United 2 Stevenage 2 - report

[Deadbat]

The Blades promotion hopes now cling to a slim thread after another turnaround in the promotion race saw rivals Wednesday win again and the Blades slip at home to play off chasing Stevenage. United now must hope the Owls slip up at home to Wycombe next week and that the Blades can win at Exeter but it seems highly likely that United will now have to go through the agony of the end of season playoffs.



Despite only needing 5 points from the final 3 games, defeat at MK Dons last week coupled with another failure to win today means United once again have thrown away a very strong position. Today for long spell of the game United were poor and only a late rally gave them hope but in reality it was not good enough as too many players did not step up to the plate once again.



United went into the game knowing that rivals Wednesday had won at Brentford putting pressure on the home side knowing anything but a win would mean the promotion race would be out of their hands. They opted to give a full debut to Michael O’Halloran who partnered Chris Porter and had to bring in Andy Taylor for the injured Matt Hill. Cresswell and Beattie were both on the bench. Stevenage did not have Jordan Slew in their squad but started with another on loan forward in Patrick Agyemang. They knew if they avoided defeat they could wrap up a playoff berth next weekend.



The game began with United in a new strip that was reminiscent of the one Alex Sabella wore in the late 70’s, in front of a sold out Bramall Lane crowd. United began on the front foot with Quinn heavily involved. He put over two dangerous crosses that just evaded the forwards as the rain started to get heavier making it tricky under foot for the players. Stevenage started to come back into it and won a corner before Byrom fired just wide. Freeman then hit a driven effort over as the visitors suddenly came alive. United were giving the ball away too cheaply and were going long too often. The composure that has been present for much of the season seemed to have disappeared and Doyle and McDonald were getting picked off way too easily.



Williamson then had an effort that he blazed well over before Stevenage came again and Shroot fired into the side netting before Freeman came forward and had a shot deflected just wide. United had a half chances with Lowton’s cross was miskicked by Quinn as the ball came to him at a dangerous height. It had been a really open game but the visitors had so far had more efforts towards goal and they had been very dangerous on the break. From one such quick break they were able to quickly go from defence to attack and take a lead to stun the majority inside of Bramall Lane. Williamson stupidly tried to run through the middle of two players and was robbed. The ball was transferred forward quickly by Freeman and Agyemang was in the clear. The forward ran down the right and put in a low dangerous cross that was met by a combination of BYROM and Maguire flicked into the far corner.



Stevanage were not content with one goal and Bostwick had an effort saved as they won another corner. United did not seem to have any control of the game and a rare opening came when Maguire’s header at the back post was deflected wide for a corner but it was not long after when the half time whistle came as United’s players trooped off amidst a very quiet Bramall Lane crowd.



There were no chances at the break but Stevenage’s intent to keep on attacking was obvious and as they poured men forward yet again they got a second goal. LAIRD advanced and with no one putting in a challenge chanced his luck with a low shot. It clipped off Lowton and wrong footed Simonsen and went into the centre of the goal. It was a devastating blow and once again United had not closed down their men. It may have been a touch fortunate but if you don’t shoot, you don’t score and Stevenage has been peppering the United goal with long range efforts all afternoon.



United’s crowd were now getting frustrated as the promotion dream was slipping away. Doyle and Williamson gave the ball away and with playmaker McDonald not in the game; it seemed as if there was no way back. United manager Danny Wilson had seen enough and replaced Quinn and Porter with Flynn and Cresswell. United were still struggling to make headway and Williamson pulled his shot wide but then suddenly a moment of quality and United were back in it.



Flynn got the ball wide on the left and put over a lovely cross that CRESSWELL met with a firm planted header into the corner. United got the ball back to the centre circle and it was game on.



However, Stevenage should have restored the two goal advantage immediately. The impressive Freeman galloped away and found Shroot but he took too long and his effort was deflected behind. It was a golden chance to put the game away as once again United’s midfield and defence simply disintegrated and picked off by pace and forward running. United made another change with Beattie coming on for Taylor and Doyle going to left back as United now threw men forward. Stevenage were trying to take the sting out of the game and made a number of substitutions



O’Halloran ought to have got a shot away but dithered several times before being crowded out. The same man then scuffed his shot wide after Beattie had won the header. McDonald then shot just wide after he finally got into the game to make something happen. Beattie was causing problems in the air and from another strong challenge his knock down fell to LOWTON who smashed home into the roof of the net.



United now had a chance and had four minutes of normal time plus stoppage time to find a winner. It looked like it had come when Beattie got in but his angled drive was kicked away from day. McDonald had two efforts and a number of scrambles ensued but Stevenage somehow survived as the game entered four additional minutes. Beattie then fired over and another scramble saw the ball kicked away. Andy D’Urso blew the final whistle not long after another chance did not drop and most United players held their heads. They knew they had probably blown their chance and now must hope for an unlikely set of results or face the end of season lottery of the playoffs, a competition they have never succeeded in.

 

[Deadbat]

United – I have been saying it all season and I take no glee whatsoever in saying it, but once again United have cracked, choked, fallen apart, dress it up however you want, but we were half way too promotion a few weeks ago. I got called for calling this team ‘losers’ a few months ago but stand by it. Last season when it came to the crunch we lost all the big games (trio of relegation games against Preston, Palace and Scunthorpe) and limply went down. This year we get ourselves in a great position but the same players let us down again when it mattered.



It is incredible how the last few weeks have gone and you could not make it up although you could as this is United. What could go wrong has gone wrong. The court case verdict was devastating from a football point of view as the Blades lost their best player, best striker and talisman. The defeat at MK was kind if understandable but we had a week to focus and really seize the initiative. Win today and win at Exeter and we were up but we blew it. Again. Yes we had chances at the end and gave it a go. Yes, they had two deflected goals but overall for the first 60-70 minutes they had more chances, efforts on goal and a greater win to will. They were first to a lot of balls and our players looked like they were in quick sand.



It was a poor performance for the most part and once again too many players did not turn up. So called important players were awful for the first 60-70 minutes; namely Simonsen, Lowton, Williamson, Doyle, McDonald, Porter and O’Halloran; all who did little right for the first two thirds of the game. Some of them improved in the later stages but it was all huff and puff. Why could they not show the same urgency and desire at MK Dons or the first 70-80 minutes today?



The late comeback masked a very poor performance. I heard someone saying we should have won but they had at least 6 or 7 other good efforts on goal and missed a sitter at 1-2. They could have been out of sight really.



We began the game ok but then seemed to start panicking and did not pass the ball well nor keep it and played too much long stuff. There was a lot of diagonal balls to Porter and we seemed clueless for the most part with only a few decent Quinn balls getting the ball beyond their defence. We did create a lot of chances at the end but we were 2-0 down and why did we wait till then to show some urgency. Wilson got the forwards wrong again and Porter and O’Halloran were awful. Cresswell and Beattie won headers, chased and caused problems but we were nearly out of the game by this stage. Why did we wait so long? He should have changed it at half time.



I actually felt Quinn did ok and was wrongly hauled off. Williamson was terrible and McDonald and Doyle were also abject and completely lost the midfield area. The biggest game of the season and so many key players froze (as they did last week by all accounts). We had nothing up front till we made the changes and did anyone really think we looked like scoring until the changes were made? I may get slated for saying this but I am afraid we look a completely different team without Evans and whilst we may not be a one man team; we relied heavily on him not just for goals but for his leading of the line and the runs he made creating spaces for others. Without him we look very one paced and so pedestrian. We knock the ball about a bit and then either go long or just lose it. We tried to address things in terms of lacking pace but O’Halloran will never make a player in my opinion as he lacks heart/desire along with not being a very good footballer. He is fast and that is it. United actually looked more dangerous when they knocked long balls up to Beattie at the end. I know I have criticised us for playing too long at the early stages but it did strangely work at the last as we created chances from his knock downs.



So we now are probably going into the playoffs and I fear the whole momentum of the club has just gone. Two weeks ago we seem to have recovered from the disaster of Oldham but a decision in the courtroom seems to have knocked the heart out of the whole club/team. At the end of the day if we cannot get results at MK Dons/Stevenage we don’t deserve to go up. It is that simple. The players can blame things and make excuses but it boiled down to getting one win at least from MK Dons and Stevenage and we could not do it. We have played the other teams in the top 6, 10 times and we have only won 2. That says a story. It is ok thumping Bury and Rochdale but we have not been good enough the majority off the time against the top teams. I do not see how the playoffs will be any different. I expect a meek defeat in the semi-finals with another let down at the Lane (probably against Stevenage).



Maybe I should keep the faith and be more positive but it is hard when people keep saying get behind the team, get behind the club when time after time this club lets us down. We are quite simply the biggest bottlers in the history of football. To be honest even if we had won today I think we would have failed next week. That’s how it is with United. I will be there next season again and of course our support remains unconditional but you just get the feeling today was so pivotal in the future for both us and our neighbours. You get the sense they will probably build and in the next 2-3 years challenge to get back in the Premiership, whilst we will probably meander around league one for a few years. I fear if as expected we fail in the playoffs, that a poor start next season and the pressure would amp up on Wilson sadly. I think he has done a good job this year; just sadly for him messrs Powell and Jones have done an even better job (imagine if we had signed Antonio and them O’Halloran?). Next year if we somehow can’t get up this year, we will lose the few decent players we have and we will have the likes of Collins, Doyle and Cresswell as our spine.



It is hard to be positive tonight as despite the fact we have the playoffs to fall back on; we kind of know what will happen. I am sure I will get lots of fans saying stop being so negative and this year will be different and get behind them but does anyone seriously have any conviction this team/club will actually do what is required? Well onto Exeter first hoping for the miracle. Ironic I queued for 4 hours for a game that probably does not really matter now and there was such a demand for tickets but I will be there and go and try and enjoy it before we will have to go again.



Stevenage – Fair play to them today. They came to a big ground with a huge crowd and had a real go. They had more efforts on goal in the first half and certainly did not defend. I thought they looked a decent side and they had some really good midfielders who could run and dribble. They picked us off easily and then went through us very easily too. The kid Freeman (on loan from Arsenal is he?) was the best player on the pitch and made McDonald and Doyle look like mugs for most of the game. I also felt they looked lively when attacked and had numerous shots just wide. They had full backs that got forward and defended at the death in numbers to get a deserved draw. It would have been very unjust for them if they had lost although their goals were a tad fortunate, they looked the more dangerous team for large parts of the game and I felt played better football then us.



They looked hungrier than us and won first and second balls most of the game and as I say, it was only the last 10-15 minutes where they started to look uneasy and give the ball away themselves. They have fared really well against some of the top teams and although they may not have many ‘known’ stars they all know their job, are organised and are a touch side to breakdown. They probably play more football under Smith than they did under Westley and don’t just defend. Sure when it went 2-2 they had to defend and had a bit of luck but we hardly carved them open; it was percentage stuff where we just chucked balls into the box. They coped with us for most of the game fairly easily.



There is now a genuine chance we will play them in the playoffs and the two games so far against them does not bode well at all. Indeed they will really fancy their chances against us over two games. They certainly have fitter and more athletic players than us if not necessarily talented. They will realise if they go at us they can score goals and will attack us at will in both legs if we meet in the playoffs I feel knowing they have more dangerous forwards than us.

 

[Deadbat]

Simonsen 5/10 – All at sea most of the game. He spilt at least 4 or 5 shots and never seemed to know what was happening. He seemed unable to catch the ball and was always pushing or parrying fairly basic shots. He stayed on his line all game once again and never commanded his box whatsoever. He gives the defence no confidence whatsoever. He had no chance with either goal but he really does look a liability. Two or three parries easily could have been just rammed back into the net. When he was saving them he was not even pushing them behind but straight forward!



Lowton 6/10 – Thought he showed why no one has come for him yet as he looked very poor defensively for the most part and they seemed to pinpoint him in attacking. It was unfortunate the goal went off him but he did not close down and he had not closed down all game. He also tried to do too much on the ball going forward and is another that thinks he is better than he is I am afraid. Stevenage’s wide man gave him problems all game and he would face opponents like him or better every week at a higher level. He did have a good spell near the end , putting in a few decent balls and of course hit a great finish for the second but it was another player who I felt we needed to be at it from the start not just in the last 10 minutes.



Taylor 6/10 – He did ok and was probably better than Hill/Williams but was only average and he too seemed to get outstripped by quicker players on more than one occasion. He lacks pace and athleticism but at least he just does the basics and tried not be too clever.



Maguire 6.5/10 – Some decent things where he showed his ability on the ball and his ability to read the game but a few times he overplayed and tried to be too clever that that had my heart in my mouth! He needs to do the basics more rather than trying to football his way out which sometimes puts us in trouble. He made the second goal with a long diagonal ball but he played way too many long balls for me before this and even at the end he played another that sailed straight out when we needed to keep the momentum going.



Collins 7/10 – He was the steadiest defender and did not do much wrong. He at least won the headers / blocks and tackles and kept things nice and simple. He has been a steady eddy most of the season and continued that today. Made a good block to deny them a third goal when they broke away and Shroot dithered.



Doyle 4/10 – Thought he was poor and never really got into it. They had quicker players and seemed to leave him standing at times as he struggled to cope with pace/youth. He never really got his foot in, made any tackles at all. The game just passed him by from start to finish. He looked today like he did at the end of last season as quicker, more technical players embarrassed him.



McDonald 5/10 – He has been one of our most important players of the season but today I felt like a few others he went missing. I felt Freeman and Bostwick controlled midfield and he gave the ball away constantly. They pinpointed him as a danger man and seemed to close him down and he struggled as a result. He did better in the closing stages but even he made bad decisions with some silly long range shots when we needed to keep the ball. He seemed to pick up a knock early but shrugged it off but felt he hid for long spells when the game was crying out for him to be more influential. He did have a good spell near the end and started moving it left to right and vice versa but for the first 75-80 minutes he gave the ball away most of the time. Really disappointed with his performance.



Williamson 4/10 – Thought he had one of those games. He was at fault for the first goal for losing possession stupidly and did this a few other times in the first half. He seemed to give the ball away constantly and his touch let him down. He had one blazed effort over but can’t remember a good corner/cross he put in all game. The corner into the keepers hands he floated in at the end summed it up. He has been asking for a new contract but in the pivotal game of the season he put in that kind of performance? Ok scoring at Rochdale/Bury but I wanted our players to step up when it mattered/against the better teams. He/along with many others could not do it.



Quinn 6/10 – Seen a lot criticising him after the game but I thought he was alright and harsh to be taken off. He was one of the few actually putting a shift in and tried to get on the ball. He did not hide and tried to go forward more than he has done as well. He put in three cracking balls in the first 15 minutes that at least one should have converted. He maybe faded as the game went on but no one else had really impressed in the midfield and surely he had been performing better than Williamson who was having a nightmare?



Porter 3/10 – Dreadful. He missed that early chance where he went for the ball with his wrong foot and somehow kicked it sideways. After this he barely won an header I can recall and seemed so slow and behind the play. He did hold it up once or twice but he lacks mobility and has no pace. A really poor signing. Surely there was better forward in the lower leagues than him available?



O’Halloran 4/10 – Thought he was very poor until the last 15-20 minutes when he had some proper forwards on such as Beattie and Cresswell who actually tried to link with him. In the first half he barely touched the ball and has all the hallmarks of a headless chicken. He gets shoved off the ball so easily and noticed that when he runs players just shove him and he falls over! In the second half he had two great chances. Once he took an age to shoot and never did in the end and then he scuffed a shot at the keeper when he ought to have scored. His finishing since he came to the club has been awful and he has no composure at all. He did get better in the closing stages and had one or two neat touches and flicks and got involved in the final third. For me he does not have the desire I want and would not have picked him today to start. He would be better as an impact player off the bench with his pace.

 

[Deadbat]

Subs



Flynn – Put in a few good crosses, such as the one on the goal and was able to at least make a difference as he looked lively and hungry which a few of those who started did not. Should start next week.



Cresswell – Thought he made a difference and really started to kick start a revival. Led the line well, put himself about and scored a great header. Most good things that happened came through him. I have not been his biggest fan this year but he was excellent today and a real talisman. If he was fit he should have started.



Beattie – Made a difference when he came on as he won a number of headers and made himself a nuisance. He set up the equaliser and then nearly scored a winner on a couple of occasions. I would start with him and Cresswell in the playoffs. For experience along we may snuff out a goal or two. Porter and O’Halloran never look like scoring.



Officials – Andy D’Urso. Thought he was fine for the most part. There were a couple of penalty appeals but did not look totally convincing to me. Maguire was unfortunate to not get a foul in the second half when going forward and I felt they knocked Williamson down 4 or 5 times and one lad was the perpetrator on three occasions but escaped a booking! I also felt he let us get away with a bit near the end as we came back with a number of physical challenges that he seemed to let go. There were a few other moments he wanted the free kicks just in the right places. However in overall play he let things go and tried to let the game flow. I honestly cannot think of anything major he got wrong.



Crowd/Atmosphere – Great to see the Lane full but after Wednesday won you could feel the tension in the air. It seemed to transfer to the pitch early as a few misplaced passes and pieces of control created a few groans. I heard Stevenage’s manager Gary Smith say that if United started poorly the crowd would turn quickly and he was right. When we went behind it became even more subdued and the half time whistle even had a few boos. Second half when they scored again that seemed to kill it but of course the goal back saw the crowd make some noise and when the leveller came, the crowd tried to suck the ball in. I did feel the crowd once again tried to be supportive and kept with it and it was hard for them not to start to groan as the passing and basics were so off. At the end they did their best for the team and shouted for every decision but once again it was not the crowd’s fault; it was the team that let them down. Yet again.

 

[BladeFisher]

Yeah about as I saw it on Sky.

This team is going nowhere apart from 16th next season in League One at this rate. Don't know what people have been raving about if this is the side that has scored most goals in the league. I take no comfort in predicting the Pigs would come 2nd what 8 weeks ago now and so it is likely.

United have never won an away play off tie and I can't see it changing here. Wilson looked very ill at ease at the pre match talk in compared with Smith. A bit too laid back.

 

[metalblade]

And that Deadbat just about sums it all up, can't really argue with any of that. Weeks back some said we would bottle it, I prefer to say as a team and as individuals we just are not quite good enough but it all brings the same end result. I firmly believe this bunch of players have found there level which is a side capable of challenging for a play off spot. The frightening thing is we can't keep these players for next season in League One which rest assured is where we will be. Wilson will have to bring in a lot of new faces which may not be a bad thing, but then you get the horrible thought "if Porter is anything to go by".................... couple that to Danny boy's track record of not being too good when up against the odds or in his 2nd season in charge of teams and you can really become fearful for the clubs future.

There is I suppose the slim hope we can have a miracle next week but what hurts is we have gifted that bag of shite in S6 auto promotion, the wheel has turned full circle and for the next decade or so will be the poor relations and the laughing stock of South Yorkshire.

 

[super_pig]

can't really comment on cresswells fitness but the team was wrong from the start.. it's funny i always seem to 'miss' quinns brilliance through one thing or another.. i've never seen anything and been saying it for years .. he's the new monty, "puts in a good shift.. dies for the shirt.. blah blah"

simmo.. shocking again. inspires as much confidence as the former captain of the titanic.. he even has a nickname.. the count.. cant stand crosses
lowton.. potentially good player (natural box to box midfielder) ..not a defender
taylor.. looked rusty but still better than hill
harry.. over complicates stuff and will get caught with that drag back one day but otherwise not bad.. best first half player
collins.. steady shift as usual
willo.. worse game in united shirt.. boots on wrong feet
k mac.. couldn't get in game for a long time.. not surprising..they'd done their home work and double teamed him every time he got the ball. good last fifteen minutes
quinn. loses ball.. falls down.. lots of fancy flicks.. missed his messi spell in first five minutes.. shame
porter.. who?
o halloran.. headless chicken.. doesn't link up with other players.. obviously a winger trying to get a job as a striker
doyle.. notice he's out of order?.. had to think hard about who the other player was.. as bad as the end of last season

cresswell.. big player for us.. defends from the front.. as big a miss as ched first half
flynn.. more end product than quinn.. steadily improving
beattie.. put himself about but never thought he'd score.. olle no need for the dip mate

i've tried to remain positive all week but i've had a nagging feeling all year we'd fuck up and we have.. as usual.. even i've given up now.. i'm struggling to get motivated for the playoffs, i just can't see us winning anything
what about next season then.. well quinn will go due to his massive assists rate and simmo is not affordable at this level (good start there).. cressy has another year (i think) and so does collins.. not sure about K Mac and we are a level below willo's ability.. lowton might get a cheeky bid so not much left for next season
ched evans must be the only player ever who has won the season and lost the season.. all in one season

 

[SwissBlade]

Ironically the only way we could get back into the game was by pumping long high balls into their box and not through tippy tappy like the awful first half.

 

[Ollessendro]

Unlucky or big time bottlers?

(a bit/lot of both I think)

Well Deadbat, you have been saying it all along. I have pushed you a few times on whether this is a promotion season and you have always said not. I thought some of it might be down to your cynical outlook and just being a Blade. I actually think your 'losers' comment is a bit harsh. A win next week would mean we set the record for the highest level of points never to get automatic promotion. It is incredibly harsh for a team to get 90 points and not go up. That said, I am not defending the players. Once again they failed to step up to the mark on a crucial game. We have a very poor record against the top 6 teams and have lost most of the crucial games this season. So I cannot argue with your bottlers comment.

Early doors

I see the game in pretty much the same way as you and yesterday is no different. Football matches are often won and lost on fine margins and when Porter fluffed his chance yesterday, I thought it might not be our day. That was a key moment for me. A perfect opportunity to settle things down. Go one up, calm down, settle the fans, knock the wind out of Stevenage and get the Lane rocking. I am sure if that had gone in, then it would have been a completely different game. Unfortunately Porter fluffed it. I never want to see that twat in a Blades shirt again.

I actually thought we started quite well. Quinn looked dangerous, but it was quick to see the strikers were not up to it. Porter fluffed a chance, O'Hallarhan looked even more of a headless chicken than Monty up front and a few inviting balls went begging. I was saying from the start that we should have played Cressy. All of the 6k fans that went to Stadium MK saw this last week, so why did Wilson not? I actually feel a little for Wilson in a way. Suddenly, through circumstance he was left without any decent strikers. Ched locked up, Cressy not fit and Hoskins injured. That said, he chose to take on BT, Porter was his signing and he brought in O'Hallarhan. None of them good enough. The irony is that the one that he has showed least faith in (BT) looked the most ikely to do something yesterday.

Stevenage took control

After a bright start from United, Stevenage quickly took control. They defended solidly and countered really well. They completely dominated the midfield. Their quick counter attacking momvement was like a 3rd division Man U. The Blades looked completely clueless. We were sloppy, static and devoid of ideas. A soft goal gave them the lead and absolutely what we did not need. Williamson fannying about and trying to do too much when he had options. Soft, but Stevenage broke well and that black lad put in a cracking ball.

Why on earth did Wilson not change it at half time? It was clearly not working with the awful O'Hallarhan and Porter up top. Williamson was shocking too. Instead he did nowt and we conceded another soft goal. Piss poor. Unfortunate maybe, but get tighter for fucks sake. Credit to Stevenage for not just attacking, but also having efforts. Did we have a shot on target before we scored? Stevenage forced several saves out of Simmo and had a few efforts flying past the post.

Cresswell (and Flynn) changed the game

When Cresswell and Flynn came on we looked a different team. I thought it was harsh to bring Quinn off, as he was playing well. He was putting in a shift and looked dangerous. He drifts inside too often and not everything was coming off, but he was doing a damn sight more than Williamson. Cresswell (the unsung hero all season and almost as big a loss as Ched) made things happen. Hassling the defenders, leading the line well, putting in runs to create space and of course getting us back in the game.

We left it too little too late though. I never really felt we'd get the winner. We huffed and puffed and the ball would just not drop. But we did not work the keeper enough and winning would have been harsh on Stevenage. Just like MK Dons last week, for 2/3 of the game we were very poor and then the urgency late on was not enough. Wilson made his subs too late (though earlier than usual). I only hope he learns from this and plays Beattie and Cresswell together next week and in the play offs.

Senior players not turning up

Other than Cresswell and Quinn (and probably Collins too), our senior players did not turn up. McDonald, Porter, Doyle and Williamson have all played at higher levels. They have all performed this season and been key in us getting in this position. Last night they failed us. They were not in it. Williamson had a shocker and was at fault for the 1st. Doyle and McDonald were completely over run and I have not seen shadow chasing like that since .... erm Monty and Doyle vs Stevenage earlier this season!?

Being a Blade

What is it about fucking Sheffield United? Always bastard letting us down. You also sometimes wonder whether the footballing gods have conspired against us!!? We set to break the record of highest points not go get automatic promotion, we got relegated from the Premiership with 38 points and there just seems to be a long list of things conspiring against us (the Ched situation, injuries, luck, game fixing etc). There is one common factor in al of this though. We never perform in the big games! You could argue that we are unlucky not to go up this year despit amassing 89 points already. We are a bit unfortunate that Wednesday have maintained their fantastic form, but all we had to do was beat Stevenage. Same as the recent Prem season. West Ham cheated and we got 38 points. But all we had to do was not lose at home to Wigan. In 94 we were unlucky, but just had to avoid defeat. All the play off finals we have blown. The common factor, despite us being down on our luck, is that we never perform on the day. Bottlers as Deadbat puts is.

Agree with most of your other comments, on player ratings, ref etc, Deadbat.

For the second week running the whole of the Blades team could have been locked up for crimes against football. We knocked everything long again. The forwards well too static, we lacked with and (most importantly) there was not enough movement. We were slow and pedestrian. K Mac and Doyle did not get on the ball and we struggled. Hence we ran out of ideas and knocked it long. The irony was that late on, with Beattie and Porter, it looked like we might score from one of these longs ball. We hd nowt else.

It is difficult to pick out anyone for crimes against hoof. Certainly none of the United players. I would have to say Stevenage. They soaked up our pressure and countered really well. They looked comfortable on the ball, attacked quickly and we're not afraid to shoot. Their fresh faced midfielder (the one on loan from Arsenal) ran us ragged and that guy with the long hair and alice band (he had a good game at their place and Lecs fouled him for the pen) is a very good player. Their forwards were a hell of a lot better than ours too. Good movement, comfortable on the ball and both dangerous. They did tire a bit and looked like they might crumble under the relentless pressure, but it could be argued that they saw it out relatively comfortably (other than BT's shot their keeper did not make a save). I am not looking forward to playing them in the play offs.

Demoralising

I have tickets for Exeter next week and have been planning the weekend for ages. We identified it at the start of the season and with United 2nd all the way it looked like a great party. Now it looks like it will be flat as a pancake. Many United fans (including us) have gone to great lengths to get tickets and now we are left with a damp squib on our hands. We can hope that Wednesday might drop points, but I just cannot see it. They have been clinical and I expect them to comfortably beat a relegated side at home. Unlike us, in front of over 30k fans I expect them to professionally see out the job. I begrudgingly congratulate Jones for doing a fantastic job. He has brought in excellent players (Antionio being the key), got them playing well and they have a never say die attitude and have scored late on. These goals (Antonion last week, Madine at home vs Walsall) have been crucial for them and will be the difference.

After Exeter, it looks highly likely it will be the play offs. With our records in the play offs, Wilson's record and our performances against the top 6 it is not looking good. When you throw int the mix that we are on the slide and are likely to play a team that has got the better than us, it is a very depressing thought. I think it will be very difficult to pick the players up after we've been 2nd all season and thrown it away. Plus our players have shown they are not up to it in the big games. I expect a week semi final exit.

 

[Micalijo]

Top stuff DB. Great report. Think we have to remember that (probably) getting at least 90 points is a great achievement no matter how it is achieved. But, the gulf between top 3 and bottom half is as big as I have seen in any division and we should of course be beating the rubbish with our resources - as you very rightly say against the better sides when it mattered we have messed it up

 

[super_pig]

the right back with the long hair was wilson.. was quite impressed with him myself..
is 'anyone' going to the playoffs?? me and my mate were coming back with a pie after half time and loads of people were coming the other way.. i said to one 'what's going on' and he told me Stevenage had scored again.. many went home at half time..
we should have gone with cressy at the start and took him off later.. just like the southampton game, the first goal was crucial as it would have settled the team and fans down.. then we could have taken him off.. i was astonished the same team came out for the second half..

 

[bartman]

I don't quite agree with the the 'bottlers' tag some on here on giving out
if you look at our last 11 games

Played 11,won 7,drawn 3 lost 1. 24 points from 33 which is title winning form in most seasons

Unfortunately,the team now in 2nd

Played 11,won 9 and draw 2. 29 points from 33

That form is unbelieveble and throughout a season would give a record points total. Just shows that their chairman was right to sack the ginger one .

Where I do agree is that our performance against the top 6 has been poor....2 wins from a possible 10 however Wednesday have only won 3 from 10 in the same games

 

[S64 Blade]

Well, I said on the way to the match I had a bad feeling about the day. I'm usually quite logical in how I approach our chances, but something about the trip to the match and the whole build up yesterday morning, reminded me of the Wigan relegation game - probably the weather though!

On to the match and I thought we were poor in the first half, with not a lot to talk about. We looked poor defensively. In particular Simmo, who, for some reason seemed to be punshing quite easy catches. An overall summary of the team would be - sloppy. They look totally devoid of confidence and ideas now.

I'm not sure anyone else had the same problem (although I'd assume they were), but how many idiots were there at the match? We was stood at the back of gangway C on the Kop and some lads behid us called every playing 'wank' and told them all to 'fuck off'. This was constant and began to annoy me and my mates. In the second half when Porter went off, they again hurled loads of abuse. To this my mate asked them why they didn't get behind the team? I then jumped in and asked what the point of going to the game was if all they would do is slag everyone off? A few words were exchanged then and one of them claimed he'd spent ten pounds to get in (not sure why he mentioned the amount as it was cheap, so had no real validity to his argument) and would say what he wanted because they couldn't hear him anyway - which proved my point entirely. Why bother? Anyway, they shut up after that. When we were walking out there was a bit of scrap with a bloke and some young lads, which on of my mates helped split up. Apparently someone had been pushed - it all seemed so trivial.

But, back on to United, I'm not sure why we always blow it (assuming Wednesdays win next week). Maybe it's this infighting and nihilistic attitude? We've had comepletely different staff at the club over the years, so it can't be blamed on one person/individuals there.

 

[broomhillblade]

Wilson has done very well for us this season. He has made the Blades watchable again and the team has gained enough points to be promoted in most seasons. However, where we have fallen down in my opinion is in the loanees. Hoskins wasn't fit and the others aren't good enough. Beattie's signing was a ridiculous gamble which was never going to work. On the other hand the Owls have done well with their signings and loanees. I don't follow them very closely, but the names of Antonio and Liera have kept cropping up as match-winners in recent weeks. Maybe they were lucky, for loans are always a bit of a gamble, and Liera was released by Blackpool.

The Evans situation is unfortunate. His trial/sentencing came at a bad time for us, but if the trial had been a few months earlier we would have lost him for a much longer period. Also if he hadn't had the trial hanging over his head all season he might have been out clubbing every weekend and we would not have seen the best of him. Swings and roundabouts.

At the start of the season I thought we would make the playoffs. The thing about that is you need to go into the playoffs with a full head of steam. We go into them (unless there is a miracle next Saturday) with a team that is lacking in confidence and with strikers who have difficulty scoring goals.


PS. How did the 'applause for Ched' go? I wasn't at the match. I watched the game in a pub with the sound turned down. Nobody has mentioned it so I assume it went off like a damp squib - if at all. If so, at least that was a good thing to come out of the game, though the press probably won't mention it.

 

[Deadbat]

I don't quite agree with the the 'bottlers' tag some on here on giving out
if you look at our last 11 games

Played 11,won 7,drawn 3 lost 1. 24 points from 33 which is title winning form in most seasons

Unfortunately,the team now in 2nd

Played 11,won 9 and draw 2. 29 points from 33

That form is unbelieveble and throughout a season would give a record points total. Just shows that their chairman was right to sack the ginger one .

Where I do agree is that our performance against the top 6 has been poor....2 wins from a possible 10 however Wednesday have only won 3 from 10 in the same games

I agree most seasons we would have gone up with the points we have, like most seasons we would have stayed up in the Prem with the points we have. We have been a unlucky aswell but at the end of the day when it has come to the point of the season when it really mattered we have bottled it every time. We had to beat either MK or Stevenage or even take 2 draws. We have basially froze for the frst half of each games and senior pros have just not turned up. It does not matter who the players are, who the manager is there is a losing mentality with this club.

These players had 3 games to avoid having to play at this level again but now have chucked it away and some of those (maybe some will somehow get a move but why teams would want players who freeze on the big occasion would be beyond me) will have to go to Bury and Tranmere etc again next year.

I am amazed people still dont feel we are bottlers. I had texts from fans of other teams last nights all saying the same about us choking/bottling it every time.

 

[Webding]

As I said yesterday: the players, manager, coaching staff - even the chairman and/or a lot of the board in some cases - have been different each time we've choked. The only constant is the pessimistic fans. For anyone who wants to try and prove that positive mental energy exists (or rather, doesn't at Bramall Lane), we'd be an ideal case study.

In reality, we're just an average club that has unrealistic expectations and occasionally (almost) over-achieves based on the resources it has. Before this season started, I would have been amazed if you'd told me where we'd be at the end of April, and even more surprised by how much I've enjoyed it up until now.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Unfortunately, we have a long history of 'bottling it' -things never change - it was always on the cards
Wilson was left with a squad that is - OK for Division Three - the current lot would have to be replaced if we had made it to the Second Division next year - I was unable to attend yesterday but the writing was on the wall at MK last week - Spineless and No Commitment
As for Mr Wilson - yes he has got them playing nice football and able to go to Rochdale and Bury and give them a spanking but I am afraid he is no Mr Motivator - he proved it at Swindon and he has come up trumps yet again!!!
Look at his signings, look at his substitutions - clueless!!
He may be a nice guy - he just isn't a very good manager

 

[DeepcarBlade]

As I said yesterday: the players, manager, coaching staff - even the chairman and/or a lot of the board in some cases - have been different each time we've choked. The only constant is the pessimistic fans. For anyone who wants to try and prove that positive mental energy exists (or rather, doesn't at Bramall Lane), we'd be an ideal case study.

In reality, we're just an average club that has unrealistic expectations and occasionally (almost) over-achieves based on the resources it has. Before this season started, I would have been amazed if you'd told me where we'd be at the end of April, and even more surprised by how much I've enjoyed it up until now.

I could not agree more! I was saying exactly the same thing last night!

 

[Deadbat]

But the pessimism is based on years and years of failure. It is difficult to go into big games and think we will win when wealmost never ever do.

I cant understand this 'its the fans fault'. The fans have backed the team well (6,500 at MK dons) and even yesterday aside from a few boos at half time, they were behind them waiting for something to happen. Think of all the playoff finals/backing they have had. I cant remember anthing but great support/singing even when we were losing v Wolves, Burnley and playing poorly.

A lot of teams/clubs fans would have stopped going even more than the case with us due to the amount of failures/cock ups. It is remarkable there was 30,000 in the Lane yesterday considering these past failures and that we averaged nearly 20,000 this year.

As for over achieving based on the resources; well technically we have probably still underachieved this year based on almost certainly having the biggest wage bill in the division. Iwill say though that I felt we would be middle of the league this year and a

I am pleasantly surprised we are up there but then I felt we would lose Quinn, Williamson, Lowton, Evans, Montgomery etc in the summer when making my predictions. Keeping the bulk of the squad (even though they were not good enough for the champ) should have seen us make the playoffs at least and that is what we seem destined for.

 

[oldblade]

But Deadbat, we don't always blow it, and almost never blow it in this type of situation. 1971, 1982, 1984, 1989, 1990, 2006 are all examples of where we pulled out results in crucial games and ended up promoted.

It is usually in play off finals and relegation deciders that we blow up.

 

[Webding]

Who said it was the fans' fault? All I was saying is that the fans are the only constant, so any talk of "it happened before, it's bound to happen again, we're chokers" is utter rubbish, unless you genuinely think that the supporters have a major influence on the results of the team. So, which is it?

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Simonsen 5/10 – All at sea most of the game. He spilt at least 4 or 5 shots and never seemed to know what was happening. He seemed unable to catch the ball and was always pushing or parrying fairly basic shots. He stayed on his line all game once again and never commanded his box whatsoever. He gives the defence no confidence whatsoever. He had no chance with either goal but he really does look a liability. Two or three parries easily could have been just rammed back into the net. When he was saving them he was not even pushing them behind but straight forward!



Lowton 6/10 – Thought he showed why no one has come for him yet as he looked very poor defensively for the most part and they seemed to pinpoint him in attacking. It was unfortunate the goal went off him but he did not close down and he had not closed down all game. He also tried to do too much on the ball going forward and is another that thinks he is better than he is I am afraid. Stevenage’s wide man gave him problems all game and he would face opponents like him or better every week at a higher level. He did have a good spell near the end , putting in a few decent balls and of course hit a great finish for the second but it was another player who I felt we needed to be at it from the start not just in the last 10 minutes.



Taylor 6/10 – He did ok and was probably better than Hill/Williams but was only average and he too seemed to get outstripped by quicker players on more than one occasion. He lacks pace and athleticism but at least he just does the basics and tried not be too clever.



Maguire 6.5/10 – Some decent things where he showed his ability on the ball and his ability to read the game but a few times he overplayed and tried to be too clever that that had my heart in my mouth! He needs to do the basics more rather than trying to football his way out which sometimes puts us in trouble. He made the second goal with a long diagonal ball but he played way too many long balls for me before this and even at the end he played another that sailed straight out when we needed to keep the momentum going.



Collins 7/10 – He was the steadiest defender and did not do much wrong. He at least won the headers / blocks and tackles and kept things nice and simple. He has been a steady eddy most of the season and continued that today. Made a good block to deny them a third goal when they broke away and Shroot dithered.



Doyle 4/10 – Thought he was poor and never really got into it. They had quicker players and seemed to leave him standing at times as he struggled to cope with pace/youth. He never really got his foot in, made any tackles at all. The game just passed him by from start to finish. He looked today like he did at the end of last season as quicker, more technical players embarrassed him.



McDonald 5/10 – He has been one of our most important players of the season but today I felt like a few others he went missing. I felt Freeman and Bostwick controlled midfield and he gave the ball away constantly. They pinpointed him as a danger man and seemed to close him down and he struggled as a result. He did better in the closing stages but even he made bad decisions with some silly long range shots when we needed to keep the ball. He seemed to pick up a knock early but shrugged it off but felt he hid for long spells when the game was crying out for him to be more influential. He did have a good spell near the end and started moving it left to right and vice versa but for the first 75-80 minutes he gave the ball away most of the time. Really disappointed with his performance.



Williamson 4/10 – Thought he had one of those games. He was at fault for the first goal for losing possession stupidly and did this a few other times in the first half. He seemed to give the ball away constantly and his touch let him down. He had one blazed effort over but can’t remember a good corner/cross he put in all game. The corner into the keepers hands he floated in at the end summed it up. He has been asking for a new contract but in the pivotal game of the season he put in that kind of performance? Ok scoring at Rochdale/Bury but I wanted our players to step up when it mattered/against the better teams. He/along with many others could not do it.



Quinn 6/10 – Seen a lot criticising him after the game but I thought he was alright and harsh to be taken off. He was one of the few actually putting a shift in and tried to get on the ball. He did not hide and tried to go forward more than he has done as well. He put in three cracking balls in the first 15 minutes that at least one should have converted. He maybe faded as the game went on but no one else had really impressed in the midfield and surely he had been performing better than Williamson who was having a nightmare?


Sorry but Quinn was abysmal yesterday. I cannot stand him, let me be frank. But the reason for that is that he is utterly useless.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

And that Deadbat just about sums it all up, can't really argue with any of that. Weeks back some said we would bottle it, I prefer to say as a team and as individuals we just are not quite good enough but it all brings the same end result. I firmly believe this bunch of players have found there level which is a side capable of challenging for a play off spot. The frightening thing is we can't keep these players for next season in League One which rest assured is where we will be. Wilson will have to bring in a lot of new faces which may not be a bad thing, but then you get the horrible thought "if Porter is anything to go by".................... couple that to Danny boy's track record of not being too good when up against the odds or in his 2nd season in charge of teams and you can really become fearful for the clubs future.

There is I suppose the slim hope we can have a miracle next week but what hurts is we have gifted that bag of shite in S6 auto promotion, the wheel has turned full circle and for the next decade or so will be the poor relations and the laughing stock of South Yorkshire.

The swillsborough boys are real true excrement.
So surely we will not be subservient to them for a few years, as they will be back down in 12 months time with not a shadow of a doubt.

 

[Large Mendonca]

Not so sure about that with Dave Jones in charge........

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Not so sure about that with Dave Jones in charge........

Oh thats ok. All entitled to an opinion after all.

 

[pommpey]

Not so sure about that with Dave Jones in charge........

Me neither. With someone like Jones in charge and a bit of wind in their sails, I'd say a quite rewarding season could be in store for them next time out. As much as it makes me eat my fucking guts out to admit that, you'll understand.

pommpey

 

[Large Mendonca]

Oh yes, not said with anything other than absolute hate for 'em

 

[Ollessendro]

I actually think we have to take our hats off to the Piggies. Jones has done a fantastic job and really pulled the results in. Mandaric showed balls and ambition and his gamble really paid off. It's a shame they are likely to finish 2nd, as I think they would have won the play offs and then we'd have both Sheffield clubs back in the 2nd division. I can't see us going up from this point. Wilson has not managed to take a team out of this division in 10 attempts and has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat this season.

I can see Wednesday challenging for the Prem in a few years and I just cannot see us getting out of this division for a while. Perhaps this summer will give us the opportunity to have that clear out we wanted/expected and for us to bring more academy players through.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Defeat from the jaws of victory even.
Wilson has inspired a team to 90 league goals plus 89 points. Last time in div 3 DB and his side were in 2nd with 85 points from 46 games.
So we do deserve to go up, despite the calamity before us now.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

the right back with the long hair was wilson.. was quite impressed with him myself..
is 'anyone' going to the playoffs?? me and my mate were coming back with a pie after half time and loads of people were coming the other way.. i said to one 'what's going on' and he told me Stevenage had scored again.. many went home at half time..
we should have gone with cressy at the start and took him off later.. just like the southampton game, the first goal was crucial as it would have settled the team and fans down.. then we could have taken him off.. i was astonished the same team came out for the second half..

Because our leader is a professional bottler.