United 2 Hull 1 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

The Blades got back to winning ways after six games without a victory, in a come from behind victory over Hull City at Bramall Lane. Hull led early thanks to former Blade Oli McBurnie but after another ex-United man John Lundstram was sent off, goals from Gus Hamer from the penalty spot and Danny Ings late winner, completed the turnaround. It was a blow in the visitors hopes of making the end of season playoffs but for the home side, they all but confirmed their status in the division for next season.



United made three changes from the defeat at Ashton Gate as back into the side came Hamer, O’Hare and Brooks with Cannon, Hjelde and Soumare missing out. Hull began with three ex Blades in McBurnie, Egan and Lundstram and had another Dowell on the bench – but former Academy product Regan Slater, was out injured.



The visitors settled quicker and were already pushing United back who were careless with ball. It was from a sloppy pass that Hull sprang down the left and created the opening goal – on only 5 minutes. Peck’s pass was intercepted and Millar was able to drive down the left before finding MCBURNIE who drilled the ball past Davies. The one-time Blades favourite respectfully did not celebrate his goal in front of the Kop. It was one way traffic to begin with and as United again gave it away – Rothwell the guilty party this time – the ball dropped to Lundstram and his shot was beaten away from Davies after it came though a crowd of bodies. Miller then sent an effort not far over the bar as United were not able to get a foothold in the game and guilty of another sloppy first half showing.



It was almost a second for McBurnie as after Seriki’s giveaway – the ball was played down the left and the cross was set for the centre forward to strike an overhead kick but McGuiness got back to make the goal line clearance. Drameh picked up a knock and had to be replaced by McNair on 20 minutes. United tried to find something in response with Hamer looking the most likely to create something but Burrows cross was put behind. Hull were in again as Belloumi was given way too much space but Davies made the save one on one and United somehow survived.



From a Hull corner, the Blades broke away and suddenly were three on two and Hamer fed Bamford but the striker’s finish was tame with just the keeper to beat. O’Hare then had an effort deflected wide as United finally started to find some attacking life. Burrows then stood up an excellent cross but Brooks header lacked power and direction and was blocked. Finally, Peck was played in but his effort took a wicked deflection and went behind. United finished the half the stronger side and could have had a few goals themselves after arguably being fortunate to still be in the game, after the Tigers strong start.



The second half did not have the same amount of chances created and the opening spell became scrappy. Hull seemed happier to sit in this half and keep a solid structure but United were struggling to find space despite Brooks becoming more involved. Rothwell was often the player carrying the ball forward as he tried to move between the lines. Just after the hour mark Hoever and Chong came on for Seriki and O’Hare and Hamer moved into a number 10 position, as the Blades looked to get their star man more involved after a quieter half.



The Blades could not create more than a few corners and were taking too long to move the ball on although Seriki’s cross somehow dissected everyone inside the box. Gelhardt and Jospeh came on for Belloumi and Millar for Hull before United replaced Peck with Riedewald. The game was rather petering out until a series of incidents changed matters.



McGuiness had been solid at the back and after seeing off Lundstram, the United player was unhappy at the reaction of the midfielder and they both came together. This led to yellow cards for each player. Ajayi was then booked for bringing down Bamford. The striker missed a decent chance after Hamer and Riedewald had combined in the build up but the ball squirmed just wide – although the flag had gone up prior to this.



With 15 minutes to go, Lundstram was late on Brooks on halfway and the midfielder’s namesake brandished a second yellow card. Jakirovic and many of the Hull coaching staff were not happy with the officials and were remonstrating for a long period after this. McBurnie was booked for his complaints.



United looked to make their man advantage count and from a corner they won a penalty. The referee had warned Hull on a prior set play but as this one came in, at least two United players seemed to be bundled to the deck. It was perhaps given for Joseph’s challenge on Riedewald although McBurnie also was overly zealous with Bamford. The referee was emphatic with his award and after a number of protests and delaying tactics that saw Egan and Pandur both booked, along with Tanganga, who was not happy Hull players were not leaving the box. HAMER took it and sent the keeper the wrong way and United were level with 5 minutes to go.



McGuiness was sacrificed for Ings as Riedewald went back to centre back as United looked to go for the winner. Hull responded putting on a defender, Hughes for goalscorer McBurnie and Dowell came on for Hadziahmetovic. The Blades were able to complete the turnaround in the 88th minute. Tanganga sent the ball into the box and INGS was able to control and swivel to poke home past the keeper as the Hull players stood motionless.



The referee adjudged there would be 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played but more poor challenges from Hull and a booking for a member of the City coaching staff, signalled they had completely lost their discipline. Hull sent Egan up front, but United managed to see out half of the stoppage time in the corner flag area with another crude foul – this time from Coyle, leading to yet another Hull booking. The final whistle went soon after and a game that Hull had led for much of the contest, ended up being a surprising home victory, who did to the Tigers, what so many teams have done to the Blades this season.

 

[Deadbat]

United – We showed some fight and kept going and finally came back to win – something we have not done much this season. There were some bright spots and we saw things from some experienced players or ones that have been criticised (McGuiness, Rothwell, Chong and Ings) that we had not seen before in a United shirt. We scored two late goals and for once, another team lost their heads somewhat.



First half, we started so poorly again and our passing was woeful with several giveaways. So many were guilty with Peck and Seriki being particularly poor. Burrows was not much better and we struggled to get Bamford, O’Hare and Brooks into the game. The goal is awful with a telegraphed pass from Peck and then Seriki and Tanganga not reacting and the finish from McBurnie. They could have had more after this as they had other good chances with one over the bar and Davies making a few saves. McBurnie has one off the line too from McGuiness that was close to going in. We seemed to be all over the place and had no control of the ball and were not getting up the field. Hamer tried but we looked so flat. To be fair we had 2 or 3 good chances (Bamford particularly) of our own and could have been level. Wilder’s remark that it could have been 5-5 was pushing it though! I think 2-3 to Hull might have been a more realistic score so the away side leading by a goal was about right. It had not been a great performance though and Hull could have been out of sight even before we started to play towards the end of the half. The midfield were poor again and both full backs struggled mightily.



After the break it was a bit flat and Hamer was kind of marginalised. We made changes and Riedewald saw us have more of the ball. Rothwell definitely improved and was maybe our best player after the break. Brooks got on the ball more but their keeper did not have much to do? The red card of course helps us and a moment of stupidity from Lundstram who should not make a tackle when already on a yellow card. Up to the penalty, even with a man advantage, I cannot say we had been creating much and I felt like they had done enough to just get the narrow away victory in terms of how they managed the game but the penalty was given. We have had some poor ones go against us this year – this one fell into the category of you’d be annoyed if it was given against you as this type of holding happens a lot but they had been warned so was stupid. After this they sat back and it seemed like we might get a chance to win it and so it proved with a sharp finish from Ings. They got so many players booked and did seem to lose their discipline and the manager arguing and gesticulating with the home fans symbolised what had happened after they had controlled most the game and not been under pressure much second half. I thought United were not great – and despite the big finish -we maybe played better in games against Wrexham, Boro and Coventry in terms of recent home games we lost. However, the name of the game is scoring goals and having the big moments – which we did well today.



It just felt nice to win and I agree with Wilder, football is about winning games and the fans having smiles on their faces. Today we had that feeling after a poor few months where the form and results have dropped off significantly. We are at least pretty much safe (imagine if we had not scored those late goals with Pompey/Oxford winning – would have been 7 points with 4 to play and a bit worrying perhaps!) now and hopefully can finish the season with some positivity. It was good to see some positive displays from maligned players but some of the younger talents were poor – perhaps that means other teams might back off signing them!





Ratings:



Davies 6/10 – He made a couple of decent saves including a one on one – the others were more standard. The goal saw him badly exposed again but did go near post but was quite close in so hard to say he could be blamed. Second half had nothing to do at all.



Seriki 3/10 - Had a nightmare from start to finish. His touch was awful and he constantly gave the ball away. He seemed to just have one of those days and the ball kept coming off him or he mad the wrong choices. Looked awful and surprised he lasted as long as he did – although did put one decent cross in second half.



Burrows 4.5/10 – Not much better than Seriki first half and they got down his side and caused problems. His touch was off too and when he got forward only found the one cross to Brooks – he put two behind the goal. Second half he did improve and at least got into some good areas and linked better with teammates.



McGuiness 6.5/10 – He was not awful at Bristol City even though he got caught square on the goal but he was not one of the worst players – today he was one of our better players. After McBurnie did well early, he imposed himself well and won most of his challenges. Won his headers, tackles and gave it to others to move it forward. Tanganga, today at least, looked better with some height alongside him. He was not happy with Lundstram, l as he seemed to think he left a bit on him and squared up to him which was good to see he cared at least and this led to the bookings – which ultimately helped see him get sent off – so he contributed to this.



Tanganga 6/10 – As above. A ropey start with the goal down his side as they got in behind but we slowly improved and thought he won his tackles and interceptions and we saw little of them attacking wise after the first half hour. Also got forward when he could and assisted on the winner. I liked the fact he stood up to Egan who was trying to put Hamer off by standing in the box and he rightly tried to move him out.



Peck 3.5/10 – Not a great day at all. He gave the ball away on the first goal and often took too many touches. We did not protect the defence not find a link between the defence and attack. He had one run and deflected shot but looked very tired and like with Seriki and Brooks just did not have the energy. After he was taken off, we did improve.



Rothwell 6.5/10 – To begin the game, he got caught in the slow listless play and gave it away a few times too but as the game went on, he got better and better. He got his foot in and carried it forward on a number of occasions. He was the main player looking to take the ball on and find space. Many of our attacks came from him initiating it rather than Hamer, Brooks or Bamford or the forward talents you would expect. It is just one game but much better and hopefully shows he can offer something if he can improve his stamina/fitness. Looked a lot more like the player I saw for Leeds when he was last at this level.



O’Hare 4/10 – Like Bamford, he has dropped off the recent games and not influencing things. He did try and get on the ball or find gaps but nothing fell for him. One deflected shot and one weak effort –he wasn’t in the game at all. some criticise the change when he went off but he was not offering much and Chong did more when he came on.



Brooks 5/10 – First half got crowded out a fair but and tried to come inside too much. He got robbed a fair bit and overplayed but second half he was more direct. He had a few runs and bits of link play but no real end product sadly. He was double up a fair bit and not helped that Seriki was so off it, so asked to do too much.



Hamer 6.5/10 – Still our main threat for long periods and first half, easily our best player. Moved it from side to side and tried to look for forward passes all game and thought he was easily the one who may make something happen. After the break he dropped off and not in the game much – we moved him inside but this did not work either in terms of him seeing more of the ball. However, he took a big penalty kick that got us level.



Bamford 4/10 – Just not been the same threat recently and the ball has not stuck like it was doing. He got sort of caught in a battle with Ajayi and Egan. Did not help him being up front on his own with O’Hare too far off him. He missed a good chance first half and another second half (offside for this). He just ended up wrestling too much but he did have one run that led to a booking but we look weak up front currently with no Campbell and Cannon still not really contributing that much. Ings goal was therefore a welcome surprise.



Subs -



Riedewald 5.5/10 – He came on and kept it simple. Nothing remarkable but allowed us to get further up the field. A few neat touches in attacks. Ended up centre back but nearly got done in a late move they had down the left side.



Chong 5.5/10 – He came on and was lively with a few runs. One cross behind the goal but some other enterprising runs and one decent ball over. He does not have much pace not trickery though but if he can just get up and down and stretch the full back – he has done his job and with them having less men – he helped us stretch the play.



Hoever 5/10 – Better than Seriki but at this stage we were not defending and he was not getting up the field but helped us keep the ball better.



Ings – Came on and not sure he had touched it before his goal but one piece of control and quick swivel and it was in the net. That was the Ings I remembered from when he was a Premier League centre forward who got into the England squad. He has been a disappointment and not offered much and might be his last big moment for us but it was a great finish and the winner. His celebration was quite understated which maybe shows how he feels his spell at United has never got going.



Manager: Wilder 6.5/10 – A win and we did the things we had to. He picked a team that had players many would not pick or bring on but these did contribute. The start was poor again though and we could have been a few goals down before we rallied. I was disappointed in the lack of urgency and tempo second half and their keeper had nothing to do before the penalty. If that does not get given, we probably lose a tight game and the feeling after the game is quite different but we have lost a number of tight games and I have criticised him so he deserves credit for us finishing stronger and his subs contributing to the win. The overall fluidity of the performance was not there and it is ironic we have played a lot better and lost games at home but those small margins (goals both ends and referee decisions) went for us.







Hull – Started so well and scored early. Could have had a few more as they threatened to blow us away but missed chances and then they rode their luck a bit at the other end. They did deserve to lead at half time just about over the course of the game/chances. Second half they sort of sat back when I thought if they went for another, they would have finished the game off. They sort of just wanted to see it out and then after the red cards, lost their discipline. The manager has argued every decision – said Lundstram only made the foul as the referee got in his way and then said the penalty was nothing. He then said our winner was offside! At least he lost with some class! He seemed to spend most of the final part of the game arguing with fans in the South Stand and seemed to almost be offering some of them out (for a fight not a date!) They completely threw it away but I am sure some will point to refereeing decisions but can really argue the two yellows – the idea he got in the way seemed a bit of an excuse? McGuiness may have suckered him into it but he still pushed as much as the United man and then takes Brooks down with a poor tackle. The penalty there is grappling and grabbing but again I am annoyed if that goes against my team but he had warned them.



I thought Hull, like Wrexham, were poor and not convinced even if they hold onto the playoffs -they will go very far. They have a dreadful XG but have done enough to win games and people like Egan, Crooks, Coyle, McNair, McBurnie, who help them manage games. They have some attacking talent to nick goals and then have been able to be solid defensively. They have stuttered recently though and if Wrexham do go on any kind of run again – they could even miss out. They have had a fantastic season though – I tipped them to go down so shows how much I know! The manager has got them playing for each other and winning games when they probably do not deserve to at times. The fact they are even near the playoffs with a squad that cost a lot less than clubs like ours, is testament to the job he has done when others before having struggled and they have been nearer the other end of the table. If they do not go up – which I do not believe they will – be harder for them to replicate such a season with the teams coming down and others that will improve (hopefully us and likes of Norwich, Brum etc). Egan, Lundstram are on the downwards and McBurnie is someone that struggles to put a few seasons together without injuries but has done better in this regard. They have showed that being experienced, tough to beat and doing the basics will get you a long way though at this level.



Opponent Man of the Match – McBurnie scored the goal and was a threat first half but faded after the break I felt but was the main focal point of their better attacks. Not sure he is the missing link that many think for us? Is he much better or more effective than Bamford (admit the latter has missed chances recently and not kept his form)? I also think this idea that we would have signed him if not for Selles is overplayed. If United wanted him, then Bettis and co could have signed him. It seems if we missed out on players it is down to Selles but was he signing anyone really in the summer? Wilder let him go only a year before that also. McBurnie is a decent Champ side and course he would be as good/better than most of the forwards we had but that ship has sailed. This obsession with old players is a bit odd. We need to move on now – he did a decent job for us and has an affinity for the Blades but we forget how crap he was at times and often unavailable too for the first part of his United career. I thought Millar was one of their better players and he caused problems down that side all first half. Coyle did a good job on Brooks too and Egan was solid enough.



Opponent Weak link – Lundstram misplaced a few passes but had a few decent passes and shots too but then his two yellows gave them an incredibly difficult final part of the game. He does not need to make the tackle at all, as Brooks was not going anywhere. Got the reaction you expected when he had the ball and roundly sent on his way by boos and jeers after his red card.



Referee / Officials – John Brooks. He is a Premier League referee and you could see why – not in a good way sadly. I felt we got most of the big decisions (penalty/red card) in our favour but outside of this he did seem a bit card happy (looked and it is the most cards he has issued this season 7 and 2). Hull will feel annoyed with the big calls and some advantages he failed to give them when they were threatening to break. I do think Hull’s players did not do a great job in reacting to how he was refereeing the game and continued to lose their discipline. We have not had things go in our favour in recent times but today we did get things. As I say the two yellows for Lundstram were right and you must look at the player but felt the penalty was given due to a combination of appeals/pulls before and during the one he gave. You get the normal argument of they are not given versus maybe they should be given but watching it back I think there are several players grabbing and pulling? It’s not totally clear what the offence was he gave? I think I would be annoyed if I was a Hull fan but we have had lots go against us like this. After this he started throwing the cards around as they were mostly losing it with late tackles/lots of complaints. At this stage, he did not have much choice but maybe if you are a Hull fan, you argue that they had just got frustrated by things.



Crowd/Day Out – It was relatively quiet from the United fans and the Hull fans made all the noise for long periods. I also thought that there were not 27K in and a number of season ticket holders were missing but get counted do they not? I know of 4 that went to Sheffield FC instead. The Hull fans were silenced when we scored the two late goals. They had a rare win at the Lane last year and seemed like they may get an even rarer double over us but it was back to the way it normally goes against them at our place – a United win. McBurnie and Egan got good reactions but it was a bit much with the former almost given too much praise/acclaim at times (Wilder hugging him as he went off as the game went was still being played was OTT – fine to do it at the end as he did - again!

 

[Missing Spark]

Ooh yeah. Xx

 

[blademan31]

Great report as always Deadbat. I am glad this week of Wilder adoring McBurnie at every possible opportunity is over - was a bit sickly.

I still find Wilder interviews a real tough listen - every one is me thinking ‘just try and not be a knob; I really want to like you’ - but I’ve accepted that it’s ok to think he’s the right man for the job, but also a bit of a knob…

 

[sitwell]

Yep go along with that , would go 7 for Mcguiness and 7.5 for Rothwell maybe.

 

[sitwell]

Great report as always Deadbat. I am glad this week of Wilder adoring McBurnie at every possible opportunity is over - was a bit sickly.

I still find Wilder interviews a real tough listen - every one is me thinking ‘just try and not be a knob; I really want to like you’ - but I’ve accepted that it’s ok to think he’s the right man for the job, but also a bit of a knob…

I will never understand why people get so upset by Managers comments , its nearly always quite obviously bullshit ,really dont get it ,however some cant wait to jump all over every comment and turn it into a negative.

 

[Addison]

Its a win but we have Lundstram and the ref to thank for that. We at least got the subs right for once and finished strongly after coming from behind to win. It was a hard watch for most of the game. Thought Davies should have done better at his near post for their goal as Tanganga completely lost Mcb. Davies redeemed himself with the one on one save later.

Rothwell was the bright spot showing at long last some of the qualities that earnt him two promotions. Having a midfield player that goes past players at pace was a bonus. We looked better with him and Reidwald finishing in the middle. The younger players Brooks, Peck and Seriki had an off day but they have contributed well to our climb away from the drop.

Biggest gripe, the mind numbingly boring flicks tricks and triangles approach play. The players must be under instruction to walk the ball into the net and try and score the perfect goal. Its too slow, laborious and creates little in the way of goal scoring opportunities. Yes we missed two easy chances but Dulls keeper was hardly troubled second half.

Dull were just that Dull. Millar looked useful as did Belloumi. The rest were a collection of average Joes. Lundstram rightly received pelters for his disgraceful no show for half a season in the twilight of his SUFC career. Mcb faded after a good start and Egan was solid but time has caught up with him. None are worth considering as new recruits imo.

The downward spiral has been slowed for the moment. Two wins from the last 4 would take the points tally to 60. That would be a measure of success after the poor start.

 

[coaxingstar71]

An excellent and accurate report as usual Deadbat
I get that we got the big calls from the ref, and perhaps we're not used to that, evidenced by the ref completely bottling the red card at Bristol. But despite the fact he was overly fussy with the placement of freekicks etc, it's hard to say he got any of the card decisions or the penalty wrong. As you said, he'd warned them about pulling our players down in the box minutes before at a another set piece and then he did give the penalty as two of our players were brought down. I get annoyed when refs tell players to stop holding and shoving before the ball is kicked. Let it happen and make the decision. We all remember how Tanganga was pulled down at Hillsborough so I commend a ref who actually takes action for what is a foul in the box.
Lundstram is stupid. First he obviously leaves something on McGuinness and then they have a coming together. It was obvious the ref was going to book them both for it because that always happens in those situations. Then he takes out Brooks which is an obvious yellow, so he fully deserved it. He did end up booking a lot but they lost their discipline and were making stupid challenges and then arguing about it so no surprise, he booked them. It's actually surprising they didn't have anyone else sent off.
He didn't book anyone in the first half either, but they just lost their heads in the second and Tanganga got booked for continuing his argument which was also stupid.

 

[N20 Blade]

United – We showed some fight and kept going and finally came back to win – something we have not done much this season. There were some bright spots and we saw things from some experienced players or ones that have been criticised (McGuiness, Rothwell, Chong and Ings) that we had not seen before in a United shirt. We scored two late goals and for once, another team lost their heads somewhat.



First half, we started so poorly again and our passing was woeful with several giveaways. So many were guilty with Peck and Seriki being particularly poor. Burrows was not much better and we struggled to get Bamford, O’Hare and Brooks into the game. The goal is awful with a telegraphed pass from Peck and then Seriki and Tanganga not reacting and the finish from McBurnie. They could have had more after this as they had other good chances with one over the bar and Davies making a few saves. McBurnie has one off the line too from McGuiness that was close to going in. We seemed to be all over the place and had no control of the ball and were not getting up the field. Hamer tried but we looked so flat. To be fair we had 2 or 3 good chances (Bamford particularly) of our own and could have been level. Wilder’s remark that it could have been 5-5 was pushing it though! I think 2-3 to Hull might have been a more realistic score so the away side leading by a goal was about right. It had not been a great performance though and Hull could have been out of sight even before we started to play towards the end of the half. The midfield were poor again and both full backs struggled mightily.



After the break it was a bit flat and Hamer was kind of marginalised. We made changes and Riedewald saw us have more of the ball. Rothwell definitely improved and was maybe our best player after the break. Brooks got on the ball more but their keeper did not have much to do? The red card of course helps us and a moment of stupidity from Lundstram who should not make a tackle when already on a yellow card. Up to the penalty, even with a man advantage, I cannot say we had been creating much and I felt like they had done enough to just get the narrow away victory in terms of how they managed the game but the penalty was given. We have had some poor ones go against us this year – this one fell into the category of you’d be annoyed if it was given against you as this type of holding happens a lot but they had been warned so was stupid. After this they sat back and it seemed like we might get a chance to win it and so it proved with a sharp finish from Ings. They got so many players booked and did seem to lose their discipline and the manager arguing and gesticulating with the home fans symbolised what had happened after they had controlled most the game and not been under pressure much second half. I thought United were not great – and despite the big finish -we maybe played better in games against Wrexham, Boro and Coventry in terms of recent home games we lost. However, the name of the game is scoring goals and having the big moments – which we did well today.



It just felt nice to win and I agree with Wilder, football is about winning games and the fans having smiles on their faces. Today we had that feeling after a poor few months where the form and results have dropped off significantly. We are at least pretty much safe (imagine if we had not scored those late goals with Pompey/Oxford winning – would have been 7 points with 4 to play and a bit worrying perhaps!) now and hopefully can finish the season with some positivity. It was good to see some positive displays from maligned players but some of the younger talents were poor – perhaps that means other teams might back off signing them!





Ratings:



Davies 6/10 – He made a couple of decent saves including a one on one – the others were more standard. The goal saw him badly exposed again but did go near post but was quite close in so hard to say he could be blamed. Second half had nothing to do at all.



Seriki 3/10 - Had a nightmare from start to finish. His touch was awful and he constantly gave the ball away. He seemed to just have one of those days and the ball kept coming off him or he mad the wrong choices. Looked awful and surprised he lasted as long as he did – although did put one decent cross in second half.



Burrows 4.5/10 – Not much better than Seriki first half and they got down his side and caused problems. His touch was off too and when he got forward only found the one cross to Brooks – he put two behind the goal. Second half he did improve and at least got into some good areas and linked better with teammates.



McGuiness 6.5/10 – He was not awful at Bristol City even though he got caught square on the goal but he was not one of the worst players – today he was one of our better players. After McBurnie did well early, he imposed himself well and won most of his challenges. Won his headers, tackles and gave it to others to move it forward. Tanganga, today at least, looked better with some height alongside him. He was not happy with Lundstram, l as he seemed to think he left a bit on him and squared up to him which was good to see he cared at least and this led to the bookings – which ultimately helped see him get sent off – so he contributed to this.



Tanganga 6/10 – As above. A ropey start with the goal down his side as they got in behind but we slowly improved and thought he won his tackles and interceptions and we saw little of them attacking wise after the first half hour. Also got forward when he could and assisted on the winner. I liked the fact he stood up to Egan who was trying to put Hamer off by standing in the box and he rightly tried to move him out.



Peck 3.5/10 – Not a great day at all. He gave the ball away on the first goal and often took too many touches. We did not protect the defence not find a link between the defence and attack. He had one run and deflected shot but looked very tired and like with Seriki and Brooks just did not have the energy. After he was taken off, we did improve.



Rothwell 6.5/10 – To begin the game, he got caught in the slow listless play and gave it away a few times too but as the game went on, he got better and better. He got his foot in and carried it forward on a number of occasions. He was the main player looking to take the ball on and find space. Many of our attacks came from him initiating it rather than Hamer, Brooks or Bamford or the forward talents you would expect. It is just one game but much better and hopefully shows he can offer something if he can improve his stamina/fitness. Looked a lot more like the player I saw for Leeds when he was last at this level.



O’Hare 4/10 – Like Bamford, he has dropped off the recent games and not influencing things. He did try and get on the ball or find gaps but nothing fell for him. One deflected shot and one weak effort –he wasn’t in the game at all. some criticise the change when he went off but he was not offering much and Chong did more when he came on.



Brooks 5/10 – First half got crowded out a fair but and tried to come inside too much. He got robbed a fair bit and overplayed but second half he was more direct. He had a few runs and bits of link play but no real end product sadly. He was double up a fair bit and not helped that Seriki was so off it, so asked to do too much.



Hamer 6.5/10 – Still our main threat for long periods and first half, easily our best player. Moved it from side to side and tried to look for forward passes all game and thought he was easily the one who may make something happen. After the break he dropped off and not in the game much – we moved him inside but this did not work either in terms of him seeing more of the ball. However, he took a big penalty kick that got us level.



Bamford 4/10 – Just not been the same threat recently and the ball has not stuck like it was doing. He got sort of caught in a battle with Ajayi and Egan. Did not help him being up front on his own with O’Hare too far off him. He missed a good chance first half and another second half (offside for this). He just ended up wrestling too much but he did have one run that led to a booking but we look weak up front currently with no Campbell and Cannon still not really contributing that much. Ings goal was therefore a welcome surprise.



Subs -



Riedewald 5.5/10 – He came on and kept it simple. Nothing remarkable but allowed us to get further up the field. A few neat touches in attacks. Ended up centre back but nearly got done in a late move they had down the left side.



Chong 5.5/10 – He came on and was lively with a few runs. One cross behind the goal but some other enterprising runs and one decent ball over. He does not have much pace not trickery though but if he can just get up and down and stretch the full back – he has done his job and with them having less men – he helped us stretch the play.



Hoever 5/10 – Better than Seriki but at this stage we were not defending and he was not getting up the field but helped us keep the ball better.



Ings – Came on and not sure he had touched it before his goal but one piece of control and quick swivel and it was in the net. That was the Ings I remembered from when he was a Premier League centre forward who got into the England squad. He has been a disappointment and not offered much and might be his last big moment for us but it was a great finish and the winner. His celebration was quite understated which maybe shows how he feels his spell at United has never got going.



Manager: Wilder 6.5/10 – A win and we did the things we had to. He picked a team that had players many would not pick or bring on but these did contribute. The start was poor again though and we could have been a few goals down before we rallied. I was disappointed in the lack of urgency and tempo second half and their keeper had nothing to do before the penalty. If that does not get given, we probably lose a tight game and the feeling after the game is quite different but we have lost a number of tight games and I have criticised him so he deserves credit for us finishing stronger and his subs contributing to the win. The overall fluidity of the performance was not there and it is ironic we have played a lot better and lost games at home but those small margins (goals both ends and referee decisions) went for us.







Hull – Started so well and scored early. Could have had a few more as they threatened to blow us away but missed chances and then they rode their luck a bit at the other end. They did deserve to lead at half time just about over the course of the game/chances. Second half they sort of sat back when I thought if they went for another, they would have finished the game off. They sort of just wanted to see it out and then after the red cards, lost their discipline. The manager has argued every decision – said Lundstram only made the foul as the referee got in his way and then said the penalty was nothing. He then said our winner was offside! At least he lost with some class! He seemed to spend most of the final part of the game arguing with fans in the South Stand and seemed to almost be offering some of them out (for a fight not a date!) They completely threw it away but I am sure some will point to refereeing decisions but can really argue the two yellows – the idea he got in the way seemed a bit of an excuse? McGuiness may have suckered him into it but he still pushed as much as the United man and then takes Brooks down with a poor tackle. The penalty there is grappling and grabbing but again I am annoyed if that goes against my team but he had warned them.



I thought Hull, like Wrexham, were poor and not convinced even if they hold onto the playoffs -they will go very far. They have a dreadful XG but have done enough to win games and people like Egan, Crooks, Coyle, McNair, McBurnie, who help them manage games. They have some attacking talent to nick goals and then have been able to be solid defensively. They have stuttered recently though and if Wrexham do go on any kind of run again – they could even miss out. They have had a fantastic season though – I tipped them to go down so shows how much I know! The manager has got them playing for each other and winning games when they probably do not deserve to at times. The fact they are even near the playoffs with a squad that cost a lot less than clubs like ours, is testament to the job he has done when others before having struggled and they have been nearer the other end of the table. If they do not go up – which I do not believe they will – be harder for them to replicate such a season with the teams coming down and others that will improve (hopefully us and likes of Norwich, Brum etc). Egan, Lundstram are on the downwards and McBurnie is someone that struggles to put a few seasons together without injuries but has done better in this regard. They have showed that being experienced, tough to beat and doing the basics will get you a long way though at this level.



Opponent Man of the Match – McBurnie scored the goal and was a threat first half but faded after the break I felt but was the main focal point of their better attacks. Not sure he is the missing link that many think for us? Is he much better or more effective than Bamford (admit the latter has missed chances recently and not kept his form)? I also think this idea that we would have signed him if not for Selles is overplayed. If United wanted him, then Bettis and co could have signed him. It seems if we missed out on players it is down to Selles but was he signing anyone really in the summer? Wilder let him go only a year before that also. McBurnie is a decent Champ side and course he would be as good/better than most of the forwards we had but that ship has sailed. This obsession with old players is a bit odd. We need to move on now – he did a decent job for us and has an affinity for the Blades but we forget how crap he was at times and often unavailable too for the first part of his United career. I thought Millar was one of their better players and he caused problems down that side all first half. Coyle did a good job on Brooks too and Egan was solid enough.



Opponent Weak link – Lundstram misplaced a few passes but had a few decent passes and shots too but then his two yellows gave them an incredibly difficult final part of the game. He does not need to make the tackle at all, as Brooks was not going anywhere. Got the reaction you expected when he had the ball and roundly sent on his way by boos and jeers after his red card.



Referee / Officials – John Brooks. He is a Premier League referee and you could see why – not in a good way sadly. I felt we got most of the big decisions (penalty/red card) in our favour but outside of this he did seem a bit card happy (looked and it is the most cards he has issued this season 7 and 2). Hull will feel annoyed with the big calls and some advantages he failed to give them when they were threatening to break. I do think Hull’s players did not do a great job in reacting to how he was refereeing the game and continued to lose their discipline. We have not had things go in our favour in recent times but today we did get things. As I say the two yellows for Lundstram were right and you must look at the player but felt the penalty was given due to a combination of appeals/pulls before and during the one he gave. You get the normal argument of they are not given versus maybe they should be given but watching it back I think there are several players grabbing and pulling? It’s not totally clear what the offence was he gave? I think I would be annoyed if I was a Hull fan but we have had lots go against us like this. After this he started throwing the cards around as they were mostly losing it with late tackles/lots of complaints. At this stage, he did not have much choice but maybe if you are a Hull fan, you argue that they had just got frustrated by things.



Crowd/Day Out – It was relatively quiet from the United fans and the Hull fans made all the noise for long periods. I also thought that there were not 27K in and a number of season ticket holders were missing but get counted do they not? I know of 4 that went to Sheffield FC instead. The Hull fans were silenced when we scored the two late goals. They had a rare win at the Lane last year and seemed like they may get an even rarer double over us but it was back to the way it normally goes against them at our place – a United win. McBurnie and Egan got good reactions but it was a bit much with the former almost given too much praise/acclaim at times (Wilder hugging him as he went off as the game went was still being played was OTT – fine to do it at the end as he did - again!

Thank you Deadbat overall i agree. The only exception the Wilder & McBurnie hug. After the game when it's it won is easy but when in the balance it means more. Given the reaction from United players and staff he was clearly highly thought of.