Deadbat
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Sheffield United were able to give their home fans a happy send off in the final game at Bramall Lane this season as they saw off play off chasing Swansea at Bramall Lane. On the back foot for much of the game and conceding much of possession and territory United were able to score with perhaps their first real effort on goal thanks to an excellent finish from Richard Cresswell. Late in the game Cresswell managed to convert a second via goalkeeper De Vries and seal the three points. For Swansea the defeat was a crushing blow with playoff rivals Blackpool winning and for the first time in a long time the Swans find themselves out of the top 6 with only a game to go.
The game was played against a backdrop of bright sunshine with many fans in short sleeves such was the temperatures around Sheffield. United began without Darius Henderson and Lee Williamson who both now face operations and started with Henri Camara up front and Glen Little returning wide right. However, it was the return of both Paddy Kenny and Gary Naysmith that created much of the buzz amongst the large crowd inside Bramall Lane. Swansea began with one former Blade Nathan Dyer starting the game and another David Cotterill on the bench.
Kenny received a rapturous welcome as he took his position in front of the Kop and it was not long before he was involved in the action racing off his line to gather two early balls. Swansea were understandably making more of the early stages of the game and clearly had a sense of urgency that the home side lacked. Pratley forced Kenny into his first save low down to right and then Bartley did well then to make a block against Kuqi before Gower was left unmarked but pulled his shot wide of the post. United seemed slow to raise themselves from their slumber and were very much on the back foot. Cresswell and Camara were not able to get into the game and United’s main outlet as it has been in recent weeks was via the veteran Little. United did force a couple of corners but these came to nothing and Swansea broke from one and Kenny had to make another save; this time from Gower.
Quinn had to leave the field when he pulled up and Yeates came on to replace him but this did not stop the tide of pressure from Swansea who continued to dictate the game. Pratley was upended by Montgomery but the award was just outside the box despite the appeals from the visitors for a penalty. The free kick was hit fiercely from Bessone but Kenny did superbly leap high and to flick the ball around the post. United had not really had any efforts on goal and this continued despite Nosworthy cross being deflected behind via Montgomery and Dyer who clashed on the edge of the box. Cresswell was booked for a late challenge just before half time on Britton.
The second half saw Swansea continue to enjoy most of the ball and continued to push United back. However, they were not creating any real clear cut chances. Bessone had another free kick that was saved by Kenny and Kuqi was once again blocked off from Bartley who was growing in stature as the game went on. Pratley then did force an opportunity when he hit a half volley that Kenny saved spectacularly and was then appealing for a penalty but in reality his theatrical dive should have earned him a booking.
United had still yet to test De Vries until the hour mark when their first significant effort saw the ball in the back of the net. Yeates created some space on the left hand side and his cross was deflected into CRESSWELL who chested the ball down and hit a superb half volley into the top corner of the net to stun the visitors. Evans came on for Camara and then Seip for Naysmith with Nosworthy going to left back and Seip moving into the right back position. Former Blade Cotterill came on for the disappointing Dyer but Swansea ought to have been level when a though ball dissected the Blades defence and saw Gower clear on goal but one on one with Kenny his left footed shot was narrowly wide of the goal.
Swansea made a double change when Van Der Gun and the impressive Pratley were replaced by Trundle and Orlandi. Swansea had another appeal for a penalty when Gower went down but it was an innocuous clash with Nosworthy. Kuqi nearly was in but was crowded out and then two balls flew across the box as United were now desperately trying to hang on. Montgomery was booked finally after a series of fouls and then United were able to break out as the visitors were throwing men forward. Evans was the recipient of a clever ball from Yeates but his shot was saved by De Vries. Yeates then hit a fierce shot from outside the box that was just over before United sealed the three points. Little’s clever crossfield ball found Yeates who put in Cresswell who managed to go past his man and then hit a shot-cum-cross from the angle that hit DE VRIES body and deflected into the far corner.
As the game entered four minutes of stoppage time Kenny saved well from Gower and then Yeates back flick from Evans cross was straight at De Vries. The game ended with Swansea on the attack again but United were able to preserve a clean sheet for the returning Kenny with Bartley making another block.
United – We were poor for the most part today and had too many players who were off the pace and not at the races. Our defence did well and managed to restrict Swansea in terms of chances considering how much of the ball they had and how little control we had of the middle of the park. Whether it was just end of season apathy or just the fact that many of the players will not be here; it seemed the team as a whole lack the appetite for the fight. We should have been losing at half time and in the second half we did not get much better until we suddenly scored. It was odd but for all the possession and control Swansea had you just felt the first chance we had we would score and so it proved. They were very wasteful in the final third and we made them pay. After we scored we did improve and started to create more chances as they went forward.
Kenny and Naysmith may have been our two most impressive players which says a lot about who have replaced them and the abilities of these two. They just made our defence look far more solid. I felt Bartley had an excellent game too and overall we looked pretty solid at the back other than the odd few moments. The midfield got completely overrun today and even likes of Monty and Quinn could not get amongst things. Harper was anonymous and Little was not as influential as he had been. Yeates actually came on and offered more that he has for some time and looked dangerous. Up top Cresswell and Camara were poor and Cresswell did little right until he scored!
Obviously it is a concern that Williamson and Henderson have operations and may not be fit for the start of the new season. We need to do our utmost to try and retain Monty and Naysmith as they would be start for nearly every team in the championship and those two along with Kenny, Morgan give us a strong core. However, there are so many questions going into the summer with so many players expected to leave it seems like Kenny and Morgs might be about the only two who we know will be around. It has been interesting to listen to McCabe and Blackwell in the last few days as something seems different in terms of the things being said and the body language of the latter. A few weeks ago I thought Blackwell would be manager at the start of the season but my inkling now is it is 50/50 and there may be a change either mutually agreed or him standing down. Whatever happens we need to make sure we act quickly. We know we need at least 6 or 7 starting players and another 5 or 6 players who can compete for a first team place. We know that there are only about 16 players under contract and some of those may depart (Sharp, Reid, France etc). I want us to be signing young hungry players and not ageing players looking for their last pay day. I am sure a club of our size can attract some of the better up and coming young Champ-League 2 players. Sure they may not all come off (Taylor) but some will do (Ward). It will be interesting to see who does come in and if the management team we currently have is entrusted to oversee this overhaul as last year’s recruitment saw major mistakes made as McCabe himself confirms. We can not sign 6 or 7 players that either do not feature (as not good enough) as if we make the same mistakes we will once again have to rely on loans/more changes regardless of injuries. It would not have mattered so much about the injuries if he had bought better last summer.
Swansea – They played well enough to probably win the game but were poor where it mattered and gave away two sloppy goals. They played bits of nice football and showed some evidence of why they have done well but also showed elements in their performance that shows what a poor division it is with a lot of parity throughout. They actually were as carless as us at passing at times and to say they are build up as this great footballing side they hardly carved us apart despite being the better of the two sides. They probably have overachieved this year even if they do miss out on the playoffs; which would be hard to take as they have been in the top 6 for so long. Losing Martinez and also Scotland, Gomes etc I thought they would be mid table at best but Sousa has recovered well from his spell at QPR. In terms of players De Vries has got rave reviews this season but I always think he is a bit erratic and was at fault for the second goal. The defence was alright but put under little pressure. Williams made 2 bad errors and the second; when he passed it straight to our player under no pressure actually led to the goal. Monk always seems very slow and pedestrian but we did not test him. I have always liked Britton the tiny midfielder who is always busy and a good footballer and he showed up well today. I thought Pratley was the most influential player on the pitch and I can see why bigger clubs have been kinked with him. He plays like James Harper did 3/4 years ago; being able to get up and down, get on the ball with a good range of passing and look a threat going forward. He is the type of midfielder I would love to see at Bramall Lane. I thought Gower was very good for them despite missing a clear chance and he took some excellent dead balls and showed good passing throughout.
Dyer was anonymous and Naysmith played him expertly. Cotterill did not get involved much when he came on. Interesting for all the mixed opinions of him from United fans he is now in and out of the Swansea team too. I thought he was given a bit of a rough time in terms of run of games at the Lane and for all his frustration (did not like physical contact) and inability to impact games consistently you always felt he could produce something to lead to a chance or goal. However, it seems he may never be consistent enough to be a regular for a top champ/Prem team. Unfortunately my abiding memory of him was that awful performance at Wembley when he looked like he had put his boots on the wrong way around. Up front Kuqi was how I remembered; whilst a goal threat and strong physically he always looks very clumsy and lumbering. They do not have enough up front to go up as since they have lost Scotland the various players they have tried (including ex Blade Beattie, Trundle) have just not scored enough goals. Think it might be tough for them to contend next year if as expected they miss out on the playoffs this year and they may have a season of transition much like us.
Kenny 8/10 – Played really well. He made two very good saves, both from free kicks; the one high up in the first half in front of the Kop and then the deflected free kick late on. However more than his saves for me was his authority and he patrolled his area; showing speed to come out and claim balls and take crosses competently. For all his critics he still remains one of the better keepers outside the top flight as he evidenced today and is maybe the one area of the team we actually should not have to worry about going into next season. Only loses half a mark for his erratic kicking which was all over the place; at least 4 went straight out and an area of his game that he still struggles with.
Nosworthy 7/10 – Steady game where he defended well for the most part and helped nullify the wide threats from the quick Swansea wingers. Went missing once in the second half when the ball was played inside the left channel and they should have scored but shot wide when one on one. It cannot be easy for him as he gets moved about from position to position; started at right back and ended at left back. At times he can be erratic and has your heart in your mouth but overall he has actually been one of our steadier and most consistent of the loan players and done a decent job.
Naysmith 8/10 – Just like Kenny he came back and looked like he had never been away. Thought he was very good and proved what a quality player he is. He may lack fitness and of course pace/height but showed all the qualities of an international full back; namely good positional sense, getting close to your man and basic defending (clearing ball/tackling/blocks). I hope he will return and take a reduced wage (as no way will we be able to come anywhere close to what he is on now) and strangely him being out may have helped us to retain him as he may not have as many suitors.
Morgan 7/10 – Solid game where he made numerous tackles and interceptions. Led the back four well considering they had little protection in front of them with big gaps in the midfield that allowed Swansea to get men into dangerous areas. Limited Swansea’s forward players to few chances of note for the main and headed away lots of balls from corners/free kicks.
Bartlett 7.5/10 - His best game for the club since those early games where he did well. Obviously in recent times his form and confidence has taken a dip but today he did really well and grew in strength as the match progressed. Made some excellent blocks and interceptions. Only minor criticism is that for a sizeable defender he does still get outmuscled at times as Kuqi did on a couple of occasions.
Montgomery 6/10 – Typical Monty show once again with energy, commitment, tackling, harrying and closing down mixed with poor passing and wild hoofs forward to no one in particular. I felt at times though the Swansea midfield had too much time on the ball although Monty was not helped by lack of cover from the rest of the midfield. Felt we lost the midfield for much of the game and did not really have enough of the ball as Swansea passed the ball through them. Amazed it took so long for him to get booked as he committed six or seven cynical fouls. Will be sorely missed if he does depart as expected.
Harper 5/10 – Thought his performance summed up his spell with United and proved why ultimately it will be the last game we see from him at the Lane as I cannot see us bringing him back. He showed some decent touches and can still pass the ball fairly well even if most of the passes are sideways/backwards. He did also to be fair to him try a couple of clever through balls; one in the second half nearly came off but was just over hit. However, for the most part he was pretty anonymous again and the game drifted away from him. He seemed to have been put on Pratley but lost his man on countless occasions and often his penchant for pointing and shouting overtook his desire to stay with his man and protect the defence. Been a real disappointment in the sense that whilst technically he is still decent his legs seem to have completely gone. I think even Reading knew that as he had been out of their team for the last season or so since they came down. I don’t think Howard pulled up any trees for us though and this sense the swap was like for like in the same way as Stewart for Hendrie and we have actually got no better in these deals!
Quinn – He showed some decent things again but was careless with the football too. Began the game wide left but he came inside a lot. However, he went off injured before half time. Apparently he had a toe operation in the week so it seemed surprising he played?
Cresswell 7/10 – Had a relatively quiet game and his mark may have been closer to Camara’s until his two goal (or one) salvo. His finish for the first was excellent and he did well to make/take the second too. Up to that point his touch/link up play had been dire and he looked really poor. Kept working hard as he always does but it was certainly not one of his better games until the goal.
Camara 5/10 – Very quiet game. Starved of any kind of decent service he did not get into the game at all. Did not combine with Cresswell and looked disinterested for the most part. Even when he did have the ball nothing came to fruition in terms of chances created or link up play. Another one who we won’t see return after next week. He has done well in bits but has not been consistent enough and often the flashes seem to have been at home rather than away. His inability to consistently play well for 90 minutes is the reason why he is playing for us and could not get a contract at the start of the season and is the reason he won’t get a contract with us for next season.
Little 6.5/10 – Not his most effective performance after the improvements in recent weeks where he has been our most dangerous player. He had a few decent runs but often came inside and got crowded out in the first half. He did improve in the second half and afforded more space he was able to get on the ball more and create more. Lovely ball that led to the second goal. Seemed absolutely shattered by the end of the game as events with the substitutions transpired to see him having to play the whole game! Still showed some nice touches
Subs –
Yeates 7.5/10 – Came on for the injured Quinn and did little of note initially but did improve in the closing stages and for the final period of the game actually was our most dangerous forward player. He put in some good crosses and actually beat his men quite a few times. Involved in the goals and also some of the other chances we made towards the end.
Seip – I was concerned when he was brought on and put at right back. Obviously Naysmith was tiring and we had to make a change but thought Seip may get exposed for pace but he did ok actually and defended sensibly.
Evans – Was a mixed bag the time he was on the pitch but he still offered more than Camara and was at least involved and looked lively. He was helped that the game was stretched and Swansea were pushing bodies forward but he had one good volley that was saved and sent over 2 dangerous crosses. Had a few other poor shots too when well placed.
Referee – Thought he was incredibly lenient with a lot of players; mainly Monty who committed a lot of fouls and I felt at one stage he was never going to get booked. I also thought he could have penalised their player for a blatant dive in the second half. The one in the first on Pratley as definitely outside the box. The referee was not helped by his two linesmen/women as they were very slow to give decisions and left him to make a lot of calls on throw in’s/corners/goal kick calls. I also felt they did not penalise some blatant foul throws from Swansea where the ball was thrown way too far forward when it left the players hands.
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That’s it for this year. I hope my reports once again have been of some use/interest; created discussion. Have a good summer folks; I will hopefully be back next year and continue to bore you all again!
The game was played against a backdrop of bright sunshine with many fans in short sleeves such was the temperatures around Sheffield. United began without Darius Henderson and Lee Williamson who both now face operations and started with Henri Camara up front and Glen Little returning wide right. However, it was the return of both Paddy Kenny and Gary Naysmith that created much of the buzz amongst the large crowd inside Bramall Lane. Swansea began with one former Blade Nathan Dyer starting the game and another David Cotterill on the bench.
Kenny received a rapturous welcome as he took his position in front of the Kop and it was not long before he was involved in the action racing off his line to gather two early balls. Swansea were understandably making more of the early stages of the game and clearly had a sense of urgency that the home side lacked. Pratley forced Kenny into his first save low down to right and then Bartley did well then to make a block against Kuqi before Gower was left unmarked but pulled his shot wide of the post. United seemed slow to raise themselves from their slumber and were very much on the back foot. Cresswell and Camara were not able to get into the game and United’s main outlet as it has been in recent weeks was via the veteran Little. United did force a couple of corners but these came to nothing and Swansea broke from one and Kenny had to make another save; this time from Gower.
Quinn had to leave the field when he pulled up and Yeates came on to replace him but this did not stop the tide of pressure from Swansea who continued to dictate the game. Pratley was upended by Montgomery but the award was just outside the box despite the appeals from the visitors for a penalty. The free kick was hit fiercely from Bessone but Kenny did superbly leap high and to flick the ball around the post. United had not really had any efforts on goal and this continued despite Nosworthy cross being deflected behind via Montgomery and Dyer who clashed on the edge of the box. Cresswell was booked for a late challenge just before half time on Britton.
The second half saw Swansea continue to enjoy most of the ball and continued to push United back. However, they were not creating any real clear cut chances. Bessone had another free kick that was saved by Kenny and Kuqi was once again blocked off from Bartley who was growing in stature as the game went on. Pratley then did force an opportunity when he hit a half volley that Kenny saved spectacularly and was then appealing for a penalty but in reality his theatrical dive should have earned him a booking.
United had still yet to test De Vries until the hour mark when their first significant effort saw the ball in the back of the net. Yeates created some space on the left hand side and his cross was deflected into CRESSWELL who chested the ball down and hit a superb half volley into the top corner of the net to stun the visitors. Evans came on for Camara and then Seip for Naysmith with Nosworthy going to left back and Seip moving into the right back position. Former Blade Cotterill came on for the disappointing Dyer but Swansea ought to have been level when a though ball dissected the Blades defence and saw Gower clear on goal but one on one with Kenny his left footed shot was narrowly wide of the goal.
Swansea made a double change when Van Der Gun and the impressive Pratley were replaced by Trundle and Orlandi. Swansea had another appeal for a penalty when Gower went down but it was an innocuous clash with Nosworthy. Kuqi nearly was in but was crowded out and then two balls flew across the box as United were now desperately trying to hang on. Montgomery was booked finally after a series of fouls and then United were able to break out as the visitors were throwing men forward. Evans was the recipient of a clever ball from Yeates but his shot was saved by De Vries. Yeates then hit a fierce shot from outside the box that was just over before United sealed the three points. Little’s clever crossfield ball found Yeates who put in Cresswell who managed to go past his man and then hit a shot-cum-cross from the angle that hit DE VRIES body and deflected into the far corner.
As the game entered four minutes of stoppage time Kenny saved well from Gower and then Yeates back flick from Evans cross was straight at De Vries. The game ended with Swansea on the attack again but United were able to preserve a clean sheet for the returning Kenny with Bartley making another block.
United – We were poor for the most part today and had too many players who were off the pace and not at the races. Our defence did well and managed to restrict Swansea in terms of chances considering how much of the ball they had and how little control we had of the middle of the park. Whether it was just end of season apathy or just the fact that many of the players will not be here; it seemed the team as a whole lack the appetite for the fight. We should have been losing at half time and in the second half we did not get much better until we suddenly scored. It was odd but for all the possession and control Swansea had you just felt the first chance we had we would score and so it proved. They were very wasteful in the final third and we made them pay. After we scored we did improve and started to create more chances as they went forward.
Kenny and Naysmith may have been our two most impressive players which says a lot about who have replaced them and the abilities of these two. They just made our defence look far more solid. I felt Bartley had an excellent game too and overall we looked pretty solid at the back other than the odd few moments. The midfield got completely overrun today and even likes of Monty and Quinn could not get amongst things. Harper was anonymous and Little was not as influential as he had been. Yeates actually came on and offered more that he has for some time and looked dangerous. Up top Cresswell and Camara were poor and Cresswell did little right until he scored!
Obviously it is a concern that Williamson and Henderson have operations and may not be fit for the start of the new season. We need to do our utmost to try and retain Monty and Naysmith as they would be start for nearly every team in the championship and those two along with Kenny, Morgan give us a strong core. However, there are so many questions going into the summer with so many players expected to leave it seems like Kenny and Morgs might be about the only two who we know will be around. It has been interesting to listen to McCabe and Blackwell in the last few days as something seems different in terms of the things being said and the body language of the latter. A few weeks ago I thought Blackwell would be manager at the start of the season but my inkling now is it is 50/50 and there may be a change either mutually agreed or him standing down. Whatever happens we need to make sure we act quickly. We know we need at least 6 or 7 starting players and another 5 or 6 players who can compete for a first team place. We know that there are only about 16 players under contract and some of those may depart (Sharp, Reid, France etc). I want us to be signing young hungry players and not ageing players looking for their last pay day. I am sure a club of our size can attract some of the better up and coming young Champ-League 2 players. Sure they may not all come off (Taylor) but some will do (Ward). It will be interesting to see who does come in and if the management team we currently have is entrusted to oversee this overhaul as last year’s recruitment saw major mistakes made as McCabe himself confirms. We can not sign 6 or 7 players that either do not feature (as not good enough) as if we make the same mistakes we will once again have to rely on loans/more changes regardless of injuries. It would not have mattered so much about the injuries if he had bought better last summer.
Swansea – They played well enough to probably win the game but were poor where it mattered and gave away two sloppy goals. They played bits of nice football and showed some evidence of why they have done well but also showed elements in their performance that shows what a poor division it is with a lot of parity throughout. They actually were as carless as us at passing at times and to say they are build up as this great footballing side they hardly carved us apart despite being the better of the two sides. They probably have overachieved this year even if they do miss out on the playoffs; which would be hard to take as they have been in the top 6 for so long. Losing Martinez and also Scotland, Gomes etc I thought they would be mid table at best but Sousa has recovered well from his spell at QPR. In terms of players De Vries has got rave reviews this season but I always think he is a bit erratic and was at fault for the second goal. The defence was alright but put under little pressure. Williams made 2 bad errors and the second; when he passed it straight to our player under no pressure actually led to the goal. Monk always seems very slow and pedestrian but we did not test him. I have always liked Britton the tiny midfielder who is always busy and a good footballer and he showed up well today. I thought Pratley was the most influential player on the pitch and I can see why bigger clubs have been kinked with him. He plays like James Harper did 3/4 years ago; being able to get up and down, get on the ball with a good range of passing and look a threat going forward. He is the type of midfielder I would love to see at Bramall Lane. I thought Gower was very good for them despite missing a clear chance and he took some excellent dead balls and showed good passing throughout.
Dyer was anonymous and Naysmith played him expertly. Cotterill did not get involved much when he came on. Interesting for all the mixed opinions of him from United fans he is now in and out of the Swansea team too. I thought he was given a bit of a rough time in terms of run of games at the Lane and for all his frustration (did not like physical contact) and inability to impact games consistently you always felt he could produce something to lead to a chance or goal. However, it seems he may never be consistent enough to be a regular for a top champ/Prem team. Unfortunately my abiding memory of him was that awful performance at Wembley when he looked like he had put his boots on the wrong way around. Up front Kuqi was how I remembered; whilst a goal threat and strong physically he always looks very clumsy and lumbering. They do not have enough up front to go up as since they have lost Scotland the various players they have tried (including ex Blade Beattie, Trundle) have just not scored enough goals. Think it might be tough for them to contend next year if as expected they miss out on the playoffs this year and they may have a season of transition much like us.
Kenny 8/10 – Played really well. He made two very good saves, both from free kicks; the one high up in the first half in front of the Kop and then the deflected free kick late on. However more than his saves for me was his authority and he patrolled his area; showing speed to come out and claim balls and take crosses competently. For all his critics he still remains one of the better keepers outside the top flight as he evidenced today and is maybe the one area of the team we actually should not have to worry about going into next season. Only loses half a mark for his erratic kicking which was all over the place; at least 4 went straight out and an area of his game that he still struggles with.
Nosworthy 7/10 – Steady game where he defended well for the most part and helped nullify the wide threats from the quick Swansea wingers. Went missing once in the second half when the ball was played inside the left channel and they should have scored but shot wide when one on one. It cannot be easy for him as he gets moved about from position to position; started at right back and ended at left back. At times he can be erratic and has your heart in your mouth but overall he has actually been one of our steadier and most consistent of the loan players and done a decent job.
Naysmith 8/10 – Just like Kenny he came back and looked like he had never been away. Thought he was very good and proved what a quality player he is. He may lack fitness and of course pace/height but showed all the qualities of an international full back; namely good positional sense, getting close to your man and basic defending (clearing ball/tackling/blocks). I hope he will return and take a reduced wage (as no way will we be able to come anywhere close to what he is on now) and strangely him being out may have helped us to retain him as he may not have as many suitors.
Morgan 7/10 – Solid game where he made numerous tackles and interceptions. Led the back four well considering they had little protection in front of them with big gaps in the midfield that allowed Swansea to get men into dangerous areas. Limited Swansea’s forward players to few chances of note for the main and headed away lots of balls from corners/free kicks.
Bartlett 7.5/10 - His best game for the club since those early games where he did well. Obviously in recent times his form and confidence has taken a dip but today he did really well and grew in strength as the match progressed. Made some excellent blocks and interceptions. Only minor criticism is that for a sizeable defender he does still get outmuscled at times as Kuqi did on a couple of occasions.
Montgomery 6/10 – Typical Monty show once again with energy, commitment, tackling, harrying and closing down mixed with poor passing and wild hoofs forward to no one in particular. I felt at times though the Swansea midfield had too much time on the ball although Monty was not helped by lack of cover from the rest of the midfield. Felt we lost the midfield for much of the game and did not really have enough of the ball as Swansea passed the ball through them. Amazed it took so long for him to get booked as he committed six or seven cynical fouls. Will be sorely missed if he does depart as expected.
Harper 5/10 – Thought his performance summed up his spell with United and proved why ultimately it will be the last game we see from him at the Lane as I cannot see us bringing him back. He showed some decent touches and can still pass the ball fairly well even if most of the passes are sideways/backwards. He did also to be fair to him try a couple of clever through balls; one in the second half nearly came off but was just over hit. However, for the most part he was pretty anonymous again and the game drifted away from him. He seemed to have been put on Pratley but lost his man on countless occasions and often his penchant for pointing and shouting overtook his desire to stay with his man and protect the defence. Been a real disappointment in the sense that whilst technically he is still decent his legs seem to have completely gone. I think even Reading knew that as he had been out of their team for the last season or so since they came down. I don’t think Howard pulled up any trees for us though and this sense the swap was like for like in the same way as Stewart for Hendrie and we have actually got no better in these deals!
Quinn – He showed some decent things again but was careless with the football too. Began the game wide left but he came inside a lot. However, he went off injured before half time. Apparently he had a toe operation in the week so it seemed surprising he played?
Cresswell 7/10 – Had a relatively quiet game and his mark may have been closer to Camara’s until his two goal (or one) salvo. His finish for the first was excellent and he did well to make/take the second too. Up to that point his touch/link up play had been dire and he looked really poor. Kept working hard as he always does but it was certainly not one of his better games until the goal.
Camara 5/10 – Very quiet game. Starved of any kind of decent service he did not get into the game at all. Did not combine with Cresswell and looked disinterested for the most part. Even when he did have the ball nothing came to fruition in terms of chances created or link up play. Another one who we won’t see return after next week. He has done well in bits but has not been consistent enough and often the flashes seem to have been at home rather than away. His inability to consistently play well for 90 minutes is the reason why he is playing for us and could not get a contract at the start of the season and is the reason he won’t get a contract with us for next season.
Little 6.5/10 – Not his most effective performance after the improvements in recent weeks where he has been our most dangerous player. He had a few decent runs but often came inside and got crowded out in the first half. He did improve in the second half and afforded more space he was able to get on the ball more and create more. Lovely ball that led to the second goal. Seemed absolutely shattered by the end of the game as events with the substitutions transpired to see him having to play the whole game! Still showed some nice touches
Subs –
Yeates 7.5/10 – Came on for the injured Quinn and did little of note initially but did improve in the closing stages and for the final period of the game actually was our most dangerous forward player. He put in some good crosses and actually beat his men quite a few times. Involved in the goals and also some of the other chances we made towards the end.
Seip – I was concerned when he was brought on and put at right back. Obviously Naysmith was tiring and we had to make a change but thought Seip may get exposed for pace but he did ok actually and defended sensibly.
Evans – Was a mixed bag the time he was on the pitch but he still offered more than Camara and was at least involved and looked lively. He was helped that the game was stretched and Swansea were pushing bodies forward but he had one good volley that was saved and sent over 2 dangerous crosses. Had a few other poor shots too when well placed.
Referee – Thought he was incredibly lenient with a lot of players; mainly Monty who committed a lot of fouls and I felt at one stage he was never going to get booked. I also thought he could have penalised their player for a blatant dive in the second half. The one in the first on Pratley as definitely outside the box. The referee was not helped by his two linesmen/women as they were very slow to give decisions and left him to make a lot of calls on throw in’s/corners/goal kick calls. I also felt they did not penalise some blatant foul throws from Swansea where the ball was thrown way too far forward when it left the players hands.
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That’s it for this year. I hope my reports once again have been of some use/interest; created discussion. Have a good summer folks; I will hopefully be back next year and continue to bore you all again!
