Deadbat
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The Blades got back to winning ways as they comfortably despatched a poor Birmingham City side at the Lane on the weekend before Xmas. An early Tyler Bindon goal gave the home side a perfect start and then ex Blade Tommy Doyle committed a horror tackle on Gus Hamer seeing him dismissed with less than 20 minutes played. Hamer then seized on Anderson’s back pass to fire home a second and after Patrick Bamford touched in Oli Arblaster’s driven shot, the three points were in the bag. After the set back of the defeat at the Hawthorns, this was a much-improved performance from Wilder’s man who won at a canter in the end.
There were several changes to the starting line up with Bindon, McCallum, Arblaster, Chong and O’Hare back in the starting lineup. Birmingham started both former Blades players, Doyle and Jack Robinson, in their first eleven.
Neumann was cautioned for a cynical pull back on Bamford, after only 2 minutes, as United started looking to find gaps in the Brum backline. Gray had an effort over the top for the visitors in an end-to-end start but United won an early corner which led to the opening goal after just 5 minutes. Hamer took it and the outswinger was inviting for BINDON, who came onto the ball and powerfully headed past Allsop and gave the Blades a perfect start. United gave away two silly free kicks from Hamer and McCallum and Cooper fumbled one delivery but the visitors could not fashion a clear chance.
Klarer then was booked for a late foul on O’Hare, leaving both centre backs in the referee’s book. United were looking to find gaps and were penning the visitors back. From a McCallum long throw, the ball was allowed to bounce and O’Hare met it to nod goalwards but Allsop made the save. On 18 minutes, the game threatened to boil over. The ball was loose on half way near the dug outs but Hamer got there first and Doyle completely took him out with an awfully late and high challenge. As the crowd shouted, ‘Off! Off! Off!’, referee Hooper duly obliged sending him down the tunnel. There were few complaints from the visiting bench or players as the midfielder trooped off, knowing that he had left his side with an uphill battle , trailing and now down to ten men.
Anderson then hauled down Chong before soon after his loose backpass saw HAMER steal in and round Allsop before firing the ball home – from a tight angle. It was an opportunistic piece of play by the Blades talisman and United were now in complete control. Anderson was taken off and replaced by Leonard, as the City coaching staff looked for even a foothold in a game they were completely best.
Tanganga made an excellent last-ditch tackle to deny Gray after a lovely thought ball from Stansfield put him in the clear. This was a reminder for the Blades defence to be on their guard, despite United largely completely dominating the contest.
United started the second goal, as they did the first, with a goal. The build up was patient as United move it across the pitch exploiting their man advantage. Chong set up the effort for Arblaster who fired it through bodies and BAMFORD got a touch to divert it home. There appeared more than a hint of offside but the flag stated down and despite the referee appearing to overrule his assistant at first, checked with his colleague and gave the goal. Replays suggested it was tighter than it appeared. Hamer then took a pop shot that was touched round the post and United were now in total control. Seriki and Chong linked well and Bamford nearly got on the end of another cross. Cannon and Ings came on for Hamer and Bamford before the hour mark before Koumas, Dykes and Cashin replaced Wilumsson, Gray and Robinson for the visitors. The latter got a mixed reception but more cheers than boos, although with United in complete control, this helped with the largely positive reaction. Bindon was having an excellent game and won the ball twice before also coming out with it and helping lead the charge.
Ings had a chance but was unable to divert it goalwards as O’Hare continued to be a pest for the Birmingham backline before Seriki and Chong combined well again leading to the cross being blocked. After more good work down the right, O’Hare nodded back and it dropped for Cannon but he fired badly wide when he should have probably converted. Soumare and Burrows entered the fray for Arblaster and McCallum as the game ticked into the final 20 minutes. Birmingham were offering little in response.
It resembled a practice match for the final period of the game and became quite scrappy. Dykes blazed badly off target before Ings tried a spectacular overhead kick but the contest was over and many visiting fans had headed for the exits long before the referee put up three minutes on the board – that seemed academic at this stage. A late Tanganga booking, after he slipped, was the only real negative, as United saw out time and in the final moments nearly created another chance as they broke at pace on the break. In the end, it was an easy win with the up tempo start in both halves key but United had been the better side even before Doyle’s indiscretion. After the set back of West Brom, the Blades looked at it from the off and individually and collectively, they were too strong for the Blues.
United – Wilder clearly was fuming after the absolute non show after the break at the Hawthorns. He was as mad as he has been for a long time and demanded a reaction – he got one as United were bang at it from the off winning loose balls, controlling possession and looking dangerous throughout. The early goal helped- another set play – it is mad how many more corners we have had then any other side (162 – Stoke next with 122 and league leaders Coventry are only on 119 – 43 less than us!) but finally look dangerous with the out-swinging crosses and variety of deliveries. We saw it v Stoke with McGuinness a constant threat and then today with a great towering header from Bindon – who was impressive throughout.
After this, they won a few free kicks but we continued to look dangerous with Bamford using his experience, O’Hare buzzing round and Hamer showing his quality with his clever passing and vision. We could have had more chances but then after they had shown a real cynical and overly physical side to their game (three yellows – including both centre backs and one after just over a minute!) they effectively threw away any chance of coming back. The tackle from Doyle was awful and seemed an easy red – I was right in front of it as it happened. Seemed out of character as he was competitive at the Lane but never dirty from what I remember? I was just pleased Hamer was ok.
After this we completely controlled a game – we had already been the better side. They made several mistakes with loose passes or where we nipped in and the goal came from such a moment. Anderson never saw Hamer and the midfielder was quick to react, read the mistake and then took it clinically. We could have had more with us getting behind them time after time. Seriki and Chong linked well and Riedewald and Arblaster were dominating the ball in the middle. They banked up and just tried to get to half time without more damage and we were content just to move the ball around and tire them out further. O’Hare had appeals for a penalty as he went down after working space in the box but nothing was given.
After the break we get a third (did look offside but replays were inconclusive) as Bamford scored again and that was it really. There were lots of changes but there was only us that looked like scoring more goals and a number of crosses or finals balls just evaded men in the box. The visitors were well beaten and it became a case of defence v attack. The subs made it scrappy and it was a bit of a nothing game for the final stages as both teams played out a game that had been decided effectively straight after the half – maybe even as early as the Doyle red card in reality.
A good win – the opposite of the West Brom game – as today we looked quick, hungry, and aggressive. We got about them, pressed their defence and stole the ball a number of times leading to opportunities. Our hard work and doing the basics, allowed us then to move it around confidently and they just sat back knowing we had an extra man and ultimately more quality. I think if United had not made so many changes and/or took their foot off the pedal – they could have gone and scored even more goals. In the end, conserving energy and rotating players was the most important thing. All the starters did their job and no one played badly – we had all the stand outs in the game and it was as comprehensive a win as you could wish to see.
Birmingham have struggled on the road but United still had to come out and apply a really good performance and they did that. We tweaked the line up and went with two off Bamford, rather than two up top, but it worked. Hamer and O’Hare played really well and Chong and Seriki were always in motion meaning they struggled to hold us down this side. An excellent three points but another game where you wonder how are lower than our opponents in the table! Hopefully we can get Peck back soon and then might make a few additions (Rothwell strongly linked) but we do have a trio of tricky games – with Wrexham (good at home and Moore will be a threat), Stoke and Leicester (who will both want to avenge poor defeats to us) so need to ensure we keep moving away from the bottom and stay at least in touch with the top half – we are still a fair way off the playoffs and talk of this is premature – we are not even half way yet. However, we are playing so much better, with the game being action packed and us finally scoring goals!
There were several changes to the starting line up with Bindon, McCallum, Arblaster, Chong and O’Hare back in the starting lineup. Birmingham started both former Blades players, Doyle and Jack Robinson, in their first eleven.
Neumann was cautioned for a cynical pull back on Bamford, after only 2 minutes, as United started looking to find gaps in the Brum backline. Gray had an effort over the top for the visitors in an end-to-end start but United won an early corner which led to the opening goal after just 5 minutes. Hamer took it and the outswinger was inviting for BINDON, who came onto the ball and powerfully headed past Allsop and gave the Blades a perfect start. United gave away two silly free kicks from Hamer and McCallum and Cooper fumbled one delivery but the visitors could not fashion a clear chance.
Klarer then was booked for a late foul on O’Hare, leaving both centre backs in the referee’s book. United were looking to find gaps and were penning the visitors back. From a McCallum long throw, the ball was allowed to bounce and O’Hare met it to nod goalwards but Allsop made the save. On 18 minutes, the game threatened to boil over. The ball was loose on half way near the dug outs but Hamer got there first and Doyle completely took him out with an awfully late and high challenge. As the crowd shouted, ‘Off! Off! Off!’, referee Hooper duly obliged sending him down the tunnel. There were few complaints from the visiting bench or players as the midfielder trooped off, knowing that he had left his side with an uphill battle , trailing and now down to ten men.
Anderson then hauled down Chong before soon after his loose backpass saw HAMER steal in and round Allsop before firing the ball home – from a tight angle. It was an opportunistic piece of play by the Blades talisman and United were now in complete control. Anderson was taken off and replaced by Leonard, as the City coaching staff looked for even a foothold in a game they were completely best.
Tanganga made an excellent last-ditch tackle to deny Gray after a lovely thought ball from Stansfield put him in the clear. This was a reminder for the Blades defence to be on their guard, despite United largely completely dominating the contest.
United started the second goal, as they did the first, with a goal. The build up was patient as United move it across the pitch exploiting their man advantage. Chong set up the effort for Arblaster who fired it through bodies and BAMFORD got a touch to divert it home. There appeared more than a hint of offside but the flag stated down and despite the referee appearing to overrule his assistant at first, checked with his colleague and gave the goal. Replays suggested it was tighter than it appeared. Hamer then took a pop shot that was touched round the post and United were now in total control. Seriki and Chong linked well and Bamford nearly got on the end of another cross. Cannon and Ings came on for Hamer and Bamford before the hour mark before Koumas, Dykes and Cashin replaced Wilumsson, Gray and Robinson for the visitors. The latter got a mixed reception but more cheers than boos, although with United in complete control, this helped with the largely positive reaction. Bindon was having an excellent game and won the ball twice before also coming out with it and helping lead the charge.
Ings had a chance but was unable to divert it goalwards as O’Hare continued to be a pest for the Birmingham backline before Seriki and Chong combined well again leading to the cross being blocked. After more good work down the right, O’Hare nodded back and it dropped for Cannon but he fired badly wide when he should have probably converted. Soumare and Burrows entered the fray for Arblaster and McCallum as the game ticked into the final 20 minutes. Birmingham were offering little in response.
It resembled a practice match for the final period of the game and became quite scrappy. Dykes blazed badly off target before Ings tried a spectacular overhead kick but the contest was over and many visiting fans had headed for the exits long before the referee put up three minutes on the board – that seemed academic at this stage. A late Tanganga booking, after he slipped, was the only real negative, as United saw out time and in the final moments nearly created another chance as they broke at pace on the break. In the end, it was an easy win with the up tempo start in both halves key but United had been the better side even before Doyle’s indiscretion. After the set back of West Brom, the Blades looked at it from the off and individually and collectively, they were too strong for the Blues.
United – Wilder clearly was fuming after the absolute non show after the break at the Hawthorns. He was as mad as he has been for a long time and demanded a reaction – he got one as United were bang at it from the off winning loose balls, controlling possession and looking dangerous throughout. The early goal helped- another set play – it is mad how many more corners we have had then any other side (162 – Stoke next with 122 and league leaders Coventry are only on 119 – 43 less than us!) but finally look dangerous with the out-swinging crosses and variety of deliveries. We saw it v Stoke with McGuinness a constant threat and then today with a great towering header from Bindon – who was impressive throughout.
After this, they won a few free kicks but we continued to look dangerous with Bamford using his experience, O’Hare buzzing round and Hamer showing his quality with his clever passing and vision. We could have had more chances but then after they had shown a real cynical and overly physical side to their game (three yellows – including both centre backs and one after just over a minute!) they effectively threw away any chance of coming back. The tackle from Doyle was awful and seemed an easy red – I was right in front of it as it happened. Seemed out of character as he was competitive at the Lane but never dirty from what I remember? I was just pleased Hamer was ok.
After this we completely controlled a game – we had already been the better side. They made several mistakes with loose passes or where we nipped in and the goal came from such a moment. Anderson never saw Hamer and the midfielder was quick to react, read the mistake and then took it clinically. We could have had more with us getting behind them time after time. Seriki and Chong linked well and Riedewald and Arblaster were dominating the ball in the middle. They banked up and just tried to get to half time without more damage and we were content just to move the ball around and tire them out further. O’Hare had appeals for a penalty as he went down after working space in the box but nothing was given.
After the break we get a third (did look offside but replays were inconclusive) as Bamford scored again and that was it really. There were lots of changes but there was only us that looked like scoring more goals and a number of crosses or finals balls just evaded men in the box. The visitors were well beaten and it became a case of defence v attack. The subs made it scrappy and it was a bit of a nothing game for the final stages as both teams played out a game that had been decided effectively straight after the half – maybe even as early as the Doyle red card in reality.
A good win – the opposite of the West Brom game – as today we looked quick, hungry, and aggressive. We got about them, pressed their defence and stole the ball a number of times leading to opportunities. Our hard work and doing the basics, allowed us then to move it around confidently and they just sat back knowing we had an extra man and ultimately more quality. I think if United had not made so many changes and/or took their foot off the pedal – they could have gone and scored even more goals. In the end, conserving energy and rotating players was the most important thing. All the starters did their job and no one played badly – we had all the stand outs in the game and it was as comprehensive a win as you could wish to see.
Birmingham have struggled on the road but United still had to come out and apply a really good performance and they did that. We tweaked the line up and went with two off Bamford, rather than two up top, but it worked. Hamer and O’Hare played really well and Chong and Seriki were always in motion meaning they struggled to hold us down this side. An excellent three points but another game where you wonder how are lower than our opponents in the table! Hopefully we can get Peck back soon and then might make a few additions (Rothwell strongly linked) but we do have a trio of tricky games – with Wrexham (good at home and Moore will be a threat), Stoke and Leicester (who will both want to avenge poor defeats to us) so need to ensure we keep moving away from the bottom and stay at least in touch with the top half – we are still a fair way off the playoffs and talk of this is premature – we are not even half way yet. However, we are playing so much better, with the game being action packed and us finally scoring goals!
