United 3 Doncaster 1 - report

[Patrick Suffaux]

I understand people get frustrated at Sharp being constantly offside, but that's how he plays - on the shoulder of the last man. He will get caught offside but it will also bring goals. He's got great touch and control and half the time he is offside is because we are too slow getting the ball to him when he's already made the run.

Very true. Some of our supporters seem to think that Sharp is the only centre forward that constantly gets caught offside. It's a feature of that style of player. They play on the last man and constantly look to gamble which is why they're such prolific goal scorers.

Michael Owen was the same, it's very common for that type of player. They will get caught offside four times but the fifth time they will break clear and score.

 

[Deadbat]

I agree to some extent but a lot of times he was offside when he was just need concentrating. He was not running through or had made a run and then checked back. He was just walking / jogging in general play rather than making a run of the ball. Sammon was guilty a few times too. The centre backs were so slow that neither needed to be caught offside. Sharp was caught offside at least 5 times first half and this was just sloppy play.

However he does look a class apart at this level so will excuse him to some degree.

 

[sitwell]

I agree to some extent but a lot of times he was offside when he was just need concentrating. He was not running through or had made a run and then checked back. He was just walking / jogging in general play rather than making a run of the ball. Sammon was guilty a few times too. The centre backs were so slow that neither needed to be caught offside. Sharp was caught offside at least 5 times first half and this was just sloppy play.

However he does look a class apart at this level so will excuse him to some degree.

Its part of being a forward though ,trying to pull the defenders as deep as possible ,making them uncomfortable and ultimately catching them out ,especially when an ex team mate makes a horrific back pass

 

[Bergen Blade]

First goal is very well worked, with Bash starting and finishing it, a decent ball by Flynn to feed Alcock, who makes an excellent early first-time cross. Lovely stuff.

Credit to one more man for the first goal: just before the highlights starts Baxter sprinted to get first to a half cleared ball and with a clever touch gave it to Basham. Ten seconds later the ball was in the net.

 

[sitwell]

Credit to one more man for the first goal: just before the highlights starts Baxter sprinted to get first to a half cleared ball and with a clever touch gave it to Basham. Ten seconds later the ball was in the net.

I was surprised he was taken off but either he had a knock or was being rested for Tuesday ,Adkins was brave making 3 subs so early yesterday ,I wonder if he would have done the same if they had 11 men ?

 

[Woodwardfan]

I was surprised he was taken off but either he had a knock or was being rested for Tuesday ,Adkins was brave making 3 subs so early yesterday ,I wonder if he would have done the same if they had 11 men ?

Kind to Baxter indeed Sitwell

 

[sitwell]

Kind to Baxter indeed Sitwell

I must have been drunk

 

[Deadbat]

I was really critical of Basham and Baxter in the last few home games feeling they were slow and languid and did not press. Have to say they looked completely different on Saturday. Both were excellent and we completely controlled midfield even before they were down to 10.

Wellens is a player I like but was non existent. It maybe helped they were not against 'runners' in him and Chaplow/Keegan. They struggle with people who get beyond strikers and/or have pace/mobility.

Still Baxter was excellent is his prompting, passing and overall attitude. Basham also seemed to up his game considerably. Still feel he is better at centre back and if Hammond comes in; expect him to move back there with Edgar.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Coutts and Flynn at wide midfield releases Basham and Baxter more.

When Adams and Ryce are on the flanks the central two have to cover and play deeper as they can't rely on the other two to track back diligently.

Personally I don't think Basham has it in him to make it count regularly upfied but the higher upfield Baxter plays the better he will perform.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Another factor which we have to appreciate is that we are playing 4-4-2 and it is less secure than 4-5-1 under Clough. Days like Bury and Colchester will happen.

As a consequence we are winning more and will probably lose more and maybe even draw less. I'll take that plus the entertainment and hopefully the promotion with it. Of course we should be pushing men forward in numbers.

Aidy Boothroyd said on commentary today that Watford have players who score goals for fun at one end and an excellent keeper who stops goals at the other end and it gives them a chance to win every game. We have the forwards at our level... keeper? mmmm.....

 

[AlienBlade]

Basham was nowhere near MOM. Great goal from him but, for me he seems to do a lot of pointing and running around but shies away from a lot of tackles.

He was also the one who conceded the free kick that led to the goal... also conceded a couple of other free kicks in similar areas through needless fouls.

No one seems to have picked up on Keiron Wallace getting caught in possession a couple of times either (something McEverley was picked up for and critisised)

 

[madeinsheffield]

I noticed Wallace make similar mistakes to JayMac. Some of those instances are when Collins makes a pass he shouldn't putting the LB under immediate pressure when there are other options available if he just looks up. I'm undecided if it's a confidence thing, just wanting to get shut of the ball to the nearest player, or a lack of ability

 

[sheffielder]

I've always been a fan on keeping the ball, changing the angle of attack and going backwards if necessary, it does annoy when the fans get on the players ' backs for keeping the ball rather than forcing a pass forward.

Anyone know why Alcock went off? He wasn't injured by Mckenzie was he?

You really thought that was what they were doing, changing the angle of attack?

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

He was also the one who conceded the free kick that led to the goal... also conceded a couple of other free kicks in similar areas through needless fouls.

No one seems to have picked up on Keiron Wallace getting caught in possession a couple of times either (something McEverley was picked up for and critisised)

Thought Wallace was man of match to be honest Alien, hasn't got the pedigree of McEverly, so I can be allowed a couple of mistakes at this stage of his career. With the right coaching, which I think we have got in place, can see him having a decent career.

 

[AlienBlade]

Thought Wallace was man of match to be honest Alien, hasn't got the pedigree of McEverly, so I can be allowed a couple of mistakes at this stage of his career. With the right coaching, which I think we have got in place, can see him having a decent career.

I dont think he warrented MOM (or even close) but each to their own, you could hardly say McEveley has pedigree.... Swindon, Barnsley and Derby are his three previous permanant clubs, add to that all Third division sides (which we are) are going to have players (i.e. third division players) that make mistakes (some which are capitised on some which aren't) it's not just Wallace, I mean Baxter last week played one great ball and made 1 goal line clearance yet was lauded... McEveley the week before had a hand in both our goals and actually got in the way of a couple of attempts (and has previously cleared off the line on many occassions) yet there is a difference of reaction. simply becuase it's McEveley and no one dare usually say a good word about him....

my point is that despite some falibility (and some in which previous players were critisised for doing Wallace (and Basham committing several needless fouls including the one that led to the goal) appears to come out unscathed.... (which does nothing for the "scapegoat" tags)

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

I dont think he warrented MOM (or even close) but each to their own, you could hardly say McEveley has pedigree.... Swindon, Barnsley and Derby are his three previous permanant clubs, add to that all Third division sides (which we are) are going to have players (i.e. third division players) that make mistakes (some which are capitised on some which aren't) it's not just Wallace, I mean Baxter last week played one great ball and made 1 goal line clearance yet was lauded... McEveley the week before had a hand in both our goals and actually got in the way of a couple of attempts (and has previously cleared off the line on many occassions) yet there is a difference of reaction. simply becuase it's McEveley and no one dare usually say a good word about him....

my point is that despite some falibility (and some in which previous players were critisised for doing Wallace (and Basham committing several needless fouls including the one that led to the goal) appears to come out unscathed.... (which does nothing for the "scapegoat" tags)

Fair point Alien. What I meant with Jay is Swindon, Barnsley & Derby rather than Ilkeston.

 

[AlienBlade]

Fair point Alien. What I meant with Jay is Swindon, Barnsley & Derby rather than Ilkeston.

I know what you mean

but they are both considered "good enough" for the first team therefore they should be treated the same way in my opinion.