United 2 Coventry 0 -report

[Reynoldo]

What a game is football, all about opinions. I'm glad you said that Diplomat, I thought the same. Not saying he was great, but he caused us more problems in the first half than any of the other Coventry players. Second half, you could tell he was exhausted though.

Their number was everywhere, breaking up our attacks and most of their play went through him - I thought he had a good game after he got up from his knees!

 

[TBW57]

It all turned out OK after all, didn't it? A 2-0 win and no bother between the two sets of fans.

I thought Coventry defended really well and from the front too, but the problem when you play like this is that you only have to have a nap for a split second and bang! When we got that throw in I was shouting to the Blades players to for Christ's sake find some space. Flecky came sprinting in for the ball, caught a defender not quite concentrating and there was Leon at the far post. All that hard work up in smoke. For the 10 minutes before that the Sky Blues had been the better side in my opinion.

The second goal and CW's dive summed up everything I have enjoyed so much about this season.

Did anyone notice Coventry's number 5 praying on his knees before the start of each half and then again at the end. I do wish footballers would knock this off. Jay O'Shea did a quick Hail Mary as he came on as well but at least that was less ostentatious. God must be fed up trying to please everyone week after week; I know he can perform miracles and all that but only one team can win each game, after all!

EDIT. Apologies to Reynoldo, who clearly DID notice the prayers.

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

I think you got Fleck right last night. Some games he is outstanding, and even when he is not having a good game, he is capable of producing killer moments. His 5 minutes in the second half was sheer class - the run to open up space from the throw-in, followed by a lovely volleyed centre, and then the solo goal to seal the match. I wish I could gain the confidence that even on less good days, he will deliver at some point!

 

[blade too long]

I thought we had become more 'football educated' in recent years than what I am reading on here currently. I've said as much on another thread. Hanson can head a ball, he's really good at it. Seriously though.m, what else did he do? You can't be classed as a decent striker if all you do is win headers from a hoof. He didn't link up play, he doesn't make space, his passing is dreadful and his shooting is comically bad!

In all for. Hanson as 'an option' for the last10, but he doesn't offer anything to our team other than headers. It is absolutely no coincidence that sharp has had a dip in form recently. What's worse is, Sharp is now criticised for not play My well, despite us all (surely) knowing exactly why.

Sharp needs ball to feet, chances in the box. All he had to feed on last night were flick ons. This means Hanson is applauded for winning the flick on and Sharp is criticised for not getting there. Sharp has been tried and tested in this style of football and we know full well it doesn't work for him. Whatever you think of Hanson, even if you think he's decent (which apart from his heading and 'effort' he isn't good at anything!) they will never form a successful partnership. Particularly for Sharp - the country's top scorer - need I remind you!

Hanson is the type of striker I thought we were passed as a club, but our fans still seem to have a love for a non-scoring oaf of a striker. Especially some preferring him to Sharp just confuses me hugely!

strange isnt it though your giving no credit whatsoever for us being unbeaten in 12 and others scoring goals because of Hanson occupying the opponents defenders
Billy is in a lean period for scoring but i carrying an injury, nothing to do with Hansons supply
Why do some have this burning desire to trash players incessantly

we have got 28 points out of the last 36 , putting us in the championship and your slagging off one of the main contributors

just dont get it
notice also clean sheets are coming again as Hanson eases the pressure on the defence
but fuck me dont offer any credit at all for that either

just so fucking glad CW is picking the team not some know buggar all about football fan

its a new low blaming Sharps dry spell on Hanson

 

[blader]

strange isnt it though your giving no credit whatsoever for us being unbeaten in 12 and others scoring goals because of Hanson occupying the opponents defenders
Billy is in a lean period for scoring but i carrying an injury, nothing to do with Hansons supply
Why do some have this burning desire to trash players incessantly

we have got 28 points out of the last 36 , putting us in the championship and your slagging off one of the main contributors

just dont get it
notice also clean sheets are coming again as Hanson eases the pressure on the defence
but fuck me dont offer any credit at all for that either

just so fucking glad CW is picking the team not some know buggar all about football fan

its a new low blaming Sharps dry spell on Hanson

Mate. Sometimes you post some ok stuff but this is incredible.so much I don't understand here.

1. Is Hanson solely responsible for the unbeaten run? No. Has he contributed to it? Yes, in a sense.. (can't be quantified) , would another player have contributed more in the same position? Can't tell, doesn't mean no though.

2. He's scored 1 in 11. Even if you think he is doing all these wonderful things, that's not good enough for a striker in a team at the top of the league. Clarke has scored as many as Hanson in those 20 mins last night than Hanson has for us all together. Also, Sharp needs dropping for not scoring, but Hanson is safe? Why? Strange.

3. Giving Hanson credit for clean sheets. I mean, that's craziness. Defend him of you like, but we might as well credit Wright for both goals last night, on that logic.

4. It's not a 'burning desire' but he just isn't good enough. He is a clogged at the wrong side of 30 that doesn't score. Apart from heading he doesn't offer anything to the team.

5. I think there's a real issue with correlation and causation here. We have been awesome since Hanson came in. I believe that's correlation over causation though. I also don't believe Sharp's downturn in form is a coincidence when playing next to him.

6. Were allowed to think a player isn't that good, you know. You might think JH is class. Good for you. I don't see it. I'm also entitled to that. He's a strike that scorer 1 in 11, at the end of the day. Not good enough.

 

[blade too long]

Mate. Sometimes you post some ok stuff but this is incredible.so much I don't understand here.

1. Is Hanson solely responsible for the unbeaten run? No. Has he contributed to it? Yes, in a sense.. (can't be quantified) , would another player have contributed more in the same position? Can't tell, doesn't mean no though.

2. He's scored 1 in 11. Even if you think he is doing all these wonderful things, that's not good enough for a striker in a team at the top of the league. Clarke has scored as many as Hanson in those 20 mins last night than Hanson has for us all together. Also, Sharp needs dropping for not scoring, but Hanson is safe? Why? Strange.

3. Giving Hanson credit for clean sheets. I mean, that's craziness. Defend him of you like, but we might as well credit Wright for both goals last night, on that logic.

4. It's not a 'burning desire' but he just isn't good enough. He is a clogged at the wrong side of 30 that doesn't score. Apart from heading he doesn't offer anything to the team.

5. I think there's a real issue with correlation and causation here. We have been awesome since Hanson came in. I believe that's correlation over causation though. I also don't believe Sharp's downturn in form is a coincidence when playing next to him.

6. Were allowed to think a player isn't that good, you know. You might think JH is class. Good for you. I don't see it. I'm also entitled to that. He's a strike that scorer 1 in 11, at the end of the day. Not good enough.

well you tell me who played up front the last time we were 6 points clear at the top of the league
you say has he contributed , yes " in a sense "
wtf does that mean
as a team we are scoring for fun
why
because he does every bit of the spade work that creates chances , makes gaps in the defence that Fleck and Freeman runs through

its not in a sense its why totally and utterly we are on this winning run
why do you think CW plays him , out of charity

he is essential to the way we play

 

[Northyorksblade]

It all turned out OK after all, didn't it? A 2-0 win and no bother between the two sets of fans.

I thought Coventry defended really well and from the front too, but the problem when you play like this is that you only have to have a nap for a split second and bang! When we got that throw in I was shouting to the Blades players to for Christ's sake find some space. Flecky came sprinting in for the ball, caught a defender not quite concentrating and there was Leon at the far post. All that hard work up in smoke. For the 10 minutes before that the Sky Blues had been the better side in my opinion.

The second goal and CW's dive summed up everything I have enjoyed so much about this season.

Did anyone notice Coventry's number 5 praying on his knees before the start of each half and then again at the end. I do wish footballers would knock this off. Jay O'Shea did a quick Hail Mary as he came on as well but at least that was less ostentatious. God must be fed up trying to please everyone week after week; I know he can perform miracles and all that but only one team can win each game, after all!

EDIT. Apologies to Reynoldo, who clearly DID notice the prayers.

I thought the praying was a bit OTT. On his knees, hands together, like a kid at primary school and at least a couple of minutes before during and after. Each to their own, I suppose, but to me, these things are a private and personal thing. Not on the football field.

 

[TBW57]

well you tell me who played up front the last time we were 6 points clear at the top of the league
you say has he contributed , yes " in a sense "
wtf does that mean
as a team we are scoring for fun
why
because he does every bit of the spade work that creates chances , makes gaps in the defence that Fleck and Freeman runs through

its not in a sense its why totally and utterly we are on this winning run
why do you think CW plays him , out of charity

he is essential to the way we play

Exactly like Matty Done then. He played up front, contributed a lot to the high pressing game that CW likes but couldn't score and, eventually, got dropped from the first team. The same will happen with James, I expect. He'll stay till the end of the season but I doubt we'll see much, if any, of him after that.

 

[blade too long]

Exactly like Matty Done then. He played up front, contributed a lot to the high pressing game that CW likes but couldn't score and, eventually, got dropped from the first team. The same will happen with James, I expect. He'll stay till the end of the season but I doubt we'll see much, if any, of him after that.

hes doing whats asked of him
unbeaten since hes been in

what bit of that is whooshing over your head

blades winning , not losing

thats what we want
who scores the 78 we have who gives a shit

but teams need players who do all the spade work
Billy has benefited most
Freemans only scored double figures because of the space hanson creates for him
do you not get that

 

[TBW57]

hes doing whats asked of him
unbeaten since hes been in

what bit of that is whooshing over your head

blades winning , not losing

thats what we want
who scores the 78 we have who gives a shit

dont they have grammar ,or
capital letters where you watch the games
old lad what did last nights match look like

from the beach , ?.

 

[blade too long]

dont they have grammar or capital letters where you watch the games old lad what did last nights match look like from the beach , ?.

ah the old grammar reflex
realises he s talking twaddle and has a go at a stray apostrophe


good job you dont live in new zealand , dont do that shit there

 

[pommpey]

Love it!

pommpey

 

[TBW57]

ah the old grammar reflex
realises he s talking twaddle and has a go at a stray apostrophe


good job you dont live in new zealand , dont do that shit there

No, mate.

I expressed a polite opinion based on watching United play this season and was accused of letting things go "whooshing over my head" by someone who is not in a position to have an informed opinion at all, who is too bloody lazy to press the capitals key on his device and who thinks Adam Johnson is innocent.

Classic last sentence there, by the way. maybe best

next, time, check
that? your edits been

done

reight

 

[Fulwood Blade]

he is essential to the way we play

in a word - NO

UTB

 

[blade too long]

No, mate.

I expressed a polite opinion based on watching United play this season and was accused of letting things go "whooshing over my head" by someone who is not in a position to have an informed opinion at all, who is too bloody lazy to press the capitals key on his device and who thinks Adam Johnson is innocent.

Classic last sentence there, by the way. maybe best

next, time, check
that? your edits been

done

reight

why should I , a capital letter does not change the point

Hanson creates the space the others utilise

just try and open your eyes to what CW is doing

ask youself , why is he in the team every game





Ill let that sink in

 

[blade too long]

in a word - NO

UTB

so your questioning Wilders team too

hes there doing a job
and its integral to our system
punching holes in opposition defences other get through

it really is that simple
Fleck s wonder goal yesterday
big hole created by Hanson dragging 2 defenders out of Flecks way

but Chris is stupid is he

 

[TBW57]

why should I , a capital lewtter does not change the point

Hanson creates the space the others utilise

just try and open your eyes to what CW is doing

ask youself , why is he in the team every game





Ill let that sink in

So you were watching the match last night? Would you recognise James Hanson if you bumped into him while posting a lewtter? Do you, in fact, know as little about Sheffield United players' attributes as you do about the Adam Johnson case?

ask youself

why are you such
a silly
]
buger that you, pick

argum ent's when its obvius



you don't have a clue. what your
talking abut

 

[blade too long]

So you were watching the match last night? Would you recognise James Hanson if you bumped into him while posting a lewtter? Do you, in fact, know as little about Sheffield United players' attributes as you do about the Adam Johnson case?

ask youself

why are you such
a silly
]
buger that you, pick

argum ent's when its obvius



you don't have a clue. what your
talking abut

suppose you think your funny , which is probably all you care about
simple things as they say


I see a United side thats winning games with Hanson in it

I dont give two hoots about grammar , , just the blades
and players getting treated fairly
not singled out by someone who thinks his agendas the only sane one

opinions differ
on this one I go with our manager Hanson plays every game
you message him and tell him hes getting it wrong

tell him he hasnt got a clue





i

 

[Sheffsteel]

Mate. Sometimes you post some ok stuff but this is incredible.so much I don't understand here.

1. Is Hanson solely responsible for the unbeaten run? No. Has he contributed to it? Yes, in a sense.. (can't be quantified) , would another player have contributed more in the same position? Can't tell, doesn't mean no though.

2. He's scored 1 in 11. Even if you think he is doing all these wonderful things, that's not good enough for a striker in a team at the top of the league. Clarke has scored as many as Hanson in those 20 mins last night than Hanson has for us all together. Also, Sharp needs dropping for not scoring, but Hanson is safe? Why? Strange.

3. Giving Hanson credit for clean sheets. I mean, that's craziness. Defend him of you like, but we might as well credit Wright for both goals last night, on that logic.

4. It's not a 'burning desire' but he just isn't good enough. He is a clogged at the wrong side of 30 that doesn't score. Apart from heading he doesn't offer anything to the team.

5. I think there's a real issue with correlation and causation here. We have been awesome since Hanson came in. I believe that's correlation over causation though. I also don't believe Sharp's downturn in form is a coincidence when playing next to him.

6. Were allowed to think a player isn't that good, you know. You might think JH is class. Good for you. I don't see it. I'm also entitled to that. He's a strike that scorer 1 in 11, at the end of the day. Not good enough.

Blader, I respectfully disagree with some of your points.

Point 1: Fair enough
Point 2: I'd say the whole point is to pick a team that wins matches. So if a striker plays and he NEVER scored any goals but the team keeps winning matches then surely that striker is doing a great job and should retain his place. It's a team game so I couldn't care less who scores as long as everyone contributes.
Point 3: It's not crazy at all. Defensively we were weak defending set pieces and there was this pressure to play both O'Connell and EEL but now we have Hanson he plays a big role in defending set pieces. So he does help us keep clean sheets, if Wright ventured up front then he'd be helping the atttack but he doesn't.
4: Agree that Hanson is technically limited but disagree about him not offering anything to the team apart from heading. This season in league 1 he's been really effective and played an important role. However I do have doubts about him in the Championship but give him a chance and let's see how he copes. Suspect he might play more as a impact sub but I could be wrong and he might flourish.
5: Agree, interesting theory, could be right but if we're winning there must be a reason for it. I've always though Sharp is slow, lacks physicality and height, doesn't have a trick BUT is a great finisher/ goal poacher. Play the ball to his feet, set him up and more than likely he'll score. He has similarities to Keith Edwards, in the wrong team if you don't set him up then he'll struggle. I'm sure Wilder is aware if this and will work out the puzzle to get the best out of Sharp, would never write him off and if we find the right system he'll score plenty in the Championship too.
6: Don't think anyone can think Hanson is class, he's quite limited but very effective in the right team. He also works hard and cares so that's a massive plus compared to what we saw last season.

 

[TBW57]

suppose you think your funny , which is probably all you care about
simple things as they say


I see a United side thats winning games with Hanson in it

I dont give two hoots about grammar , , just the blades
and players getting treated fairly
not singled out by someone who thinks his agendas the only sane one

opinions differ
on this one I go with our manager Hanson plays every game
you message him and tell him hes getting it wrong





i

I didn't say Chris Wilder was wrong to play Hanson in the team, did I? I said I believed he would ultimately be dropped for not scoring enough goals, as happened to Matty Done earlier in the season. I have nothing against the lad as a person or as a player and haven't said anything negative about him or about his place in the starting XI.

I am much better informed than you are on the subject, as are 99% of the people on this forum, because we go to Bramall Lane and also to some away matches and see the entire match rather than just the goals on the television.

I don't know where you live, but if I told you I thought your back garden was shit and that your dog smells you'd think I was talking out of my arse, wouldn't you? And you'd be right, because I'd be expressing an opinion based on no knowledge at all. If you said your garden is lovely and you haven't even got a dog, and yet I still carried on arguing with you about it, you'd be justified in calling me a gobshite.

Do you take my point?

 

[blade too long]

Blader, I respectfully disagree with some of your points.

Point 1: Fair enough
Point 2: I'd say the whole point is to pick a team that wins matches. So if a striker plays and he NEVER scored any goals but the team keeps winning matches then surely that striker is doing a great job and should retain his place. It's a team game so I couldn't care less who scores as long as everyone contributes.
Point 3: It's not crazy at all. Defensively we were weak defending set pieces and there was this pressure to play both O'Connell and EEL but now we have Hanson he plays a big role in defending set pieces. So he does help us keep clean sheets, if Wright ventured up front then he'd be helping the atttack but he doesn't.
4: Agree that Hanson is technically limited but disagree about him not offering anything to the team apart from heading. This season in league 1 he's been really effective and played an important role. However I do have doubts about him in the Championship but give him a chance and let's see how he copes. Suspect he might play more as a impact sub but I could be wrong and he might flourish.
5: Agree, interesting theory, could be right but if we're winning there must be a reason for it. I've always though Sharp is slow, lacks physicality and height, doesn't have a trick BUT is a great finisher/ goal poacher. Play the ball to his feet, set him up and more than likely he'll score. He has similarities to Keith Edwards, in the wrong team if you don't set him up then he'll struggle. I'm sure Wilder is aware if this and will work out the puzzle to get the best out of Sharp, would never write him off and if we find the right system he'll score plenty in the Championship too.
6: Don't think anyone can think Hanson is class, he's quite limited but very effective in the right team. He also works hard and cares so that's a massive plus compared to what we saw last season.

Hes not class at all
but in this system is very very effective, and is a great professional , doing the job hes asked to do
all this clap trap about the championship, does no one ever watch games from it
they are just as vulnerable to being bullied as in league one
they drop clangers all the time , under pressure, We will adopt a similar system there and it will be effective

 

[blade too long]

I didn't say Chris Wilder was wrong to play Hanson in the team, did I? I said I believed he would ultimately be dropped for not scoring enough goals, as happened to Matty Done earlier in the season. I have nothing against the lad as a person or as a player and haven't said anything negative about him or about his place in the starting XI.

I am much better informed than you are on the subject, as are 99% of the people on this forum, because we go to Bramall Lane and also to some away matches and see the entire match rather than just the goals on the television.

I don't know where you live, but if I told you I thought your back garden was shit and that your dog smells you'd think I was talking out of my arse, wouldn't you? And you'd be right, because I'd be expressing an opinion based on no knowledge at all.

Do you take my point?

I have seen every game streamed this season been to 2 live with 2 to come , so I dont only see the goals

 

[Etchysketchy]

Hanson needs to score more and is technically average.
BUT he contributes loads to our attacking and defensive play, including occupying and wearing down defenders - creating space for others to score. This has happened loads since hes come in, including both goals last night.

 

[blade too long]

Thanks etchy for the insight , its exactly why Hansons there .he rags the opponents defence apart and creates the gaps the others can then take advantage of .without him we wouldnt find the space hes created

 

[finlaytheblade]

SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 7/10 – Saved a Coutts back pass as he scampered across his goal and saw a few other routine saves. He made one save when ball bounced to Lameiras fortunately but it was still fairly regulation. Cannot recall too many other saves. Took a few through balls but at times was a bit slow to react and ended up kicking one away when he could have just picked it up but overall it was a comfortable night for him.


Freeman 7.5/10 – Another solid game. He did what he had to in terms of defending and got forward well. Showed some lovely touches and link play and continued to pop up into the box to look a threat. His final ball like many others also could have been better but he did put a few decent ones in second half. Started to play higher and higher up the field and got lucky twice when he was caught out as they threw men forward and seemed to have a man over on that side. Maybe should have opted on the cautious approach when it was 2-0 but was still bombing forward but that attitude has got us to the top.


Lafferty 6/10 – Have to say he is a frustrating player. Defended quite well and did some sensible things with clever back passes, clearances and interceptions but he also is maddening in that his passing and crossing can be woeful. First half he gave it away constantly and looked quite slow to get back when he did. His crossing was awful as he failed to beat the first man time after time. He did have a better spell second half but even then his crossing was terrible and he just kept failing to deliver. He chipped a few into the box but straight to the keeper. He does do some good things and keeps to his position quite well but quality wise he is lacking at times and has to provide a much better final ball.


Basham 8/10 – I have to say I was one of his biggest critics earlier in the season. The last couple of months he has been immense. Superb in all aspects of his game. Defending well, attacking with urgency and taking the ball to the opponents and committing men. At times, he seems to lack end product and sort of bumbles forward but love the way he goes for it and will not always take easy option of just giving the ball off. Linked well with Freeman and kept trying to move us up the pitch. Barely lost a header or a tackle and made some crucial blocks and tackles when Coventry did get into the las third and sense an opportunity.


O’Connell 7.5/10- Another assured performance. Once again attacked the ball all game both on the floor and in the air. Committed in the tackle, read the game well and was able to win most things he needed to. A couple of hesitant moments apart, he defended with intelligence and aggression. He also showed he can be decent on the ball and put in a few better crosses than more forward players. He has been very consistent most of this season and shows a real determination to win 50-50 balls.


Wright 7/10 – Steady game as per usual but he did give it away once that nearly put us in trouble. He also was a bit sloppy in moving the ball on as it was too slow all over the field. He was not troubled too much in terms of clear chances but it became clear we did not really need 3 at the back with just Tudgay up the top. He came off as we made a brave move to go 3 up top and more direct/offensive. Keeps up incredible winning record in the side.


Fleck 7.5/10 – First half he was poor in both passing and also defensive work. He was maybe a 5 or 6 at best. Second half he was an 8 or 9 and like a different man! I felt it was the worst he had been for some time and that he was a bit complacent. The midfield overall were playing it back too much and there was little penetration. He did put one good ball in though for Hanson that he should have scored. Second half we stepped it up and so did he. He started to drive at players and make things happen. It was all quicker and with more purpose. Set up the first with a great cross and then scored the second with a great run and finish as the defence opened up. Clearly loved scoring against his former club! After this the confidence oozed through him and others as we started to totally dominate and were in complete control. Shows he made a superb decision to move to United to the side that should finish champions to the likely bottom of the table side.


Coutts 7/10 – Thought first half like many he was not quite at it and gave it away quite a bit, turning into trouble or was sloppy with his passing. He kept looking for it but it was all sideways and backwards and this just allowed Coventry to get back into position. He nearly scored a comedy own goa with an over hit back pass but Moore got back. He also lost his man a few times and had to chase back and recover mistakes. It just was very sloppy overall and the midfield were not sharp enough both attacking and defensively. Second half he improved and started driving more, linking with likes of Freeman and Fleck and we started to play at a better tempo. Carruthers helped in this area and we saw a difference. He finished the game with the sort of form we expect.


Duffy 6.5/10 – Like last week got into some really good positions and moved into spaces. He really does drag players around and always looks to get on the ball and probe/thread balls through. Sadly, for all the great positions he got into, his final ball was really poor. He kept hitting the first man or overplaying it. Went off after the break. Not been able to deliver the key balls recently but due a really good game; last one I saw was art Rochdale so hope he can do it Saturday!


Sharp 5.5/10 – Not his night and feel he has been really off it last few games and not even looked like scoring. He had a few half chances tonight but nothing that close with one turn and shot only real time he looked like scoring. He looks tired to me and spent most of the night trying to fall down and win free kicks and I felt he looked very leggy. Ended up playing more withdrawn than Hanson and Clarke and was right back in defence and midfield at times as United tried something different to win the game. Not surprised he eventually went off and could have gone off a long time before that. Hope he has one last resurgence to end the season but at the moment well off the pace. Did keep working hard and trying to make things work but lost count of number of times he gave the ball away. Both front men did not really offer much and it only changed when we went a bit more direct. The crossing though was abysmal most of the evening.


Hanson 6/10 – Mixed night for him really. I thought he won a lot of headers and really put himself about but many of his headers went to nowhere in particular. Sharp was not close enough to him for long spells to be fair. I felt first half he did well and was one of our stand out players but missed a really good chance. Second half he tired and resorted to grappling. Sometimes he did not get fouls he should have but other times he fouled a lot himself. Gave ball away a few times and set them on the attack with sloppy passes. Some good stuff but also showed limitations. He had a few half chances and did not look close to scoring really. I felt he looked quite languid and limited at times despite some of decent hold up play. I felt he got little help from Sharp.


Subs


Clarke 7.5/10 – Have to say he really made a difference when he came on. He showed some neat and tidy touches taking the ball out of the sky and moved the defenders around. Showed good strength and also hold up play. Also, showed some surprising pace (maybe that is just in comparison to Hanson!) and of course got on the end of a cross to score the crucial first goal. Nearly got one earlier when he made a decent run and was adjudged just offside. It was very close. Helped us see the game out with some good strength and neat play down the left. Ironic that the man much maligned all season may have helped us almost get over the line with a good cameo tonight in an unusual looking forward line.


Carruthers 7.5/10 – Had a really good impact. Still not fit enough and still does not do enough defensively (lets runners go) but he is a strong boy and is really good technically. Love the way he runs with the ball and wants to go forward and his control and passing is good. Think with a full season he could be a big player for us next season. Clearly got a lot of talent. If Wilder can work on his fitness and his defensive side, we may have a gem here. He is a great option at the moment to come on and give us that energy and enthusiasm and I felt helped kick start the extra effort and pace of attacks to get the win.


O’Shea - Came on near the end for Sharp. Had one run and shot over and linked well a few times down the left but also gave it away once too. Decent lad to have around as he can play a number of positions. Not sure he will remain for next season but you never know. He has scored a few crucial goals too.


Manager – Wilder 8/10 – The 8 is for the positive changes. We were not at our best tonight and I felt that we were off the pace, did not press enough and were too slow to move the ball on. First half it was easy as Coventry just got men behind the ball and tried to get us to play through them which was hard. We then went long but had big gaps between the departments of the team. Second half he changed it and we went almost 4-3-3 with Sharp just behind or playing in between Hanson and Clarke. He also kept throwing men forward and Freeman and Lafferty also being more attackers than defenders so it became almost a 2-5-3! Coventry did have a go at times but you felt United could up it and they did. It was not as good as it has been but we did enough to win the game and you have to applaud him going for it with the extra striker. That is something Clough, Wilson and Adkins would never have done. Loved his celebration when the second went in and it showed how much it meant to him. Not sure why the ref had a word. Saw Wilder apologise to Robins after but sure even the opposition manager could understand it. What a job he has done! I am sure he would love to do it on Saturday at his former club.


Ref – Ross Joyce. Bit inconsistent in a game that barely had a bad tackle and resembled a practice match at times as both teams sat off. He at times let it flow and tried to keep things going. I felt maybe too much as a few advantages for both teams were not really advantages. I felt that he could have booked the big centre back before Bigirimana was carded maybe as much for the totting up process of others as his foul. The Fleck booking was obvious as it was quite cynical really. Other than this cannot recall too many bad fouls. He did miss some obvious fouls on Hanson but was not helped by his assistant on the South Stand side who seemed to have a bit of a shocker second half getting a few offsides wrong and not seeing some obvious fouls.


Crowd – 24,334 which was a sizeable crowd but it was odd the kick off was delayed. A lot came in late at the Kop end but John Street was only about two thirds full. Maybe a lot turned up late and it seemed the amount of tickets people were trying to buy caused big problems despite them trying to sell tickets in different places for different games/events. You sensed many had still turned up way too late and heard there were huge queues in the car park. To be fair at 19.45pm it looked like about 16-17,000 were in so a lot did come in late. The Kop filled up to almost full in this period. United fans were noisy at the start as you sensed a special night and there was real anticipation of what might come as the team warmed up and then came out. It went a bit flat as the Fleetwood score came in and even after the leveller at Oxford, it was a nervy sort of atmosphere. Things did liven up second half as the subs and impetus started to go with United. The goals signalled huge roars and then the fans helped them over the line as everyone realised how close United are.


Coventry brought around 350-400 fans so more than the rumoured 150 and did their best for the team with some ironic chants ‘How s**t must you be we are drawing away?!’ and ‘Accrington Stanley we’re coming for you!’ They seemed to enjoy chanting the Fleetwood score to deny us our moment of glory and mocking our less than impressive first half performance. I am not going to talk about what happened in December too much. I understand how annoyed Coventry fans must be but they did take the protest way too far trying to hijack a game completely. I did not agree with the pro SISU chants in response I have to say and there have been some pathetic comments from both sets of fans since. Coventry fans do not deserve what happened to them at all but it was disappointing how they have handled things somewhat and kind of odd no one has turned up this season but suddenly 44,000 turn up at Wembley. I know they do not want to give SISU any more money but I am not sure United would ever get to the crowds and lack of support for their club that they have done.


Back to United be great to get almost sell outs for the last 5 games (3 away sell outs and 2 home sell outs) and sure that will be close to reality. Hopefully if we do go up Saturday we could maybe seal the title versus Bradford at the Lane. That really would be great. Might be a bit annoying to some that they cannot see the game that seals promotion if they do it on Saturday but sometimes that is the way it goes. I did not have enough loyalty points but will go the beam back and then you will be glad (sad if my reports bore you) to know I am at all the remaining games home and away although MK will come a lot later as staying at the hotel in the ground! Should be a fun few weeks all being well.

Great roport deadbat agree with every Word.I Think i think finishing line nerves have kicked in ,could be more relaxed at northampton on saturday to finish the job

 

[Nade]

What a game is football, all about opinions. I'm glad you said that Diplomat, I thought the same. Not saying he was great, but he caused us more problems in the first half than any of the other Coventry players. Second half, you could tell he was exhausted though.

I was pretty impressed by him and though he was their best player.

 

[Balham]

I was pretty impressed by him and though he was their best player.

Bigirimana is a good player. Moved to Newcastle too young but seems to be turning it around back at Coventry; I'd not be disappointed if we went for him in the summer; he's out of contract at Coventry and wouldn't be on huge money.

 

[Nade]

Bigirimana is a good player. Moved to Newcastle too young but seems to be turning it around back at Coventry; I'd not be disappointed if we went for him in the summer; he's out of contract at Coventry and wouldn't be on huge money.

I was thinking precisely the same thing, that I'd be happy if we took a punt on him.

 

[BushBlade]

I was thinking precisely the same thing, that I'd be happy if we took a punt on him.

If I were CW I'd be doing a lot of due diligence before I looked at him. I'd want to know why Newcastle cancelled his contract so he could go back to Cov, given Newcastle were going to be playing in the championship, and WTF happened at Rangers.