Deadbat
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The Blades slipped to a shock defeat at home to bottom side Hartlepool at a rain sodden Bramall Lane. The game had been in some doubt for much of the morning and United will have wished that maybe it had fallen by the wayside as a lacklustre showing saw struggling Pool win deservedly. United never got going from the start and fell behind early and despite drawing level they tossed away two further sloppy goals in the second half and the late goal for the home side was a mere consolation. United had not lost at home and Hartlepool had not won away so perhaps it was fated that such a result would happen. What was concerning was how United were completely outworked all over the field pretty much from start to finish.
On the 150th anniversary of the first game ever played at Bramall Lane, credit had to the United ground staff for ensuring the game went ahead despite some torrential downpours in the days leading up to the game.
United had to make three changes as Westlake came in for the suspended McMahon, Williams came in for Collins and Cofie for Miller as Hill went back to centre back. The bench was once again full of young players. Struggling Pool fielded some experienced players and also had on their team sheet players with Blades links with former YTS man Humphreys and former reserve team regular Horwood involved.
United began by winning a corner and Doyle had a close range effort blocked but soon after United were behind as the visitors scored with their first attack.
United dithered on the throw and Blackman left his man and then Westlake was not switched on and the cross came over too easily from Humphreys. As the ball came over it sailed over both United centre backs and HOWARD had isolated himself on Williams and easily won the ball to power home his header.
Soon after Howard nearly scored again but rushed his shot and then an even better chance came as Walton threaded in Franks whose curler went narrowly past the post. United were all over the place and needed a nice exchange of passes involving McDonald and Flynn to create a half chance for Flynn.
United slowly started to get back into it and Blackman’s daisy cutter was excellent palmed away from Flinders. The next time United got sight of goal they were able to get level but this time the keeper will not have been happy with his work.
DOYLE hit a long range shot and whilst the effort had power it was an easier effort to save than the previous one that Flinders had saved but he somehow spilt it into his own net to restore parity to proceedings.
United looked to build on this and Maguire fired over after some nimble footwork and then a few opportunities fizzed across the box. Still for all this Hartlepool finished the half stronger and won two corners as both Williams and Westlake could not to grips with the wing play.
The second half saw no changes for either side and the first chance came when Flynn nipped in to round the keeper and score after the ball had been blocked from Cofie’s initial mis hit effort. Replays showed it was onside as Collins and Sweeney oddly squared up to each other but the referee chose to just have a word in an odd situation where players from their own team were pushing and shoving each other.
Still this seemed to galvanise Hartlepool and they were back in the lead with basically their first attack of the second half.
The attack once again came down the left hand side and United were completely switched off as Westlake lost his man once again; the cross came over from Horwood and HUMPHREYS stole in front of the defenders to angle a low shot goalwards. Long may have felt he could have done better as the ball went in off his hand and into the corner. It was an incredibly sloppy goal to concede as the United boyhood fan celebrated with the sparse Hartlepool following behind the goal.
United tried to find a way back but after McDonald’s decent run he fired wildly across goal and the Cofie’s fierce effort was straight into Flinders midriff. Cofie had been mostly disappointing and he was withdrawn for Chapell. Blackman went up front as the young substitute operated wide right.
From another Hartlepool attack they unbelievable scored again. Poole got away from Westlake and put in a lovely deep cross to the far post. HOWARD peeled off Maguire and nodded intelligently back beyond Long and into the far corner of the goal. United were stunned but Hartlepool had worked incredibly hard and no one could deny that they had deserved to lead in the game. United now faced an almighty struggle to avoid embarrassment and get anything from the game.
With just under 10 to play, United took off Doyle and Kitson and put on Ironside and Cresswell in a last ditch attempt to get something from the game. United huffed and puffed and Maguire seemed to be clearly brought down in a scramble but as he appealed and after a series of shoves the referee booked him and a visiting player; meaning Maguire faces a suspension.
Right at the close after the additional minutes of stoppage time had been played; United scored a pretty meaningless late goal. The cross came from the right and after the initial shot was blocked; MAGUIRE reacted first after the ball span away from Flinders and poked it in via a defender. There was barely any time to kick off and sure enough referee Deadman called an end to the game soon after Hartlepool had restarted to confirm the shock result of the season in League One. Hartlepool’s players and staff celebrated wildly with their fans whilst United’s players trooped off in front of their disgruntled home crowd.
United – Shocking and one of the poorest United performances in recent years. It was not really the ability/skill etc but the complete lack of effort from many as we got outworked all over the field. Hartlepool were quicker to the first, second and often third balls. We seemed like we thought we would stroll it but even after we went behind we did not improve. They could have been 3-0 up after 10 minutes. We then got level but after a half decent spell even then we became languid and they finished the half the better. The two goals in the second half were appalling defending but in truth they had other chances too. Our defence was all over the shop, our midfield slow and sloppy with the ball and out strikers completely static and seemingly stationary most of the game.
In terms in individuals most of the team had nightmares with the two full backs in particular all at sea, Maguire given a working over by Howard and the midfield two not having a clue how to use the conditions.
However it was more than just players having an off day, it was us not fighting, not competing and now showing any heart. They basically wanted it more and deserved it. When it came to us getting the ball we had no concept had to use it. They took the ball off the deck and floated balls into the channels where it held up, where as we kept trying to play balls on the floor and it kept slowing down and never making intended target due to boggy pitch. We never learnt and continued doing this with McDonald and Doyle playing so many balls that never made the intended target. We had no idea how to play the ball but this unbelievable continued right to the end. They got it into the channels and then attacked from there. We tried to ridiculously pass it along the floor when you simply could not do that today.
It was a huge chance missed to stay top but the side got exactly what they deserved; nothing. You hope the two injuries and todays shock result is not like last year when we lost players and decisive games (Oldham, Walsall etc) but now we go to Doncaster with half a defence and no Maguire due to his stupid booking. Donny are flying and will fancy their chances of beating us surely. We need to tighten up again at the back and out strikers need to keep the ball more but most importantly more than that we need to start winning the battles and showing we actually want to get out of this division. It has worried me that in recent weeks teams like Crewe, Tranmere, Brentford and now today v Hartlepool, other players have shown more desire to get to the ball and get stuck in and make it happen than our players where a few have seemed to just things will automatically happen for us. Today should be a massive wake up call and prove we aren’t that good. We may be top but today there was nothing between the two teams and shows if we can’t show the work rate we don’t have so many supremely individuals who can turn games on their own. Maddening that with others have games in hand and our squad’s lack of depth now telling, we could find ourselves outside the top two quite quickly.
Today most certainly proved we do need to bring in 3 or 4 players in January. If McCabe watched that he must surely realised when Journeymen players like Howard and Humphries look better than some of our players; that this team would not make the top 2 without investment in these key players.
Hartlepool – They actually looked a poor side and you saw in snatches why they are bottom in terms of technique, passing and skill. However they got an early goal and even after we levelled they kept fighting and seemed determined not to fold. Scored two more well worked goals but more than this they just kept fighting and fighting and for me deserved their win.
They closed us down all over the field and gave us no time. They won the physical battles and were sharper all over the field. They had a few tricky players out wide and exposed our weaknesses. They worked out how best to play the surface and played percentage stuff and did not try and overplay. They were solid at the back (albeit under little pressure) and chucked men at the ball and made blocks, tackles (which we did not). They made it hard for United to create chances and protected the keeper really well. They really fought for one another (actually did fight one another at one stage!) and you had to commend them for putting far more effort into the game than the Blades. It was not necessarily superior technical ability just players busting a gut and showing real determination in awful weather conditions.
On the 150th anniversary of the first game ever played at Bramall Lane, credit had to the United ground staff for ensuring the game went ahead despite some torrential downpours in the days leading up to the game.
United had to make three changes as Westlake came in for the suspended McMahon, Williams came in for Collins and Cofie for Miller as Hill went back to centre back. The bench was once again full of young players. Struggling Pool fielded some experienced players and also had on their team sheet players with Blades links with former YTS man Humphreys and former reserve team regular Horwood involved.
United began by winning a corner and Doyle had a close range effort blocked but soon after United were behind as the visitors scored with their first attack.
United dithered on the throw and Blackman left his man and then Westlake was not switched on and the cross came over too easily from Humphreys. As the ball came over it sailed over both United centre backs and HOWARD had isolated himself on Williams and easily won the ball to power home his header.
Soon after Howard nearly scored again but rushed his shot and then an even better chance came as Walton threaded in Franks whose curler went narrowly past the post. United were all over the place and needed a nice exchange of passes involving McDonald and Flynn to create a half chance for Flynn.
United slowly started to get back into it and Blackman’s daisy cutter was excellent palmed away from Flinders. The next time United got sight of goal they were able to get level but this time the keeper will not have been happy with his work.
DOYLE hit a long range shot and whilst the effort had power it was an easier effort to save than the previous one that Flinders had saved but he somehow spilt it into his own net to restore parity to proceedings.
United looked to build on this and Maguire fired over after some nimble footwork and then a few opportunities fizzed across the box. Still for all this Hartlepool finished the half stronger and won two corners as both Williams and Westlake could not to grips with the wing play.
The second half saw no changes for either side and the first chance came when Flynn nipped in to round the keeper and score after the ball had been blocked from Cofie’s initial mis hit effort. Replays showed it was onside as Collins and Sweeney oddly squared up to each other but the referee chose to just have a word in an odd situation where players from their own team were pushing and shoving each other.
Still this seemed to galvanise Hartlepool and they were back in the lead with basically their first attack of the second half.
The attack once again came down the left hand side and United were completely switched off as Westlake lost his man once again; the cross came over from Horwood and HUMPHREYS stole in front of the defenders to angle a low shot goalwards. Long may have felt he could have done better as the ball went in off his hand and into the corner. It was an incredibly sloppy goal to concede as the United boyhood fan celebrated with the sparse Hartlepool following behind the goal.
United tried to find a way back but after McDonald’s decent run he fired wildly across goal and the Cofie’s fierce effort was straight into Flinders midriff. Cofie had been mostly disappointing and he was withdrawn for Chapell. Blackman went up front as the young substitute operated wide right.
From another Hartlepool attack they unbelievable scored again. Poole got away from Westlake and put in a lovely deep cross to the far post. HOWARD peeled off Maguire and nodded intelligently back beyond Long and into the far corner of the goal. United were stunned but Hartlepool had worked incredibly hard and no one could deny that they had deserved to lead in the game. United now faced an almighty struggle to avoid embarrassment and get anything from the game.
With just under 10 to play, United took off Doyle and Kitson and put on Ironside and Cresswell in a last ditch attempt to get something from the game. United huffed and puffed and Maguire seemed to be clearly brought down in a scramble but as he appealed and after a series of shoves the referee booked him and a visiting player; meaning Maguire faces a suspension.
Right at the close after the additional minutes of stoppage time had been played; United scored a pretty meaningless late goal. The cross came from the right and after the initial shot was blocked; MAGUIRE reacted first after the ball span away from Flinders and poked it in via a defender. There was barely any time to kick off and sure enough referee Deadman called an end to the game soon after Hartlepool had restarted to confirm the shock result of the season in League One. Hartlepool’s players and staff celebrated wildly with their fans whilst United’s players trooped off in front of their disgruntled home crowd.
United – Shocking and one of the poorest United performances in recent years. It was not really the ability/skill etc but the complete lack of effort from many as we got outworked all over the field. Hartlepool were quicker to the first, second and often third balls. We seemed like we thought we would stroll it but even after we went behind we did not improve. They could have been 3-0 up after 10 minutes. We then got level but after a half decent spell even then we became languid and they finished the half the better. The two goals in the second half were appalling defending but in truth they had other chances too. Our defence was all over the shop, our midfield slow and sloppy with the ball and out strikers completely static and seemingly stationary most of the game.
In terms in individuals most of the team had nightmares with the two full backs in particular all at sea, Maguire given a working over by Howard and the midfield two not having a clue how to use the conditions.
However it was more than just players having an off day, it was us not fighting, not competing and now showing any heart. They basically wanted it more and deserved it. When it came to us getting the ball we had no concept had to use it. They took the ball off the deck and floated balls into the channels where it held up, where as we kept trying to play balls on the floor and it kept slowing down and never making intended target due to boggy pitch. We never learnt and continued doing this with McDonald and Doyle playing so many balls that never made the intended target. We had no idea how to play the ball but this unbelievable continued right to the end. They got it into the channels and then attacked from there. We tried to ridiculously pass it along the floor when you simply could not do that today.
It was a huge chance missed to stay top but the side got exactly what they deserved; nothing. You hope the two injuries and todays shock result is not like last year when we lost players and decisive games (Oldham, Walsall etc) but now we go to Doncaster with half a defence and no Maguire due to his stupid booking. Donny are flying and will fancy their chances of beating us surely. We need to tighten up again at the back and out strikers need to keep the ball more but most importantly more than that we need to start winning the battles and showing we actually want to get out of this division. It has worried me that in recent weeks teams like Crewe, Tranmere, Brentford and now today v Hartlepool, other players have shown more desire to get to the ball and get stuck in and make it happen than our players where a few have seemed to just things will automatically happen for us. Today should be a massive wake up call and prove we aren’t that good. We may be top but today there was nothing between the two teams and shows if we can’t show the work rate we don’t have so many supremely individuals who can turn games on their own. Maddening that with others have games in hand and our squad’s lack of depth now telling, we could find ourselves outside the top two quite quickly.
Today most certainly proved we do need to bring in 3 or 4 players in January. If McCabe watched that he must surely realised when Journeymen players like Howard and Humphries look better than some of our players; that this team would not make the top 2 without investment in these key players.
Hartlepool – They actually looked a poor side and you saw in snatches why they are bottom in terms of technique, passing and skill. However they got an early goal and even after we levelled they kept fighting and seemed determined not to fold. Scored two more well worked goals but more than this they just kept fighting and fighting and for me deserved their win.
They closed us down all over the field and gave us no time. They won the physical battles and were sharper all over the field. They had a few tricky players out wide and exposed our weaknesses. They worked out how best to play the surface and played percentage stuff and did not try and overplay. They were solid at the back (albeit under little pressure) and chucked men at the ball and made blocks, tackles (which we did not). They made it hard for United to create chances and protected the keeper really well. They really fought for one another (actually did fight one another at one stage!) and you had to commend them for putting far more effort into the game than the Blades. It was not necessarily superior technical ability just players busting a gut and showing real determination in awful weather conditions.
