Deadbat
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United’s cup adventure continued after a thrilling 3-2 victory over fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane on Sunday lunchtime. The Blades trailed twice but fought back twice and then with the game heading to extra time, Tommy Doyle scored an absolute screamer blasting in a 25 yard shot into the top corner to win the game. The draw pits United against the juggernauts of Manchester City but it is still an incredible achievement to even get to the final four and the first time a lower league side has made it this far for 8 years.
Heckingbottom only made one change as McBurnie was in for Jebbison. There was a bigger bench for the semi final with 9 players able to selected and this included Coulibaly and Arblaster. Blackburn started with Brereton Diaz up top and they had been in good recent form and were backed by a large 6,000+ away following.
Rovers began the better side attacking well in the opening minutes and winning the loose balls but United got a foothold in the game and McAtee had a good chance after Egan’s ball forward but Pears made the save before Doyle had an effort from distance. United now were moving it around well and Ndiaye was looking a constant threat with his close control and running.
The Blades were forcing the visitors back but from a break, they created he moment that led to them taking the lead. The ball was played down the United right hand side and the cross came over too easily leading to a Gallagher effort that Robinson seemingly did well to block. However after the ball went out, there was a delay and the realisation with VAR in operation, that there was a possibility of a penalty kick. Sure, enough referee Robinson was told to consult the monitor and that invariably only brings one decision. The inevitable penalty was given and Robinson was given a yellow card for the offence. BRERETON DIAZ took the kick and whilst Foderingham went the right way, it was struck well enough to go into the corner and the away side led.
United tried to respond and Ndiaye again was the main threat, getting into areas and drawing defenders. The home side won a corner and as the ball was cleared out Lowe came onto it and kept it down but the shot was going well wide before it struck GALLAGHER (OG) and deflected the other way wrong footing Pears and nestling into the corner.
Rovers did try and respond and Hyam had a header tipped over by Foderingham and Gallagher also glanced a header wide as United were struggling to deal with the high ball. It had been a really even game and very open – a pulsating contest with both teams trying to attack and neither settling back or playing safe.
After the break, United came out strong and some good football saw the ball switched between Doyle to Lowe and then Ndiaye before McAtee made a mess of the ball coming across when well placed. At the other end Rovers broke and United’s shape was left in tatters as the ball was played inside and Pickering was in an almost identical position to when he scored at Ewood Park, but Foderingham made the low save and the got straight back up to deny Brereton Diaz on the follow up. It was two fantastic chances but McAtee had an even better chance when Travis inexplicably played it straight into the path of the young City loanee but he hit his finish straight at the keeper when it seemed easier to score.
United were made to pay as Rovers scored against the run of play. The ball was played into the Blades half but the home side squandered several chances to clear before Lowe telegraphed his pass and the ball was played forward and SZMODICS broke through and showed the composure McAtee lacked, as he slid it into the far corner away from Foderingham.
Carter was booked for upending McBurnie before Sharp came on for Robinson but Rovers now looked more likely to add to their lead and Hedges on the angle hit an effort that hit the inside of the near post and bounced across the line and somehow out. Another ball went across the line as for the first time in the game, United were struggling after having lots of ball and opportunities to score but were now chasing the game. Brittain and Wharton replaced Hedges and Rankin-Costello as the visitors maybe were looking to just take the sting out of the game but at this stage the home side were getting a bit frustrated.
However, out of nothing, United were level. Lowe did well down the left and turned it inside and MCBURNIE turned his man and put his strike into the corner past Pears. It was not the cleanest of finishes but in a quiet game, the front man found a moment of quality to get parity in the game.
United now looks the more likely winner. Baldock was replaced by Bogle and United now were flooding forward with bodies but also had to be wary of Rovers on the break who at this stage seemed to be looking for extra time. Doyle had a low shot saved before Berge showed great desire to drive wide before Rovers cleared. The game ticked onto 90 minutes and Ndiaye robbed Morton and fed McAtee who pulled it back to Berge. The ball was rolled across to DOYLE who took a touch and drilled an absolutely sensational finish from 25 yards into the top corner of the goal. The visiting players appealed for a foul in the build up but this seemed desperate whilst United celebrated in front of the Kop.
Basham came on for McAtee as United had four minutes to see out which they did well. Ndiaye fed Bogle who had a shot blocked at point blank range before a late corner saw Pears up but McBurnie headed clear and the final whistle went immediately to draw a frantic finish to a close. As United’s players mobbed each other, the strains of Doris Day and Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que sera, sera) emanated around Bramall Lane as the majority of fans stayed in the ground to salute their Wembley bound heroes as they left the field.
United – Really bizarre one actually. For the most part we played really well and some good attacking, positive football. We scored 3 goals and had numerous other chances. I thought we looked good on the ball for long stretches and had loads of possession and forced them back. However, we were also wide open and Rovers could argue they had as many chances, scored twice, led twice and hit the post too. It was a game they could have won for the opportunities they had, even though I felt United always looked better in terms of ability on the ball. We were a bit kamikaze again and I suppose it worked as we outscored them but it was nervous to watch. We kind of just went for it, even when level which at least was entertaining. The negative side of me thinks we needed to be more solid and have a better defensive approach but then we can point to Luton and think how boring that was! I was concerned how often and always we got opened up and if they had been secure they could have scored 3 or 4 more goals from some guilt edged chances 2nd half. However, I also thought we got into some great areas but just lacked the killer instinct too.
We looked far more fluent than we have at home for some time though. I thought after a poor start, we took control 5 mins in and up to the goal looked like scoring and Ndiaye was excellent. We got into some good areas and forced them back but then bad defending let them in too easily and the penalty is given. It probably is one – even though VAR is annoying – as his hand does stop it going towards the goal. We recovered and scored a lucky goal but then defended badly and they could have had a few headed goals before Ndiaye and McAtee look good again and we take over. Really end to end. After the break McAtee missed a decent chance but they then miss two really good ones or two well saved from Wes if you want to be accurate but they will be disappointed not to take one. We then have a sitter missed from McAtee put on a plate and they make us pay with a break where again the defence goes missing even after an error from Lowe. We were behind despite playing quite well. For the next spell we lost any kind of momentum and belief. They hit the post and could have had another from a few balls across. The Sharp sub is an odd one and we did not really look like scoring but then McBurnie, was poor, takes his goal well.
After this, you felt there was only one winner. They had made their changes before the leveller and were set up to defend so hard for them to change this and United put the pressure on and you sensed if anyone was going to win in, it would be us. No-one quite saw the goal coming the way it did maybe though! A superb long-range strike. Sadly you still had fans (me included) wondering if VAR may intervene with a man down and it massively takes away the joy in the stands sometimes. A fantastic way to win the game though and we saw it out after this.
Just a superb game. We attacked well and we looked good when we went forward. We still look a bit all over the shop at the back and too open. It finished 3-2 but could have been 2-3 or anything really with so many chances for both teams. In the end we nicked a tight game where both teams offered up too many chances for the other. It was odd though as I felt we shaded it in terms of overall play, but the better chances were made by them I felt and Wes made more saves or harder saves. They led twice and hit the post at 1-2 so another day they go on and win but after we did get level, you sensed the momentum was back with us and it proved.
Great to see the celebrations at the end and hear Que Sera, Que Sera as you do not hear this much at your home ground of course and the players looked so excited to make it to Wembley (only 6 players have played there – Norwood, Lowe, Bogle, Davies, Brewster and Foderingham before) as for many they may never play there. The draw a few hours later of course was not the one wanted but all the other ties went with form and whilst we invariably would have had a better chance v Man Utd or Brighton, all three opponents would have been very difficult. City of course will be incredibly so but it still is a day out and a chance to maybe upset the world! I think it will be really tough to even get close even with City playing Bayern and then Arsenal either side of the ties, and tough for McAtee and Doyle not to play too. However, we need to just think of how well we have done to get there and teams from lower leagues do not routinely get to Wembley (Blackburn for instance never played at the new Wembley) and also to consider (as bland as it is) the financial repercussions of getting there which the club clearly needs with the current situation.
As I said v Spurs, sometimes what comes next or what might happen or thinking about winning a cup etc is immaterial and you just have to enjoy the day and the fact you win a big game in a thriller at your ground and whatever happens v City, no one can take that away. Winning the cup is a dream that is very, very unlikely in any of our lifetimes. Beating City is almost impossible too! So just enjoy today and a fantastic day where the Blades again made us proud.
We have two weeks off now and of course face a difficult away game when we come back and Boro still breathing down our necks but the break may help some (granted some away with their countries) and we can go again for the final 9 league games and 1 cup game. We have 4 matches before we play the cup semi-final so hopefully, we can pick up some points and remain in second before the big run in where we will have a lot of games at home and can just go for it regardless of the City game which I think most expect a defeat and go more in hope than expectation.
Heckingbottom only made one change as McBurnie was in for Jebbison. There was a bigger bench for the semi final with 9 players able to selected and this included Coulibaly and Arblaster. Blackburn started with Brereton Diaz up top and they had been in good recent form and were backed by a large 6,000+ away following.
Rovers began the better side attacking well in the opening minutes and winning the loose balls but United got a foothold in the game and McAtee had a good chance after Egan’s ball forward but Pears made the save before Doyle had an effort from distance. United now were moving it around well and Ndiaye was looking a constant threat with his close control and running.
The Blades were forcing the visitors back but from a break, they created he moment that led to them taking the lead. The ball was played down the United right hand side and the cross came over too easily leading to a Gallagher effort that Robinson seemingly did well to block. However after the ball went out, there was a delay and the realisation with VAR in operation, that there was a possibility of a penalty kick. Sure, enough referee Robinson was told to consult the monitor and that invariably only brings one decision. The inevitable penalty was given and Robinson was given a yellow card for the offence. BRERETON DIAZ took the kick and whilst Foderingham went the right way, it was struck well enough to go into the corner and the away side led.
United tried to respond and Ndiaye again was the main threat, getting into areas and drawing defenders. The home side won a corner and as the ball was cleared out Lowe came onto it and kept it down but the shot was going well wide before it struck GALLAGHER (OG) and deflected the other way wrong footing Pears and nestling into the corner.
Rovers did try and respond and Hyam had a header tipped over by Foderingham and Gallagher also glanced a header wide as United were struggling to deal with the high ball. It had been a really even game and very open – a pulsating contest with both teams trying to attack and neither settling back or playing safe.
After the break, United came out strong and some good football saw the ball switched between Doyle to Lowe and then Ndiaye before McAtee made a mess of the ball coming across when well placed. At the other end Rovers broke and United’s shape was left in tatters as the ball was played inside and Pickering was in an almost identical position to when he scored at Ewood Park, but Foderingham made the low save and the got straight back up to deny Brereton Diaz on the follow up. It was two fantastic chances but McAtee had an even better chance when Travis inexplicably played it straight into the path of the young City loanee but he hit his finish straight at the keeper when it seemed easier to score.
United were made to pay as Rovers scored against the run of play. The ball was played into the Blades half but the home side squandered several chances to clear before Lowe telegraphed his pass and the ball was played forward and SZMODICS broke through and showed the composure McAtee lacked, as he slid it into the far corner away from Foderingham.
Carter was booked for upending McBurnie before Sharp came on for Robinson but Rovers now looked more likely to add to their lead and Hedges on the angle hit an effort that hit the inside of the near post and bounced across the line and somehow out. Another ball went across the line as for the first time in the game, United were struggling after having lots of ball and opportunities to score but were now chasing the game. Brittain and Wharton replaced Hedges and Rankin-Costello as the visitors maybe were looking to just take the sting out of the game but at this stage the home side were getting a bit frustrated.
However, out of nothing, United were level. Lowe did well down the left and turned it inside and MCBURNIE turned his man and put his strike into the corner past Pears. It was not the cleanest of finishes but in a quiet game, the front man found a moment of quality to get parity in the game.
United now looks the more likely winner. Baldock was replaced by Bogle and United now were flooding forward with bodies but also had to be wary of Rovers on the break who at this stage seemed to be looking for extra time. Doyle had a low shot saved before Berge showed great desire to drive wide before Rovers cleared. The game ticked onto 90 minutes and Ndiaye robbed Morton and fed McAtee who pulled it back to Berge. The ball was rolled across to DOYLE who took a touch and drilled an absolutely sensational finish from 25 yards into the top corner of the goal. The visiting players appealed for a foul in the build up but this seemed desperate whilst United celebrated in front of the Kop.
Basham came on for McAtee as United had four minutes to see out which they did well. Ndiaye fed Bogle who had a shot blocked at point blank range before a late corner saw Pears up but McBurnie headed clear and the final whistle went immediately to draw a frantic finish to a close. As United’s players mobbed each other, the strains of Doris Day and Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que sera, sera) emanated around Bramall Lane as the majority of fans stayed in the ground to salute their Wembley bound heroes as they left the field.
United – Really bizarre one actually. For the most part we played really well and some good attacking, positive football. We scored 3 goals and had numerous other chances. I thought we looked good on the ball for long stretches and had loads of possession and forced them back. However, we were also wide open and Rovers could argue they had as many chances, scored twice, led twice and hit the post too. It was a game they could have won for the opportunities they had, even though I felt United always looked better in terms of ability on the ball. We were a bit kamikaze again and I suppose it worked as we outscored them but it was nervous to watch. We kind of just went for it, even when level which at least was entertaining. The negative side of me thinks we needed to be more solid and have a better defensive approach but then we can point to Luton and think how boring that was! I was concerned how often and always we got opened up and if they had been secure they could have scored 3 or 4 more goals from some guilt edged chances 2nd half. However, I also thought we got into some great areas but just lacked the killer instinct too.
We looked far more fluent than we have at home for some time though. I thought after a poor start, we took control 5 mins in and up to the goal looked like scoring and Ndiaye was excellent. We got into some good areas and forced them back but then bad defending let them in too easily and the penalty is given. It probably is one – even though VAR is annoying – as his hand does stop it going towards the goal. We recovered and scored a lucky goal but then defended badly and they could have had a few headed goals before Ndiaye and McAtee look good again and we take over. Really end to end. After the break McAtee missed a decent chance but they then miss two really good ones or two well saved from Wes if you want to be accurate but they will be disappointed not to take one. We then have a sitter missed from McAtee put on a plate and they make us pay with a break where again the defence goes missing even after an error from Lowe. We were behind despite playing quite well. For the next spell we lost any kind of momentum and belief. They hit the post and could have had another from a few balls across. The Sharp sub is an odd one and we did not really look like scoring but then McBurnie, was poor, takes his goal well.
After this, you felt there was only one winner. They had made their changes before the leveller and were set up to defend so hard for them to change this and United put the pressure on and you sensed if anyone was going to win in, it would be us. No-one quite saw the goal coming the way it did maybe though! A superb long-range strike. Sadly you still had fans (me included) wondering if VAR may intervene with a man down and it massively takes away the joy in the stands sometimes. A fantastic way to win the game though and we saw it out after this.
Just a superb game. We attacked well and we looked good when we went forward. We still look a bit all over the shop at the back and too open. It finished 3-2 but could have been 2-3 or anything really with so many chances for both teams. In the end we nicked a tight game where both teams offered up too many chances for the other. It was odd though as I felt we shaded it in terms of overall play, but the better chances were made by them I felt and Wes made more saves or harder saves. They led twice and hit the post at 1-2 so another day they go on and win but after we did get level, you sensed the momentum was back with us and it proved.
Great to see the celebrations at the end and hear Que Sera, Que Sera as you do not hear this much at your home ground of course and the players looked so excited to make it to Wembley (only 6 players have played there – Norwood, Lowe, Bogle, Davies, Brewster and Foderingham before) as for many they may never play there. The draw a few hours later of course was not the one wanted but all the other ties went with form and whilst we invariably would have had a better chance v Man Utd or Brighton, all three opponents would have been very difficult. City of course will be incredibly so but it still is a day out and a chance to maybe upset the world! I think it will be really tough to even get close even with City playing Bayern and then Arsenal either side of the ties, and tough for McAtee and Doyle not to play too. However, we need to just think of how well we have done to get there and teams from lower leagues do not routinely get to Wembley (Blackburn for instance never played at the new Wembley) and also to consider (as bland as it is) the financial repercussions of getting there which the club clearly needs with the current situation.
As I said v Spurs, sometimes what comes next or what might happen or thinking about winning a cup etc is immaterial and you just have to enjoy the day and the fact you win a big game in a thriller at your ground and whatever happens v City, no one can take that away. Winning the cup is a dream that is very, very unlikely in any of our lifetimes. Beating City is almost impossible too! So just enjoy today and a fantastic day where the Blades again made us proud.
We have two weeks off now and of course face a difficult away game when we come back and Boro still breathing down our necks but the break may help some (granted some away with their countries) and we can go again for the final 9 league games and 1 cup game. We have 4 matches before we play the cup semi-final so hopefully, we can pick up some points and remain in second before the big run in where we will have a lot of games at home and can just go for it regardless of the City game which I think most expect a defeat and go more in hope than expectation.
