Deadbat
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Brief report - might write further tomorrow but out in a bit.....
United got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Doncaster Rovers in a game they should have won by a lot more. Manager Nigel Adkins rang the changes with a team featuring Alcock, Wallace (K), Coutts, Baxter, Sammon and Flynn from the game the previous week. Doncaster were managed by former Owl Rob Jones in a caretaker capacity. Andy Butler was at the heart of the defence.
The game began with both teams looking to get forward and Doncaster had one shot blocked and a corner before United had a good break but were blocked out. Loanee Anderson looked dangerous and nearly got in before good work by Sammon led to a chance for Sharp but the ball was cleared.
United were able to get in front with an excellent team goal and wonderful finish.
The football and build up was good with Baxter and then Coutts involved before Alcock hit a great first time cross into the box and BASHAM hit it on the full smashing an unstoppable volley that went past Stuckmann before he could even move.
Despite the lead United could not build on this and it was not long before Rovers were level.
Sloppy defending saw Doncaster move forward and were able to evade two or three challenges. Stewart took the free kick and it was over the wall but Howard ought to have done better as he got a hand to it but pushed it into the net.
United tried to come again and Sharp nearly found Flynn.
Sammon had a good run and his left foot shot was just wide after a lovely ball forward had put him in the clear. It was a good effort and lovely control on the run.
Still United’s play was rewarded when they got back in front.
This time the service came from Coutts and again from the right. The cross was met by SAMMON who from close range could not miss and the lead was restored. It was a deserved goal after a good performance by the tall striker.
United gave away two more stupid free kicks but Stewart was high on both but the game took another turning point soon after.
The ball dropped in the box and Alcock cleared but was caught high and late by the boot of Mackenzie. It seemed a yellow card all the way but to many in the ground’s surprise he produced a red card.
Alcock could not continue and had to go off at the break with Freeman coming on at right back. Chaplow also replaced Keegan and it seemed Coppinger had gone to right back.
Sammon hit a great shot that hit the post and came out from fully 25 yards and then from the corner his header was off the line and Sharp could not convert the follow up.
It was all United now and they were seeing a lot of the ball. Sharp had another chance. Collins headed wide and then Freeman was in on goal. It seemed a matter of time before they scored and Stuckmann then denied Sharp.
Reed came on for Baxter and soon after Adams for the tiring Coutts. United had a sloppy spell but Doncaster did not create any clear chances before United started to take control again.
Adams went down after a great run and it seemed a penalty but in another strange decision the referee booked him for diving.
Poor finishing continued with Adams shot blocked and then also Basham denied as Stuckmann made two decent saves soon after.
However, the game was sealed when an awful back pass that was in no man’s land led to the goal.
SHARP took advantage and darted onto the ball and rounded the keeper who was slow reacting and then slotted it into the empty net before defenders could get back.
The final 10 minutes passed without much incident as United played keep ball and were able to easily finish off the job to get a much needed win.
United – Much better. We looked more up for it and players who came in did well. A few surprise decent performances such as Coutts, Alcock and Basham (poor season so far). Defence still not completely secure but at the other end Doncaster were even worse. In reality we could have had a lot more. Even before the red card we were better and but for daft free kick give always we would have been in control. The sending off of course helped and we moved it well after this and showed some good patience and control. On another day it would have been 7 or 8-1 but poor finishing ensured it was still nervy as we know our defence can make mistakes. Sharp’s goal finished it and after this it was never in doubt. Still some sloppy pieces of play the back (centre halves not convincing) but there were a lot more positives than negatives. The tempo is still not quite quick enough and at times players make wrong decisions but overall they were a lot more positive than we have been for some time and more sure footed and crisper in everything we did. We tackled better, passed better and showed more than anything a better attitude and started game a bit better and gradually took control.
Doncaster – Really poor. Sure the red card did not help but other than a few free kicks, they offered very little going forward and looked slow and clumsy at the back. You could see why they have struggled and are near the bottom. Doubt Jones will get the job. They have a lot of players who really should be seeing them do so much better. Players like Coppinger, Wellens etc. They looked short of confidence and second half other than for a 5-10 minute spell after Baxter went off, they never were in it and were hanging on really. If it had finished a lot more they could not have complained. They will say the red card changed the game but United had more control and many more chances even before this. A side that had a lot of players as slow as United’s! The centre backs were so slow and easy to turn. We got behind them easily and they made so many mistakes. Poor in possession too. I do expect they will get an experienced manager in and have enough players to get away from the bottom but won’t be anywhere near the top on that performance and attitude – they kind of just gave up for long spells.
Howard 6/10 - He made one tip over and other than that did not have a lot to do but on the goal he was really poor. It wasn’t hit that hard nor was it in the corner. He got a hand to it but just sort of helped it in. Really poor and he has to do much better than that but shots like that have been beating him a lot in the last 6 months.
Alcock 8/10 – Have to say he is not one I would advocate keeping but have to call it as I see it and he was excellent today. Did not do anything wrong. Went forward well, including the superb cross for the Basham goal. Linked well with Coutts and defended well; one of few who stuck to his man.
Wallace 7.5/10 – Would have given him higher as overall he was very good but he did allow man to skip by him twice in build up to free kick for goal (amongst others). Other than that he was excellent, he used ball well, showed his ability on the ball and his touch. However, he will be tested more against pacy wingers in the next week so will be a truer test. It helped he had no one to mark and could move up and down the flank but he did do well today.
Collins 6/10 – Stood out as a weak link again. No howling errors but clumsy on the ball at times, gave away some daft fouls and even though only up against one made it harder than it should have been at times. Missed a good chance at a corner.
Edgar 6/10 – As above. Seems to have really dropped his standards since he came back from Canada. He was not as poor as his horror show at Bradford but still sloppy at times including giving away some ridiculous fouls including one on strike of half time that led to a good chance. Really hope he can get back to form he had showed or sadly we will still be looking for two centre backs.
Basham 8/10 – Excellent. Seemed to be everywhere today. He covered so much ground and was a different player to one I have seen much of the season. He looked hungry as he was winning tackles, picking up loose stuff and also dominating that area of the field. He scored a superb volley and was involved in many of our good moves. If he keeps to those standards then he can play central midfield,, albeit Doncaster had little pace or mobility so it helped but these games from him have not been enough.
Baxter 7.5/10 – Thought he played well today and got on the ball and made some very good passes. He helped us control midfield. One superb ball to Flynn and another to Sammon stood out but he was generally very good. I felt when he went off (seemed an odd sub although Reed did ok eventually) we dipped for 10-15 minutes.
Coutts 7.5/10 – Had an excellent first half and was involved in some of our better play including the assist for Sammon’s goal. He linked well with Alcock and generally kept it nice and simple. He seems to have lost a bit of weight and hopefully when he gets fully fit can show why Clough wanted him.
Sammon 8/10 – Narrowly loses out to Basham for man of the match. He could have had 4 or 5 goals. Clipped one wide, header off the line (should have scored) and also hit the post with a great effort. He scored a decent finish but overall his work rate and link up play was top drawer and looked more like player from first few games than poor one of recent games (although did well at Bradford).
Sharp 7/5/10 – Other than always being offside he did well too, chased lost causes, worked the channels and worked well with others. Missed a few half chances but then took his goal well being ready for the mistake. If the top two work well and lead from the front as they did today and pressure defenders it makes things so much easier.
Subs –
Freeman 7.5/10 – Came on and was about as good as Alcock. Got up and down, helped by man advantage, made some good tackles and also linked well with others. Had a few crosses, shots and was very busy. Unsure why he was dropped but Adkins had to ring changes with defence conceding so many bt he has been best defender but lack of options at centre backs means it is hard for Adkins to change it there.
Reed – Did alright after being quiet initially. Some lovely balls left and right and that is the best I have seen him for a while. Helped with the extra space and time but he did play quite well and was involved in some decent moves.
Adams – Showed his class on a few pieces of individual skill like when he knocked it past Coppinger. Had one good chance but took too long and shot was blocked. Then had a few decent runs including the one where it seemed he had been clearly brought down. I was quite shocked when he did not give it and he booked him for diving. The referee was odd all game though so this decision fitted right in I guess?
Manager –
Adkins 8/10 – Made changes and it worked. I looked at team and thought it was an odd side. Some forced but some not and we started game better and players brought in took their chance. Players who do not perform need to realise they will not be guaranteed a place. I was not sure about Baxter coming off and also he used all 3 subs quite early (Alcock I guess was struggling after challenge). Overall though we got the deserved win and it could have been more. Tricky week coming up but we need to go to places like Burton and Port Vale and win if we are serious about promotion. The former are flying but will take a dip at some point and hope it is us that can inflict it. A loss and we would be a fair way behind even at this stage.
Ref – Weird. He was very fussy at times and then let things flow. The sending off which had a big bearing on the game was harsh I felt. Yes he was high and late but the ball was dropping and there to be won. Our player got it and their player did not. He turned and seemed to have eyes on the ball. It was not like the ball was on the floor or long gone. He was just a fraction late. It reminded me of the Kilgallon one at Hillsborough a few years ago. Really harsh I felt. The penalty for us seemed nailed on but I could be wrong. To book Adams was ridiculous. Even if contact was not made he was hurtling through and in a sea of bodies. He then let Donny get away with trying to accuse Adams of diving again later. He seemed to lose control for a period not helped by two flag happy linesman who saw many offsides that weren’t but could not spot blatant foul throws by Wallace and also Evina for Donny.
Crowd – Quiet for a 3-1 win. Big crowd and only really 1,200 from Donny at best which is quite poor but crowd took a while to get going. Got a bit noisier near the end. Wound me up the constant ‘Gerrit forward!’ and moans. At 0-0 or 1-1 understand urgency and need for tempo but that does not always mean going forward. Sometimes going backward and sideways can be as effective if done at speed and then leads to gaps. It was odd that despite missed chances we were in complete control yet fans were groaning and crying out. United were keeping the ball so it was fine. Yes they overplayed a few times at the back and also could have made a few forward passes but it was not every time. Some fans seem very impatient. If we had not created chances or were not getting into the last third I could understand.
United got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Doncaster Rovers in a game they should have won by a lot more. Manager Nigel Adkins rang the changes with a team featuring Alcock, Wallace (K), Coutts, Baxter, Sammon and Flynn from the game the previous week. Doncaster were managed by former Owl Rob Jones in a caretaker capacity. Andy Butler was at the heart of the defence.
The game began with both teams looking to get forward and Doncaster had one shot blocked and a corner before United had a good break but were blocked out. Loanee Anderson looked dangerous and nearly got in before good work by Sammon led to a chance for Sharp but the ball was cleared.
United were able to get in front with an excellent team goal and wonderful finish.
The football and build up was good with Baxter and then Coutts involved before Alcock hit a great first time cross into the box and BASHAM hit it on the full smashing an unstoppable volley that went past Stuckmann before he could even move.
Despite the lead United could not build on this and it was not long before Rovers were level.
Sloppy defending saw Doncaster move forward and were able to evade two or three challenges. Stewart took the free kick and it was over the wall but Howard ought to have done better as he got a hand to it but pushed it into the net.
United tried to come again and Sharp nearly found Flynn.
Sammon had a good run and his left foot shot was just wide after a lovely ball forward had put him in the clear. It was a good effort and lovely control on the run.
Still United’s play was rewarded when they got back in front.
This time the service came from Coutts and again from the right. The cross was met by SAMMON who from close range could not miss and the lead was restored. It was a deserved goal after a good performance by the tall striker.
United gave away two more stupid free kicks but Stewart was high on both but the game took another turning point soon after.
The ball dropped in the box and Alcock cleared but was caught high and late by the boot of Mackenzie. It seemed a yellow card all the way but to many in the ground’s surprise he produced a red card.
Alcock could not continue and had to go off at the break with Freeman coming on at right back. Chaplow also replaced Keegan and it seemed Coppinger had gone to right back.
Sammon hit a great shot that hit the post and came out from fully 25 yards and then from the corner his header was off the line and Sharp could not convert the follow up.
It was all United now and they were seeing a lot of the ball. Sharp had another chance. Collins headed wide and then Freeman was in on goal. It seemed a matter of time before they scored and Stuckmann then denied Sharp.
Reed came on for Baxter and soon after Adams for the tiring Coutts. United had a sloppy spell but Doncaster did not create any clear chances before United started to take control again.
Adams went down after a great run and it seemed a penalty but in another strange decision the referee booked him for diving.
Poor finishing continued with Adams shot blocked and then also Basham denied as Stuckmann made two decent saves soon after.
However, the game was sealed when an awful back pass that was in no man’s land led to the goal.
SHARP took advantage and darted onto the ball and rounded the keeper who was slow reacting and then slotted it into the empty net before defenders could get back.
The final 10 minutes passed without much incident as United played keep ball and were able to easily finish off the job to get a much needed win.
United – Much better. We looked more up for it and players who came in did well. A few surprise decent performances such as Coutts, Alcock and Basham (poor season so far). Defence still not completely secure but at the other end Doncaster were even worse. In reality we could have had a lot more. Even before the red card we were better and but for daft free kick give always we would have been in control. The sending off of course helped and we moved it well after this and showed some good patience and control. On another day it would have been 7 or 8-1 but poor finishing ensured it was still nervy as we know our defence can make mistakes. Sharp’s goal finished it and after this it was never in doubt. Still some sloppy pieces of play the back (centre halves not convincing) but there were a lot more positives than negatives. The tempo is still not quite quick enough and at times players make wrong decisions but overall they were a lot more positive than we have been for some time and more sure footed and crisper in everything we did. We tackled better, passed better and showed more than anything a better attitude and started game a bit better and gradually took control.
Doncaster – Really poor. Sure the red card did not help but other than a few free kicks, they offered very little going forward and looked slow and clumsy at the back. You could see why they have struggled and are near the bottom. Doubt Jones will get the job. They have a lot of players who really should be seeing them do so much better. Players like Coppinger, Wellens etc. They looked short of confidence and second half other than for a 5-10 minute spell after Baxter went off, they never were in it and were hanging on really. If it had finished a lot more they could not have complained. They will say the red card changed the game but United had more control and many more chances even before this. A side that had a lot of players as slow as United’s! The centre backs were so slow and easy to turn. We got behind them easily and they made so many mistakes. Poor in possession too. I do expect they will get an experienced manager in and have enough players to get away from the bottom but won’t be anywhere near the top on that performance and attitude – they kind of just gave up for long spells.
Howard 6/10 - He made one tip over and other than that did not have a lot to do but on the goal he was really poor. It wasn’t hit that hard nor was it in the corner. He got a hand to it but just sort of helped it in. Really poor and he has to do much better than that but shots like that have been beating him a lot in the last 6 months.
Alcock 8/10 – Have to say he is not one I would advocate keeping but have to call it as I see it and he was excellent today. Did not do anything wrong. Went forward well, including the superb cross for the Basham goal. Linked well with Coutts and defended well; one of few who stuck to his man.
Wallace 7.5/10 – Would have given him higher as overall he was very good but he did allow man to skip by him twice in build up to free kick for goal (amongst others). Other than that he was excellent, he used ball well, showed his ability on the ball and his touch. However, he will be tested more against pacy wingers in the next week so will be a truer test. It helped he had no one to mark and could move up and down the flank but he did do well today.
Collins 6/10 – Stood out as a weak link again. No howling errors but clumsy on the ball at times, gave away some daft fouls and even though only up against one made it harder than it should have been at times. Missed a good chance at a corner.
Edgar 6/10 – As above. Seems to have really dropped his standards since he came back from Canada. He was not as poor as his horror show at Bradford but still sloppy at times including giving away some ridiculous fouls including one on strike of half time that led to a good chance. Really hope he can get back to form he had showed or sadly we will still be looking for two centre backs.
Basham 8/10 – Excellent. Seemed to be everywhere today. He covered so much ground and was a different player to one I have seen much of the season. He looked hungry as he was winning tackles, picking up loose stuff and also dominating that area of the field. He scored a superb volley and was involved in many of our good moves. If he keeps to those standards then he can play central midfield,, albeit Doncaster had little pace or mobility so it helped but these games from him have not been enough.
Baxter 7.5/10 – Thought he played well today and got on the ball and made some very good passes. He helped us control midfield. One superb ball to Flynn and another to Sammon stood out but he was generally very good. I felt when he went off (seemed an odd sub although Reed did ok eventually) we dipped for 10-15 minutes.
Coutts 7.5/10 – Had an excellent first half and was involved in some of our better play including the assist for Sammon’s goal. He linked well with Alcock and generally kept it nice and simple. He seems to have lost a bit of weight and hopefully when he gets fully fit can show why Clough wanted him.
Sammon 8/10 – Narrowly loses out to Basham for man of the match. He could have had 4 or 5 goals. Clipped one wide, header off the line (should have scored) and also hit the post with a great effort. He scored a decent finish but overall his work rate and link up play was top drawer and looked more like player from first few games than poor one of recent games (although did well at Bradford).
Sharp 7/5/10 – Other than always being offside he did well too, chased lost causes, worked the channels and worked well with others. Missed a few half chances but then took his goal well being ready for the mistake. If the top two work well and lead from the front as they did today and pressure defenders it makes things so much easier.
Subs –
Freeman 7.5/10 – Came on and was about as good as Alcock. Got up and down, helped by man advantage, made some good tackles and also linked well with others. Had a few crosses, shots and was very busy. Unsure why he was dropped but Adkins had to ring changes with defence conceding so many bt he has been best defender but lack of options at centre backs means it is hard for Adkins to change it there.
Reed – Did alright after being quiet initially. Some lovely balls left and right and that is the best I have seen him for a while. Helped with the extra space and time but he did play quite well and was involved in some decent moves.
Adams – Showed his class on a few pieces of individual skill like when he knocked it past Coppinger. Had one good chance but took too long and shot was blocked. Then had a few decent runs including the one where it seemed he had been clearly brought down. I was quite shocked when he did not give it and he booked him for diving. The referee was odd all game though so this decision fitted right in I guess?
Manager –
Adkins 8/10 – Made changes and it worked. I looked at team and thought it was an odd side. Some forced but some not and we started game better and players brought in took their chance. Players who do not perform need to realise they will not be guaranteed a place. I was not sure about Baxter coming off and also he used all 3 subs quite early (Alcock I guess was struggling after challenge). Overall though we got the deserved win and it could have been more. Tricky week coming up but we need to go to places like Burton and Port Vale and win if we are serious about promotion. The former are flying but will take a dip at some point and hope it is us that can inflict it. A loss and we would be a fair way behind even at this stage.
Ref – Weird. He was very fussy at times and then let things flow. The sending off which had a big bearing on the game was harsh I felt. Yes he was high and late but the ball was dropping and there to be won. Our player got it and their player did not. He turned and seemed to have eyes on the ball. It was not like the ball was on the floor or long gone. He was just a fraction late. It reminded me of the Kilgallon one at Hillsborough a few years ago. Really harsh I felt. The penalty for us seemed nailed on but I could be wrong. To book Adams was ridiculous. Even if contact was not made he was hurtling through and in a sea of bodies. He then let Donny get away with trying to accuse Adams of diving again later. He seemed to lose control for a period not helped by two flag happy linesman who saw many offsides that weren’t but could not spot blatant foul throws by Wallace and also Evina for Donny.
Crowd – Quiet for a 3-1 win. Big crowd and only really 1,200 from Donny at best which is quite poor but crowd took a while to get going. Got a bit noisier near the end. Wound me up the constant ‘Gerrit forward!’ and moans. At 0-0 or 1-1 understand urgency and need for tempo but that does not always mean going forward. Sometimes going backward and sideways can be as effective if done at speed and then leads to gaps. It was odd that despite missed chances we were in complete control yet fans were groaning and crying out. United were keeping the ball so it was fine. Yes they overplayed a few times at the back and also could have made a few forward passes but it was not every time. Some fans seem very impatient. If we had not created chances or were not getting into the last third I could understand.
