United 3 Chesterfield 2 - report

[Deadbat]

So, there it is. The end of the season. Another win. Another 3 points. Billy Sharp gets 30 goals. Perfect. The title is awarded and the celebrations are something else. It truly was a special day in a special season. In truth, the game today was poor. United were not really at it and the sloppy play was evident throughout but they still just did enough to win the game. Still, 5 goals, a red card and a lot of end to end action. The crowd were entertained even if United did not hit the heights of much of the season but they still made sure they won the game. 100 points is a tremendous achievement and one that will not happen very often. Huge credit to Wilder. He has made this Blades side relentless. They never say die and never let up.


Manager Wilder went with what many consider to be his strongest line up; and certainly, the core of the side that has got United up with Wright back in the starting line up and Wilson dropped back to the bench. Youngster David Brooks was also on the bench with James Hanson also back in the match day squad. Chesterfield started with brother of Harry, Lawrence and Blades fan Ritchie Humphries was on the bench in what was rumoured to be his last ever professional appearance in league football.


31,003 welcomed the sides onto the field with Chesterfield giving United a guard of honour. There were only a small band of Chesterfield fans congregated in the left-hand side of the lower tier and amongst them were some Blades fans in red and white shirts! In essence the whole of the ground were supporting the home side and it made for quite an atmosphere when the players entered the field with pyrotechnics blazing on the side of the field.


The expectant home supporters saw Chesterfield turn the sides round to start with the Blades kicking towards the Kop but it was the Spireites who had the first chance of the game with Dennis getting in but firing wide when well placed. Mitchell was then booked for a poor foul on Freeman before Clarke got in on the angle but his shot glanced off the top of the bar. The end to end start continued with Dennis in again but Moore pushed away after the forward hit a shot goal wards. On 18 minutes, United took the lead though. Coutts made the running down the left and committed two defenders before centering and Stuckmann could not claim, Sharp was denied at close range but the ball dropped invitingly to FREEMAN who knocked over the line from close range. The right back celebrated his goal by taking off his shirt leading to a booking for the free scoring defender.


United started to take control and Coutts was heavily influential in most attacks and Clarke and Sharp starting to cause problems. From one such attack, Sharp got on the ball, advances and hit a low shot that seemed goal bound but Stuckmann got a hand to the ball to knock it onto the post. The ball was eventually cleared. From the corner that came soon after O’Connell’s header was blocked. Freeman was then penalised for a foul and knew he had to be careful after the earlier booking.


Clarke ran down the right to win a corner but pulled up and instantly signalled to the bench. Hanson was instantly readied and the change came soon after.


United had now seemingly got control but out of the blue, the visitors were level just before half time. A through ball split the United defence and as the centre backs dithered, Mitchell got in and knocked it past Moore who came out and took the player out leading to an easy award. It seemed like the keeper did not need to become involved but after he did he left himself in no man’s land. Moore was booked for his challenge in the lead up to the penalty. DENNIS took it and sent the keeper the wrong way to level matters up.


After the break, United tried to raise their game and started to move the Spireites back as Coutts and Fleck began to get control. Carruthers came on for Duffy but Grimshaw fired wide after a corner to keep United on their toes. Still the home side were now playing better football and a lovely move saw the Blades move back into the lead. Patient build up involving Coutts, Fleck and then Freeman saw Carruthers given the ball down the right-hand side. His cross was perfect and SHARP flicked his header into the net beyond the keeper. You could see how much it meant to the Blades skipper to net his 30th of the season.


Still the lead did not last long and Chesterfield were level not long after. Basham wildly lunged at Mitchell but the forward skipped inside and eventually after a series of balls were not played, it fell perfectly for MCGINN to drive low and hard inside the post to peg the Champions back again. The home crowd were stunned yet again. As the teams moved back to the centre circle, there was an altercation involving United skipper Sharp and Gardner and the Chesterfield man raised his arms unnecessarily. Referee Bushby saw the incident and was in doubt after the aggressor and brandished a straight red card to Gardner. Faupala came on for Mitchell as Chesterfield had to rejig their shape and formation.


Wilder took off unbeaten Jake Wright for Harry Chapman who went down the left as United went to a more orthodox 4-4-2 in an attempt to peg bag the ten men and get the win that would give them 100 points. Chapman lobbed just over soon into his introduction and then Sharp had two efforts just wide after good work from Hanson and Fleck respectively.


Humphries came on for Rowley as one Blades fan replaced another and soon after more poor defending and indecision at the back saw the ball spin away from Moore and it seemed to be a dream chance for United fan Humphries in front of the Kop. The veteran chipped towards goal but it was too high and drifted over the unguarded goal. It was a great chance for the Spireites to take a shock lead.


United made them pay for this soon after as they got the crucial next goal. Patient build up saw the ball sit nicely for LAFFERTY whose shot was not the most powerful but just had enough placement to beat Stuckmann who got his hand to it but could not keep it out.


The game entered the final 5 minutes and Chapman was denied as he tried to take it round Stuckmann after good work from Sharp and then Chapman was denied again from close range after good work from Freeman. The game entered 4 minutes of stoppage time and two Humphries long throws spiralled into the box but the Blades cleared. The final whistle came and United had won again. 17 games unbeaten. 7 straight wins. 100 points had been achieved.


After the players left the field; the eventually came back on and were introduced one by one. The back-room staff first followed by the coaching staff and then the team all came out. At the end, Chris Wilder was introduced before the skipper Billy Sharp came out and was able to lift the League One Championship trophy high into the sky as the players jumped for joy on the podium around him. The team then embarked on a lap of honour around the ground in front of the jubilant Blades fans who saluted their all-conquering heroes.


United – Have to be honest, I thought we were crap today. We were sloppy on the ball, careless in possession, slow to react to things and sat off. At the back, we looked dithering and made mistakes and they could have had more goals. Too many mistakes crept in all over.


We did attack well at times but often the final ball/cross was poor also. It was a really lacklustre showing and even though we did miss a lot (Sharp could have had a hat trick) we also could have let a lot in. It was an odd game where he showed odd glimpse of class/football (2nd goal) but often it was really scrappy. Some of our players either had the wrong boots on or they have overwatered the field as they kept falling over.


We did do better second half for a spell after a really languid first half but it was the sort of game where it might have just seemed one too many after we had smashed so many teams recently. Suppose not every game would be so easy and today the team were just not quite at it. Will let them off for one let up and we still won. You look at let downs and losses for likes of Donny and Brighton and we still got a result.


To get 100 points is an incredible achievement and you look at that table and you realise how much better we were than anyone else. We were streets ahead of the competition.

–


Chesterfield – They did ok today. They had 3 or 4 clear chances aside from the goals and actually tried to attack at times. They did time waste (especially the keeper) but did not completely shut up shop and were quite open. They swarmed forward at times and it made for an exciting game. They had a few good, young players who tried to take the game to us. They definitely competed but for their fans it will have been too little too late. On another day, they may have got a draw or even won (Humphries missed a sitter at 2-2) and they will feel hard done by to lose the game. Still I suppose it is easy to attack and have a go when you are bottom and are down. Their fans were probably surprised at how well they did today in a game they may have felt they would get absolutely smashed.


Opponent man of the match : Mitchell. Thought the lad Mitchell was a box of tricks. He caused Freeman and a few others quite a few problems. Fast and full of running, he was the main threat for them. I thought the lad in midfield Nolan was busy also and McGinn got forward well.


Opponent Weak link : Thought the keeper Stuckmann did not fill his defence with confidence and both Maguire and Hird struggled with our forwards but the lad Gardner had to take this award. They had got back in the game and then he stupidly gets sent off. Cost them the game in the end.

 

[Deadbat]

SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 5.5/10 – Not his best day. He pushed one shot out early on that he should have held and then generally looked quite indecisive. He was badly at fault for the penalty as he left his line when he did not need to and it was a really clumsy challenge. He was lucky to get just a yellow really. After this he had little chance on the second but then later on came out and half blocked but was well out of position when the ball looped over the bar. Seemed to not quite communicate with the defence like he has been doing.


Freeman 6/10 – Scored another goal where he got in the box and finished from close range showing his desire to score goals. Aside from this a bit of an erratic performance. Stupidly booked for taking his shirt off on the goal, he then committed a few other fouls and was skirting close to the edge. His touch was up and down and some of his passing was mixed. Still got into some good areas when he did attack but the lad Mitchell caused him some problems.


Lafferty 6/10 – He was ok but another whose passing and crossing was mixed. He failed to beat first man quite a few times but also put in a few decent crosses too. His touch and passing was also not always accurate but he kept going and was one of our main threats down the left as we attacked second half and he got in a good area to score the winner.


O’Connell 6.5/10 – He attacked the ball again when he could and made his usual determined tackles, interceptions and blocks. Showed his desire to win the ball and get there first and had some good runs forward again. A few he just did not quite get the cross over when he was in good positions. He also got caught up in some of the sloppy all around play at times.


Wright 6/10 – He looked a bit shaky to start as Dennis got in a few times and he seemed to not quite have the line together – basically half the defence was out, where half stayed back. He did the usual sweeping up and kept it simple but just felt they got in behind us a few times. On the goal, he was slow to react I thought. Came off after the red card as we could change our formation and did not need as many defenders.


Basham 7/10 – I thought he was one of the few who was on it today and actually seemed to be more determined than most to get the win. He won his 50/50’s and was able to win the challenges. Showed continued determination once again. Came forward more first half when he was in a 3 than in a 2 in the second half. A few times he got down the right though and then sort of run out steam.


Fleck 6/10 – Not his best game. He gave it away a lot, including in the lead up to the second goal and he was not as assured with his passing today. I felt he gave it away a lot and was not able to get his foot in as much. He seemed to coast a lot today and the Chesterfield players had a lot of time on the ball, which has not been the case for the opponents for some time. Had one or two good runs where he won the tackles and drove forward. One crushing tackle second half and then another good interception and run nearly led to a chance at the back post before the flag went up.


Coutts 7/10 – Our best midfielder and he only did it in fits and starts. He made our first goal with a good run and most of our decent moves and midfield breaks came with him prompting or starting it. He too was a bit sloppy at times but overall still was the one who looked like he could make something or show the class to create chances and that is not even at his best.


Duffy 4/10 – Thought he was really poor today. Tried to do too much on the ball and way too many jinks inside or attempted nut megs instead of just doing the basics. Overplayed too much both in possession and when he tried to cross (send 3 or 4 crosses out of play) and very little if anything came off for him. Despite this showed some glimpses when he brought the ball out of the sky but he has not been at same level in recent weeks for me and not a surprise when he goes off before the hour. A player I am not sure will have the pace and influence at a higher level.


Clarke 6.5/10 – He was one of the few actually putting a shift in early doors and tried to chase balls down the flank and hold people up. Not everything stuck and he got into a few wrestles with defenders but he was at least an outlet. Had one shot off the corner of the bar and post. Pulled up lame when he chased a long ball and won a corner but clear he had done something as he signalled for a change straight away. Been a big impact since he has come back in.


Sharp 7.5/10 – Our main striking threat. Hit the post with a shot, sent two others just wide and scored a header. Had a few other efforts blocked and on another day, would have got a hat trick. In general play, he was a bit mixed but has regained some life last few games and looked really at it once again. So difficult to pick up when he is in the box as he showed today. A real nuisance. Clearly meant to much to him to lift the trophy and it was hard to get it off him after the game. Really milked it and rightly so.


Subs


Hanson 5.5/10 – Won a few flick ons and linked when he could but no real chances for him and he did not influence too many direct efforts with his play. He looks incredibly slow and makes Clarke seem quick! Was a handful aerially but spent too much time grappling with defenders but still played some nice layoffs also but I felt he looked very immobile.


Carruthers 7.5/10 – Thought he made a big difference. He gave us some energy as we looked quite languid all over the field and got on the ball, committed defenders and was a real bundle of life. Set up the second with a great cross and involved in many of our better attacks. Did not always get back when they broke but attacking wise he was one of our better players today.


Chapman – Came on and nearly got in instantly with a lobbed finish over but after this not much went right with some poor touches and general choices in general play. He did nip in and take it round the keeper nearly but he got back to take it off his toes. He looked very ring rusty and did not give us the lift we needed really when given a chance as they had a tiring defence.


Manager – Wilder 7/10 – It was a win and his change for Carruthers did work giving us a lift and he was right to go more attacking after the red card. For the first time for a long time though we came out lethargic and he will have probably had a right go at them at half time. We did improve attacking wise but continued to sit off defensively and it became a bit testimonial game for spells. Still kept going for the win and eventually it paid off as he got it. He loved the scenes at the end as the team walked around the ground to celebrate. Meant so much to him as he kept beating the Blades badge on his chest and posed for a number of shots in front of the fans.


Ref – John Busby. Have to say I did not really see the red card that well. Saw some pushing and shoving but it was unclear to me if Gardner had done enough to get sent off. Seemed a bit handbags as stupid as it was from their man. Sharp got booked in the same incident. The other bookings were Freeman (shirt off), Fleck (cynical foul) and Moore (penalty) for us and then Mitchell (late tackle on Freeman) for then. These were all justified. The rest of the game was a but scrappy and his performance mirrored that. He struggled to know when to play advantage and when not and then he also gave a few fouls that seemed fairly innocuous. He improved as the game went on but it should have been a fairly easy game to ref. Had no idea on free kicks I terms of where the original offences took place and both teams gained huge yardage on many occasions. Overall though he was ok I suppose. Nothing awful and as I say I cannot really call the red card as did not see it properly (Wenger). His two assistants were barely that. They took an age to put their flags up or help him and missed several blatant foul throws.


Crowd /Day out/Presentation – 31,003. A superb crowd in terms of numbers with four sides supporting United. Chesterfield brought maybe 400 tops and I feel there were quite a few Blades amongst these anyway! It was odd to see the little pocket in the corner near the South Stand and then rest of the Bramall Lane end all Blades save for a few rows netted off at the front and the small section segregated off. The noise at the start was deafening with the ‘Greasy Chip Butty’ the loudest it has been for a long time. It kept up for a while but then faded out and it was almost as if the fans had tired themselves out as for a long spell it became a bit flat. United’s performance was not quite the level it had been and the sloppy approach maybe filtered up to the terraces. The red card and the equaliser saw a new almost desperation from the Blades fans to get that last goal and win the game. There was a real relief when it went in.


The scenes at the end were great and things not many of us may see ever again. Yes, it may only be League One but the chances of winning and lifting a trophy on your home ground are quite slim for any club so to see it today was magnificent.


Fair play to the fans for staying off the field (did not see one fan try and come on after Sinclair’s pleas) and after what seemed like an age (how long does it take to erect a podium – although the fact the Football League/EFL/Skybet only had a few men doing it seemed odd?) we then had the surprise appearance of Prince Abdullah who came out with McCabe both holding the trophy. I had heard no announcement of him coming over so was a nice surprise. Hopefully he sees the crowd full and the euphoria and as many fans chipped in, he might ‘put his hand in his pocket!’


The team were then brought back out with huge ovations and chants for individuals that culminated in the big introduction of Wilder and then Sharp. The team jumped for joy as the flames went up around them from the pedestals nearby. Sharp lifted the trophy and champagne was sprayed all over the side!


Then after a number of team shots, the team were joined by their family and many of their young children joined the squad in the corner of John Street/Bramall Lane end where most of the families sit. They joined the team whom then went on a full lap of the Lane with most fans still in the ground. The side posed for many photos in different areas of the ground. Only knock is I am not sure it needed Sinclair to talk so much or to play so many songs. They could have just let the crowd noise been the backdrop and it have been more natural. A few songs were ok but constant blaring out of Tina Turner, Status Quo was a bit too much for me. Still that is nit picking. Overall, the atmosphere was so positive as groups of players came together to celebrate with the trophy. The crowd and players continued to lap it up as they slowly made their way around the ground and finally off the field as the crowd starting to filter out, a good hour after the full-time whistle.


As for the rest of the day, I went with the wife and little un today. He had won a contest so he got to have a picture with Jack O’Connell pre-game and the man of the magic hat fame chatted to my lad for a bit confirming he has his own magic hat, that his girlfriend is a better player than him (Alex Greenwood who plays for Liverpool ladies) and his love for Liverpool FC. Overall, he was a nice guy and my lad loved it. After this we walked round the ground and you could sense it was a special atmosphere. It felt like a Wembley type occasion but it was at the Lane! We went for a few drinks in the International Bar and met 4 or 5 friends and then went into the ground. It gave us a sense of what is to come next season as the concourse and ground was extremely busy.


After the game we went and had a few beers down Eccy Road in the Sheaf Island (again this was rammed) before walking back down London Road. Here the scenes were something else. Some 2 or 3 hours after the full time whistle the streets near the Albion, Crown, Barrys etc was packed with Blades. The road ended up getting closed as fans jumped up and down for joy with songs continuing to fill the early evening. Stories of some players joining the fans in some of the fans started to fill social media! Sharp and Fleck apparently in the Old Crown. Saw a few other shots of Basham, Coutts and Hanson near Champs!


Plenty of beer continued to be drank. It all seemed good natured but a few flares went off and the police had to keep a close eye but they seemingly had to close the road simply because there was just too many people celebrating and cars/buses could not get through. I saw the pubs further on such as the Crown Inn (Heeley) and the Big Tree (Woodseats) also had packed beer gardens. It seemed many did not want the celebrations and this great season to end!


---


Right that is it for now. I might write a few words on the parade in a few days but will certainly send a review of the League One experience in a few days. Then I will start to post the End of Season Review/School Report. So, you have not quite heard the last of me yet!

 

[loyalblade95]

hope your still doing these next season deadbat really enjoy reading them

 

[diode_blade]

Cheers DB, excellent as always, thanks for your efforts and hope you have a good summer.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Good stuff DB - going to disagree though, Freeman MOM.

 

[JohnDenver]

Harsh to criticise Freeman for taking his shirt off given the message underneath and the fact it was the final game. If he lost his mum recently then he's done tremendously well to keep his form.

 

[Deadbat]

My lad with JOC

 

[Deadbat]

Harsh to criticise Freeman for taking his shirt off given the message underneath and the fact it was the final game. If he lost his mum recently then he's done tremendously well to keep his form.

Just seen the message. Had no idea. Yes seen nothing about it in the media etc so what a season he has had and to keep it going considering a loss like this.

 

[Balham]

Deadbat Thanks as ever for the report. One small point: Freeman had a message on his undershirt which would indicate a bereavement, maybe making the decision to remove his shirt a bit easier to accept?

 

[Snowman]

Cheers Weirdo and thanks. I regret to say that following substantial ingestion of alcohol and 30/500 paracodols as a preventative I will shortly be comatose. Its been a blast. See you next season. xxx

 

[N20 Blade]

Thank you so much for all the excellent reports and great picture of your lad. I look forward to reading your reviews. Have a great summer and all the best.

 

[ForgeBlade]

Great report as ever DB. Pathetic, petty jobsworth ref booking Freeman given the message under his shirt. Sometimes these morons really should exercise some common sense and decency with their decisions.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

Thanks Deadbat, I'm absolutely bolloxed here, what a day

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

What a great, bizarre, slightly surreal day it has been.

Bizarreness and surreality enhanced by The White Kafu getting booked for removing a shirt, not 10 minutes after two of their players should've been red and yellow-carded, respectively, for attempted assault, but received not even a frown from the ref.

Cheers Deadbat

 

[GrayBlade]

Cheers DB and thanks for your reports... even if I don't agree with you every time.

UTC.

 

[Mendi]

Signed off with a win

 

[Bladepicker]

Harsh to criticise Freeman for taking his shirt off given the message underneath and the fact it was the final game. If he lost his mum recently then he's done tremendously well to keep his form.

I'm guessing it was his grandma as 'Mamma' is East Midlandsish for nannan. Sentiment remains though.

Oh and cheers Deadbat - don't miss the green 'un thanks to you and Roy. Also unlike Terry Pritchitt back in the day we can instantly reply when you talk rubbish

Seriously top, top work.

 

[spongebobblade]

Nice one DB. Great revue as ever

 

[Brissieblade]

Thanks DB. As an overseas Blade I rely on these reports as an fair and accurate reflection of each game. Greatly appreciated!

 

[TrowbridgeBlade]

Great job DB!

 

[Groucho Blade]

Thank you for another great read DB. Really looking forward to your end of year report!

 

[cahill]

Blades well below par yesterday. Cerberus was attacked on here yesterday for saying the same as if he'd broken some secret code or other. Ok it really didn't matter and regular matchgoing Blades will shrug it off as neither here or there but there were lots of people in a crowd of 31,00 who aren't regulars and I think United may have missed a chance to get them on board.

Thanks Deadbat for yesterday and the season as a whole

 

[I should coco]

Great post and thanks for keeping them coming all season.

Fair play to the fans for staying off the field (did not see one fan try and come on after Sinclair’s pleas)

One did from the Kop bottom corner (John St) and leapt the hoardings. He was very roundly booed and quickly came off.

To get 100 points is an incredible achievement

Says it all.

I'm 53 and pretty sure I won't see that again.

 

[I should coco]

Cerberus was attacked on here yesterday for saying the same as if he'd broken some secret code or other.

He was quite a bit more negative about the whole experience rather than just saying it wasn't a great game, which we all knew.

A silly post at a very inappropriate time, got the response it deserved IMHO.

 

[Northyorksblade]

Thanks for all the reports Deadbat. For a change, I will enjoy the end of year report.

 

[super_pig]

SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 5.5/10 – Not his best day. He pushed one shot out early on that he should have held and then generally looked quite indecisive. He was badly at fault for the penalty as he left his line when he did not need to and it was a really clumsy challenge. He was lucky to get just a yellow really. After this he had little chance on the second but then later on came out and half blocked but was well out of position when the ball looped over the bar. Seemed to not quite communicate with the defence like he has been doing.


Freeman 6/10 – Scored another goal where he got in the box and finished from close range showing his desire to score goals. Aside from this a bit of an erratic performance. Stupidly booked for taking his shirt off on the goal, he then committed a few other fouls and was skirting close to the edge. His touch was up and down and some of his passing was mixed. Still got into some good areas when he did attack but the lad Mitchell caused him some problems.


Lafferty 6/10 – He was ok but another whose passing and crossing was mixed. He failed to beat first man quite a few times but also put in a few decent crosses too. His touch and passing was also not always accurate but he kept going and was one of our main threats down the left as we attacked second half and he got in a good area to score the winner.


O’Connell 6.5/10 – He attacked the ball again when he could and made his usual determined tackles, interceptions and blocks. Showed his desire to win the ball and get there first and had some good runs forward again. A few he just did not quite get the cross over when he was in good positions. He also got caught up in some of the sloppy all around play at times.


Wright 6/10 – He looked a bit shaky to start as Dennis got in a few times and he seemed to not quite have the line together – basically half the defence was out, where half stayed back. He did the usual sweeping up and kept it simple but just felt they got in behind us a few times. On the goal, he was slow to react I thought. Came off after the red card as we could change our formation and did not need as many defenders.


Basham 7/10 – I thought he was one of the few who was on it today and actually seemed to be more determined than most to get the win. He won his 50/50’s and was able to win the challenges. Showed continued determination once again. Came forward more first half when he was in a 3 than in a 2 in the second half. A few times he got down the right though and then sort of run out steam.


Fleck 6/10 – Not his best game. He gave it away a lot, including in the lead up to the second goal and he was not as assured with his passing today. I felt he gave it away a lot and was not able to get his foot in as much. He seemed to coast a lot today and the Chesterfield players had a lot of time on the ball, which has not been the case for the opponents for some time. Had one or two good runs where he won the tackles and drove forward. One crushing tackle second half and then another good interception and run nearly led to a chance at the back post before the flag went up.


Coutts 7/10 – Our best midfielder and he only did it in fits and starts. He made our first goal with a good run and most of our decent moves and midfield breaks came with him prompting or starting it. He too was a bit sloppy at times but overall still was the one who looked like he could make something or show the class to create chances and that is not even at his best.


Duffy 4/10 – Thought he was really poor today. Tried to do too much on the ball and way too many jinks inside or attempted nut megs instead of just doing the basics. Overplayed too much both in possession and when he tried to cross (send 3 or 4 crosses out of play) and very little if anything came off for him. Despite this showed some glimpses when he brought the ball out of the sky but he has not been at same level in recent weeks for me and not a surprise when he goes off before the hour. A player I am not sure will have the pace and influence at a higher level.


Clarke 6.5/10 – He was one of the few actually putting a shift in early doors and tried to chase balls down the flank and hold people up. Not everything stuck and he got into a few wrestles with defenders but he was at least an outlet. Had one shot off the corner of the bar and post. Pulled up lame when he chased a long ball and won a corner but clear he had done something as he signalled for a change straight away. Been a big impact since he has come back in.


Sharp 7.5/10 – Our main striking threat. Hit the post with a shot, sent two others just wide and scored a header. Had a few other efforts blocked and on another day, would have got a hat trick. In general play, he was a bit mixed but has regained some life last few games and looked really at it once again. So difficult to pick up when he is in the box as he showed today. A real nuisance. Clearly meant to much to him to lift the trophy and it was hard to get it off him after the game. Really milked it and rightly so.


Subs


Hanson 5.5/10 – Won a few flick ons and linked when he could but no real chances for him and he did not influence too many direct efforts with his play. He looks incredibly slow and makes Clarke seem quick! Was a handful aerially but spent too much time grappling with defenders but still played some nice layoffs also but I felt he looked very immobile.


Carruthers 7.5/10 – Thought he made a big difference. He gave us some energy as we looked quite languid all over the field and got on the ball, committed defenders and was a real bundle of life. Set up the second with a great cross and involved in many of our better attacks. Did not always get back when they broke but attacking wise he was one of our better players today.


Chapman – Came on and nearly got in instantly with a lobbed finish over but after this not much went right with some poor touches and general choices in general play. He did nip in and take it round the keeper nearly but he got back to take it off his toes. He looked very ring rusty and did not give us the lift we needed really when given a chance as they had a tiring defence.


Manager – Wilder 7/10 – It was a win and his change for Carruthers did work giving us a lift and he was right to go more attacking after the red card. For the first time for a long time though we came out lethargic and he will have probably had a right go at them at half time. We did improve attacking wise but continued to sit off defensively and it became a bit testimonial game for spells. Still kept going for the win and eventually it paid off as he got it. He loved the scenes at the end as the team walked around the ground to celebrate. Meant so much to him as he kept beating the Blades badge on his chest and posed for a number of shots in front of the fans.


Ref – John Busby. Have to say I did not really see the red card that well. Saw some pushing and shoving but it was unclear to me if Gardner had done enough to get sent off. Seemed a bit handbags as stupid as it was from their man. Sharp got booked in the same incident. The other bookings were Freeman (shirt off), Fleck (cynical foul) and Moore (penalty) for us and then Mitchell (late tackle on Freeman) for then. These were all justified. The rest of the game was a but scrappy and his performance mirrored that. He struggled to know when to play advantage and when not and then he also gave a few fouls that seemed fairly innocuous. He improved as the game went on but it should have been a fairly easy game to ref. Had no idea on free kicks I terms of where the original offences took place and both teams gained huge yardage on many occasions. Overall though he was ok I suppose. Nothing awful and as I say I cannot really call the red card as did not see it properly (Wenger). His two assistants were barely that. They took an age to put their flags up or help him and missed several blatant foul throws.


Crowd /Day out/Presentation – 31,003. A superb crowd in terms of numbers with four sides supporting United. Chesterfield brought maybe 400 tops and I feel there were quite a few Blades amongst these anyway! It was odd to see the little pocket in the corner near the South Stand and then rest of the Bramall Lane end all Blades save for a few rows netted off at the front and the small section segregated off. The noise at the start was deafening with the ‘Greasy Chip Butty’ the loudest it has been for a long time. It kept up for a while but then faded out and it was almost as if the fans had tired themselves out as for a long spell it became a bit flat. United’s performance was not quite the level it had been and the sloppy approach maybe filtered up to the terraces. The red card and the equaliser saw a new almost desperation from the Blades fans to get that last goal and win the game. There was a real relief when it went in.


The scenes at the end were great and things not many of us may see ever again. Yes, it may only be League One but the chances of winning and lifting a trophy on your home ground are quite slim for any club so to see it today was magnificent.


Fair play to the fans for staying off the field (did not see one fan try and come on after Sinclair’s pleas) and after what seemed like an age (how long does it take to erect a podium – although the fact the Football League/EFL/Skybet only had a few men doing it seemed odd?) we then had the surprise appearance of Prince Abdullah who came out with McCabe both holding the trophy. I had heard no announcement of him coming over so was a nice surprise. Hopefully he sees the crowd full and the euphoria and as many fans chipped in, he might ‘put his hand in his pocket!’


The team were then brought back out with huge ovations and chants for individuals that culminated in the big introduction of Wilder and then Sharp. The team jumped for joy as the flames went up around them from the pedestals nearby. Sharp lifted the trophy and champagne was sprayed all over the side!


Then after a number of team shots, the team were joined by their family and many of their young children joined the squad in the corner of John Street/Bramall Lane end where most of the families sit. They joined the team whom then went on a full lap of the Lane with most fans still in the ground. The side posed for many photos in different areas of the ground. Only knock is I am not sure it needed Sinclair to talk so much or to play so many songs. They could have just let the crowd noise been the backdrop and it have been more natural. A few songs were ok but constant blaring out of Tina Turner, Status Quo was a bit too much for me. Still that is nit picking. Overall, the atmosphere was so positive as groups of players came together to celebrate with the trophy. The crowd and players continued to lap it up as they slowly made their way around the ground and finally off the field as the crowd starting to filter out, a good hour after the full-time whistle.


As for the rest of the day, I went with the wife and little un today. He had won a contest so he got to have a picture with Jack O’Connell pre-game and the man of the magic hat fame chatted to my lad for a bit confirming he has his own magic hat, that his girlfriend is a better player than him (Alex Greenwood who plays for Liverpool ladies) and his love for Liverpool FC. Overall, he was a nice guy and my lad loved it. After this we walked round the ground and you could sense it was a special atmosphere. It felt like a Wembley type occasion but it was at the Lane! We went for a few drinks in the International Bar and met 4 or 5 friends and then went into the ground. It gave us a sense of what is to come next season as the concourse and ground was extremely busy.


After the game we went and had a few beers down Eccy Road in the Sheaf Island (again this was rammed) before walking back down London Road. Here the scenes were something else. Some 2 or 3 hours after the full time whistle the streets near the Albion, Crown, Barrys etc was packed with Blades. The road ended up getting closed as fans jumped up and down for joy with songs continuing to fill the early evening. Stories of some players joining the fans in some of the fans started to fill social media! Sharp and Fleck apparently in the Old Crown. Saw a few other shots of Basham, Coutts and Hanson near Champs!


Plenty of beer continued to be drank. It all seemed good natured but a few flares went off and the police had to keep a close eye but they seemingly had to close the road simply because there was just too many people celebrating and cars/buses could not get through. I saw the pubs further on such as the Crown Inn (Heeley) and the Big Tree (Woodseats) also had packed beer gardens. It seemed many did not want the celebrations and this great season to end!


---


Right that is it for now. I might write a few words on the parade in a few days but will certainly send a review of the League One experience in a few days. Then I will start to post the End of Season Review/School Report. So, you have not quite heard the last of me yet!

thanks DB.. reckon we were a bit lucky to win a classic end of season game.. leon going off was definitely noticeable (who'd have written that 6 weeks ago) and i'll give Duffy a break seeing as he carried us through the winter period.. he does have to be careful he doesn't turn into the new JCL. .. favourite bit.. did i see CW wipe his eyes after going up to the Kop with the trophy.. it certainly set me off

 

[Seanshoreham]

Enjoyed reading your reports all season DB, always concise and to the point - hope your back next season

 

[Pinchy]

Good stuff DB - going to disagree though, Freeman MOM.

Coooooooooooooooooooooooooots!

 

[Longtimesupporter]

Thanks for all your efforts. I enjoy comparing your view with my own and look forward to your write up and Roygbivs each match.

 

[Grappler]

SUFC Player Ratings –


Moore 5.5/10 – Not his best day. He pushed one shot out early on that he should have held and then generally looked quite indecisive. He was badly at fault for the penalty as he left his line when he did not need to and it was a really clumsy challenge. He was lucky to get just a yellow really. After this he had little chance on the second but then later on came out and half blocked but was well out of position when the ball looped over the bar. Seemed to not quite communicate with the defence like he has been doing.


Freeman 6/10 – Scored another goal where he got in the box and finished from close range showing his desire to score goals. Aside from this a bit of an erratic performance. Stupidly booked for taking his shirt off on the goal, he then committed a few other fouls and was skirting close to the edge. His touch was up and down and some of his passing was mixed. Still got into some good areas when he did attack but the lad Mitchell caused him some problems.


Lafferty 6/10 – He was ok but another whose passing and crossing was mixed. He failed to beat first man quite a few times but also put in a few decent crosses too. His touch and passing was also not always accurate but he kept going and was one of our main threats down the left as we attacked second half and he got in a good area to score the winner.


O’Connell 6.5/10 – He attacked the ball again when he could and made his usual determined tackles, interceptions and blocks. Showed his desire to win the ball and get there first and had some good runs forward again. A few he just did not quite get the cross over when he was in good positions. He also got caught up in some of the sloppy all around play at times.


Wright 6/10 – He looked a bit shaky to start as Dennis got in a few times and he seemed to not quite have the line together – basically half the defence was out, where half stayed back. He did the usual sweeping up and kept it simple but just felt they got in behind us a few times. On the goal, he was slow to react I thought. Came off after the red card as we could change our formation and did not need as many defenders.


Basham 7/10 – I thought he was one of the few who was on it today and actually seemed to be more determined than most to get the win. He won his 50/50’s and was able to win the challenges. Showed continued determination once again. Came forward more first half when he was in a 3 than in a 2 in the second half. A few times he got down the right though and then sort of run out steam.


Fleck 6/10 – Not his best game. He gave it away a lot, including in the lead up to the second goal and he was not as assured with his passing today. I felt he gave it away a lot and was not able to get his foot in as much. He seemed to coast a lot today and the Chesterfield players had a lot of time on the ball, which has not been the case for the opponents for some time. Had one or two good runs where he won the tackles and drove forward. One crushing tackle second half and then another good interception and run nearly led to a chance at the back post before the flag went up.


Coutts 7/10 – Our best midfielder and he only did it in fits and starts. He made our first goal with a good run and most of our decent moves and midfield breaks came with him prompting or starting it. He too was a bit sloppy at times but overall still was the one who looked like he could make something or show the class to create chances and that is not even at his best.


Duffy 4/10 – Thought he was really poor today. Tried to do too much on the ball and way too many jinks inside or attempted nut megs instead of just doing the basics. Overplayed too much both in possession and when he tried to cross (send 3 or 4 crosses out of play) and very little if anything came off for him. Despite this showed some glimpses when he brought the ball out of the sky but he has not been at same level in recent weeks for me and not a surprise when he goes off before the hour. A player I am not sure will have the pace and influence at a higher level.


Clarke 6.5/10 – He was one of the few actually putting a shift in early doors and tried to chase balls down the flank and hold people up. Not everything stuck and he got into a few wrestles with defenders but he was at least an outlet. Had one shot off the corner of the bar and post. Pulled up lame when he chased a long ball and won a corner but clear he had done something as he signalled for a change straight away. Been a big impact since he has come back in.


Sharp 7.5/10 – Our main striking threat. Hit the post with a shot, sent two others just wide and scored a header. Had a few other efforts blocked and on another day, would have got a hat trick. In general play, he was a bit mixed but has regained some life last few games and looked really at it once again. So difficult to pick up when he is in the box as he showed today. A real nuisance. Clearly meant to much to him to lift the trophy and it was hard to get it off him after the game. Really milked it and rightly so.


Subs


Hanson 5.5/10 – Won a few flick ons and linked when he could but no real chances for him and he did not influence too many direct efforts with his play. He looks incredibly slow and makes Clarke seem quick! Was a handful aerially but spent too much time grappling with defenders but still played some nice layoffs also but I felt he looked very immobile.


Carruthers 7.5/10 – Thought he made a big difference. He gave us some energy as we looked quite languid all over the field and got on the ball, committed defenders and was a real bundle of life. Set up the second with a great cross and involved in many of our better attacks. Did not always get back when they broke but attacking wise he was one of our better players today.


Chapman – Came on and nearly got in instantly with a lobbed finish over but after this not much went right with some poor touches and general choices in general play. He did nip in and take it round the keeper nearly but he got back to take it off his toes. He looked very ring rusty and did not give us the lift we needed really when given a chance as they had a tiring defence.


Manager – Wilder 7/10 – It was a win and his change for Carruthers did work giving us a lift and he was right to go more attacking after the red card. For the first time for a long time though we came out lethargic and he will have probably had a right go at them at half time. We did improve attacking wise but continued to sit off defensively and it became a bit testimonial game for spells. Still kept going for the win and eventually it paid off as he got it. He loved the scenes at the end as the team walked around the ground to celebrate. Meant so much to him as he kept beating the Blades badge on his chest and posed for a number of shots in front of the fans.


Ref – John Busby. Have to say I did not really see the red card that well. Saw some pushing and shoving but it was unclear to me if Gardner had done enough to get sent off. Seemed a bit handbags as stupid as it was from their man. Sharp got booked in the same incident. The other bookings were Freeman (shirt off), Fleck (cynical foul) and Moore (penalty) for us and then Mitchell (late tackle on Freeman) for then. These were all justified. The rest of the game was a but scrappy and his performance mirrored that. He struggled to know when to play advantage and when not and then he also gave a few fouls that seemed fairly innocuous. He improved as the game went on but it should have been a fairly easy game to ref. Had no idea on free kicks I terms of where the original offences took place and both teams gained huge yardage on many occasions. Overall though he was ok I suppose. Nothing awful and as I say I cannot really call the red card as did not see it properly (Wenger). His two assistants were barely that. They took an age to put their flags up or help him and missed several blatant foul throws.


Crowd /Day out/Presentation – 31,003. A superb crowd in terms of numbers with four sides supporting United. Chesterfield brought maybe 400 tops and I feel there were quite a few Blades amongst these anyway! It was odd to see the little pocket in the corner near the South Stand and then rest of the Bramall Lane end all Blades save for a few rows netted off at the front and the small section segregated off. The noise at the start was deafening with the ‘Greasy Chip Butty’ the loudest it has been for a long time. It kept up for a while but then faded out and it was almost as if the fans had tired themselves out as for a long spell it became a bit flat. United’s performance was not quite the level it had been and the sloppy approach maybe filtered up to the terraces. The red card and the equaliser saw a new almost desperation from the Blades fans to get that last goal and win the game. There was a real relief when it went in.


The scenes at the end were great and things not many of us may see ever again. Yes, it may only be League One but the chances of winning and lifting a trophy on your home ground are quite slim for any club so to see it today was magnificent.


Fair play to the fans for staying off the field (did not see one fan try and come on after Sinclair’s pleas) and after what seemed like an age (how long does it take to erect a podium – although the fact the Football League/EFL/Skybet only had a few men doing it seemed odd?) we then had the surprise appearance of Prince Abdullah who came out with McCabe both holding the trophy. I had heard no announcement of him coming over so was a nice surprise. Hopefully he sees the crowd full and the euphoria and as many fans chipped in, he might ‘put his hand in his pocket!’


The team were then brought back out with huge ovations and chants for individuals that culminated in the big introduction of Wilder and then Sharp. The team jumped for joy as the flames went up around them from the pedestals nearby. Sharp lifted the trophy and champagne was sprayed all over the side!


Then after a number of team shots, the team were joined by their family and many of their young children joined the squad in the corner of John Street/Bramall Lane end where most of the families sit. They joined the team whom then went on a full lap of the Lane with most fans still in the ground. The side posed for many photos in different areas of the ground. Only knock is I am not sure it needed Sinclair to talk so much or to play so many songs. They could have just let the crowd noise been the backdrop and it have been more natural. A few songs were ok but constant blaring out of Tina Turner, Status Quo was a bit too much for me. Still that is nit picking. Overall, the atmosphere was so positive as groups of players came together to celebrate with the trophy. The crowd and players continued to lap it up as they slowly made their way around the ground and finally off the field as the crowd starting to filter out, a good hour after the full-time whistle.


As for the rest of the day, I went with the wife and little un today. He had won a contest so he got to have a picture with Jack O’Connell pre-game and the man of the magic hat fame chatted to my lad for a bit confirming he has his own magic hat, that his girlfriend is a better player than him (Alex Greenwood who plays for Liverpool ladies) and his love for Liverpool FC. Overall, he was a nice guy and my lad loved it. After this we walked round the ground and you could sense it was a special atmosphere. It felt like a Wembley type occasion but it was at the Lane! We went for a few drinks in the International Bar and met 4 or 5 friends and then went into the ground. It gave us a sense of what is to come next season as the concourse and ground was extremely busy.


After the game we went and had a few beers down Eccy Road in the Sheaf Island (again this was rammed) before walking back down London Road. Here the scenes were something else. Some 2 or 3 hours after the full time whistle the streets near the Albion, Crown, Barrys etc was packed with Blades. The road ended up getting closed as fans jumped up and down for joy with songs continuing to fill the early evening. Stories of some players joining the fans in some of the fans started to fill social media! Sharp and Fleck apparently in the Old Crown. Saw a few other shots of Basham, Coutts and Hanson near Champs!


Plenty of beer continued to be drank. It all seemed good natured but a few flares went off and the police had to keep a close eye but they seemingly had to close the road simply because there was just too many people celebrating and cars/buses could not get through. I saw the pubs further on such as the Crown Inn (Heeley) and the Big Tree (Woodseats) also had packed beer gardens. It seemed many did not want the celebrations and this great season to end!


---


Right that is it for now. I might write a few words on the parade in a few days but will certainly send a review of the League One experience in a few days. Then I will start to post the End of Season Review/School Report. So, you have not quite heard the last of me yet!

Good report as usual pal, I appreciate what you do, as it is good to see someone else's take on a game, however, one thing I have to take issue with

1.".... Freeman 6/10 – Scored another goal where he got in the box and finished from close range showing his desire to score goals. Aside from this a bit of an erratic performance. Stupidly booked for taking his shirt off on the goal, he then committed a few other fouls and was skirting close to the edge. His touch was up and down and some of his passing was mixed. Still got into some good areas when he did attack but the lad Mitchell caused him some problems...."

Freeman was determined to score, for his Gran, who has just died, hence his t-shirt under his kit top, I don't begrudge him taking a yellow card for that.

Billy and Leon have been the form players, but for me Kieron Freeman has been outstanding, and if I didn't know better, with his passion, commitment and determination, I would have swore he was born in Sheffield.