Deadbat
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Incredible late drama at Bramall Lane saw United win the game with almost the last kick of the game as Jamie Murphy’s superb individual strike won the day. The Blades had dominated the game from start to finish against an unbelievable negative Gillingham side but incredibly looked like they might lose the game after a brilliant finish from Luke Norris seemed to have snatched the most unlikely smash and grab raid.
Nigel Clough continued to change the side despite the win in the week at Leyton Orient and brought back Davies, Scougall, McEveley, McNulty and skipper Doyle. Murphy and Davies began on the flanks with Scougall supporting the most forward player McNulty.
United began on top and forced a few early corners. From one McEveley glanced wide before Davies had a slot shot saved after former Blade loanee Egan lost the ball. United continued to dominate without creating too many clear chances but Murphy was influential trying to get wide and get crosses in. Wallace also was involved early and shot wide. Doyle then had a shot saved before Wallace had an effort cleared away. United had been easily the better side but at times were slow to initiate the build up and thus Gillingham simply packed their defence repelling most attacks.
Further corner were won but nothing came to them and it took a run from Scougall to really open up Gillingham and win a free kick which Davies hit against the wall. Gillingham had barely had an attack although some indecision led to a half chance but McDonald was crowded out. United went back on the attack and a shot from Wallace was pushed away before just before half time from another corner, McNulty’s effort was pushed away and then eventually a follow up scrambled off the line.
United had controlled the game but lacked clear idea and penetration and after the break sought to up the tempo. It had an immediate affect as more clear chances came about due to quicker ball transferral and cleverer play in all areas. McNulty was in and went past a defender and the keeper and stayed on his feet before his effort from an acute angle was cleared off the line with appeals for a goal from some in the ground. Alas no goal line technology in League One! United continued to mount attack after attack. Scougall’s effort lacked conviction but soon after an effort from the head of Wallace was tipped over acrobatically from former Owl Bywater. The keeper then saved from Scougall as the game was now being played entirely in the Gillingham half.
A double change for the Blades saw the struggling McEveley replaced by Harris and Flynn coming on for Davies in two like for like changes. A rare chance for the Gills saw Loft fire a shot away that Howard saved before United were back on the attack.
They were desperately unlucky as Wallace played in McNulty but his shot came back off the post. He ought to have scored but it was still unfortunate in that the woodwork came to the visitors rescue.
Higdon came on for McNulty soon after as United tried to get that elusive goal. Alcock put in a cross from the left and Higdon’s header hit the base of the upright as Gillingham’s goal continued to lead a charmed life. It seemed like it would be one of those days. Bywater was finally booked for timewasting. In reality he could have been cautioned within the first 5 minutes such was his determination to take every second he could.
Gillingham had barely had an attack all game but then suddenly out of nothing from a throw in on the left the ball came in and NORRIS turned and hit an unstoppable half volley which swerved and dipped and went in off the underside of the bar.
Bramall Lane was stunned but the crowd were back on their feet soon after as a decent and patient team move saw Alcock get wide and drill in a low cross that HIGDON turned in smartly at the near post. United raced back to half way and spotted the ball determined to go for the win and were soon back on the attack. The referee added on 6 minutes which to be honest was the least Gillingham deserved for blatant timewasting all game.
United continued to bomb on and Gillingham were hanging on for dear life. The Blades won a free kick in a really good position but Higdon hit the wall and it seemed like that was it as the game entered the final minute of the sixth additional minutes added on. As the clock ticked onto 96; United sent the ball forward and Higdon knocked down for MURPHY. It seemed little was on but the winger beat one man and kept going drawing another before advancing on the keeper and slipping the ball under Bywater and into the net. It was virtually the last kick of the game and the Blades players piled onto the scorer. The game kicked off but was ended almost instantly with the irony of the Gillingham officials pointing to their watches as the players came off. It was the right result if a strange way of the final verdict being achieved.
United – First half was lethargic and slow and many were not happy at half time. We had completely controlled the game and had so much of the ball but for all this did not create very much. It was quite slow and the tempo was not there. It was too often backwards and sideways and with little penetration. Scougall and Murphy had a few decent runs but overall we did not test the keeper much (Wallace one low effort saved) and for all the corners/free kicks and play in their half, I cannot say we did enough really. We played too many long, high balls up to the centre backs and the approach lacked idea and subtlety. We did not have the pace or speed of thought and McNulty lacked numbers in and around him.
Second half was significantly better and we stepped up the tempo, pinned them back and really imposed ourselves on them. We got it down more and moved it forward at a pace going wide and through the middle. WE started to create genuine chances and hit the woodwork twice, had it cleared off the line and so many other close calls. We maybe should have been more clinical and at times still made poor decisions in the final third but overall you could not be too critical as we had completely dominated the game and played some decent stuff too but just could not put the ball in the net. They had an incredible amount of luck although the keeper played well too. It seemed like we would have to settle for a draw when they broke and scored which was incredible.
Fortunately we got a leveller from a well worked goal and well finished from Higdon and then after the deserved amount of additional time we got a few more chances and finally Murphy scored a great individual goal going away from two defenders and slipping it under the keeper. It was not far off the last kick of the game but a well deserved win. We had 27 shots (concern only 7 on target) and 16 corners to 1. It was one of the more one sided games I have seen in recent years.
Second half was much, much better regardless of whether we won it or not. We played at a better tempo and got on the front foot. We moved it around with pace and used width and created chances on the back of this urgency. IF we can repeat those standards we will be around the top 6. Granted Gillingham were poor and we should not forget another side at this level took us to pieces a week earlier so we need to have balance. Overall after some really slow and sluggish performance I felt today was a significant improvement (second half mainly). Wallace was a big plus and the defence did ok (under little pressure). We still need more up top for me (chances missed and lack of genuine nuisance factor – lack pace and/or that natural goalscorer) but it was a step in the right direction. Hopefully with some loan recruits and some players (Baxter and Campbell Ryce) coming back we can at least push on and try and show some consistency. Today though I could not criticise the side and the late winner made Bramall Lane a very happy place. Yes the game should have been over long before that but then if we had knew it would have ended like that we would have all taken it!
Gillingham – Really poor all game. Look all the world a relegation side and the poorest side United have faced this season at the Lane. They were negative and came for a 0-0. Nothing wrong with that but they never even tried to go forward most of the game and were timewasting right from the start. They were poor in possession and never looked a threat going forward. They gave it away and then sat back and kicked it away when it came near them. It was basic but mixed in with good keeping, some good defending and poor decisions they nearly got away with it. They also had a lot of luck all game and must have felt like it would be a classic smash and grab type performance.
They have a few decent players (McDonald up top for one) and if they had tried to attack they would have caused United more problems than such a pathetic approach to the game. Swindon would testify that if you go at United they are not great down the middle and in defence but sat back and tried to soak up pressure. The first half went well and they restricted our chances and were compact but second half it was literally attack v defence and their goal really led a charmed life. They survived so many close shaves and chances and were so fortunate to be level after having so many opportunities go missing.
They had a lot of luck and then incredibly with one of few times they even tried to mount an attack they scored a very good goal (to be fair we had not been able to do what they had done despite all the huffing and puffing). It seemed totally unjust they would win or even draw after we got level straight away but in the end their was some justice as we scored the late winner. Bywater played brilliantly (not a keeper I have rated from his Derby-Wednesday days etc) and seemed set to deny us but even he could not do anything for the two goals. A side that of course has very restricted resources and will rely on their home form to see if they can stay safe but on today’s evidence they will be fighting a relegation battle. IF they had lost 3 or 4-0 it wold have been a realistic score line and cannot say they were unlucky to lose so late. In reality it had been coming all second half. , Taylor and Hessenthaler’s reaction at the end was a bit pathetic considering their approach all game. I often criticise United but today the visitors got what they deserved for such an approach to a game of football; nothing.
Nigel Clough continued to change the side despite the win in the week at Leyton Orient and brought back Davies, Scougall, McEveley, McNulty and skipper Doyle. Murphy and Davies began on the flanks with Scougall supporting the most forward player McNulty.
United began on top and forced a few early corners. From one McEveley glanced wide before Davies had a slot shot saved after former Blade loanee Egan lost the ball. United continued to dominate without creating too many clear chances but Murphy was influential trying to get wide and get crosses in. Wallace also was involved early and shot wide. Doyle then had a shot saved before Wallace had an effort cleared away. United had been easily the better side but at times were slow to initiate the build up and thus Gillingham simply packed their defence repelling most attacks.
Further corner were won but nothing came to them and it took a run from Scougall to really open up Gillingham and win a free kick which Davies hit against the wall. Gillingham had barely had an attack although some indecision led to a half chance but McDonald was crowded out. United went back on the attack and a shot from Wallace was pushed away before just before half time from another corner, McNulty’s effort was pushed away and then eventually a follow up scrambled off the line.
United had controlled the game but lacked clear idea and penetration and after the break sought to up the tempo. It had an immediate affect as more clear chances came about due to quicker ball transferral and cleverer play in all areas. McNulty was in and went past a defender and the keeper and stayed on his feet before his effort from an acute angle was cleared off the line with appeals for a goal from some in the ground. Alas no goal line technology in League One! United continued to mount attack after attack. Scougall’s effort lacked conviction but soon after an effort from the head of Wallace was tipped over acrobatically from former Owl Bywater. The keeper then saved from Scougall as the game was now being played entirely in the Gillingham half.
A double change for the Blades saw the struggling McEveley replaced by Harris and Flynn coming on for Davies in two like for like changes. A rare chance for the Gills saw Loft fire a shot away that Howard saved before United were back on the attack.
They were desperately unlucky as Wallace played in McNulty but his shot came back off the post. He ought to have scored but it was still unfortunate in that the woodwork came to the visitors rescue.
Higdon came on for McNulty soon after as United tried to get that elusive goal. Alcock put in a cross from the left and Higdon’s header hit the base of the upright as Gillingham’s goal continued to lead a charmed life. It seemed like it would be one of those days. Bywater was finally booked for timewasting. In reality he could have been cautioned within the first 5 minutes such was his determination to take every second he could.
Gillingham had barely had an attack all game but then suddenly out of nothing from a throw in on the left the ball came in and NORRIS turned and hit an unstoppable half volley which swerved and dipped and went in off the underside of the bar.
Bramall Lane was stunned but the crowd were back on their feet soon after as a decent and patient team move saw Alcock get wide and drill in a low cross that HIGDON turned in smartly at the near post. United raced back to half way and spotted the ball determined to go for the win and were soon back on the attack. The referee added on 6 minutes which to be honest was the least Gillingham deserved for blatant timewasting all game.
United continued to bomb on and Gillingham were hanging on for dear life. The Blades won a free kick in a really good position but Higdon hit the wall and it seemed like that was it as the game entered the final minute of the sixth additional minutes added on. As the clock ticked onto 96; United sent the ball forward and Higdon knocked down for MURPHY. It seemed little was on but the winger beat one man and kept going drawing another before advancing on the keeper and slipping the ball under Bywater and into the net. It was virtually the last kick of the game and the Blades players piled onto the scorer. The game kicked off but was ended almost instantly with the irony of the Gillingham officials pointing to their watches as the players came off. It was the right result if a strange way of the final verdict being achieved.
United – First half was lethargic and slow and many were not happy at half time. We had completely controlled the game and had so much of the ball but for all this did not create very much. It was quite slow and the tempo was not there. It was too often backwards and sideways and with little penetration. Scougall and Murphy had a few decent runs but overall we did not test the keeper much (Wallace one low effort saved) and for all the corners/free kicks and play in their half, I cannot say we did enough really. We played too many long, high balls up to the centre backs and the approach lacked idea and subtlety. We did not have the pace or speed of thought and McNulty lacked numbers in and around him.
Second half was significantly better and we stepped up the tempo, pinned them back and really imposed ourselves on them. We got it down more and moved it forward at a pace going wide and through the middle. WE started to create genuine chances and hit the woodwork twice, had it cleared off the line and so many other close calls. We maybe should have been more clinical and at times still made poor decisions in the final third but overall you could not be too critical as we had completely dominated the game and played some decent stuff too but just could not put the ball in the net. They had an incredible amount of luck although the keeper played well too. It seemed like we would have to settle for a draw when they broke and scored which was incredible.
Fortunately we got a leveller from a well worked goal and well finished from Higdon and then after the deserved amount of additional time we got a few more chances and finally Murphy scored a great individual goal going away from two defenders and slipping it under the keeper. It was not far off the last kick of the game but a well deserved win. We had 27 shots (concern only 7 on target) and 16 corners to 1. It was one of the more one sided games I have seen in recent years.
Second half was much, much better regardless of whether we won it or not. We played at a better tempo and got on the front foot. We moved it around with pace and used width and created chances on the back of this urgency. IF we can repeat those standards we will be around the top 6. Granted Gillingham were poor and we should not forget another side at this level took us to pieces a week earlier so we need to have balance. Overall after some really slow and sluggish performance I felt today was a significant improvement (second half mainly). Wallace was a big plus and the defence did ok (under little pressure). We still need more up top for me (chances missed and lack of genuine nuisance factor – lack pace and/or that natural goalscorer) but it was a step in the right direction. Hopefully with some loan recruits and some players (Baxter and Campbell Ryce) coming back we can at least push on and try and show some consistency. Today though I could not criticise the side and the late winner made Bramall Lane a very happy place. Yes the game should have been over long before that but then if we had knew it would have ended like that we would have all taken it!
Gillingham – Really poor all game. Look all the world a relegation side and the poorest side United have faced this season at the Lane. They were negative and came for a 0-0. Nothing wrong with that but they never even tried to go forward most of the game and were timewasting right from the start. They were poor in possession and never looked a threat going forward. They gave it away and then sat back and kicked it away when it came near them. It was basic but mixed in with good keeping, some good defending and poor decisions they nearly got away with it. They also had a lot of luck all game and must have felt like it would be a classic smash and grab type performance.
They have a few decent players (McDonald up top for one) and if they had tried to attack they would have caused United more problems than such a pathetic approach to the game. Swindon would testify that if you go at United they are not great down the middle and in defence but sat back and tried to soak up pressure. The first half went well and they restricted our chances and were compact but second half it was literally attack v defence and their goal really led a charmed life. They survived so many close shaves and chances and were so fortunate to be level after having so many opportunities go missing.
They had a lot of luck and then incredibly with one of few times they even tried to mount an attack they scored a very good goal (to be fair we had not been able to do what they had done despite all the huffing and puffing). It seemed totally unjust they would win or even draw after we got level straight away but in the end their was some justice as we scored the late winner. Bywater played brilliantly (not a keeper I have rated from his Derby-Wednesday days etc) and seemed set to deny us but even he could not do anything for the two goals. A side that of course has very restricted resources and will rely on their home form to see if they can stay safe but on today’s evidence they will be fighting a relegation battle. IF they had lost 3 or 4-0 it wold have been a realistic score line and cannot say they were unlucky to lose so late. In reality it had been coming all second half. , Taylor and Hessenthaler’s reaction at the end was a bit pathetic considering their approach all game. I often criticise United but today the visitors got what they deserved for such an approach to a game of football; nothing.
