Deadbat
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Sorry for the delay in the report….went for a few beers after the game and then was too tired to put pen to paper…well hand to keyboard….when I came in.
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Sheffield United’s unbeaten run continued as they completed a league double over lowly Shrewsbury Town at Bramall Lane. First half goals from Billy Sharp and Stefan Scougall saw the Blades go into a two goal lead and despite Sharp missing a penalty and Louis Dodds goal back, United held on against 9 men Shrewsbury to take the three points. In truth, United should have been out of sight but poor finishing, good goalkeeping/defending kept the Shrews in the game. However, despite the frustration over the score line not being emphatic, the Blades will still be pleased to register another win and another commanding performance to go up to second in the league.
Manager Chris Wilder named an unchanged starting eleven but brought back Ramsdale and Chapman for Long and Whiteman on the bench. Shrewsbury were in a different kind of form from the side well beaten by the Blades earlier in the season and were confident of earning an upset.
United began on top and an early move almost saw Done in before Duffy soon after had a shot blocked by his own man Freeman. The home side were well top and it was no surprise when on eight minutes the Blades took the lead. Fleck played a superb through ball that dissected the defence and SHARP was in on goal on the angle. The Blades’ leading scorer took it on and drilled it low and hard past keeper Halstead into the far corner of the goal.
Soon after United were nearly caught cold but Leitch Smith was denied by a low save from Moore on the stretch. It was a warning that United would not have it all their own way.
Not long after Duffy limped off after seemingly pulling a muscle to be replaced by Scougall. Shrewsbury had not been in the game but Deegan had a shot off target and then Leitch Smith was in after a slip from the United defence but Moore made a smart save. Sharp shot wide and had an appeal for a spot kick turned down but soon after United did win a penalty. Done played a one two with Lafferty and the Burnley loanee was felled by O’Brien to lead to a spot kick. Referee Deadman decided the foul was serious enough to lead to a red card for the Shrewsbury player.
Sharp took the penalty but hit it too close to the keeper and Halstead pushed over the bar. Despite this wasted opportunity, it was not long before the advantage was doubled. Coutts corner came over and Freeman headed back into the box and SCOUGALL cleverly turned home.
It was total domination from United and Coutts and Sharp had chances soon after and then El Abd blocked Scougall after Lafferty played the ball back. Done then also had a chance as the home side looked to finish the game before the break. Just before the half time whistle Ogogo committed a wild tackle on Coutts and referee Deadman brandished an instant red card as the Blades midfielder lay in a heap.
The second half began with Coutts unable to return and O’Connell came on. Basham moved into midfield and United seemed to have Ebanks Landell at right back as Shrewsbury tried to repel the Blades with only 9 men. The visitors also opted to make a change with Ebanks Blake coming on for Leitch Smith and being the further man forward of the 9!
Sharp nearly got a third and then Done had an effort blocked as the home side attacked at will. A number of corners saw the ball bounce around but the third goal eluded United. Freeman then got a bad kick and had to leave the field replaced by Chapman as the Blades could afford to go with a very attacking line up. Done got a knock but gamely carried on. Somehow both Sharp and Scougall missed a cross that seemed certain to be converted and then Sharp also had another effort saved.
Shrewsbury had barely got into the United half and Chapman had another shot saved before Done also nearly got in again. It seemed that the third would come but to the surprise of the ground the next goal came from the visitors. A rare break saw Ebanks Blake down the left and his cross was smartly converted by DODDS who got in ahead of O’Connell.
Still despite this shock, United were soon back on the attack but missed more guilt edged chances. Done really should have scored but his effort was saved from the impressive Halstead who soon after also saved from Sharp’s header. Chapman really ought to have scored but somehow missed a header right in front of goal after good build up.
United were still having all the ball but as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes will have been conscious that they did not want to do anything silly so the possession became more cautious and controlled.
Sharp then hit the post with a header that came back hit Brown and tricked agonisingly wide of the goal.
Three minutes of additional time saw Shrewsbury have a half chance but the ball was blocked and after this the Blades saw out time fairly comfortably.
United – Odd one as we had most of the game dominating possession and chances. We had 20 corners to 1 I believe and 30 shots to 5. If the game had finished 5-0 it would have been more realistic but after the goal deluge of recent times, you kind of knew United might have one of those days soon where they faced inspiring keeping or missed chances. Today that was the day. Fortunately, it did not cost United and we won the game. In a few weeks, months no one will really care (unless goal difference comes back to haunt us!) about the margin. It could have been made easier and it was sloppy at times in the final third but after the recent performances and results; you cannot grumble too much.
First half United were good as we started well and got the early goal. Even 11 v 11 we were by far the better side and did dominate. We had a lot of the ball and created a few chances. They had maybe one effort first half (and then just the goal second half) and as they lost the two men it became a bit of a stroll for United. We moved the ball around and did what we had to. It was not quite the same level as some games and second half we were so so really and sloppiness cost us a surprise goal.
We feared for referee Deadman being the referee that he might do something daft to cost United but the decisions went for us today (see comments on the referee). It was very difficult for Shrewsbury after this but seen United struggle against less men in the past. Today we knocked it about, moved them about and created chances. We just did not take them or made some poor decisions in the final third. For the first time in a while we were not ruthless. I felt Sharp and Done were both guilty of poor finishes and at times we maybe overplayed a bit too much.
It did not help the changes we had to make and of course they were just sat in and defended but we needed to be a bit cuter to get in and I felt it was sloppy at times but that is being very critical of a side that dominated the game. It is just it could and should have been 3 or 4-0 long before they scored.
The main concern is injuries to Duffy, Freeman and Coutts. It may be we have to do without Duffy for a bit but I am not sure how serious Freeman and Coutts were. I don’t expect them to be out for too long but Tuesday may be too soon possibly. Causes issues at right back as we don’t really have anyone to play there if Basham has to go into midfield to replace Coutts. Scougall I am sure can come in for Duffy in the midfield position, but he may put Chapman in there and Scougall for Done. Going forward at least we have options but with injuries to Wilson and Hussey less options at the back.
We move onto Bury now and that games worries me as they are being hammered every week but like with this game; if we start well and have the right attitude we should be fine. Their confidence is rock bottom so main thing is to go out them from the off. Then we have a tricky game at Charlton, another managerless team, who are difficult to read as they have some decent results now and again. Still looking at the fixtures and the home games we have, hopefully the injuries aren’t too bad and we can keep the run going. Scunthorpe do not seem to let up but they do have some harder fixtures coming up facing Peterborough ad Rochdale away and having Millwall.
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Shrewsbury – They have been improving in recent times and seemed to have turned things round since Hurst went in. They said all the right things about them being a different side and full of confidence but United took the game away from them in 25 minutes. Even before the red card/s, United had controlled things save for one chance they had when we dithered at the back.
They struggled with the movement of Sharp and Done and Coutts/Fleck controlled midfield as they have been doing most games in this run. They huffed and puffed but it was damage limitation for them after the goals really but they will be pleased with the work ethic that saw them keep in the game and even give them a slight chance. I never felt we would throw it away but this is United you are talking about so you never know. They almost had settled for not getting hammered and even when they scored they did not know what to do.
However, if I was a Shrewsbury fan I would be annoyed with the player who committed a ridiculously stupid tackle when they were 2-0 down and on ten men. He should get the maximum fine possible. Hurst had tried to defend him saying it looked an honest tackle but the reality is that it was far from that. I am sure when he sees it slowed down he will be very angry with his player that left his side in a right mess.
As for where they will finish? They are second bottom now and they do lack quality in the side. They will need to improve the defence having conceded 31 goals (the 2nd most in the league – Bury who are next up at the Lane have conceded the most!) and will need to ensure they get results at home of course. I think it will be a struggle for them to stay up. I expected them to do a bit better as they brought some experience in the summer such as O’Brien, Dodds and El Abd but they have really struggled and of course saw the manager depart.
Opponent man of the match : Has to be the keeper. Halstead has been preferred to the lad Leutwiler recently and has done well. Today he saved a penalty and made a number of other blocks and saves. Sometimes he had a bit of fortune and at times he was left badly exposed but he kept it out. As for the rest of the side, the lad Dodds finished well and Ebanks Blake gave them an outlet but the rest of the day was a struggle.
Opponent Weak link : Ogogo. Stupid tackle that cost them any chance of getting anything in the game. The defence was turgid throughout and got pulled about all game even at 0-0.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Moore 7/10 – Had little to do really but made one smart save in the first half when he got down low. Had no chance with the goal really. Won’t have many quieter games all season.
Freeman 7/10 – Steady game again and he got forward quite a lot. He was involved in some decent moves and then made the second with an intelligent header. Went off injured second half. Not sure what he did but some have suggested he hurt his back? Hoping it is only a minor knock as he has done really well this season and a big improvement over Brayford which I never thought I would say.
Lafferty 7/10 – As above. Steady game. He helped win the penalty with a neat one two and was quietly effective in his passing and play. He is not very flash but he just does his job. Teams probably need players like him and Wright who just get on with things, work hard and do the basics.
Ebanks Landell 7/10 – Solid game. He had little to mark really and ended up in more of a right back position especially after Freeman went off. Not the most elegant right back as he laboured forward and at times seemed to struggle to know what to do when he had it. Still did what he had to from a defensive point of view. Good to hear we are in talks to try and sign him but my gut feeling is Wolves will call him back which would be a major blow.
Basham 6.5/10- Mixed bag. At times he was good winning tackles and blocks but also was slow I felt to deal with some things and he to me looks a weak link in the side. Pushed forward into midfield but the game was more for passing players and his harrying, chasing was not really needed today as we had the huge numerical advantage. May have to play midfield Tuesday if Coutts is out. Not at the same level as him and Fleck in this area and his play sadly slows us down.
Wright 7/10 – Fine. Odd really as the game went on he could have played with a cigar as he was the defender furthest back and was often just retrieving the ball and giving it someone else when Shrewsbury had punted it forward. Still not lost as a Blade. A real steady eddy.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Probably our best player overall and he did not quite hit the heights of last week or recent games. Made the first goal with a great ball that dissected the defence and beat the offside trap. He got on the ball and played it right and left and was also always looking to go forward when he could. A really good player and an excellent signing. Hope he can keep to these standards moving forward. Only thing missing is more goal as he showed last week he has this element to his game hopefully.
Coutts 7/10 – As above; he helped control midfield first half switching the ball on quickly and ensuring we controlled things. He was able to show his ability and he plays that quarter back role so well. With them having a man less he was able to do this right from the back coming to get the ball from Wright or Ebanks Landell. We missed him second half when he went off as I feel we would have got more goals as he would have moved it on quicker. We slowed down noticeably and did not quite have the fluency without his touch and passing. Hope his injury is not too bad either as he is an important player and makes us tick.
Duffy – Started well getting in those little pockets and involved in some of the decent things we did but after 10 minutes he clearly felt a pull/strain and Wilder rightly did not take a chance and brought on Scougall.
Done 6/10 – Along with Basham might be the one who at the moment you kind of feel is a bit of a drop off from the others. He does work so hard and did that again today, linking well with others and often involved. He never hides and tries to keep plugging away. However, when he first came his finishing was excellent and he did not miss many but now he is missing chances; good ones. He should have scored a few more today. At the moment we are winning so you don’t mess with the side too much as his work rate and chasing does wear teams down but he has to start finishing things and improve his touch/control which has not been as good recently. I might be in the minority but I would leave him in the team Tuesday as I feel whilst we are winning you don’t mess with the team too much and we may have to make a few enforced changes anyway.
Sharp 7/10 – Worked hard and always involved also. Scored a well taken first goal with an excellent run and then calm finish. He then had a few others chances in the game and ought to have got at least a couple more. He hit the post with a header and miskicked another in front of goal. A really poor penalty. I have to say I don’t think he takes a great penalty. He often goes down the middle or to the same side and does not vary things enough. He has scored a few but missed a few also from the spot. He will keep them of course unless he misses a few more but keepers are wise to what he does now it seems.
Subs
Scougall 7.5/10 – Came on and played well again. I felt was pushing as one of our better players. Got on the ball, linked well and scored a lovely goal that was harder than it looked. His finishing this season has been excellent and he has now scored 5 which is very good considering he is not a regular.
Chapman – Been a bit stop start for him with being sub a lot, then the hat trick in the cup and then the international breaks. He came on today and showed some decent touches but missed a few chances including a poor header he should have scored from.
O’Connell 6.5/10 – Brought on and played at the back but had little to do really. Did lose his man twice which was poor when they only ever had 1 or 2 in our half a lot of the time! The goal he was partly at fault as he was slow to react. Maybe will start with the injuries on Tuesday so will need to sharpen up.
Manager – Wilder 8/10 – Another win. He had to change things in terms of players and formation. We created chances, controlled possession and are now up to second in the league with a game in hand. It is all going rather well. We may have a dip of course and it is inevitable a defeat will come but it is important fans don’t react ridiculously when that happens. It may be we lost one of the ones we expect to win but it is how we react from that. Still for now hope we keep on winning and keep putting points on the board. He has to take such credit for getting us where we are from the dreadful start and playing as a team.
Ref – Darren Deadman has picked up a bit of a reputation over the years for being erm….useless. Today he made some big calls that went against Shrewsbury. I think he got one wrong and one right.
The first one is not a red card. It is debatable it is even a penalty as he gets some of the ball but it was a risky challenge as it was from behind. In general play it would be a foul for being a tackle from behind so I can kind of see why he gave it.
They have changed the rules in that brining someone down in the box for a penalty is no longer a red card. The rule officially says: ‘Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity in the penalty area is no longer a straight red card - unless the offence is holding, pulling or pushing; there's no attempt to play or no possibility of making a challenge; or it's an offence which is punishable by a red card, no matter where on the pitch it happens - violent conduct, for example.’ It was not violent conduct. I think he does not know the rules? Unless he gave it the lad for verbals but it did not seem to be the case. The second one I felt was really harsh at the time and seemed yellow but the freeze frame and seeing it back proves he got it 100% right. It was high and late. A horrible tackle that could have done a lot more damage. It was far worse than the Basham one that saw Deadman send him off at Scunny.
Overall though Deadman does seem to love being the centre of the spotlight and I feel when he refs we notice him too much. The rest of the game he was ok and there were not too many wrong decisions but he does seem to want to stop things a lot and talk to people and basically make sure everyone knows he is there. He also kept getting in the way. Shrewsbury will feel the first one was a crucial
Crowd – United crowd were quiet for spells as the game seemed over. There was noise early on and the red cards always creates more atmosphere but after the break it became a bit strange and rather subdued. Shrewsbury brought maybe 6-700 fans. They kept behind their team well and were very supportive despite the circumstances seeing the effort the team put in. Only other moan is those stupid phone lights. Does my head in.
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Sheffield United’s unbeaten run continued as they completed a league double over lowly Shrewsbury Town at Bramall Lane. First half goals from Billy Sharp and Stefan Scougall saw the Blades go into a two goal lead and despite Sharp missing a penalty and Louis Dodds goal back, United held on against 9 men Shrewsbury to take the three points. In truth, United should have been out of sight but poor finishing, good goalkeeping/defending kept the Shrews in the game. However, despite the frustration over the score line not being emphatic, the Blades will still be pleased to register another win and another commanding performance to go up to second in the league.
Manager Chris Wilder named an unchanged starting eleven but brought back Ramsdale and Chapman for Long and Whiteman on the bench. Shrewsbury were in a different kind of form from the side well beaten by the Blades earlier in the season and were confident of earning an upset.
United began on top and an early move almost saw Done in before Duffy soon after had a shot blocked by his own man Freeman. The home side were well top and it was no surprise when on eight minutes the Blades took the lead. Fleck played a superb through ball that dissected the defence and SHARP was in on goal on the angle. The Blades’ leading scorer took it on and drilled it low and hard past keeper Halstead into the far corner of the goal.
Soon after United were nearly caught cold but Leitch Smith was denied by a low save from Moore on the stretch. It was a warning that United would not have it all their own way.
Not long after Duffy limped off after seemingly pulling a muscle to be replaced by Scougall. Shrewsbury had not been in the game but Deegan had a shot off target and then Leitch Smith was in after a slip from the United defence but Moore made a smart save. Sharp shot wide and had an appeal for a spot kick turned down but soon after United did win a penalty. Done played a one two with Lafferty and the Burnley loanee was felled by O’Brien to lead to a spot kick. Referee Deadman decided the foul was serious enough to lead to a red card for the Shrewsbury player.
Sharp took the penalty but hit it too close to the keeper and Halstead pushed over the bar. Despite this wasted opportunity, it was not long before the advantage was doubled. Coutts corner came over and Freeman headed back into the box and SCOUGALL cleverly turned home.
It was total domination from United and Coutts and Sharp had chances soon after and then El Abd blocked Scougall after Lafferty played the ball back. Done then also had a chance as the home side looked to finish the game before the break. Just before the half time whistle Ogogo committed a wild tackle on Coutts and referee Deadman brandished an instant red card as the Blades midfielder lay in a heap.
The second half began with Coutts unable to return and O’Connell came on. Basham moved into midfield and United seemed to have Ebanks Landell at right back as Shrewsbury tried to repel the Blades with only 9 men. The visitors also opted to make a change with Ebanks Blake coming on for Leitch Smith and being the further man forward of the 9!
Sharp nearly got a third and then Done had an effort blocked as the home side attacked at will. A number of corners saw the ball bounce around but the third goal eluded United. Freeman then got a bad kick and had to leave the field replaced by Chapman as the Blades could afford to go with a very attacking line up. Done got a knock but gamely carried on. Somehow both Sharp and Scougall missed a cross that seemed certain to be converted and then Sharp also had another effort saved.
Shrewsbury had barely got into the United half and Chapman had another shot saved before Done also nearly got in again. It seemed that the third would come but to the surprise of the ground the next goal came from the visitors. A rare break saw Ebanks Blake down the left and his cross was smartly converted by DODDS who got in ahead of O’Connell.
Still despite this shock, United were soon back on the attack but missed more guilt edged chances. Done really should have scored but his effort was saved from the impressive Halstead who soon after also saved from Sharp’s header. Chapman really ought to have scored but somehow missed a header right in front of goal after good build up.
United were still having all the ball but as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes will have been conscious that they did not want to do anything silly so the possession became more cautious and controlled.
Sharp then hit the post with a header that came back hit Brown and tricked agonisingly wide of the goal.
Three minutes of additional time saw Shrewsbury have a half chance but the ball was blocked and after this the Blades saw out time fairly comfortably.
United – Odd one as we had most of the game dominating possession and chances. We had 20 corners to 1 I believe and 30 shots to 5. If the game had finished 5-0 it would have been more realistic but after the goal deluge of recent times, you kind of knew United might have one of those days soon where they faced inspiring keeping or missed chances. Today that was the day. Fortunately, it did not cost United and we won the game. In a few weeks, months no one will really care (unless goal difference comes back to haunt us!) about the margin. It could have been made easier and it was sloppy at times in the final third but after the recent performances and results; you cannot grumble too much.
First half United were good as we started well and got the early goal. Even 11 v 11 we were by far the better side and did dominate. We had a lot of the ball and created a few chances. They had maybe one effort first half (and then just the goal second half) and as they lost the two men it became a bit of a stroll for United. We moved the ball around and did what we had to. It was not quite the same level as some games and second half we were so so really and sloppiness cost us a surprise goal.
We feared for referee Deadman being the referee that he might do something daft to cost United but the decisions went for us today (see comments on the referee). It was very difficult for Shrewsbury after this but seen United struggle against less men in the past. Today we knocked it about, moved them about and created chances. We just did not take them or made some poor decisions in the final third. For the first time in a while we were not ruthless. I felt Sharp and Done were both guilty of poor finishes and at times we maybe overplayed a bit too much.
It did not help the changes we had to make and of course they were just sat in and defended but we needed to be a bit cuter to get in and I felt it was sloppy at times but that is being very critical of a side that dominated the game. It is just it could and should have been 3 or 4-0 long before they scored.
The main concern is injuries to Duffy, Freeman and Coutts. It may be we have to do without Duffy for a bit but I am not sure how serious Freeman and Coutts were. I don’t expect them to be out for too long but Tuesday may be too soon possibly. Causes issues at right back as we don’t really have anyone to play there if Basham has to go into midfield to replace Coutts. Scougall I am sure can come in for Duffy in the midfield position, but he may put Chapman in there and Scougall for Done. Going forward at least we have options but with injuries to Wilson and Hussey less options at the back.
We move onto Bury now and that games worries me as they are being hammered every week but like with this game; if we start well and have the right attitude we should be fine. Their confidence is rock bottom so main thing is to go out them from the off. Then we have a tricky game at Charlton, another managerless team, who are difficult to read as they have some decent results now and again. Still looking at the fixtures and the home games we have, hopefully the injuries aren’t too bad and we can keep the run going. Scunthorpe do not seem to let up but they do have some harder fixtures coming up facing Peterborough ad Rochdale away and having Millwall.
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Shrewsbury – They have been improving in recent times and seemed to have turned things round since Hurst went in. They said all the right things about them being a different side and full of confidence but United took the game away from them in 25 minutes. Even before the red card/s, United had controlled things save for one chance they had when we dithered at the back.
They struggled with the movement of Sharp and Done and Coutts/Fleck controlled midfield as they have been doing most games in this run. They huffed and puffed but it was damage limitation for them after the goals really but they will be pleased with the work ethic that saw them keep in the game and even give them a slight chance. I never felt we would throw it away but this is United you are talking about so you never know. They almost had settled for not getting hammered and even when they scored they did not know what to do.
However, if I was a Shrewsbury fan I would be annoyed with the player who committed a ridiculously stupid tackle when they were 2-0 down and on ten men. He should get the maximum fine possible. Hurst had tried to defend him saying it looked an honest tackle but the reality is that it was far from that. I am sure when he sees it slowed down he will be very angry with his player that left his side in a right mess.
As for where they will finish? They are second bottom now and they do lack quality in the side. They will need to improve the defence having conceded 31 goals (the 2nd most in the league – Bury who are next up at the Lane have conceded the most!) and will need to ensure they get results at home of course. I think it will be a struggle for them to stay up. I expected them to do a bit better as they brought some experience in the summer such as O’Brien, Dodds and El Abd but they have really struggled and of course saw the manager depart.
Opponent man of the match : Has to be the keeper. Halstead has been preferred to the lad Leutwiler recently and has done well. Today he saved a penalty and made a number of other blocks and saves. Sometimes he had a bit of fortune and at times he was left badly exposed but he kept it out. As for the rest of the side, the lad Dodds finished well and Ebanks Blake gave them an outlet but the rest of the day was a struggle.
Opponent Weak link : Ogogo. Stupid tackle that cost them any chance of getting anything in the game. The defence was turgid throughout and got pulled about all game even at 0-0.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Moore 7/10 – Had little to do really but made one smart save in the first half when he got down low. Had no chance with the goal really. Won’t have many quieter games all season.
Freeman 7/10 – Steady game again and he got forward quite a lot. He was involved in some decent moves and then made the second with an intelligent header. Went off injured second half. Not sure what he did but some have suggested he hurt his back? Hoping it is only a minor knock as he has done really well this season and a big improvement over Brayford which I never thought I would say.
Lafferty 7/10 – As above. Steady game. He helped win the penalty with a neat one two and was quietly effective in his passing and play. He is not very flash but he just does his job. Teams probably need players like him and Wright who just get on with things, work hard and do the basics.
Ebanks Landell 7/10 – Solid game. He had little to mark really and ended up in more of a right back position especially after Freeman went off. Not the most elegant right back as he laboured forward and at times seemed to struggle to know what to do when he had it. Still did what he had to from a defensive point of view. Good to hear we are in talks to try and sign him but my gut feeling is Wolves will call him back which would be a major blow.
Basham 6.5/10- Mixed bag. At times he was good winning tackles and blocks but also was slow I felt to deal with some things and he to me looks a weak link in the side. Pushed forward into midfield but the game was more for passing players and his harrying, chasing was not really needed today as we had the huge numerical advantage. May have to play midfield Tuesday if Coutts is out. Not at the same level as him and Fleck in this area and his play sadly slows us down.
Wright 7/10 – Fine. Odd really as the game went on he could have played with a cigar as he was the defender furthest back and was often just retrieving the ball and giving it someone else when Shrewsbury had punted it forward. Still not lost as a Blade. A real steady eddy.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Probably our best player overall and he did not quite hit the heights of last week or recent games. Made the first goal with a great ball that dissected the defence and beat the offside trap. He got on the ball and played it right and left and was also always looking to go forward when he could. A really good player and an excellent signing. Hope he can keep to these standards moving forward. Only thing missing is more goal as he showed last week he has this element to his game hopefully.
Coutts 7/10 – As above; he helped control midfield first half switching the ball on quickly and ensuring we controlled things. He was able to show his ability and he plays that quarter back role so well. With them having a man less he was able to do this right from the back coming to get the ball from Wright or Ebanks Landell. We missed him second half when he went off as I feel we would have got more goals as he would have moved it on quicker. We slowed down noticeably and did not quite have the fluency without his touch and passing. Hope his injury is not too bad either as he is an important player and makes us tick.
Duffy – Started well getting in those little pockets and involved in some of the decent things we did but after 10 minutes he clearly felt a pull/strain and Wilder rightly did not take a chance and brought on Scougall.
Done 6/10 – Along with Basham might be the one who at the moment you kind of feel is a bit of a drop off from the others. He does work so hard and did that again today, linking well with others and often involved. He never hides and tries to keep plugging away. However, when he first came his finishing was excellent and he did not miss many but now he is missing chances; good ones. He should have scored a few more today. At the moment we are winning so you don’t mess with the side too much as his work rate and chasing does wear teams down but he has to start finishing things and improve his touch/control which has not been as good recently. I might be in the minority but I would leave him in the team Tuesday as I feel whilst we are winning you don’t mess with the team too much and we may have to make a few enforced changes anyway.
Sharp 7/10 – Worked hard and always involved also. Scored a well taken first goal with an excellent run and then calm finish. He then had a few others chances in the game and ought to have got at least a couple more. He hit the post with a header and miskicked another in front of goal. A really poor penalty. I have to say I don’t think he takes a great penalty. He often goes down the middle or to the same side and does not vary things enough. He has scored a few but missed a few also from the spot. He will keep them of course unless he misses a few more but keepers are wise to what he does now it seems.
Subs
Scougall 7.5/10 – Came on and played well again. I felt was pushing as one of our better players. Got on the ball, linked well and scored a lovely goal that was harder than it looked. His finishing this season has been excellent and he has now scored 5 which is very good considering he is not a regular.
Chapman – Been a bit stop start for him with being sub a lot, then the hat trick in the cup and then the international breaks. He came on today and showed some decent touches but missed a few chances including a poor header he should have scored from.
O’Connell 6.5/10 – Brought on and played at the back but had little to do really. Did lose his man twice which was poor when they only ever had 1 or 2 in our half a lot of the time! The goal he was partly at fault as he was slow to react. Maybe will start with the injuries on Tuesday so will need to sharpen up.
Manager – Wilder 8/10 – Another win. He had to change things in terms of players and formation. We created chances, controlled possession and are now up to second in the league with a game in hand. It is all going rather well. We may have a dip of course and it is inevitable a defeat will come but it is important fans don’t react ridiculously when that happens. It may be we lost one of the ones we expect to win but it is how we react from that. Still for now hope we keep on winning and keep putting points on the board. He has to take such credit for getting us where we are from the dreadful start and playing as a team.
Ref – Darren Deadman has picked up a bit of a reputation over the years for being erm….useless. Today he made some big calls that went against Shrewsbury. I think he got one wrong and one right.
The first one is not a red card. It is debatable it is even a penalty as he gets some of the ball but it was a risky challenge as it was from behind. In general play it would be a foul for being a tackle from behind so I can kind of see why he gave it.
They have changed the rules in that brining someone down in the box for a penalty is no longer a red card. The rule officially says: ‘Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity in the penalty area is no longer a straight red card - unless the offence is holding, pulling or pushing; there's no attempt to play or no possibility of making a challenge; or it's an offence which is punishable by a red card, no matter where on the pitch it happens - violent conduct, for example.’ It was not violent conduct. I think he does not know the rules? Unless he gave it the lad for verbals but it did not seem to be the case. The second one I felt was really harsh at the time and seemed yellow but the freeze frame and seeing it back proves he got it 100% right. It was high and late. A horrible tackle that could have done a lot more damage. It was far worse than the Basham one that saw Deadman send him off at Scunny.
Overall though Deadman does seem to love being the centre of the spotlight and I feel when he refs we notice him too much. The rest of the game he was ok and there were not too many wrong decisions but he does seem to want to stop things a lot and talk to people and basically make sure everyone knows he is there. He also kept getting in the way. Shrewsbury will feel the first one was a crucial
Crowd – United crowd were quiet for spells as the game seemed over. There was noise early on and the red cards always creates more atmosphere but after the break it became a bit strange and rather subdued. Shrewsbury brought maybe 6-700 fans. They kept behind their team well and were very supportive despite the circumstances seeing the effort the team put in. Only other moan is those stupid phone lights. Does my head in.
