United 2 Mansfield 1 - report

[Deadbat]

Sheffield United edged through the first round of the League Cup with a late goal to see off League Two Mansfield Town. United had been less than convincing throughout and were in the end a little fortunate that they did not have to endure at least an extra 30 minutes of extra time. A late Marc McNulty goal was enough to get the Blades through after Andy Butler had scored at both ends. The visiting Stags were a little unfortunate not to force an additional period and had been well in the game for long periods.

Manager Clough had made whole sale changes to his starting eleven from the defeat at the weekend with 8 changes with only the keeper and full backs keeping their places. It was a new centre back pairing of Andy Butler and Neill Collins; starts for Michael Doyle, Jose Baxter, Stephen McGinn and Jamal Campbell Ryce in midfield and McNulty and Chris Porter up front. Mansfield were without striker Olly Palmer who had suffered an injury at the weekend but started with the promising Liam Hearn.

The early going saw a low shot from Baxter easily saved and then Collins had a header that well off target. Mansfield has started well and were knocking the ball about with confidence but striker Hearn had picked up a knock and was replaced by wing man Clucas with only 16 minutes played.

The Stags had a good spell without really threatening too much but won a series of free kicks and Fisher than did have a decent effort that was not far wide. United had struggled to make much headway and a series of giveaways saw frustration in the crowd.

United’s main threat had come from Davies’s crosses and he swung another couple of dangerous ones over. One missed everyone and nearly nestled in and another saw no one react to get on the end of it.

Substitute Clucas forced one decent save from Howard and then was not far away as the confidence grew in the visitors. A free kick on the edge of the box gave a chance for Davies but went narrowly wide of the keepers right hand post.

Half time came soon after and it had certainly been a rather non descript game so far with few chances for both sides.

The second half began with at least some goal mouth excitement finally. Clucas’ headed effort flicked the to of the bar just after Beevers had shot just wide and United seemed to have struggled to lift themselves from the first half slumber.

However, from a set play and the most likely source they took the lead.

Davies took the dead ball and swung it over and the first effort via Baxter and a defender was palmed away by the keeper but BUTLER reacted quickest and was able to divert his header back and into the net.

Suddenly soon after despite offering little this half the visitors were level. The build up seemed innocuous enough but as the ball came into the box there was a half chance.

Fisher hit the shot but it was going wide before striking the leg of United defender BUTLER taking it past keeper Howard and into the net. The 1,000+ Mansfield fans behind the goal celebrated wildly and despite it coming out of nothing the visitors had deserved the parity the score line now showed.

McGuire, Taylor and Beevers picked up yellow cards for Mansfield but they were now well in the game and United were struggling to make many chances despite winning a few corners and free kicks.

United made changes with just over 15 minutes to play as Murphy replaced McGinn and then Porter was withdrawn with Higdon taking his place.

The game seemed to be heading for extra time when suddenly the home side snatched what seemed to be a late winner.
Higdon flicked it on and MCNULTY had a chance. His first attempt to get clear was blocked but he persisted and managed to wriggle free to be in on goal. His low shot went beyond Studer and into the net at the Kop end.

McNulty then was taken off after his goal replaced by McGahey as United tried to see out time now they had the lead.
After this Mansfield tried to come back from this late hammer blow but struggled to create much in the way of chances.
There was an additional four minutes to be played but little happened of note and United were able to see time out comfortably. Soon after full time they were paired with old nemesis West Ham in the next round. United will have to improve massively if they want to have any chance of a cup upset.

United – It was quite poor again really. We never looked convincing at all and were a little fortunate to win the game. Manager Clough made a number of changes but none really convinced and made a really strong claim for a first team spot for the next league game. Up top Porter and McNulty were anonymous much of the game and in midfield we did not control the game like we should whilst at the back Butler and Collins were not totally convincing. We lacked creativity all game and when we got it wide struggled to get to the by line. The only real threat all game came from Davies’ crosses who despite being much maligned remains our main threat much of the time from an attacking sense.

The game for the most part was really poor and there was little good football played. You would expect United to have enough experience and ability to be too strong for the visitors but Mansfield were as good (average!) as us most of the game and there was little in it. We have now played 4 League Two sides in friendlies and League Cup and have won one and have never been able to assert ourselves on any of these sides which is a bit of a worry really.

We have a lot of work to do in terms of the shape of the team, the way we are playing and the ability to create chances. The side tonight had many of those who played last year (and in the run when we did well) but we lacked cohesion and often looked like a side full of strangers. The new comers McNulty, Campbell Ryce and Butler were so-so at best and we were fortunate to win the game. A lot of work to be done for us to start getting to the levels we showed back end of last season.

Mansfield – Did well for much of the game. Competed hard, tried to go forward and not play a defensive type of game and had as many efforts on goal as us. First half they actually had more chances than us; albeit only a few in a really poor game. A little unfortunate to go behind but got back level and then were right in the game and looked as likely to get a winner as us; although in truth it seemed nailed on extra time. The late goal killed them off but they were unfortunate to lose really. The lad Clucas who came on was lively and they had a few other players who played well. Like the looks of the lad Tafazolli at the back who carries the ball forward well and is confident in possession. Can see why teams are looking at both of those players.

 

[Deadbat]

Howard 6.5/10- Had little chance with the goal. Made a few other expected saves in a game of few chances. A few less than convincing throw outs though nearly put us in danger.

Davies 7/10 – Once again thought he was our most likely source of chances and/or goals. Yes he is not really a full back and lacks mobility but he put in several excellent crosses all night that should have seen someone get on the end of things. Without him we would have had hardly any chances in either game so far this season.

Harris 6.5/10 – Better than Saturday when he had a bit of a nightmare. He was steady enough but a few errant touches/passes saw him give away possession. Did not get forward much at all tonight but defensively was improved.

Collins 6.5/10 – Thought he looked less than convincing much of the night and at times we looked vulnerable down the middle. His passing and control was inconsistent but he did get better as the game went on and we had more of the ball.

Butler 6/10 – Like Collins felt he looked less than mobile and at times his control of the ball was less than assured. He did look a threat from set plays and of course scored the first goal. I am unsure whether Clough sees him as being the answer (to Maguire going) and it maybe there is something in the rumours around him being moved on; even this early. I feel he cannot play both him and Collins together as they really lack pace and can be turned to easy. I think it is one of them with either Alcock or McGahey at the moment.

Doyle 6.5/10 – Steady enough and probably one of our better players but he was not in the game that much and I felt often seemed at full stretch. I cannot recall him doing too much offensively other than one deflected shot that went just wide and at times he was another that seemed to lack pace to cover for quicker opponents.

McGinn 5/10 – Given a surprise start but did little to convince. He is someone that I cannot see playing much unless we have a run of injuries. He is a player that should be moved on. Not sure if he has any real strengths. He is steady enough but inconsistent with his passing, quite slow and not physical enough to break things up. Most of the game just sort of passed him by. Did many even realise he was playing?

Baxter 6/10 – Played wide (moved between right and left) and showed some of the things he does well, touch and ability to move ball around but also disappeared out of the game for long stretches and his lack of pace/athleticism so him often out of the play when they attacked. Not sure where he will end up playing (just off Higdon – competing with Scougall?) but for all the faults he has, he is one of few players who offers us some creativity and a bit of something different in the last third.

Campbell Ryce 6.5/10 – Quite frustrating much of the night but still maybe one of main outlets we had to get a chance. He got into some good positions and tried to get on the ball. He certainly never hid. However, too often he tried to cross from too deep and barely got at his full back or got really deep into the final third to get into a good crossing area. Neat and tidy but little end product. Also near the end was outpaced by a defender in a straight run which was significant as I see his pace as his main asset.

Porter 4/10 – Very poor I am afraid. A performance that leaves many wondering why we have re-signed him when there is youngsters in the lower leagues or even our own (Di Girolamo) that surely offer more? Today he was behind the ball, never showed for it, rarely held it up and it shot off him when it went to him. He never anticipated any balls through or was stood in the wrong positions. Countless balls came in from Davies and he stood motionless. Sorry to be harsh but he really was dreadful tonight.

McNulty 6/10 – Thought he was anonymous most of the game sadly and his mark would be even lower without his winner. He touched the ball maybe once or twice in the first half and never got involved. Second half he had a few more touches but seemed to lack physique to over power his man or the pace to cause a problem on the final defender. On the games I have seen I have struggled to see what his strengths are. However, despite his poor display (right in line with rest sadly) he did get onto the flick and persisted by finishing the chance. At least showed he knew where the net is and got his first goal but overall like many tonight has to do much better.

Subs

Murphy – Came on but other than one decent run he never really got into the game. He got outmuscled and brushed off a few times and did not make much impact.

Higdon – Did more in 15 mins than Porter did all game before it. He won a few headers and at least held it up and gave us some sort of focal point. Involved in the goal as he initially held the ball up.

Clough 5/10 – Made 8 changes but like Saturday his selection again yielded a pretty poor and timid performance. We lacked cohesion, idea and creativity. We have really started the seasons slowly and he had a lot of work to do for me. We have played around 19 players already and seem no closer to getting to what is his strongest side.

Officials – A nothing game to officiate. He booked quite a few Mansfield players second half for cynical trips/fouls but there was not a ‘bad’ foul all game and it was an easy game to ref really. Can’t recall many things that were particularly controversial all evening.

Crowd/Officials – Good following from Mansfield and they got behind the side well. Not many in the rest of the ground and it was quiet with some frustration from the terraces at the less than convincing play from the home side. I am sure Clough will get a great deal of understanding due to the amount of changes and newcomers but most fans will have been disappointed at two very average to poor performances to start the season and hope things start to click sooner rather than later.

 

[wizadry]

The only thing i thought was wrong with your write up Deadbat,was the fact you rated Porter as higher rating as a 4

 

[true99blade]

Baxter was good tonight. He was the one creating the chances and was involved in both goals. Very harsh on him yet again.

 

[BeatleBlade]

I thought Campbell-Ryce was great although I don't know why you think he was always crossing too deep as he went up to the byline in almost all of his crosses. Arguably, should have passed it back the first time to the player just in the box who had tonnes of space.

 

[Houso]

Harsh on JCR, generous to Butler. Other than that I'd agree with that assessment Deaders.

 

[LSF]

Last night I was dismayed at our 1st half poor showing. Second half a bit better but the 442 employed all evening was generally ineffective.
As far as individuals are concerned - Davies showed he can be really effective at RB, his link up with JCR was our main attacking threat, his crosses are very potent generally and deserve a better response on the end.
The central defence pairing was uncomfortable. The huge gap between them at times resembled an American 8 lane highway. Butler looks way more effective in the oppositions box than he does defending, and Porters ability to break up play (ours) suggests a role reversal for these two could be the answer
Doyle did OK but is more effective holding in a 5, his limitations are exposed in a 4.
Baxter is a difficult anomaly, starting out wide in the 4 he was as ineffective as the rest and when moved centrally he showed one or two qualities, but he is a man without portfolio in truth and we aren't in a position for such luxury.
McNulty - took goal very well but I can only see him doing OK in a 442 off Higdon, there were a few glimpses of promise last night but he may well be a cameo player this season when we are chasing games (a regular occurrence maybe?)

 

[Houso]

I feel for Baxter. He'd be great off Hidgons shoulder (even without his turn of pace) and better than mcnulty I'm afraid.

 

[Peter Dornan]

It's all about opinion. Jose was head and shoulders better than anyone else on the park, and MotM by a considerable distance for me.

 

[Houso]

It's all about opinion. Jose was head and shoulders better than anyone else on the park, and MotM by a considerable distance for me.

He certainly showed he had more talent than anyone, but drifted in and out. Which isn't surprising given his role in the team.

 

[cooperblade]

Like Saturday, it was a mixture of some good stuff (particularly in the first 15 minutes) and some dreadful stuff (particularly at the back).

I don't think Porter was anything like as bad as others seem to. He won more than his fair share of headers against a really big, strong centre back pairing. He should've had a goal but overall, I thought it was a decent performance.

Interesting to compare and contrast Porter with Higdon, especially in terms of winning headers - Higdon very rarely (ever?) seems to win a ball when he needs to jump but he's excellent when he can just plant his feet and use his body strength. Think he'll be a really key player for us but I can see some fans getting frustrated with his lack of ability in aerial battles (they get on at Porter and he wins plenty). Don't get me wrong, I think Higdon is better than Porter in most regards but if he could get off the ground like Porter, he'd be one hell of a player.

Thought McNulty was a positive last night. Not convinced by his first touch and he needs to get up to the speed of the English game but he's strong for his size, gets in good positions and seems to have a cracking attitude. Hopefully the goal will help settle him. Bit of patience required probably but he could prove to be a good acquisition over time.

Baxter had a good game. Showed a willingness to dig in which hasn't always been apparent alongside some flashes of quality. He looked like a player determined to win a place.

The negatives were mostly in defence. The centre backs were all over the place, Howard looked liable to drop a clanger, basically it was just a mess. Think we need to very quickly decide on a back 4 and stick with it so they can build up an understanding. If Saturday's back 4 is Clough's definite first choice (it wouldn't be mine), then I'd have liked to have seen them play together again last night. As it stands, I think we're going to continue to look uncertain at the back v Coventry because of the chopping and changing.

Not disheartened by the start to the season, seen enough (albeit fairly briefly) to suggest we'll have enough once it all settles down. Think it will be tricky for 6-8 games yet though. Need to settle on a team and a formation asap. Think getting Wallace fit might also prove key.

 

[bartman]

I feel for Baxter. He'd be great off Hidgons shoulder (even without his turn of pace) and better than mcnulty I'm afraid.

Wouldn't surprise me if this happens on Saturday

 

[wizadry]

Like Saturday, it was a mixture of some good stuff (particularly in the first 15 minutes) and some dreadful stuff (particularly at the back).

I don't think Porter was anything like as bad as others seem to. He won more than his fair share of headers against a really big, strong centre back pairing. He should've had a goal but overall, I thought it was a decent performance.

Interesting to compare and contrast Porter with Higdon, especially in terms of winning headers - Higdon very rarely (ever?) seems to win a ball when he needs to jump but he's excellent when he can just plant his feet and use his body strength. Think he'll be a really key player for us but I can see some fans getting frustrated with his lack of ability in aerial battles (they get on at Porter and he wins plenty). Don't get me wrong, I think Higdon is better than Porter in most regards but if he could get off the ground like Porter, he'd be one hell of a player.

Thought McNulty was a positive last night. Not convinced by his first touch and he needs to get up to the speed of the English game but he's strong for his size, gets in good positions and seems to have a cracking attitude. Hopefully the goal will help settle him. Bit of patience required probably but he could prove to be a good acquisition over time.

Baxter had a good game. Showed a willingness to dig in which hasn't always been apparent alongside some flashes of quality. He looked like a player determined to win a place.

The negatives were mostly in defence. The centre backs were all over the place, Howard looked liable to drop a clanger, basically it was just a mess. Think we need to very quickly decide on a back 4 and stick with it so they can build up an understanding. If Saturday's back 4 is Clough's definite first choice (it wouldn't be mine), then I'd have liked to have seen them play together again last night. As it stands, I think we're going to continue to look uncertain at the back v Coventry because of the chopping and changing.

Not disheartened by the start to the season, seen enough (albeit fairly briefly) to suggest we'll have enough once it all settles down. Think it will be tricky for 6-8 games yet though. Need to settle on a team and a formation asap. Think getting Wallace fit might also prove key.

I will just correct you a little cooperblade.There are no,i repeat no comparing Chris Porter with Michael Higdon,Higdon is a miles better player,he's quicker,has a better touch,lot more cleverer,oh and can jump for a header when he needs to.

When Porter jumps or wins a header 90% of his headers go to nobody,because he jumps for the sake of it sometimes,where as Higdon will jump for a header when he sees fit to and thinks he's going to get his header to one of his own players,this is where the opposition win the header, then its down to the midfielders on our side to be up with play and collect the ball.My overall point is, what is the point in jumping for a header which would get flicked on straight to their goalkeeper,Porter does this a lot and gets praised of some for it for winning the header,mind boggles.

 

[alcoblade]

Like Saturday, it was a mixture of some good stuff (particularly in the first 15 minutes) and some dreadful stuff (particularly at the back).

I don't think Porter was anything like as bad as others seem to. He won more than his fair share of headers against a really big, strong centre back pairing. He should've had a goal but overall, I thought it was a decent performance.


.

I'm mystified at that. I watched closer than usual last night, due to the low key nature of the match. If I were to say that everything he touched went wrong, I think I'm right. I'd be happy to be corrected - but very defintiely the vast majority of what he did involved breaking up our own play.

He is not a scapegoat. He is just, quite simply, an awful player.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

Thought McNulty was a positive last night. Not convinced by his first touch and he needs to get up to the speed of the English game but he's strong for his size, gets in good positions and seems to have a cracking attitude.

.

Opinions eh?

His contribution was next to zero, though as a young lad in a new team I can easily forgive that. He scored, which is the most important thing for him right now.

UTB

 

[Deadbat]

Clearly had too much ale before the game as the Mansfield lad did actually divert the ball in and not off Butler as I had first though and did seem to mean it. Will arrange a trip to Vision Express. The job at the Star may be closer than I think!

 

[wizadry]

Clearly had too much ale before the game as the Mansfield lad did actually divert the ball in and not off Butler as I had first though and did seem to mean it. Will arrange a trip to Vision Express. The job at the Star may be closer than I think!

Oh...,this will go a long way to explaining as to why you gave Porter such a high rating.

 

[Deadbat]

As for Porter I have defended him a lot in the past but he was awful last night. I would not go as far to say everything he did went wrong but he made more bad decisions than good ones. Ran into wrong areas, did not anticipate and his touch and control was poor.

Sadly the lad McNulty alongside him was not much better. I felt he was totally anonymous most of the game. He is very slow and did not have the movement I expected for someone who was meant to be a predator etc. He did take his goal well but he will have to play much better than that to be anywhere near being a regular. Just hope it is not another Lyle Taylor and he can come good.

Baxter did ok in a difficult position but felt his final ball was often poor. He flitted in and out of the game. He showed some neat touches but like others would like to see him playing off Higdon. Interesting that Clugh said he picked his first eleven on pre season but on the few games I saw Scougall was awful. I would prob play Doyle / Reed or Wallace; when fit and Baxter just in front of the midfield behind Higdon. Brief evidence but been disappointed in Butler, McNulty and Basham so far. Campbell Ryce was ok last night but his end product was sadly lacking and rarely got to the byline all game choosing to cross from deep. However for a squad player/impact sub think he will be decent.

 

[wizadry]

As for Porter I have defended him a lot in the past but he was awful last night. I would not go as far to say everything he did went wrong but he made more bad decisions than good ones. Ran into wrong areas, did not anticipate and his touch and control was poor.

Sadly the lad McNulty alongside him was not much better. I felt he was totally anonymous most of the game. He is very slow and did not have the movement I expected for someone who was meant to be a predator etc. He did take his goal well but he will have to play much better than that to be anywhere near being a regular. Just hope it is not another Lyle Taylor and he can come good.

Baxter did ok in a difficult position but felt his final ball was often poor. He flitted in and out of the game. He showed some neat touches but like others would like to see him playing off Higdon. Interesting that Clugh said he picked his first eleven on pre season but on the few games I saw Scougall was awful. I would prob play Doyle / Reed or Wallace; when fit and Baxter just in front of the midfield behind Higdon. Brief evidence but been disappointed in Butler, McNulty and Basham so far. Campbell Ryce was ok last night but his end product was sadly lacking and rarely got to the byline all game choosing to cross from deep. However for a squad player/impact sub think he will be decent.

In defence of Mcnulty,would you look good playing with Porter,nah didn't think so.

 

[Pinchy]

I feel for Baxter. He'd be great off Hidgons shoulder (even without his turn of pace) and better than mcnulty I'm afraid.

I have good news for you. I happened to be at Shirecliffe this morning and it's clear that Cloughy agrees. I managed to get this top-secret photo of Higdon and Baxter, preparing for Saturday:

 

[forever_blade]

Cheers for the report Deadbat appreciated as always.

All about opinions & few things don't agree on particularly JCR especially first half he got past his winger time & time again and drilled in low & hard to the front stick, everytime collected by their keeper. Clough was screaming at Porter for not anticipating & getting across that front post for a simple tap-in, Higdon I imagine would have been on the end of the chances.

That is the problem with Porter his overall anticipation so far has gone back to where it was at the start of last campaign where he's waiting for the ball to drop for him in the box instead of making that run across the front man to get on the end of things.

Towards the back end of last season Porter started to 'get it', goals against Fulham, Oldham, Port Vale he showed a strikers instinct to get infront & finish but last night he didn't do it against lesser opposition.

For me Davies & Baxter stood out last night, technically their probably two of our best players. It's obvious Clough isn't going to drop Davies and wants him in the side but we need to find a position for him as although he's doing alright at RB I'd personally prefer to see Alcock there.

I'd play Davies in the anchor role. I think he's perfect for that role, he gets stuck in, his positional sense is decent, he's played there before and he's one of the best passers at the club especially from dead balls. It's a tough one though because he does deliver quality from out wide I'd like to see him tried in CM though & Alcock in his natural RB spot.

My side for Coventry -

Howard
Alcock Collins McGahey Harris
Davies
JCR Reed/Scougall Baxter Murphy
Higdon

What Clough will play -

Howard
Davies Alcock McGahey Harris
Doyle
JCR Basham Baxter Murphy
Higdon

We have a lot of options whether there's too much quantity & not enough quality I'm still unsure. Clough needs to sort out his best eleven as soon as possible, for me the back five needs to be sorted. Once the back five is decided, they'll start to develop a better understanding & we'll have a base to build from.

 

[Chezzy_Blade]

Very fair report that Deadbat. I wasn't our best showing and second half they did look the more likely out of the two to bag a winner. It was frustrating to watch, credit to Mansfield though who shut up shop and made it very difficult for us to play football. I can see a trend coming this season, everyone knows Clough likes that get the ball down on the deck and play a bit of football. I can see the same park a bus, physical, break up play from our opponents.

Interesting you singled out the lad Clucas. Apparently we scouted him for a while towards the end of last season.

 

[Come from away]

Cheers for the report Deadbat appreciated as always.

All about opinions & few things don't agree on particularly JCR especially first half he got past his winger time & time again and drilled in low & hard to the front stick, everytime collected by their keeper. Clough was screaming at Porter for not anticipating & getting across that front post for a simple tap-in, Higdon I imagine would have been on the end of the chances.



For me Davies & Baxter stood out last night, technically their probably two of our best players. It's obvious Clough isn't going to drop Davies and wants him in the side but we need to find a position for him as although he's doing alright at RB I'd personally prefer to see Alcock there.

I

What Clough will play -

Howard
Davies Alcock McGahey Harris
Doyle
JCR Basham Baxter Murphy
Higdon

We have a lot of options whether there's too much quantity & not enough quality I'm still unsure. Clough needs to sort out his best eleven as soon as possible, for me the back five needs to be sorted. Once the back five is decided, they'll start to develop a better understanding & we'll have a base to build from.

Did not see the game (just the highlights) but would be surprised if Reed and Flynn lost their places. We will see if they are more settled on Sat.