United 2 Notts County 1 - report

[Bergen Blade]

I think we all agree on most things after what was a very entertaining match, but the "Crime against Football/hoof" bit seems unnecessary. I think your first description of Notts County is spot on, the other is simplistic and ignorant.

 

[judge]

By popular demand (a text from Pinchy) .......

Crimes against Football

Notts County: the dark hoof lovers would have had Kevin Blackwell salivating with their 'direct'. It was a case of hoof to the fat lad and ex con up top. Fortunately for us our centre backs just lapped it up. The outstanding figures of Maguire and Collins won everything and the tubby with the dark hair anmd Hughes got nowt. The hoof lovers even threw on an extra ale house for the last 10 to boot the ball up to. But justice was done and football provailed. The footballing gods were looking down upon us and quite rightly we saw proper football put them to the sword.

Crimes against hoof

Where do I start? Blackwell would have died with Kevin McDonald pulling the strings like he did. Always available, always finding a red and white shirt, spreading play, an excellent range of short and long passes and even getting forward and almost scoring. He controlled the game and everything went through him. Yes he tired and yes he took time to warm up. Also, he did not have his shooting boots on either. However, he looked a class above the rest for 60 minutes and, if he plays like that every week, could be a massive asset.

Michael Doyle should be given credit too. Yesterday was probably his best game for the club and it was almost a complete performance. He was like a 3rd division Patrick Viera!? Not only did he get a foot in, make a few blocks and break up Notts County's play, but he distributed well. He made himself available at all times, did not shy away from the ball and was involved in a lot of the build ups. I thought I was imagining things for a bit. He has been an ever present since we went on the run of 7 wins in 7 games and I am starting to question whether it is conincidence. Him and McDonald looked like a real partnership yesterday any road.

you really need to use spellcheck

 

[stannyblade]

I dont see playing the other teams away as a problem really. We have only took 4 points from 12 against them at home yet are above 3 of them and Charlton havent had a blipp yet.
Win our home games and pick points up away and its "oh we aint got a barrel of money ---"

 

[blade too long]

this away game group of death everyone mentions

Huddersfield
last competitive game there we won 2-1 league cup
Charlton , last 2 visits weve won 5-2 and 3-0
mk dons only ever played there once won 3-2 again league cup
and wednesday last game there we drew

terrifying , , not

 

[Ollessendro]

I think we all agree on most things after what was a very entertaining match, but the "Crime against Football/hoof" bit seems unnecessary. I think your first description of Notts County is spot on, the other is simplistic and ignorant.

the crimes against hoof and football are a regular feature of mine whevener I write a match report. The hoof part about County might be a little harsh, but it does not take away wha I said previously. Plus they are a very direct side and like to get the ball up to Hughes and Burgess as quickly as possible. Not a major criticism, as you stick to what you're good at. Allen has got them fit, working hard and well organised. They came and had a real pop at us and did not die down. They were 2nd best, but could take positives from the games. Based on what have seen of the division, I think they could/should challnge for a play off place. I put them in the same bracket as Stevenage. Not as good as us/Pigs/Charlton/Hudders/MK, but well drilled, hard working and capable of beating the best on their day. I think the trip to Meadow Lane is likely to be a tough one.

 

[Bergen Blade]

the crimes against hoof and football are a regular feature of mine whevener I write a match report. The hoof part about County might be a little harsh, but it does not take away wha I said previously. Plus they are a very direct side and like to get the ball up to Hughes and Burgess as quickly as possible. Not a major criticism, as you stick to what you're good at. Allen has got them fit, working hard and well organised. They came and had a real pop at us and did not die down. They were 2nd best, but could take positives from the games. Based on what have seen of the division, I think they could/should challnge for a play off place. I put them in the same bracket as Stevenage. Not as good as us/Pigs/Charlton/Hudders/MK, but well drilled, hard working and capable of beating the best on their day. I think the trip to Meadow Lane is likely to be a tough one.

They have two very athletic centre backs, who regularly are stronger, quicker and better in the air than most of the strikers they mark at this level. Such centre backs often have a weakness in their positioning and concentration and indeed they switched off when we scored. Their right back looked quick, while the left back was good going forward and had a good left foot. In midfield Bishop is a strong and brave defensive midfielder while Hughes and Judge are their creative guys. I think their right midfielder offered little, and Ishmel, a quick winger, may have given them more. Burgess/Hughes is a decent and experienced target man/poarcher combination, and their sub Hawley is a quicker option. Like you say they'll be capable of beating most teams on a good day.

I think they played the better football in the first 10-15 minutes, but as we got going they were forced to go long, as we kept winning back possession in their half.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

the crimes against hoof and football are a regular feature of mine whevener I write a match report. The hoof part about County might be a little harsh, but it does not take away wha I said previously. Plus they are a very direct side and like to get the ball up to Hughes and Burgess as quickly as possible. Not a major criticism, as you stick to what you're good at. Allen has got them fit, working hard and well organised. They came and had a real pop at us and did not die down. They were 2nd best, but could take positives from the games. Based on what have seen of the division, I think they could/should challnge for a play off place. I put them in the same bracket as Stevenage. Not as good as us/Pigs/Charlton/Hudders/MK, but well drilled, hard working and capable of beating the best on their day. I think the trip to Meadow Lane is likely to be a tough one.

A lot depends on where they are when we get there. We're definitely in a division of 3 leagues - how we perform against the other challengers will be most important. If County are still challenging for the play-offs then the trip to Meadow Lane will be extremely tough. If their prospects are just mid-table they'll just roll over. The last couple of years its been the same in League 1 and 2 - if you're not going up and not going down then sit tight and plan for next year.

If we're chasing down the top 2 we'll find the mid-table teams really frustrating this year - there is nothing in there to stretch any of the teams at the top, hence we're on a winning run, Wednesday have just come off one, Charlton look unstoppable and Huddersfield went on for so long. If we get up there and manage results against the rest of the teams around us we could be in a great spot - I'm not concerned about home or away.

 

[Micalijo]

I think we all agree on most things after what was a very entertaining match, but the "Crime against Football/hoof" bit seems unnecessary. I think your first description of Notts County is spot on, the other is simplistic and ignorant.

Come on Bergs, it's only a bit of fun aint it? Alot of abuse has been dished out on here to people suggesting that Blackwell and Adams were breaking people's love affair with football and SUFC, killing the enjoyment of watching our beloved Blades. No that someone is repairing the damage, albeit in the 3rd tier, it's fair game to have a bit of dig back.

Kmac has plenty of faults but it is a massive joy for me watching someone receive the ball, spin away and give it nice and easy. Even Doyle can distribute to a perfectly acceptable level. we need more of the same and better to stay in top 2 imo but I think the buzz is very slowly returning.

Can that side win a big away game against the others? I don't think so because of a lack of pace on the right and up top. Hope I'm wrong and looking forward to finding out.

 

[Ollessendro]

They have two very athletic centre backs, who regularly are stronger, quicker and better in the air than most of the strikers they mark at this level. Such centre backs often have a weakness in their positioning and concentration and indeed they switched off when we scored. Their right back looked quick, while the left back was good going forward and had a good left foot. In midfield Bishop is a strong and brave defensive midfielder while Hughes and Judge are their creative guys. I think their right midfielder offered little, and Ishmel, a quick winger, may have given them more. Burgess/Hughes is a decent and experienced target man/poarcher combination, and their sub Hawley is a quicker option. Like you say they'll be capable of beating most teams on a good day.

I think they played the better football in the first 10-15 minutes, but as we got going they were forced to go long, as we kept winning back possession in their half.

Agree with a lot of that. Didn't think their centre backs got tight enough and often switched off. However, they were both athletic and made up the ground. They put in several excellent last ditch tackles to save certain goals. Their left back was decent and the midfielder who scored was pretty impressive. Also though their keeper was pretty solid too. A decent outfit. (Like Micalijo says below) you should not take the we love hoof/football thing too seriously. It is just a bit of fun.

A lot depends on where they are when we get there. We're definitely in a division of 3 leagues - how we perform against the other challengers will be most important. If County are still challenging for the play-offs then the trip to Meadow Lane will be extremely tough. If their prospects are just mid-table they'll just roll over. The last couple of years its been the same in League 1 and 2 - if you're not going up and not going down then sit tight and plan for next year.

If we're chasing down the top 2 we'll find the mid-table teams really frustrating this year - there is nothing in there to stretch any of the teams at the top, hence we're on a winning run, Wednesday have just come off one, Charlton look unstoppable and Huddersfield went on for so long. If we get up there and manage results against the rest of the teams around us we could be in a great spot - I'm not concerned about home or away.

Some salient points CC. I am making the presumption they will be challening. Mainly because I think they are better than most I've seen this season. Other than Stevenage (very similar) and the top 5, I have not seen any teams as good as County. They certainly gave a better account than Brentford.

Come on Bergs, it's only a bit of fun aint it? Alot of abuse has been dished out on here to people suggesting that Blackwell and Adams were breaking people's love affair with football and SUFC, killing the enjoyment of watching our beloved Blades. No that someone is repairing the damage, albeit in the 3rd tier, it's fair game to have a bit of dig back.

Spot on Mic. I am pleasently surprised by the number of Blades saying they are enjoying watching games again. I agree. I have not been as excited about going to the lane/travelling away for several years. Have to thank Wilson for that.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Come on Bergs, it's only a bit of fun aint it? Alot of abuse has been dished out on here to people suggesting that Blackwell and Adams were breaking people's love affair with football and SUFC, killing the enjoyment of watching our beloved Blades. No that someone is repairing the damage, albeit in the 3rd tier, it's fair game to have a bit of dig back.

I know it's light-hearted, but even funny posts include a statement, and this time I thought it was inaccurate (and harsh on County!).

Thought this was a better attempt at humour: http://www.s24su.com/forum/showthre...abe-and-Winter&p=381130&highlight=#post381130

 

[cooperblade]

At times this season, our attacking tempo and intensity has been superb (Walsall at 2-0 and times on Tuesday were great examples). It's always when we're level or behind though and if we can produce those levels when we're in front then we'll take some stopping.

Collins was superb v County, thought he started nervously but by the end of the game he was winning absolutely everything. Flynn covered every blade of grass and his delivery from corners was excellent.

McDonald knows exactly what he's going to do with the ball before he's received and has the skill to execute his execeptional vision - it's vital we keep him fit for the rest of the season. When do we offer him a new contract? That's going to need to be carefully managed.

Overall, very encouraging indeed, not least because we won when the pressure to go into the automatic places was on.

Let's hope we can get through January relatively unscathed.