made a tremendous last ditch tackle that may have saved a goal and this raises his mark somewhat. Do think he needs to do much better and can do better.



Maguire 7.5/10 – Solid game. He got some awful passes played to him and had to deal with some short balls from teammates. He defended with authority and passed it well when he had it. Nearly scored with a decent turn and shot in the second half. Felt he was the strongest defender on the field and the one who seemed to make the game look easy as he read the play well and was first to most things.



Collins 7/10 – Back in the side and after a few hesitant moments in the first half when they got behind us (when Allan ran deep at him) but he got stronger as the game went on and began to win most things that came at him. Hopefully he can settle down with Maguire again and form an effective partnership that makes us continue to be hard to beat and can continue to protect our keeper.



Williams 6.5/10 – Not a natural winger by any stretch but United were concerned about some of the pace they had down the right hand side and so opted for Williams. To be truthful he is better than McAllister in this position as he at least offers some running down the flank and some defensive protection. Sure he did not do much from an attacking sense but he kept plugging away and was solid enough without being spectacular.



Flynn 6.5/10 – Thought he came in for some rough house play from Pompey and got kicked 3 or 4 times before Dickinson (who had committed a few of them) was finally booked. He tried to keep the ball and showed some better close control and touches than many and linked well with McMahon a few times. His corners and set plays were quite woeful again. He is an enigma in that he crosses the ball better in open play under pressure than from dead situations!



Doyle 6/10 – Thought he was slow early on and the game seemed to pass him by as Buzsaky, Williamson and co controlled this area. He committed a few fouls and was fortunate not to be booked for a couple of late tackles. After the break he started to win more loose balls and seemed quicker and more determined. We started to get a foothold in this area and we saw more of the ball. Still think he can do better though and at home. Doyle and McDonald need to be controlling things from the start and not allowing opponents to dictate to us.



McDonald 6/10 – At times it looks almost too effortless as he shows he can switch things from one area of the pitch to the other with lovely touch and passing but also he can let the game pass him by and can also be quite sloppy in possession. He gave the ball away quite a bit tonight and often tried to do too much. When he gets the ball and looks to link with others then we look at our best but when his passing is off or he is behind the play we struggle. He is that important but I think he will admit he could do much better than he has at times.



Blackman 6.5/10 – He tried hard and I felt kept working across the front line but once again it was hard for him as he was living off scraps and I felt he was too far away from Porter (and vice versa). He did show a few neat touches and got clobbered quite badly twice but most of his work was well away from goal. He did have that one early chance where maybe he ought to have scored and then took his penalty very well again.



Porter 6.5/10 – He won quite a few headers and flick ons; considering he was up against two absolute giants at the back but his touch and link up is a considerable drop off from Kitson. A few times the ball caromed back off him and went 5 or 6 yards and often did not stick like it should have. He lacks pace and mobility but to be fair even he looked quite nimble against those two and got away once in the first half when he was brought down and then got the vital touch to take the ball away from Michalik which led to the penalty.



Subs



Miller – Brought on right at the end. Charged down one clearance and nearly got in but never really given time to impress as his introduction was really just to eat up some extra time.



Cresswell – Like the above he came on right at the end and was probably just to give us some more size in case they won set plays to lump it in our box but they never did really.



Officials – Mr Russell certainly wanted the game to flow and it seemed as if he would never book anyone! Quite a few rash challenges came in and he often opted just to warn players. One or two cynical fouls on Flynn and Blackman were left with just a word here and there. He even played advantage when Williamson clearly pulled back a United man but then opted to just have a word again. The foul by Dickinson saw him actually win the ball even though he went in dangerously and this was ironically the first yellow card. A few times the Pompey players kind of took the mickey as once Harley refused to move after committing a foul, argued with the referee, stood over it and stopped the free kick and then tossed it in his direction and still did not get booked! Buszaky then did the same and chucked it down to the deck in dissent but the referee seemed disinterested. There were some quite meaty tackles and to see just one yellow card was a little odd. As I say I am all for the game being let go and there being some flow but I felt he could have carded a few in that game. The penalty was an obvious decision even though he had to wait for the assistant to give it.



Odd to hear the Pompey fans chant; ‘You’re not fit to referee!’ when the penalty was obvious and indeed they could and should have had 3 or 4 more booked and most of the poor challenges came from a Pompey shirt. I felt Doyle should have been carded for us but they could have had no complaints if they had 3 or 4 more booked. I certainly cannot recall one clear incident he ruled in our favour that would have massively affected the game?





Crowd – Decent crowd to get to nearly 19,000 in spite of Sky TV being there. There was an offer on for some areas with ‘Kid a Quid’ boosting numbers in the Bramall Lane ground but overall on a wet and miserable night to get such a crowd when it was on TV was good. As has been the norm United fans were quiet and probably were waiting for something to happen and until the penalty it never really did. It has been sombre for the most part at the Lane but so many narrow wins or draws has made it quite nervy and thus the crowd have found it hard to really get behind their team in such mundane and incident free contests. Pompey brought maybe 3-400 fans (including the bell waving, tattooed man) and got behind their team well. They do have great fans that always make a racket and the criticism I aimed at them as a club is not at them who deserve better.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Nice report DB. Some valid points there about Pompey's almost miraculous short term cash flow management.

 

[Maidenhead]

Stopped reading when I got to "poor game"

I thought it was as good as I've seen this season from our defence splitting move in the first minute until the final whistle.

End to end stuff, two committed teams going for it and a reasonable degree of ability on show for a 3rd division game culminating in a very important home win.

Sometimes I wonder what people expect to see at the is level!

 

[grafikhaus]

Decent report as ever, DB. I thought it was one of the better games this season with some bits of quality all over the pitch.

Totally agree with your observations about Pompey's ability to attract good players at this level. I'm sure they're not playing for peanuts and I suppose it'll never come out in the wash. I can see them escaping the 10-point deduction as they keep coming up with implausible 'expected take overs' but, after being docked 10 points last season, why still only ten for a 'second offence'? Anything touched by Mandaric is tainted.

Also, the ref. As ever, it seems the players are 'testing the water' and, if they get away with a bad early foul, they know they can carry on fouling. The early incident when, I think, Williams skinned 3 of their players over in the John St./Bramall Lane corner was a case in point. A definite booking but it was let go. Later on, some blatantly bad fouls by, among others, Harley and Ertl got nothing and teams routinely commit fouls in 'quiet' parts of the pitch knowing it allows them to negate any threat by getting the entire team back.

Also, agree with your thoughts re. Swindon & MKD. We'll probably lose one of these but it might be good to get the 'unbeaten' monkey off our back. Promotion is won in games like last night, not in a surfeit of draws.

 

[Revolution]

This is some season, it really is.

- we have lost several of our best players from last season
- we have a grand total of one consistent creative player
- we have no attacking width
- we do not create many chances
- our current goalkeeper is raw and untested
- none of our strikers are prolific
- we score more than once in a game about once a month

And yet, we are better off than last season in points terms, are on our longest unbeaten run since 1982, and we have rarely looked like losing a game. Hell, we haven't lost a game in 90 minutes in six months. This is even weirder than the post-Beattie sale revival in 2009...

Why is this? Several reasons spring to mind:

- The defence is either just as good or even a liitle better than last season. In particular, they are making less unforced errors (i.e.no Simonsen).
- small sample size/fluke. 15 games is not a lot.
- we are winning a lot of penalties - this is unusual for us, and may not last
- strength of schedule: we haven't played many of the better teams, and the division is weaker generally
- Danny Wilson is a great manager

Personally, I think it's a bit of all of these things. We may have a better Idea of how good we are in a few weeks time.

 

[davidpinder]

Good report DB, Just to pick up on the pompey thing, i would love to get some clarity on what exactly is happening i had a few theory's and wondered if others agreed.

1, You sign players on month to month contracts keep them through the whole of the season them release everyone after the last game of the season (expecting that to be April). Then they have zero wages for May, June and July and therefore don't exceed they allowances for the season.

2, Someone is going to buy the club and when they have enough points it will all go through and -10 points will mean nothing as they are well clear of the bottom 3.

3, They are simply taking the piss and hope to go unnoticed by the FA.

I think it is very unfair that they can continue like they are it is unfair on other sides when they keep bringing in prem players like Allan when ever they like. These players they have will be on good wages and all of a sudden they can field a full squad of 18 and even have players out injured or suspended, compared to earlier in the season when they could only manage 13 or 14 in the squad.

 

[William Large]

How does a month to month contract work anyway? Surely if you sign for a month and the end of the transfer windows comes, you can't sign them again can you? Or can you sign anyone at anytime if they are a free agent? I have nothing against Pompey but they are definately taking the piss.

Back to the Blades and it was so evident last night that we are (and have been for some time) desperate for a player with pace and someone who has a bit of skill or tricks to actually beat their marker. Allan for Pompey looked class and with a bit more experience will be a very good player. We have no one like that.

I thought we definately should have had a penalty in the first half and although Pompey were one of the better teams we have played so far, we never really looked in any trouble. We were quite fortunate with the penalty in the second half as it came from Porter having to chase down the result of his own terrible control. Miller should have been given a chance earlier on as neither forward really offered much. Blackman should have buried the chance in the first few minutes.

With a bit more ambition and the addition of some pace, there is nothing to be worried about in this Division. Next two games should be a good test, but are we really frightened by Swindon Town???

 

[LSF]

Good summary DB though I thought it was a better (or maybe 'absorbing' is a more apprpriate word ?) game than you thought.
For long periods of the 1st half I thought they were so much better than us but after half time we got to grips with them and sucked them into playing the way we wanted.
After the penalty they seemed at odds as to how to get on level terms and presented us with less of an examination than I expected. (or is it that we are so strong and organised defensively?)
DB's points on the ability of Portsmouth to sign players of such quality as Buszacky, Willo, Allan & Dickinson is one which all must be quizzing over - how they can offer such terms to players in their situation appears wrong on so many levels, football operates in a different sphere to the rest of life in general... Willo was offered 3 times the wage he was offered at United - bizarre!

I'm happy we can grind it out and DW recognises our limitations this season and has adapted accordingly - it's worked so far, lets hope it can keep on working, though when we do lose, cue the 'I told you so brigade' who seem to be conspicuous by their absence lately?
Shame about Kitson, but we should probably get used to him not being here as, unless the club's persuasive powers are on song, he'll be off to pastures new come the new year to a land of current inclement weather....
However, I'm happy with Chris Porter in that role (injury record not withstanding) as I feel he leads the line well is is underrated by many.

 

[Kendal]

Do Portsmouth still have the PL parachute payments coming in? Don't they last 5 years now? That could explain why they can offer more money, as their income will be double (at least) any other team.
Managed to find the game on t'internet for the 2nd half. Neither team seemed to want to hold on to the ball for more than a couple of passes and the challenges were flying in. They seemed rather dirty, making sure they took the man out and seemed to keep getting away with it. They took holding at corners to a whole new level, or have footballs rules changed recently to incorporate a scrum?
The penalty looked soft, but on the replay, the portsmouth defender was nowhere near the ball. Porter played for it & drew the foul. It was a penalty, but totally unnecessary from their perspective - the guy should've stayed on his feet and shepherded Porter towards the byline.

 

[Grecian2000]

Stopped reading when I got to "poor game"

Stopped reading when I got to "stopped reading", as always. Oh, the irony . . . .

As for the more worthwhile OP, can't disagree with much except I would up Maguire by a point. Thought he was best player by a good margin, even having our only worthwhile attempt of the second half (penalty not withstanding).

As regards Pompey and their signings. It really is bizarre. Either they have more money (which should be going to creditors surely) than anyone knows or players like Allan are being totally funded by their parent club. Can't be right whichever way it is.
Having said that, I enjoyed the game more than most this season probably because they had a decent team and made it a better contest.
Good to see Brian Howard having one of his more influential performances at the Lane!

 

[Houso]

Good report as ever Deaders,

Thought you were harsh on McMahon and I'd have him on a par with Collins at least.

Allan was bloody terrifying in that first half. How we could do with him and Buzsaky.

 

[raul]

Stopped reading when I got to "stopped reading", as always. Oh, the irony . . . .

As for the more worthwhile OP, can't disagree with much except I would up Maguire by a point. Thought he was best player by a good margin, even having our only worthwhile attempt of the second half (penalty not withstanding).

As regards Pompey and their signings. It really is bizarre. Either they have more money (which should be going to creditors surely) than anyone knows or players like Allan are being totally funded by their parent club. Can't be right whichever way it is.
Having said that, I enjoyed the game more than most this season probably because they had a decent team and made it a better contest.
Good to see Brian Howard having one of his more influential performances at the Lane!

Thought you'd enjoy it. On another note I take it the thunderous round of appluase for one of the Portsmouth substitutions was borne out of relief he no longer plays for us?

 

[Houso]

He was the best player on the pitch in the first half but then his influence lessened in the second half as Doyle got closer. Allan (another on loan – from WBA) also looked good and had a few good runs and we seemed to struggle with McMahon in particular giving him way too much time.

I know you're not a fan of McMahon at the moment, but I thought Hill and Williams were the two who massively struggled with him. Especially on the occasions that Dumbaya overlapped.

 

[Ollessendro]

Great report Deadbat. Spot on once again. I streamed the game on the t'internet and whilst I found it frustrating, I was pleased with how robust we were. Portsmouth were miles better than us first half, yet they created little. They had no shots on target. In fact we created the better chances with Blackman, Collins and Porter having chances they should have scored with. We were fortunate that thunderbolt only hit the bar, but defended well other wise.

I thought the game was relatively entertaining last night. Pompey much better first half, but us getting better as the game went on. The teams were pretty evenly matched and it was heading for 0-0 before that terrible tackle. The ref did his best to let the game flow, but he was way too leniant. Ports,outh sussed him early doors and played within that. They were a dirty cyncial bunch. Harley, their 2 centre backs and Dickinson were just thugs. Late tackles, off the ball incidents and damn right cynical behaviour. They should have had at least 4 or 5 bookings and perhaps a sending off (persistent fouling or if a player had been rightly booked early doors). I like refs that let the game flow and football is a contact sport. However the officials let Pompey get away with murder. Other than Doyle I thought we wre well behaved, where as they just wanted to kick lmps out of us.

First half they won the midfield battle. Allen was excellent and every time he had the ball you thought something would happen. A real talent and probably the best player on the pitch (rivalled only by Maguire or Allen's team mate Buzasky). Buzasky was good too and they completely over ran us. They pressed us hard and put K Mac under lot of pressure. We were narrow and struggled. There as little movement and we resorted to hoofing. Credit to Pompey as they had done their homework. Their game plan worked and we looked flat and clueless.

It is funny, at half time I texted a mate and said we are going to nick this.Portsmouth have played their best stuff and not had a shot on target. We will get better and we will nick a goal. He thought I was crackers and said we would get nowt. We were much better 2nd half and the midfield finally woke up. Doyle got tight and started winning the ball and as Pompey tired, K Mac started to find space. We were fortunate to get the pen (defo a pen, but shocking tackle) but never looked like losing. Once in front we completely commanded the gae and we could be playing now and they would still not have had a shot on goal, never mind. Credit to the defence for being solid and to the team for keeping thier shape. You can say that we are poor, lack creativity, have no width, seem clueless in possesion and go long too much (all valid criticisms) but we are very difficult to beat. I disagree with one thing you say Deadbat, Maguire was awesome last night. He deserves at least an 8, posible a 9. He was strong, gave the dangerous McLoud nothing, intercepted lots and read the game brilliantly. He was stand out in our excellent defence. Collins was steady, Hill rock solid and McMahon was excellent defensively 2nd half (though going forward he is hopless).

The only continued criticism I have is that Wilson does not make changes earlier. I would have loed to have seen Miller on last night for 30 mins for example. Their 2 centre halves were awful and it was crying out for someone to run at them. They were 2 of the biggest ale house centre backs I have seen for a while. Slow and piss poor. It shwed when Chris Porter outsprinted one of them and got a pen. I think with Pompey pushing forward and leaving sace that Miller could have given these 2 a real hard time. We should really try and stretch defences more when we get ahead, especially crap 3rd tier one's.

The red and white machine rumbles on. It is amazing that we are joint top, after the summer sale and some poor performances. Wilson has made us really difficult to break down though and being rock solid has worked so far. With the resources I think it is the best option. He is clearly trying to achieve a Charlton. Last year when we came away from the Valley, I said to a mucker how the fuck did we lose that. Charlton were really average and beat us. However they were rock solid and gave us very little. I remember we dominated that fixture in January this year and yet we only had one clear chance (Ched skying from 10 yards). Charlton nick a goal and took the 3 points. I was talking to a home fan afterwards and he said that twas the theme of the season. I think there will be many opposition fans saying the same after leaving the Lane this season. I certainly hope it continues.

I wonder if we are in a slightly false position at the moment. By this I mean that we are yet to play any of the best teams (other than County and perhaps last night). We know have very tricky away games back to back at Swindon and Milton Keynes. We also have to play Tranmere and Stevenage at home and Crawly away before Christmas. We have got Brentford and Carlisle way too in that period. Crewe at home is the only 'easy' fixture. Keith Curle actually spoke some sense last night (for once) when he said we will lose, but it wil be important to bounce back. When we lose (we are bound to get beat in one of these games) it is important we hold our nerve and bounce back. I for one am looking forward to seeing how we do against the better sides. There is no one that special, so I do not see any reason why we cannot keep grinding results out. I think we can safely say that we are top 6 material, but this run of games up to Chrimbo will tell us whether we are genuine automatic promotion contenders.

 

[sitwell]

Agree with it all apart from the referee ,I thought John Harley reffed it badly.

 

[Wapping Blade]

Agree with it all apart from the referee ,I thought John Harley reffed it badly.

He got reight monk on when McMahon ruffled his hair!

 

[Houso]

He got reight monk on when McMahon ruffled his hair!

I love Jon Harley, but that was very amusing.

 

[Darren]

He got reight monk on when McMahon ruffled his hair!

Given that Harley is something of a pretty boy, messing his hair up is probably the worst thing you can do to him....

 

[dublin 10 blade]

nice report DB,agree fully with Ollie's reading of the game as well, first half danny ''dire'' second half 1 save from our keeper sum's it up from them, thought Flynn should have been hooked last night and Miller given a go along side mcmahon,as thought hill and [gulps] williams did ok in second half on other side,you can see how losing 3 key players is affecting macker he's no out ball to give it to, whoever disagree about the panic in the next couple of weeks, reckon the sieg heiler's game will be the toughest away followed by Crawley,m.k up & down form wise, trannie toytown tramps team seems the same while Stevenage could be trickey at the lane, brentford, saw them v orient and they were shit, carlise spanked a few times at home so play like we have been and I'd be quitely confident, and no we won't go unbeaten all season.

 

[grafikhaus]

The red and white machine rumbles on.

And was admired from the directors box by Steve Bruce, Blackwell and Dave 'Lock up your Daughters' Jones. Oh, and Craig Short as well.

 

[gavtheblade]

agree with most of your report deadbat.
however,i do not expect us to lose at swindon or mk fakes.the latter are not as strong as they were last term and have been up and down.so have swindon in that matter,theyre inconsistant aswell.if our defence sticks together like they have been doing,we are more than capable of taking 6 points from the 2 games.

 

[Tuns]

Only my third game but thought that was a half decent performance against a decent team with arguably better individual players than us.

I was struck again by how much less passion and belief there is in the ground than at any other time I have seen a United team challenging for promotion in my lifetime.

Not sure if this is because Blades just don't dream big anymore after all the shit and it's all a bit pointless going up?

I enjoyed it though and almost worth the £9.

 

[blade too long]

Ive seen a lot worse games , in some ways it was entertaining , the individual battles , some solid defensive work , we did make some chances , not enough as we could but credit pompey for not being totally cack.
Some people forget a match is between 2 teams so we cant walk it in as some would like and pompey have some decent quality players still

There is a lessening of belief amongst the crowd , brought about not by losing out on going up , but because of who nicked our place, but shit happens and we have to look forward to the distinct possibility of swapping places with them come May , so lets get behind the team and do our bit to swing it round, Im sure owls fans would be orgasming over a run like ours and wouldnt give a shit about the entertainment value, just read the stats theyd be saying