United 3 Doncaster 2 - report

[Sothall_Blade]

We don't have the option of a back 4 made up of players all playing in their 'proper' positions so I think it's important we have at least 3 and my preferred back 4 would be Freeman - Brayford - Kennedy - Harris. We looked, and were, a side who had made many far too many changes in defence last night. How many centre-back partnerships have we had this season?

Basham covers more ground then anyone, offers important height at set-pieces and is, for me, our most consistent performer. He has to start and I think that, now Brayford seems to be settling in a bit at centre-back, he should start in midfield. I'd have Coutts in there with him - he's a more complete player than Doyle and is improving as he finds his fitness. Scougall can carry the ball forward quickly, make good off the ball runs, close defenders down and, despite evidence to the contrary, I think he can bring goals.

Flynn and Murphy are nailed on for the wide spots and Steven Davies is the player we've been crying out for ever since we realised Higdon wouldn't cut it.

Howard
Freeman Brayford Kennedy Harris
Coutts
Flynn Basham Scougall Murphy
Davies

If we could put that side out in all 3 play-off games, I'd be confident. Can Kennedy play Thursday and Sunday though? I think the couple of differences in last night's line-up coupled with the effort put in on Saturday and a good Doncaster performance was enough to make us look ordinary and a bit fortunate to win.

Matt Done would be incredibly unlucky to not start but offers the chance for us to go 4-4-2 if we needed to be a bit less cautious at some point.

How about a genuine 4-3-3 with Done, Davies and Murphy interchanging positions up front?
Most defences in this league would find those three too much to handle and it would be more difficult to mark Murphy out of the game.
If we did that, we could afford to get away with a more defensive, solid midfield trio (Reed, Doyle, Basham)?
Defence would probably be Freeman, Brayford, Kennedy, Harris.
McCevely straight swap for Kennedy if he's not fit, instead of switching 2 or 3 players around.

 

[Grappler]

How about a genuine 4-3-3 with Done, Davies and Murphy interchanging positions up front?
Most defences in this league would find those three too much to handle and it would be more difficult to mark Murphy out of the game.
If we did that, we could afford to get away with a more defensive, solid midfield trio (Reed, Doyle, Basham)?
Defence would probably be Freeman, Brayford, Kennedy, Harris.
McCevely straight swap for Kennedy if he's not fit, instead of switching 2 or 3 players around.

Well I think we have to start with Done, Davies and Murphy, wherever possible, no matter what.

For midfield, Basham to make surging runs and Reed to distribute the ball, but I think we also need a natural goal scorer in the centre as well, like when Williamson played and scored 14 for us, not sure that is Doyle, or Coutts, the best goal scorer we have in that role is Baxter, and he is the best penalty taker in the side.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I think youll find in the rules or current referees' code the term " striking hand or arm which is in an unnatural position" constitutes handball these days, deliberate or not.

Maybe I should expand on this rule as it is these days:

If the hand or arm is in "an unnatural position" then the referee can deem that "ball to hand" is indeed a penalty as the "unnatural position" can be deemed the form of intent to stop the ball.

 

[Woodwardfan]

We must have the only manager and indeed a fair share of fans it seems, who would play one of the leading scorers in the league out wide midfield or even choose to leave him out of the team.

Done done a job on Donny last night, conjured two goals out of nothing. "Leave him on the bench" say some. "Can't really fit both Done and Davies in the team" bleats the manager.

WTF!

 

[Going up]

Which fans moaning? Seems to be just objective appraisal of the game, and you wanting to pick a fight in a lift.

UTB

In his defense, they have been moaning all year, which was more his point than just last night.

 

[Going up]

We must have the only manager and indeed a fair share of fans it seems, who would play one of the leading scorers in the league out wide midfield or even choose to leave him out of the team.

Done done a job on Donny last night, conjured two goals out of nothing. "Leave him on the bench" say some. "Can't really fit both Done and Davies in the team" bleats the manager.

WTF!

Listen carefully, it is not what the manager said.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Listen carefully, it is not what the manager said.

OK then if you insist. " I had to play one or the other on the left side midfield to accommodate them in the team"." as it happens Davies provided an assist while he was ( ridiculously banished) out there".

Better?

 

[Going up]

Very much how I saw the game too.

I think you're a bit harsh on Holt, but unfortunately accurate on Baxter and Coutts who were both poor last night. honestly think there is a good player in Coutts, but he gives the ball away ridiculously often. Midfield was worryingly overrun a lot last night, and it seems Basham is the glue that makes us more solid in the centre of the park.

Freeman is fine at right back but was a liability last night at left back, we definitely need Harris back, along with Tel so we can push Basham back into midfield.

It was the sort of game promotion sides sometimes need during a season, I thought on the balance of play we were lucky to win, and Donny deserved more, but we had goals in the team which is a very nice thing to see at this stage of the season and they got us the win. A middling performance from most of the team, but when the front 2 play as well as they did it makes a big difference. Very impressed by Davies last night, he wins the ball well as a target man, uses it well and scored a fine goal. Done was magnificent, dangerous, worked incredibly hard and was very sharp in the box for his goal (and winning the penno). Deserved a 9 IMO

As for folks saying you shouldn't 'pick holes' after a win, then I disagree. We were lucky last night and the midfield and defensive deficiencies are worthy issues for us to discuss with some very important matches on the horizon. I enjoyed the match last night, came out buzzing despite the shredded nerves near the end and we're now probably just a couple of wins away from the playoffs. But supporting your team includes having an opinion on it, and it's easy to overreact to results. This works both ways too, there have been a lot of negative overreactions to defeats, but lets not allow a 3-2 win just mask some of the problems we had last night, especially with teams like Swindon on the horizon who would have taken even more advantage of our midfield last night,

What's encouraging is that this close to the playoffs we're scoring goals and looking dangerous which has been a problem a lot of this season. Done and Davies playing like that will give us a real chance in all games and maybe we can actually enter a playoffs with some forwards in form for once.

Most of those problems will be easily fixed in the playoffs. TK will go into the heart of the defense, Basham will come out into the middle to run the show. Until then, it is a case of man management with TK, getting Murphy fresh and up for it, just as a small break for Dine has worked wonders too.

 

[Going up]

OK then iThereforensist. " I had to play one or the other on the left side midfield to accommodate them in the team"." as it happens Davies provided an assist while he was ( ridiculously banished) out there".

Better?

SD holds the ball up well and brings people into play. Therefore, he naturally goes in the center. Does he not?

Done is a natural scorer, he also should be in the center waiting for any crosses that come in.

Hence Clough's remark. He is trying to find the best way to play two new players together.

Never did he say that he couldn't play them both on the pitch at the same time, or indeed mention that Done should be on the bench.

As a matter of interest. Where would you put Done and where would you put Davies? Considering we have two flying wingers in Murphy and Flynn.

 

[Woodwardfan]

SD holds the ball up well and brings people into play. Therefore, he naturally goes in the center. Does he not?

Done is a natural scorer, he also should be in the center waiting for any crosses that come in.

Hence Clough's remark. He is trying to find the best way to play two new players together.

Never did he say that he couldn't play them both on the pitch at the same time, or indeed mention that Done should be on the bench.

As a matter of interest. Where would you put Done and where would you put Davies? Considering we have two flying wingers in Murphy and Flynn.

OK Done and Davies up front - wow! Real left field thinking!! 4-4-2 - outrageous!??!

It's the manager who's had Done on the bench for 4 recent games, not me.

 

[Balham]

The problem as I see it isn't necessarily playing Done and Davies together; I have a feeling that Clough would like to do that. However, we're short of central midfielders who could play as a two: the only pairs I can think of contain Basham who was needed at centre half last night.

This summer's recruitment should be focussed on getting two quality centre halves in. No more, no less unless you include moving on some of the deadwood.

 

[Woodwardfan]

The problem as I see it isn't necessarily playing Done and Davies together; I have a feeling that Clough would like to do that. However, we're short of central midfielders who could play as a two: the only pairs I can think of contain Basham who was needed at centre half last night.

This summer's recruitment should be focussed on getting two quality centre halves in. No more, no less unless you include moving on some of the deadwood.

Basham by all means but in that case we must have creativity to complement him. I would play Reed/ Doyle now or Basham/ Reed.

Certainly Baxter and Scougall do not fit 4-4-2 unless it is in the front two.

 

[grafikhaus]

This summer's recruitment should be focussed on getting two quality centre halves in. No more, no less unless you include moving on some of the deadwood.

Well I think Maguire (at the match last night) might be kicking his heels this summer...

 

[Going up]

The problem as I see it isn't necessarily playing Done and Davies together; I have a feeling that Clough would like to do that. However, we're short of central midfielders who could play as a two: the only pairs I can think of contain Basham who was needed at centre half last night.

This summer's recruitment should be focussed on getting two quality centre halves in. No more, no less unless you include moving on some of the deadwood.

Yes, which is exactly what could happen in the playoffs. Nigel never said that he wouldn't do that.

TK was rested, as was Murphy, who desperately needed it, therefore Basham moved to the back and Done to the left. It is my bet that you wont see that in the playoffs, unless key players like TK and Murphy are injured.

As for Woodward, it does seem to me that we play better and in more control of the game with 433 though. As with Sat. Hence the conundrum.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

You'd best let Foxy and Linz know then. All that time, money and effort going into the site and people analysing what they thought about the game and all we should be doing is posting "yay we won"

Ahh, you've spotted it too.

As the founder and main sponsor of OFAC, any chance to have a go at anyone supporting the Blades is taken with such glee.

Back to the match, very enjoyable, which quite often means the ref was above average. Thought he was one of the better ones this season.

Oh come off it, you know what I mean. I haven't criticized DB's report (as ever, its good) and I haven't "had a go" at any individual fans.

Just saying that some aren't happy no matter how we win - which is clear for everyone to see. Now that's probably the same throughout football at every club, and you're right, it's what keeps this forum going and why tune in to Match of the Day / Football Heaven, for the debate.

 

[Pinchy]

Louis Reed is still a young kid learning the game. He is neither a goalscorer or prolific creator of chances at this stage of his career. He is a very promising youngster. No more than that right now.

Those who seem to think he should be a fixture in central midfield are indulging in a bit of Bladey wishful thinking! Basham and Coutts will turn out to be the best combination in CM, at least until James Wallace is (hopefully) fully fit.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

Louis Reed is still a young kid learning the game. He is neither a goalscorer or prolific creator of chances at this stage of his career. He is a very promising youngster. No more than that right now.

Those who seem to think he should be a fixture in central midfield are indulging in a bit of Bladey wishful thinking! Basham and Coutts will turn out to be the best combination in CM, at least until James Wallace is (hopefully) fully fit.

Basham and Kennedy are the key to play off success I think - having those two as center half / center mid has a knock on affect to the whole team, and gives us the height at set peices / center of the park.

Hopefully they can manage Kennedy through two games in a week if/when we get to the semi's.

 

[Grecian2000]

Hopefully they can manage Kennedy through two games in a week if/when we get to the semi's.

Second time in this thread that someone has suggested he can't do both legs of the PO Semi.

Is that a long standing thing or part of the current injury (or are they, in fact, the same thing)?

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

Second time in this thread that someone has suggested he can't do both legs of the PO Semi.

Is that a long standing thing or part of the current injury (or are they, in fact, the same thing)?

I don't know the in's and out's of it, but apparently he barely has any cartilage in one of his knee's, so he doesn't actually train that much. Similar to how Ledley King was. He would just do a light session once a week and then play in games. That's why its rare for Kennedy to play Saturday / Tuesday. So will be interesting to see what happens for the semi's.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I thought our midfield was very weak for the first hour. For me it's a big worry if Clough is still thinking that Baxter is suited to a midfield runner role, in front of the anchor (Coutts) alongside Holt. This position/role is just too demanding for him when the opposition doesn't just come to "park the bus". I put together this short video after a game a while ago and there was certainly material enough for a sequel, or more, last night:




It wasn't just Baxter who didn't play well. Coutts should also still be considered an immobile player who requires very fit partners. Like he had at Barnsley in Basham and Holt. There is reason to hope he'll become a good player for us, but defensively (tackling, positioning, aggression, leading) he's still not great and it shows more when the other two are struggling as well. Holt is a better chaser, able to close down quicker, but it's wasted when the other two doesn't join him in the chase. He's also very light weight and was outmuscled loads of times. With so many young midfielders similar in stature, Reed, Scougall, Dimaio, Cuvelier, I think we should look elsewhere for additions.

Our weak midfield meant Doncaster had more possession than I can remember any League One side have had at the Lane before, and they cut through us as well. Our first two goals came against the run of play. Just before our third we had switched to 4-4-2, Doyle had come on, we finally won a tackle in midfield and made them defend a couple of times. We weren't comfortable after this though.

I think our best chance of a successful end to this season is to look to what went right for us at Barnsley, and try to make that our way of playing for the rest of the campaign. If we can be strong, fit and aggressive in central midfield I think we will not just improve defensively, but also win the ball in good areas more often. Hopefully this will see us create chances as we have decent quality out wide and up front.

Baxter, I'd use him from the bench from now on.

 

[Jehovah]

Great game.
Great win.
Another absolutely diabolical performance from Coutts.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

FWIW Foulkes Jr Sr thinks McEveley might be able to play in midfield. (We both see him as a big liability at CH.) His distribution is good and he obviously is capable defensively, my concern would be positioning. A bit like when England tried Phil Jones against Italy.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I thought our midfield was very weak for the first hour. For me it's a big worry if Clough is still thinking that Baxter is suited to a midfield runner role, in front of the anchor (Coutts) alongside Holt. This position/role is just too demanding for him when the opposition doesn't just come to "park the bus". I put together this short video after a game a while ago and there was certainly material enough for a sequel, or more, last night:




It wasn't just Baxter who didn't play well. Coutts should also still be considered an immobile player who requires very fit partners. Like he had at Barnsley in Basham and Holt. There is reason to hope he'll become a good player for us, but defensively (tackling, positioning, aggression, leading) he's still not great and it shows more when the other two are struggling as well. Holt is a better chaser, able to close down quicker, but it's wasted when the other two doesn't join him in the chase. He's also very light weight and was outmuscled loads of times. With so many young midfielders similar in stature, Reed, Scougall, Dimaio, Cuvelier, I think we should look elsewhere for additions.

Our weak midfield meant Doncaster had more possession than I can remember any League One side have had at the Lane before, and they cut through us as well. Our first two goals came against the run of play. Just before our third we had switched to 4-4-2, Doyle had come on, we finally won a tackle in midfield and made them defend a couple of times. We weren't comfortable after this though.

I think our best chance of a successful end to this season is to look to what went right for us at Barnsley, and try to make that our way of playing for the rest of the campaign. If we can be strong, fit and aggressive in central midfield I think we will not just improve defensively, but also win the ball in good areas more often. Hopefully this will see us create chances as we have decent quality out wide and up front.

Baxter, I'd use him from the bench from now on.

Great analysis - as always.

Afaics everything hinges on Kennedy: he plays and that releases Bash into midfield. It all flows from there. If Kennedy doesn't play then it all looks and feels makeshift, no matter what we try.

 

[Silent Blade]

Coutts 4/10 – Another really poor performance. Maybe it is me but what are his qualities?

Were you at Barnsley last Saturday? He was easily MOTM. Strong at shielding the ball and passed well. Played a delightful ball to Flynn who could have opened the scoring but unfortunately Flynn slipped. Dont know why he didnt play as well last night

 

[Pedro Verde]

Were you at Barnsley last Saturday? He was easily MOTM. Strong at shielding the ball and passed well. Played a delightful ball to Flynn who could have opened the scoring but unfortunately Flynn slipped. Dont know why he didnt play as well last night

It certainly is a mystery same with Baxter

 

[grafikhaus]

Well I think Maguire (at the match last night) might be kicking his heels this summer...

Y'know. The more I think about this, the more it makes sense. Obviously the Hull move hasn't worked out and Hull can't expect a to get a fraction back of what they paid for HM (£2-2.5m?) His move to Wigan has also gone tits up so he's looking for a new club. A PL team is out of the question (sorry, Harry, you're just not up to that standard) but United in the Championship would make perfect sense. Even if we don't go up, we should still explore the possibility of him coming back (season-long loan, sharing wages with Hull?)

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

It certainly is a mystery same with Baxter

For us on Tuesday Baxter was less obviously poor than Coutts - who had a dreadful game, constantly conceding possession in dangerous areas - a totally different player from Satdi where he was a revelation.

Perhaps it is as Bergen suggests (I think): on Satdi we had Bashambauer in midfield doing the work for Coutts? Though there might well be more to it than that.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Y'know. The more I think about this, the more it makes sense. Obviously the Hull move hasn't worked out and Hull can't expect a to get a fraction back of what they paid for HM (£2-2.5m?) His move to Wigan has also gone tits up so he's looking for a new club. A PL team is out of the question (sorry, Harry, you're just not up to that standard) but United in the Championship would make perfect sense. Even if we don't go up, we should still explore the possibility of him coming back (season-long loan, sharing wages with Hull?)

From the little I've read about the departure - and we never really know what went on - I'd say he's burned his bridges and his boats and would have to eat a large slice of humble pie with his tail between his legs.

That's not really a criticism: understandably he took a shot at the big time but, for whatever reason, the split wasn't entirely amicable.

It would be good to have a fully functioning centre half on the books though.

Maybe someone somewhere can make it work.

 

[sheffielder]

Were you at Barnsley last Saturday? He was easily MOTM. Strong at shielding the ball and passed well. Played a delightful ball to Flynn who could have opened the scoring but unfortunately Flynn slipped. Dont know why he didnt play as well last night

Personally, I think it's because the midfield lacks energy without Basham in it. Coutts with runners off him in Basham and Holt has areas to pass to. With Baxter they both want to do it and are both incapable of making that forward run. Scougs could provide the same energy but is too similar to Holt, and the only person we have who would make us effective is Wallace if Basham continues to play at the back.

Considering Tel (best defender we have) can't play 2 games in a week, there are only 2 games he will miss between now and a possible play off final, Yeovil and either the 1st or 2nd leg. Mceverley is good enough to play both games, allowing us to keep Basham's energy in midfield. We might still be waiting for a few years for a goal or assist off him mind, however he makes a better team, especially with Coutts range of passing.

Wallace was on the pitch before the game warming up on Tuesday, so I hope he might give us another option before the end of the season.

 

[Grappler]

Y'know. The more I think about this, the more it makes sense. Obviously the Hull move hasn't worked out and Hull can't expect a to get a fraction back of what they paid for HM (£2-2.5m?) His move to Wigan has also gone tits up so he's looking for a new club. A PL team is out of the question (sorry, Harry, you're just not up to that standard) but United in the Championship would make perfect sense. Even if we don't go up, we should still explore the possibility of him coming back (season-long loan, sharing wages with Hull?)

Would he want to come back though, or would that be like having egg on his face and admitting defeat? I don't know, but the glaring truth is he was an absolute rock for us, much faster than we gave him credit for, strong and could score goals. Why he was never adequately replaced I will never know.