Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,268
- Reaction score
- 35,216
Sheffield United remained unbeaten in the Championship after they salvaged a late draw at home to West Brom at Bramall Lane. Twice behind to Roman Bednar’s goals, the Blades fought back and were able to peg the new league leaders back to earn a deserved point thanks to David Cotterill’s penalty in an entertaining contest.
United named an unchanged line up from the win at the Madjeski Stadium with Keith Treacy sufficiently recovered from a calf problem, whilst West Brom were without the departed Jonathon Greening and Craig Beattie and the injured Chris Brunt; starting with Luke Moore and Roman Bednar up front.
The game began with United on top with Montgomery and Quinn winning many of the loose balls and Treacy lively out wide. One moment of skill from the Blackburn loanee saw him nutmeg his defender and centre the ball but Carson clutched in front of Henderson. The big striker headed straight at the keeper in the next attack. A rare attack from the Baggies saw Morgan let Moore get away but the striker miscontrolled the ball seeing the chance go astray. United created a chance when Evans got away down the right and his precise cross fell into the path of Kilgallon but the defender’s effort was blocked. West Brom were struggling to get to grips with Treacy and hauled him down twice in succession with Mulumbu booked for one of the indiscretions.
United had been the better side thus far without creating many clear chances but midway through the first half the visitors were now showing life. A flurry of chances ensued. Thomas had a deflected effort wide; Koren curled wide from a free kick and Moore headed over after he got in front of Morgan. United had the final efforts of the half with Taylor firing horribly wide and then Evans going closer with a low raking drive that just went past the far post with Carson motionless.
United had the first opportunity of the second half as Quinn hit a low effort through a crowd of bodies that Carson pushed away for a corner. However, the Baggies were suddenly ahead after patient, passing led to the chance. West Brom moved the ball across the park drawing United’s defence out of position and Cummins was given way too much time on the right hand side to direct his cross. When the ball came over BEDNAR beat Kilgallon to the header and flicked the ball past Bunn.
United responded almost immediately though as Treacy switched the ball to the left hand side to Ward who arrowed a pin point cross which left EVANS with the easy task of knocking the ball past Carson from close range with Henderson making sure the ball crossed the line.
United had got back into the game immediately but the parity did not last long as a terrible defensive mistake led to BEDNAR coring once again. A long ball seemed to present little difficulties for the United rearguard but Kilgallon allowed the ball to bounce and then the Czech striker held off the United defender all too easily before lashing the ball past Bunn for his second goal.
Koren was booked for simulation shortly after and then Thomas was also cautioned for kicking the ball away. United once again thought they had responded immediately as Henderson’s low cross-cum-shot was converted by Ward on the stretch but the linesman flag saved West Brom this time. Cotterill entered the fray replacing the tiring Treacy and he ran at the defence immediately. Mattock was booked for a lunge on the winger who had gone past him. United were now camped in the West Brom half but could not create any further clear openings and it was the visitors who had the best chance to score next. A free kick from the right hand side fell to Olsson at the far post but with the goal at his mercy he skied over when a conversion would have sealed the game.
A Reid from either side’s bench came onto the field but it was United’s, Kyle, who was involved in the incident that led to United getting level. Cotterill retrieved the ball on the right after a deep cross and sent the ball over. Reid and Henderson both converged on the ball to shoot but ended up getting in each other’s way. However, Henderson reacted to the loose ball first and as he knocked the ball on, Martis clumsily tripped the centre forward. The penalty decision seemed straight forward and whilst it was soft, it was a clear trip. After the appeals had been waved away, COTTERILL continued his 100% penalty record striking the ball to Carson’s left to bring United level again. Soon after the referee adjudged there would be an additional 5 minutes of time to be played but other than Olsson’s flicked header, neither side could find a clear opening to try and win this 'topsy turvy' contest.
WBA – They were not superb by any stretch of the imagination and at times I felt they were there for the beating but poor mistakes of course gave them two goals. They started badly and were on the back foot but did get back into the game and were the better side just before half time. I felt for long periods of the second half that they sat back and invited pressure but we could not take advantage. I also felt they were quite cynical (dirty!) and committed numerous fouls by just tripping players who went past them but the referee did not penalise them enough. For all the notions that they are a cultured, footballing side they showed they would still go route one at times and also do what it took to stop the opposition, whether it was by fair or foul means. They were commiting several fouls in key areas and this made it hard for United to have any fluidity despite my forthcoming criticisms about our style once again (see below).
That is the negatives but they did play some really good football at times and broke quickly to create opportunities. They have some good technical players and I felt in midfield Koren was the best player on the pitch with the holding midfielder Mulumbu running him a close second. For us to have players who could control the ball and actually pass it short and long with a strong likelihood it actually goes to a teammate is only something we can envy at the moment. They began to control this area of the game in the second half and it led to them enjoying a massive advantage in terms of possession of the ball even though United still managed to get the ball into the WBA third quite a lot.
Thomas wide right caused us quite a few problems with his pace and I felt Taylor struggled to get to grips with him. Up front Moore was really disappointing and so was Bednar until he scored. He showed that even though he looked a carthorse for much of the game, he showed he can finish and has real power/strength that can worry defenders. His two finishes were clinical even if the defending was really poor. At the back they are not convincing and Martis and Cech seemed more intent on grabbing the strikers’ shirt than actually playing the ball and a stronger referee would have penalised them much earlier. I felt the left full back Olsson was there for the taking with genuine pace and when we introduced Cotterill this was proved as he caused a whole manner of problems down that side.
I think they will finish top 6 without question but I am not sure they will go up automatically. I think that the loss of Greening will really hurt them and I do not think they are strong enough at the back. However, the footballers they have in midfield and the creativity they clearly possess means they will carve up a lot of teams, a lot worse than United and will win a lot of games on the road with the way they break quickly and with precision.
United – It was a strange game as the ball seemed to be in their half for long periods of the game and United put a great deal of effort into the game. They always tried to go forward but were a bit gung ho at times and this led to WBA breaking and creating chances; particularly in the second half. We may cringe or complain about the assertion we are a physical side that attempts to play pressure football where we get amongst the opposition and get the ball into the box from whatever source we can; but the reality is that is exactly what we are. The last two opponents Leicester and WBA have played far better football than us and looked more pleasing on the eye but we have looked stronger and finished both games better. Both games we could easily have lost but then at the end we equally could easily have won.
We once again did not play much actual football and it was too much route one stuff much of the game. I cannot criticise the effort and the way we came back twice was encouraging but overall we lacked composure and the ball retention was once again lacking. It is a shame as we totally controlled the first 20 minutes and won most of the individual battles but never really created much and then West Brom came back into it. We definitely deserved a point from the game and arguably more but despite having a lot of the territorial advantage; even in the second half despite chucking two daft goals away; we did not really use the ball that well. There was too much of a reliance on free kicks, corners, long throws and getting onto long balls and hoping Henderson or Evans won the header/knock down. I saw little in the way of interchange, fluent football or attempts to get the ball wide and get crosses in. When we did this we scored (Ward) or created more opportunities (Cotterill when he came on).
Overall we have had a solid start and are of course unbeaten but we have dropped 4 points at home. It is also worrying that we have been 'out footballed' by two side at home. The plus side is that we have looked stronger to finish such games and even though it is frustrating that we have a reliance on strength/physical/direct element of our game with fitness being key; these qualities will also win us a lot of points and games too. Quinn and Monty did alright today but they do not have the composure or range of passing to match the industry, tackling and covering. I just wish we had a quality midfielder to help us keep the ball more and this allied to the above qualities would see us a tough side to beat. Maybe Monday or Tuesday will bring this missing link but I am not holding my breath!
Bunn 7/10 – Had little chance on the goals. He had little else to do for most of the game but his general handling and kicking was sound.
Walker 6/10 – Thought he was not at his best today. He did not get forward much but more than that I felt he was indecisive defensively and a few moments of indecision led to chances for West Brom. He had to use pace and long legs to recover situations after initial poor positional play or bad touch first touch. Also some of his clearances were poor.
Taylor 6/10 – He is yet to convince me thus far. Still gives his winger way too much time and was partly at fault for their opener as he gave the winger way too much time. On the ball he is not too bad and takes a half decent free kick but he really must just work on the basics; namely his defensive ability to stop the winger and stop the cross.
Morgan 7/10 – Solid game and I thought that with a few of his fellow defenders being off their game he defended fairly well and sensibly for much of the game and did little wrong all game (one poor moment of indecision apart in the first half). Only thing I would say is that it seemed odd that he did not take responsibility and swap to go on Bednar when it was obvious his defensive partner was struggling, especially when WBA went just one up top. However, I suppose this is down to the coaching staff.
Kilgallon 4/10 – Whether it was the transfer speculation or just that he was not on his game; whatever reason he was truly appalling today. He made so many mistakes from start to last and looked as bad as I can ever remember him. He was totally at fault for the second and lost his man for the first. He was outmuscled by Bednar most of the game and seemed slow and languid to react to any kind of danger. Just seemed woefully off his game and was second best in his individual contest all game.
Quinn 6/10 – Won a sprinkling of tackles and blocks and did do some decent things today but his ball retention was poor and he also reverted back to his two annoying habits; namely 1) falling over for no reason and putting himself out of the play and 2) just hooking the ball over his shoulder without any kind of idea who is behind him.
Treacy 6.5/10 – Started the game really well and had a few good runs and chances showing his willingness to run at defenders. He made one or two good chances with his skill and touch alone but then his crossing was often too close to the keeper. Also got back and made some defensive tackles but I felt he did fade away in the second half and this has been a trait common with him so far and he needs to be able to maintain strong 10-15 openings over the course of 90 minutes (granted he is often taken off at the moment due to visibly flagging)
Montgomery 7.5/10 – Did a great job of breaking up a lot of play and won a lot of tackles and headers in the midfield area. His passing was still poor but he covered so much ground once again. I felt he was one of our better players today though and the positives once again far outweighed the weaknesses.
Ward 6/10 – Did some good things but I also felt he gave the ball away too easily and flitted out of the game. Not much came off for him today and many of his attempted dribbles usually saw WBA on the attack and Ward (and others) chasing back. He put in a great cross for the first goal. Went up front for the final stages but did not get any real chances.
Henderson 7/10 – Once again he got very little from the officials despite being manhandled for much of the contest. He kept going all game and much of our attacks came via him and I suppose it is not his fault that the ball is lumped at his head, throat, chest all game. He gamely tried to win headers and hold the ball up but his touch was poor for most of the game. He still caused problems though and I felt he would still always get us one big decision and so it proved for the penalty. Not really seen much combination play between him and Evans and I think they are too similar as a partnership and with little pace or movement it means both are often static when the ball comes forward. Neither seems to be anticipating the other at the moment.
Evans 6/10 – Did not feel he was in the game other than one cross and a decent long range shot in the first half and then his flicked header goal in the second half. He needs to do more for me; both with work rate and overall quality and he was rightly substituted. Maybe he is still not fully match fit or maybe he is just getting used to the Championship but he needs to start imposing himself more as he definitely has the ability and strength to cause defender more problems.
Subs-
Cotterill – I still think he deserves a run in the side. 2 goals in 2 games and generally looks a threat when he comes on. Had a couple of good runs which led to him either being brought down or crosses coming over. Cool penalty under pressure at the death.
Reid – Involved in the equaliser when he bumped into Henderson as they both tried to shoot! Strange that he was brought on to run at the fullback but just knocked the ball over from too deep/far out on quite a few occasions. Not really seen enough of him to make a judgement but he does not seem to be massively better than what we already had.
Howard – Came on in stoppage time when Blackwell tried to shore things up and ensure we at least took the point as by that point the game was very open and we could easily have lost it as won it.
Referee – Phil Crossley. The referee along with his fellow officials carried on the trend of the first few home games. That is that they were truly appalling. The most damning aspect of their performance is that you did not know what they were going to do next. We had a linesman on the South Stand side that seemed to be in a sponsored flag waving contest and wanted to be part of the action at all times! Granted the Ward goal did look offside and some of the other decisions looked correct but he wanted to give something (offside, foul, handball) constantly and could not be accused of not helping his referee (although at the end he missed a ball going out on the South Stand side and the referee had to give it!). The referee was consistently inconsistent. From letting Bednar commit 6 or 7 cynical fouls and not booking him till right at the end to booking Henderson for 3 or 4 niggly fouls when he himself had been manhandled much of the game. He then booked Koren for a dive rightly, but seemed to not book Walker for a similar act? He gave fouls all over the field that seemed mystifying and let some overly physical contact go and then at times blew up for the mildest challenges. Also, why did we have over 20 minutes for half time. We started the game not long after 3 (granted there was a minutes applause at the startBy full time I think everyone was sick of him.
Crowd – Good support today. Even when we went behind the Kop did their best to rally the troops and I think the noise and pressure put on the referee led to him giving the penalty (although I think it was a pen). There was no criticism of players and generally I felt it was a positive atmosphere that willed us back into the game. I do think if we had played another 5-10 minutes we would have got another goal but then so might WBA as it became really open. Overall whilst the football was not sparkling, it was a really good, even contest with chances at both ends, goals aplenty and lots of incidents for the crowd to discuss. WBA brought a really healthy following and filled much of the lower tier too adding to the atmosphere. Definitely the best game of the season so far.
United named an unchanged line up from the win at the Madjeski Stadium with Keith Treacy sufficiently recovered from a calf problem, whilst West Brom were without the departed Jonathon Greening and Craig Beattie and the injured Chris Brunt; starting with Luke Moore and Roman Bednar up front.
The game began with United on top with Montgomery and Quinn winning many of the loose balls and Treacy lively out wide. One moment of skill from the Blackburn loanee saw him nutmeg his defender and centre the ball but Carson clutched in front of Henderson. The big striker headed straight at the keeper in the next attack. A rare attack from the Baggies saw Morgan let Moore get away but the striker miscontrolled the ball seeing the chance go astray. United created a chance when Evans got away down the right and his precise cross fell into the path of Kilgallon but the defender’s effort was blocked. West Brom were struggling to get to grips with Treacy and hauled him down twice in succession with Mulumbu booked for one of the indiscretions.
United had been the better side thus far without creating many clear chances but midway through the first half the visitors were now showing life. A flurry of chances ensued. Thomas had a deflected effort wide; Koren curled wide from a free kick and Moore headed over after he got in front of Morgan. United had the final efforts of the half with Taylor firing horribly wide and then Evans going closer with a low raking drive that just went past the far post with Carson motionless.
United had the first opportunity of the second half as Quinn hit a low effort through a crowd of bodies that Carson pushed away for a corner. However, the Baggies were suddenly ahead after patient, passing led to the chance. West Brom moved the ball across the park drawing United’s defence out of position and Cummins was given way too much time on the right hand side to direct his cross. When the ball came over BEDNAR beat Kilgallon to the header and flicked the ball past Bunn.
United responded almost immediately though as Treacy switched the ball to the left hand side to Ward who arrowed a pin point cross which left EVANS with the easy task of knocking the ball past Carson from close range with Henderson making sure the ball crossed the line.
United had got back into the game immediately but the parity did not last long as a terrible defensive mistake led to BEDNAR coring once again. A long ball seemed to present little difficulties for the United rearguard but Kilgallon allowed the ball to bounce and then the Czech striker held off the United defender all too easily before lashing the ball past Bunn for his second goal.
Koren was booked for simulation shortly after and then Thomas was also cautioned for kicking the ball away. United once again thought they had responded immediately as Henderson’s low cross-cum-shot was converted by Ward on the stretch but the linesman flag saved West Brom this time. Cotterill entered the fray replacing the tiring Treacy and he ran at the defence immediately. Mattock was booked for a lunge on the winger who had gone past him. United were now camped in the West Brom half but could not create any further clear openings and it was the visitors who had the best chance to score next. A free kick from the right hand side fell to Olsson at the far post but with the goal at his mercy he skied over when a conversion would have sealed the game.
A Reid from either side’s bench came onto the field but it was United’s, Kyle, who was involved in the incident that led to United getting level. Cotterill retrieved the ball on the right after a deep cross and sent the ball over. Reid and Henderson both converged on the ball to shoot but ended up getting in each other’s way. However, Henderson reacted to the loose ball first and as he knocked the ball on, Martis clumsily tripped the centre forward. The penalty decision seemed straight forward and whilst it was soft, it was a clear trip. After the appeals had been waved away, COTTERILL continued his 100% penalty record striking the ball to Carson’s left to bring United level again. Soon after the referee adjudged there would be an additional 5 minutes of time to be played but other than Olsson’s flicked header, neither side could find a clear opening to try and win this 'topsy turvy' contest.
WBA – They were not superb by any stretch of the imagination and at times I felt they were there for the beating but poor mistakes of course gave them two goals. They started badly and were on the back foot but did get back into the game and were the better side just before half time. I felt for long periods of the second half that they sat back and invited pressure but we could not take advantage. I also felt they were quite cynical (dirty!) and committed numerous fouls by just tripping players who went past them but the referee did not penalise them enough. For all the notions that they are a cultured, footballing side they showed they would still go route one at times and also do what it took to stop the opposition, whether it was by fair or foul means. They were commiting several fouls in key areas and this made it hard for United to have any fluidity despite my forthcoming criticisms about our style once again (see below).
That is the negatives but they did play some really good football at times and broke quickly to create opportunities. They have some good technical players and I felt in midfield Koren was the best player on the pitch with the holding midfielder Mulumbu running him a close second. For us to have players who could control the ball and actually pass it short and long with a strong likelihood it actually goes to a teammate is only something we can envy at the moment. They began to control this area of the game in the second half and it led to them enjoying a massive advantage in terms of possession of the ball even though United still managed to get the ball into the WBA third quite a lot.
Thomas wide right caused us quite a few problems with his pace and I felt Taylor struggled to get to grips with him. Up front Moore was really disappointing and so was Bednar until he scored. He showed that even though he looked a carthorse for much of the game, he showed he can finish and has real power/strength that can worry defenders. His two finishes were clinical even if the defending was really poor. At the back they are not convincing and Martis and Cech seemed more intent on grabbing the strikers’ shirt than actually playing the ball and a stronger referee would have penalised them much earlier. I felt the left full back Olsson was there for the taking with genuine pace and when we introduced Cotterill this was proved as he caused a whole manner of problems down that side.
I think they will finish top 6 without question but I am not sure they will go up automatically. I think that the loss of Greening will really hurt them and I do not think they are strong enough at the back. However, the footballers they have in midfield and the creativity they clearly possess means they will carve up a lot of teams, a lot worse than United and will win a lot of games on the road with the way they break quickly and with precision.
United – It was a strange game as the ball seemed to be in their half for long periods of the game and United put a great deal of effort into the game. They always tried to go forward but were a bit gung ho at times and this led to WBA breaking and creating chances; particularly in the second half. We may cringe or complain about the assertion we are a physical side that attempts to play pressure football where we get amongst the opposition and get the ball into the box from whatever source we can; but the reality is that is exactly what we are. The last two opponents Leicester and WBA have played far better football than us and looked more pleasing on the eye but we have looked stronger and finished both games better. Both games we could easily have lost but then at the end we equally could easily have won.
We once again did not play much actual football and it was too much route one stuff much of the game. I cannot criticise the effort and the way we came back twice was encouraging but overall we lacked composure and the ball retention was once again lacking. It is a shame as we totally controlled the first 20 minutes and won most of the individual battles but never really created much and then West Brom came back into it. We definitely deserved a point from the game and arguably more but despite having a lot of the territorial advantage; even in the second half despite chucking two daft goals away; we did not really use the ball that well. There was too much of a reliance on free kicks, corners, long throws and getting onto long balls and hoping Henderson or Evans won the header/knock down. I saw little in the way of interchange, fluent football or attempts to get the ball wide and get crosses in. When we did this we scored (Ward) or created more opportunities (Cotterill when he came on).
Overall we have had a solid start and are of course unbeaten but we have dropped 4 points at home. It is also worrying that we have been 'out footballed' by two side at home. The plus side is that we have looked stronger to finish such games and even though it is frustrating that we have a reliance on strength/physical/direct element of our game with fitness being key; these qualities will also win us a lot of points and games too. Quinn and Monty did alright today but they do not have the composure or range of passing to match the industry, tackling and covering. I just wish we had a quality midfielder to help us keep the ball more and this allied to the above qualities would see us a tough side to beat. Maybe Monday or Tuesday will bring this missing link but I am not holding my breath!
Bunn 7/10 – Had little chance on the goals. He had little else to do for most of the game but his general handling and kicking was sound.
Walker 6/10 – Thought he was not at his best today. He did not get forward much but more than that I felt he was indecisive defensively and a few moments of indecision led to chances for West Brom. He had to use pace and long legs to recover situations after initial poor positional play or bad touch first touch. Also some of his clearances were poor.
Taylor 6/10 – He is yet to convince me thus far. Still gives his winger way too much time and was partly at fault for their opener as he gave the winger way too much time. On the ball he is not too bad and takes a half decent free kick but he really must just work on the basics; namely his defensive ability to stop the winger and stop the cross.
Morgan 7/10 – Solid game and I thought that with a few of his fellow defenders being off their game he defended fairly well and sensibly for much of the game and did little wrong all game (one poor moment of indecision apart in the first half). Only thing I would say is that it seemed odd that he did not take responsibility and swap to go on Bednar when it was obvious his defensive partner was struggling, especially when WBA went just one up top. However, I suppose this is down to the coaching staff.
Kilgallon 4/10 – Whether it was the transfer speculation or just that he was not on his game; whatever reason he was truly appalling today. He made so many mistakes from start to last and looked as bad as I can ever remember him. He was totally at fault for the second and lost his man for the first. He was outmuscled by Bednar most of the game and seemed slow and languid to react to any kind of danger. Just seemed woefully off his game and was second best in his individual contest all game.
Quinn 6/10 – Won a sprinkling of tackles and blocks and did do some decent things today but his ball retention was poor and he also reverted back to his two annoying habits; namely 1) falling over for no reason and putting himself out of the play and 2) just hooking the ball over his shoulder without any kind of idea who is behind him.
Treacy 6.5/10 – Started the game really well and had a few good runs and chances showing his willingness to run at defenders. He made one or two good chances with his skill and touch alone but then his crossing was often too close to the keeper. Also got back and made some defensive tackles but I felt he did fade away in the second half and this has been a trait common with him so far and he needs to be able to maintain strong 10-15 openings over the course of 90 minutes (granted he is often taken off at the moment due to visibly flagging)
Montgomery 7.5/10 – Did a great job of breaking up a lot of play and won a lot of tackles and headers in the midfield area. His passing was still poor but he covered so much ground once again. I felt he was one of our better players today though and the positives once again far outweighed the weaknesses.
Ward 6/10 – Did some good things but I also felt he gave the ball away too easily and flitted out of the game. Not much came off for him today and many of his attempted dribbles usually saw WBA on the attack and Ward (and others) chasing back. He put in a great cross for the first goal. Went up front for the final stages but did not get any real chances.
Henderson 7/10 – Once again he got very little from the officials despite being manhandled for much of the contest. He kept going all game and much of our attacks came via him and I suppose it is not his fault that the ball is lumped at his head, throat, chest all game. He gamely tried to win headers and hold the ball up but his touch was poor for most of the game. He still caused problems though and I felt he would still always get us one big decision and so it proved for the penalty. Not really seen much combination play between him and Evans and I think they are too similar as a partnership and with little pace or movement it means both are often static when the ball comes forward. Neither seems to be anticipating the other at the moment.
Evans 6/10 – Did not feel he was in the game other than one cross and a decent long range shot in the first half and then his flicked header goal in the second half. He needs to do more for me; both with work rate and overall quality and he was rightly substituted. Maybe he is still not fully match fit or maybe he is just getting used to the Championship but he needs to start imposing himself more as he definitely has the ability and strength to cause defender more problems.
Subs-
Cotterill – I still think he deserves a run in the side. 2 goals in 2 games and generally looks a threat when he comes on. Had a couple of good runs which led to him either being brought down or crosses coming over. Cool penalty under pressure at the death.
Reid – Involved in the equaliser when he bumped into Henderson as they both tried to shoot! Strange that he was brought on to run at the fullback but just knocked the ball over from too deep/far out on quite a few occasions. Not really seen enough of him to make a judgement but he does not seem to be massively better than what we already had.
Howard – Came on in stoppage time when Blackwell tried to shore things up and ensure we at least took the point as by that point the game was very open and we could easily have lost it as won it.
Referee – Phil Crossley. The referee along with his fellow officials carried on the trend of the first few home games. That is that they were truly appalling. The most damning aspect of their performance is that you did not know what they were going to do next. We had a linesman on the South Stand side that seemed to be in a sponsored flag waving contest and wanted to be part of the action at all times! Granted the Ward goal did look offside and some of the other decisions looked correct but he wanted to give something (offside, foul, handball) constantly and could not be accused of not helping his referee (although at the end he missed a ball going out on the South Stand side and the referee had to give it!). The referee was consistently inconsistent. From letting Bednar commit 6 or 7 cynical fouls and not booking him till right at the end to booking Henderson for 3 or 4 niggly fouls when he himself had been manhandled much of the game. He then booked Koren for a dive rightly, but seemed to not book Walker for a similar act? He gave fouls all over the field that seemed mystifying and let some overly physical contact go and then at times blew up for the mildest challenges. Also, why did we have over 20 minutes for half time. We started the game not long after 3 (granted there was a minutes applause at the startBy full time I think everyone was sick of him.
Crowd – Good support today. Even when we went behind the Kop did their best to rally the troops and I think the noise and pressure put on the referee led to him giving the penalty (although I think it was a pen). There was no criticism of players and generally I felt it was a positive atmosphere that willed us back into the game. I do think if we had played another 5-10 minutes we would have got another goal but then so might WBA as it became really open. Overall whilst the football was not sparkling, it was a really good, even contest with chances at both ends, goals aplenty and lots of incidents for the crowd to discuss. WBA brought a really healthy following and filled much of the lower tier too adding to the atmosphere. Definitely the best game of the season so far.
