Deadbat
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Finally after almost 2 months United got back to winning ways in the league and recorded their first win in League One at the Lane since beating Yeovil way back in October. United beat high flying Preston North End thanks to two second half goals from Marc McNulty and Jamal Campbell Ryce. A late George Brownhill strike gave United a scare but they held on for the deserved win.
The Blades finally found some form after some poor recent league performances and looked more akin to the side that has done so well in the cup competitions. Second half especially United played at a higher tempo and caused the visitors numerous problems with their football whilst Preston surprisingly looked rather limited relying on direct football to veteran front man
Kevin Davies and a rather agricultural style of football.
United made one change with Jamie Murphy in for Louis Reed and Baxter playing more centrally. United had both Wallaces’ on the bench joining the returning Kieran Alcock.
North End were without main threat Joe Garner but could include Blades fan Davies and also played with Bolton loan man Jermain Beckford in a forward thinking line up featuring two wide men Chris Humphrey and former Blades loanee Paul Gallagher.
The sides came out to Joe Cocker’s famous number; ‘With a little help from my friends’ as a tribute to the late Sheffield singer who had admitted to being of the red and white persuasion when growing up.
The game itself started scrappily which was not really a surprise, considering the strong gale that was blowing around the Lane. It was hard for either side to have any momentum although Doyle’s strong tackling and Davies’ physical presence were significant for both sides.
Murphy and Doyle shot wide from distance and Flynn did well to stop Gallagher but neither side had produced much football. Kennedy had a chance when he got in at the back post from a free kick but made a mess of it.
Campbell Ryce was getting booed early on from the visiting fans due an incident in the past involving Preston’s Scott Laird which led to a broken leg for the defender.
Preston had a spell with the ball but did little with it and were looking at the more direct approach despite having two talented wingers. United had another long range effort with McNulty’s weak effort squirting wide. Doyle and Scougall played neat football leading to McNulty shooting at the keeper, the first effort on goal by either side before Gallagher shot well wide at the other end; the first shot from the visitors just before half time.
Most of the frustration was around some of Preston’s strong arm tactics going without punishment with Welsh finally getting a card after several late tackles from visiting players.
The second half began with the weather taking a further turn for the worse with the lashing rain adding to the wind. Still United had their best spell at this stage as they upped the pace and started to knock the ball about. Murphy had one run to win a corner before Harris’s free kick was saved by Stuckmann. Doyle continued to control the loose balls and United were now well on top. Campbell Ryce’s run won another corner. From the subsequent delivery the shot from Doyle was blocked but MCNULTY was quickest to react to loop his effort over the keeper and into the net at the Kop end. It was not the cleanest of contacts but it was in the net and United had that all important lead.
United buoyed by this came again and Scougall came forward well before shooting wide as he got into the box. Soon after Murphy’s clever dink put the ball into the box and Doyle was the man who found himself uncharacteristically as the nearest man to the goal but shot wide when he ought to have scored.
Beckford came off for another former Blade Kyel Reid and United will have been content to keep the dangerous front man quiet as he slinked off the field.
United had been in control and Preston had offered little as a riposte and the second goal came on 70 minutes. Murphy picked the ball up over on the left and drive across the field shrugging off a number of challenges before finding CAMPBELL RYCE who took a touch and then drilled it hard and low and through the keepers legs into the net. After getting the bird from the
Preston fans all game it was the best way to silence them as the United players celebrated this crucial goal.
Preston had not offered much going forward but had a great chance straight after as Buchannan was in and Howard saved with his legs and sub Reid really ought to have scored but blazed it wide.
A series of yellow cards finally came to Preston and Scougall had another lung bursting run but run out of gas at the end. Doyle was then booked for a late challenge.
Alcock came on for Campbell Ryce who got a rousing reception from the home crowd as he departed and Flynn moved further up the field. Soon after James Wallace came on for Scougall as United tried to inject fresh energy to see out the job. Preston wasted a dangerous free kick as Gallagher hit the well and then Harris could have sealed the game when he robbed the full back who was looking to counter but he drilled across Stuckmann but just past the post.
Kieran Wallace replaced the struggling Baxter who had took a knock and had been down injured just before.
The game entered five minutes of stoppage time and a trip on the edge of the box gave Preston a chance soon after. This time substitute Brownhill took it and hit it firmly over the wall to the right. It was not quite in the corner and Howard got a hand on it but could only help it into the net. Preston quickly retrieved the ball and were soon back on the attack with still three minutes to play. A long diagonal cross saw Huntingdon, up as another attacker, head goal wards but it was straight at Howard.
United were able to see out the final moments for that long awaited home win.
United – Pleased with United today. In difficult conditions and against a strong arm side and a weak referee, I felt United gradually finally wore PNE down and won deservedly. First half was scrappy and not a lot happened really. Preston maybe had more of the ball but we had more efforts but there was no clear chances either way really. It was hard as they were quite physical to say the least. The referee did not help us and we had to plug away and keep trying to get a way through. Of course having one up top did not help again but today against a side that had 2 direct striker and 2 wingers; it was maybe the way to go and paid off in the end as we eventually took over midfield.
Second half we had more of the ball and played higher up the field too. The tempo from us increased and we started to gradually create chances. We got a scrappy-ish goal but then scored a decent goal and could have had more. Overall, we looked in complete control and with Doyle controlling midfield and the wingers looking dangerous, Preston looked well beaten. They seemingly were more bothered about kicking us up in the air than trying to score a goal. Eventually after a daft free kick we gave away they got one and then had a late goal. They had another chance after this but it would have been ridiculous if they had got a point.
United overall competed well without going over the top (other than odd daft aforementioned foul and Doyle a few times) and kept the ball and played it well. It was decent stuff for 20 minutes second half and we maybe could have had a few more. I thought we looked the better footballing side and got the goals we deserved for being far better than them second half after a fairly even first half (where we still was only team who threatened).
Pleasing until late goal we did well at back with McEveley excellent against a strong presence and Kennedy steady enough. Two full backs were good too. I felt Murphy and Campbell Ryce were quiet-ish first half but second half they stepped up and were threats. Ditto for McNulty who became a threat. I felt we knocked it about fairly well and especially considering the wind and lashing rain. We did well to keep it on the floor and play it around when it may have been easier to just knock it forward and hope for the best (as Preston did for the most part).
Overall I felt Doyle was excellent and controlled midfield. Baxter and Scougall were a mixed bag but behind him Doyle did not miss a thing all game and was the outstanding player on the field.
Today though did show how frustrating this season has been as against a side that is higher up (points and placing) we looked better than them most of the game. However we have tossed away countless points (especially recently at home) and we are where are for a reason; as are Preston. We have been a soft touch and maybe physical sides and approaches like we have seen from PNE and MK is the way to get out of this division. It is frustrating as if we added a bit of that physical streak and spine to the side, I do believe we have enough ability to really compete for the top two. It is going to be tough to get anywhere near these places now unless we go on an incredible run and with some tough games coming up. However today proved that we have nothing to be scared of and if we add to the squad then we can hopefully go on a run and at least threaten (at the same time securing our play-off spot at the very least).
Preston – Thought for the most part they were dreadful. Big, strong, dirty and limited. They played the percentage game (as Huddersfield did under Grayson and Leeds to some extent when he got them up). To be fair he has realised it has worked for him in the past and has took teams up and they are much better placed in points than us BUT it was awful to watch. They relied on the diagonal high ball and to get players amongst the flick ons and today it did not work. They had a late flurry and scored and then had another chance but it would have been a travesty if they had taken anything from the game. They were dire for the most part and fortunately the side trying to play football won it. #
They did have a few spells in the first half when they kept it but went nowhere with it and then inevitably just lumped it up to Davies. They have a lot of talent with Beckford, the two pacey wingers and you look at some of the options they have on the bench with Ebanks Blake etc and you think they could hurt teams but on today’s evidence you would have to reason that they have got to the top by playing a mostly physical style of football. Maybe I am wrong and today was a one off and with having Garner out they had to go up to Davies but surely with quick, skilful wingers and Beckford up there and some decent player at full back/central midfield they could have played it more but it never happened.
Davies looked a player at the end of his days and resorted to fouling all game. Sure there are days with weak refs (like today) where he can be effective but today he offered nothing. I felt we did well against other rated (at least this level) forwards and won midfield against some decent, experienced players. Though the two lanky centre backs looked there to be turned as it proved when we got on top. Overall they may be missing best player but felt they looked a poor side. If they somehow go up, then it shows what a poor division it is. Have a feeling regardless of cups we may see them again down the line in May. Just an
inkling.
The Blades finally found some form after some poor recent league performances and looked more akin to the side that has done so well in the cup competitions. Second half especially United played at a higher tempo and caused the visitors numerous problems with their football whilst Preston surprisingly looked rather limited relying on direct football to veteran front man
Kevin Davies and a rather agricultural style of football.
United made one change with Jamie Murphy in for Louis Reed and Baxter playing more centrally. United had both Wallaces’ on the bench joining the returning Kieran Alcock.
North End were without main threat Joe Garner but could include Blades fan Davies and also played with Bolton loan man Jermain Beckford in a forward thinking line up featuring two wide men Chris Humphrey and former Blades loanee Paul Gallagher.
The sides came out to Joe Cocker’s famous number; ‘With a little help from my friends’ as a tribute to the late Sheffield singer who had admitted to being of the red and white persuasion when growing up.
The game itself started scrappily which was not really a surprise, considering the strong gale that was blowing around the Lane. It was hard for either side to have any momentum although Doyle’s strong tackling and Davies’ physical presence were significant for both sides.
Murphy and Doyle shot wide from distance and Flynn did well to stop Gallagher but neither side had produced much football. Kennedy had a chance when he got in at the back post from a free kick but made a mess of it.
Campbell Ryce was getting booed early on from the visiting fans due an incident in the past involving Preston’s Scott Laird which led to a broken leg for the defender.
Preston had a spell with the ball but did little with it and were looking at the more direct approach despite having two talented wingers. United had another long range effort with McNulty’s weak effort squirting wide. Doyle and Scougall played neat football leading to McNulty shooting at the keeper, the first effort on goal by either side before Gallagher shot well wide at the other end; the first shot from the visitors just before half time.
Most of the frustration was around some of Preston’s strong arm tactics going without punishment with Welsh finally getting a card after several late tackles from visiting players.
The second half began with the weather taking a further turn for the worse with the lashing rain adding to the wind. Still United had their best spell at this stage as they upped the pace and started to knock the ball about. Murphy had one run to win a corner before Harris’s free kick was saved by Stuckmann. Doyle continued to control the loose balls and United were now well on top. Campbell Ryce’s run won another corner. From the subsequent delivery the shot from Doyle was blocked but MCNULTY was quickest to react to loop his effort over the keeper and into the net at the Kop end. It was not the cleanest of contacts but it was in the net and United had that all important lead.
United buoyed by this came again and Scougall came forward well before shooting wide as he got into the box. Soon after Murphy’s clever dink put the ball into the box and Doyle was the man who found himself uncharacteristically as the nearest man to the goal but shot wide when he ought to have scored.
Beckford came off for another former Blade Kyel Reid and United will have been content to keep the dangerous front man quiet as he slinked off the field.
United had been in control and Preston had offered little as a riposte and the second goal came on 70 minutes. Murphy picked the ball up over on the left and drive across the field shrugging off a number of challenges before finding CAMPBELL RYCE who took a touch and then drilled it hard and low and through the keepers legs into the net. After getting the bird from the
Preston fans all game it was the best way to silence them as the United players celebrated this crucial goal.
Preston had not offered much going forward but had a great chance straight after as Buchannan was in and Howard saved with his legs and sub Reid really ought to have scored but blazed it wide.
A series of yellow cards finally came to Preston and Scougall had another lung bursting run but run out of gas at the end. Doyle was then booked for a late challenge.
Alcock came on for Campbell Ryce who got a rousing reception from the home crowd as he departed and Flynn moved further up the field. Soon after James Wallace came on for Scougall as United tried to inject fresh energy to see out the job. Preston wasted a dangerous free kick as Gallagher hit the well and then Harris could have sealed the game when he robbed the full back who was looking to counter but he drilled across Stuckmann but just past the post.
Kieran Wallace replaced the struggling Baxter who had took a knock and had been down injured just before.
The game entered five minutes of stoppage time and a trip on the edge of the box gave Preston a chance soon after. This time substitute Brownhill took it and hit it firmly over the wall to the right. It was not quite in the corner and Howard got a hand on it but could only help it into the net. Preston quickly retrieved the ball and were soon back on the attack with still three minutes to play. A long diagonal cross saw Huntingdon, up as another attacker, head goal wards but it was straight at Howard.
United were able to see out the final moments for that long awaited home win.
United – Pleased with United today. In difficult conditions and against a strong arm side and a weak referee, I felt United gradually finally wore PNE down and won deservedly. First half was scrappy and not a lot happened really. Preston maybe had more of the ball but we had more efforts but there was no clear chances either way really. It was hard as they were quite physical to say the least. The referee did not help us and we had to plug away and keep trying to get a way through. Of course having one up top did not help again but today against a side that had 2 direct striker and 2 wingers; it was maybe the way to go and paid off in the end as we eventually took over midfield.
Second half we had more of the ball and played higher up the field too. The tempo from us increased and we started to gradually create chances. We got a scrappy-ish goal but then scored a decent goal and could have had more. Overall, we looked in complete control and with Doyle controlling midfield and the wingers looking dangerous, Preston looked well beaten. They seemingly were more bothered about kicking us up in the air than trying to score a goal. Eventually after a daft free kick we gave away they got one and then had a late goal. They had another chance after this but it would have been ridiculous if they had got a point.
United overall competed well without going over the top (other than odd daft aforementioned foul and Doyle a few times) and kept the ball and played it well. It was decent stuff for 20 minutes second half and we maybe could have had a few more. I thought we looked the better footballing side and got the goals we deserved for being far better than them second half after a fairly even first half (where we still was only team who threatened).
Pleasing until late goal we did well at back with McEveley excellent against a strong presence and Kennedy steady enough. Two full backs were good too. I felt Murphy and Campbell Ryce were quiet-ish first half but second half they stepped up and were threats. Ditto for McNulty who became a threat. I felt we knocked it about fairly well and especially considering the wind and lashing rain. We did well to keep it on the floor and play it around when it may have been easier to just knock it forward and hope for the best (as Preston did for the most part).
Overall I felt Doyle was excellent and controlled midfield. Baxter and Scougall were a mixed bag but behind him Doyle did not miss a thing all game and was the outstanding player on the field.
Today though did show how frustrating this season has been as against a side that is higher up (points and placing) we looked better than them most of the game. However we have tossed away countless points (especially recently at home) and we are where are for a reason; as are Preston. We have been a soft touch and maybe physical sides and approaches like we have seen from PNE and MK is the way to get out of this division. It is frustrating as if we added a bit of that physical streak and spine to the side, I do believe we have enough ability to really compete for the top two. It is going to be tough to get anywhere near these places now unless we go on an incredible run and with some tough games coming up. However today proved that we have nothing to be scared of and if we add to the squad then we can hopefully go on a run and at least threaten (at the same time securing our play-off spot at the very least).
Preston – Thought for the most part they were dreadful. Big, strong, dirty and limited. They played the percentage game (as Huddersfield did under Grayson and Leeds to some extent when he got them up). To be fair he has realised it has worked for him in the past and has took teams up and they are much better placed in points than us BUT it was awful to watch. They relied on the diagonal high ball and to get players amongst the flick ons and today it did not work. They had a late flurry and scored and then had another chance but it would have been a travesty if they had taken anything from the game. They were dire for the most part and fortunately the side trying to play football won it. #
They did have a few spells in the first half when they kept it but went nowhere with it and then inevitably just lumped it up to Davies. They have a lot of talent with Beckford, the two pacey wingers and you look at some of the options they have on the bench with Ebanks Blake etc and you think they could hurt teams but on today’s evidence you would have to reason that they have got to the top by playing a mostly physical style of football. Maybe I am wrong and today was a one off and with having Garner out they had to go up to Davies but surely with quick, skilful wingers and Beckford up there and some decent player at full back/central midfield they could have played it more but it never happened.
Davies looked a player at the end of his days and resorted to fouling all game. Sure there are days with weak refs (like today) where he can be effective but today he offered nothing. I felt we did well against other rated (at least this level) forwards and won midfield against some decent, experienced players. Though the two lanky centre backs looked there to be turned as it proved when we got on top. Overall they may be missing best player but felt they looked a poor side. If they somehow go up, then it shows what a poor division it is. Have a feeling regardless of cups we may see them again down the line in May. Just an
inkling.