Deadbat
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In the end it was a comfortable afternoon and a fairly easy win with United completely dominating most of the second half to see off a poor Lincoln side. The game did not begin that way though and Lincoln were the better side for the first 30 minutes and had a few chances, as we began slowly, lacking ideas or penetration. It seemed more of the same (poor, slow football where teams where sharper and looked more of a threat) and we looked totally clueless with laborious sideways and backwards possession then ended normally with an aimless hoof. Not sure, outside of perhaps Peck and Kitchen, anyone played well. Lincoln grew in confidence and had all the efforts. To be fair to the Blades, the final 15 minutes we did have some efforts (Rothwell wide and Brereton Diaz) albeit from range and finally got the ball forward more quickly. The goal came from one touch stuff and the ball moved around quicker with McCallum sending a good ball in and Bamford, who had not been in the game, cleverly flicking home. We ended the half on top but were fortunate to lead.
Second half we were in total control. We came out and pinned them back with Rothwell missing a good chance and the football was quicker and played forward more. Bamford was influential and almost dropped into a ten role and the two wide men became much more influential. Chong had a decent 20 minutes and scored a decent team goal, after good work from Rothwell, who was much improved. The third, like the first, came from a quicker ball into the box, before the defence was set. The cross was good from Brereton Diaz but the finish was sublime from Bamford, who had his best half of the season and looked more like the player from last season. That was game, set and match. Changes were made for both teams but the final part of the game saw United see things out without much worry – with only one brilliant Cooper save from close range after a good ball from ex Blade Ogbene. Lincoln had not threatened at all up to this point in a very one-sided half. United controlled a game for the first time this season and were worthy winners as they played the ball quicker and as a collective, played higher up the field. Lincoln, who themselves were rather direct ran out of ideas and were well beaten. Despite an extremely officious official who was fussy and inconsistent, the Blades were able to get a much needed three points.
It was not a brilliant game. The standard was poor for large periods with some comedy moments of football from both teams. Balls being sliced behind, out of play and given away but United stepped it up for the second half and showed quality and experience to put the Imps away. They are a big powerful side but technically look bereft of ball players and I think will be nearer the bottom places. Credit United, and Wilder. A sluggish start to say the least but the goal kind of sparked them into life and then buoyed by this, put the foot down to take the victory. Wilder needed it after the dreadful end to the last set of games and some more bizarre comments in pressers, which had left a number doubting his future at the Lane. For now, his team responded and put in a decent performance to take the win and see us around half way. Two long trips away this week will be tricky, but if could win just one of them we will remain here before two games to come at the Lane.
I still have concerns over the fitness and conditioning (Phillips somehow injured over the break?) and we lacked pace and athleticism again but we did what we had to today. I am pleased we started to play the ball quicker (after the tepid build up first half) but there are still big improvements to make in terms of our style and way of playing. Better teams might have been a few goals to the good before we scored. There were pleasing individual performances and some return to form for a few – also good to see some returning players coming back from injury.
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Cooper 7/10 – Had a few shots coming in first half and lucky to see one header just go over his bar after terrible marking but he dealt with what he had to. His kicking was poor again (struggling to find half way and kicked two out) but made a superb save near the end from point blank range. Not sure how he kept this out?
Choudhury 6/10 – Thought he did ok today and maybe the best he has been. Not outstanding and still slow to react to things but did get to the ball more than he has done and defended ok. They got down his side to begin with but he improved as the game went on. Worrying he was still unable to complete a full game again though.
McCallum 6.5/10 - Started poorly, with a few loose touches and then got booked for a clumsy foul that could have cost us when Reach only hit Cooper’s midriff. Like Choudhury, he improved as the game went on and actually put a few good balls in, as he got up and down. Set up the second with a great ball and a few other decent balls. They hardly had an attack second half as both full backs played higher up. Won a lot of aerial stuff which was handy as they were a big side and used long throws/diagonals a lot.
Tanganga 4/10 – Thought he was our weakest player today. He won a few tackles/headers but too often gambles and gets caught out. Physically the big lad was able to shake him off a few times and completely lost him on the header. Three times in succession he passed it straight to them. Technically he is awful most of the time and to say he does not impose himself, I am still not convinced by him. Harsh booking when he seemed to be grabbed first (shirt pull) on the corner. Went to right back but left his man way too much room. When your worst player (today at least) is captain, that is a bit of a worry.
Kitching 7/10 – Our best defender today and used the ball well when he had it but did what he had to. Thought we were not engaging physically to begin with but he set the tone by winning a few headers/tackles. He actually used the ball well and tries to move it forward into midfield but often he kept being given the ball and it should be others kickstarting moves. He has been a solid signing so far on the whole. Nothing remarkable but does get stuck in and at least compete.
Rothwell 6/10 – Thought he was dreadful first half, like many others, barely seeing any of the ball and when he did, he went backwards and sideways. Seemed to not be in the game at all and they ran through the middle a fair bit although they were direct so missing midfield out but no excuse for us doing the same. Had one decent shot and then improved after this and thought second half he played quite well. He drove forward and was able to move it on quicker. Should have scored of course but then he set up the second and seemed to threading balls through or always looking to be more positive.
Peck 7/10 – Our stand out player first half and he was always getting stuck in, nicking loose balls and trying to be the one driving us. A few poor passes or touches but did not hide. Most of our better things came from him, as we were second best the first 30 minutes. Second half much the same, he looked to try and play forward passes, although Rothwell was much more involved. Bamford dropped back a fair bit and this helped us dominate the ball. A few slalom runs and seemed another that was unlucky to be booked (looked like he got pulled down?).
Brereton Diaz 6.5/10 – A mixed bag. Did some decent things and maybe the best he has played since he came back but he takes an age to do things and is painfully slow to move/get on the ball. When he did have the ball, a few nice touches and pieces of skill but he just does not have the pace to hurt teams. Couple of shots on goal but weak finishes when he should be doing better – but he was involved in some decent things and his early cross set up the second. Not convinced him and Chong, playing as inverse wingers works but they did swap a fair bit. Both kept coming onto stronger foot.
Chong 6.5/10 – First half he was given a fait bit of the ball but seemed like he was very predictable, as he kept coming onto his left foot and trying to come inside. This made it easy for Lincoln but he did put a few decent crosses in. HE was another who lacks the pace and aggressiveness to really hurt defenders and kept coming inside. I thought neither him or BBD were really hurting them but second half they both improved but particularly Chong. He became more direct, ran at them and went inside and outside. He had a few good runs before he got on the Rothwell pass to score (ironically may have not been going in – hit keeper and could have been a cross?) Better showing but would prefer Donovan to be honest but maybe Wilder thought he would be better used when they tired?
Cannon 5/10 – Thought he was largely anonymous sadly (as was Bamford till he scored!) Too often the ball comes off him or it does not stick and he is painfully weak in any kind of challenge. Not sure he had many touches first half at all. Did try and make runs and I suppose the direct stuff does not suit him but then when we play it to him, he struggles to hold it up or link play. Not sure him and Bamford have much of an understanding and feel we need either physicality or pace in a strike pairing. Second half became a bit more involved but did not have any efforts at goal, create anything meaningful or even really be part of many moves we made. Just a nothing sort of player – would love us to try and get some money back in January.
Bamford 8/10 – 8/10 seems high for someone who that up his goal who was as poor as Cannon, and not in the game most of the first half but his second half he was excellent. First half, it was not helped by our complete lack of service or play into the front two (still think they should move more and present more) but despite being way off the pace, as he had been much of the season, you know he can find a moment – unlike Cannon. The goal was a lovely flick and classic centre forward play. After this, he gained confidence and then became involved in many of our good moves second half. He dropped back into a 10 role and was more influential. Held it up, used it well and came back to retrieve possession a few times. He then scored a sumptuous third goal for us, which was only a half chance.
Subs –
McGuiness 6/10 – Some may have been surprised by the change but we did not have a right back on the bench (where is Doherty and Shackleton – these two like Phillips seem to be unfit despite not playing, or were they just not chosen?). I think Wilder was concerned about their physicality and that their route back was a set piece goal or something coming from a header so it proved a decent change. McGuiness did well and actually looked more comfortable than Tanganga did in this position.
Donovan 6/10 – The game was crying out for him first half and if we had not scored, surely, we would have put him on at half time? However, the goal saw us leave it at the break and we improved so we did not need to call on him. Despite Chong and BBD doing some of things second half, I still would want him starting and he might be getting a bit fed up, as he was been one of our most dangerous players this season. Did ok when he came on but at this point, the game was just being played to the finish.
Campbell – Not sure he had many touches; he chased down a few balls forward but at this stage we did not need to attack much.
One – Nice to see him back and get some time against the club he was on loan too. Blocked a few clearances and put himself about. Offers us something difference (pace and power) wide or up top. Want him to see more time moving forward over Cannon and Campbell ideally.
Riedewald – Just brought on to help see things out but the game was already decided.
Manager Rating: Wilder 7/10 – Three points, a clean sheet and a comfortable win – in the end. He will have been happy to see of a tricky fixture, especially when some pressure was building on him and the team. We were awful the first part of the game and you felt nothing had changed and wondered what we had been working on/the plan but the goal really gave us a big lift and the win was never in doubt after this. Credit to whatever he said at the break. Been very critical of him this season for not impacting the team after the breaks but he clearly got them up the field, seemed to tweak things with Bamford playing more withdrawn, saw us dominate the ball and we went through them a number of times, both centrally and out wide. It was played forward quicker with less touches and individually/collectively and tactically we hugely improved after the break.
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Lincoln – Started the game well and were the much better side. They looked to get it forward with big strikers (House and Street!) and utilised the long throws/free kicks with Reach taking most of these. They had 5 shots to 0 and were much more likely the first half hour. Missed a good headed chance and Reach will have been disappointed with his free kick too – he normally is excellent on these and in an ideal place for him. They looked up for the fight and were quicker and more physical. They pressured the backline and seemed to get to the ball first. We had not really tested the defence at all but then when we did, they showed weaknesses. The balls into the box wee not defended well at all and they did not react to players attacking the ball – all three goals saw players from United get to the ball first to finish. Thought the defenders looked slow and clumsy and we moved them about and found gaps. Second half, they were never in it and meekly surrended. They made changes but the game was up really by this stage. In the end, well beaten and will be frustrated they did not get a lead to start the game. It might have been different of course then. Overall, looked a fairly limited side that relied on throws, knock ons and set plays. Maybe that is harsh as they have done well this season and had some impressive wins. Lack quality and perhaps an out and out striker to nick the goals. I think they will struggle and be in a relegation fight and when injuries occur, will lack the depth of other sides. Home games will be so important to them of course.
Opposition player of the match – Street was lively early on and a handful but most of their chances seemed to come from Reach’s crosses/throws! Ogbene did ok when he came on and nearly made a goal with the ball in, that led to the Cooper wonder save.
Opposition weak link – Thought the centre backs were slow and Bamford showed his class against the big but immobile Bradley. McGrandles was booked and nearly got a second yellow as he struggled with Peck for long periods – before being withdrawn.
Referee – Josh Smith. Premier League ref isn’t he? Showed as he became fussy and totally inconsistent. He booked McCallum, rightly so for the foul on the edge of the box but then let them off for two or three cynical fouls (on Bamford and BBD) as we broke. He then booked McGrandles for a lesser offence and seemed to indicate it was a totting up – but this was more for the team than him? After this he seemed to decide to book players every sort of 10 minutes, so you could get away with fouls if you did it just after he had booked one! Thought he was making it up as he went along. The yellow for Tanganga – when it was Elerewe who was the aggressor. The Peck one also seemed like definite contact but to book him for diving seemed really harsh? He started booking players randomly near the end and there were so many soft free kicks and it became stop start. It was not a really dirty game at all and lacked fluency in terms of passing/technical play but his performance did not help at all.
Second half we were in total control. We came out and pinned them back with Rothwell missing a good chance and the football was quicker and played forward more. Bamford was influential and almost dropped into a ten role and the two wide men became much more influential. Chong had a decent 20 minutes and scored a decent team goal, after good work from Rothwell, who was much improved. The third, like the first, came from a quicker ball into the box, before the defence was set. The cross was good from Brereton Diaz but the finish was sublime from Bamford, who had his best half of the season and looked more like the player from last season. That was game, set and match. Changes were made for both teams but the final part of the game saw United see things out without much worry – with only one brilliant Cooper save from close range after a good ball from ex Blade Ogbene. Lincoln had not threatened at all up to this point in a very one-sided half. United controlled a game for the first time this season and were worthy winners as they played the ball quicker and as a collective, played higher up the field. Lincoln, who themselves were rather direct ran out of ideas and were well beaten. Despite an extremely officious official who was fussy and inconsistent, the Blades were able to get a much needed three points.
It was not a brilliant game. The standard was poor for large periods with some comedy moments of football from both teams. Balls being sliced behind, out of play and given away but United stepped it up for the second half and showed quality and experience to put the Imps away. They are a big powerful side but technically look bereft of ball players and I think will be nearer the bottom places. Credit United, and Wilder. A sluggish start to say the least but the goal kind of sparked them into life and then buoyed by this, put the foot down to take the victory. Wilder needed it after the dreadful end to the last set of games and some more bizarre comments in pressers, which had left a number doubting his future at the Lane. For now, his team responded and put in a decent performance to take the win and see us around half way. Two long trips away this week will be tricky, but if could win just one of them we will remain here before two games to come at the Lane.
I still have concerns over the fitness and conditioning (Phillips somehow injured over the break?) and we lacked pace and athleticism again but we did what we had to today. I am pleased we started to play the ball quicker (after the tepid build up first half) but there are still big improvements to make in terms of our style and way of playing. Better teams might have been a few goals to the good before we scored. There were pleasing individual performances and some return to form for a few – also good to see some returning players coming back from injury.
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Cooper 7/10 – Had a few shots coming in first half and lucky to see one header just go over his bar after terrible marking but he dealt with what he had to. His kicking was poor again (struggling to find half way and kicked two out) but made a superb save near the end from point blank range. Not sure how he kept this out?
Choudhury 6/10 – Thought he did ok today and maybe the best he has been. Not outstanding and still slow to react to things but did get to the ball more than he has done and defended ok. They got down his side to begin with but he improved as the game went on. Worrying he was still unable to complete a full game again though.
McCallum 6.5/10 - Started poorly, with a few loose touches and then got booked for a clumsy foul that could have cost us when Reach only hit Cooper’s midriff. Like Choudhury, he improved as the game went on and actually put a few good balls in, as he got up and down. Set up the second with a great ball and a few other decent balls. They hardly had an attack second half as both full backs played higher up. Won a lot of aerial stuff which was handy as they were a big side and used long throws/diagonals a lot.
Tanganga 4/10 – Thought he was our weakest player today. He won a few tackles/headers but too often gambles and gets caught out. Physically the big lad was able to shake him off a few times and completely lost him on the header. Three times in succession he passed it straight to them. Technically he is awful most of the time and to say he does not impose himself, I am still not convinced by him. Harsh booking when he seemed to be grabbed first (shirt pull) on the corner. Went to right back but left his man way too much room. When your worst player (today at least) is captain, that is a bit of a worry.
Kitching 7/10 – Our best defender today and used the ball well when he had it but did what he had to. Thought we were not engaging physically to begin with but he set the tone by winning a few headers/tackles. He actually used the ball well and tries to move it forward into midfield but often he kept being given the ball and it should be others kickstarting moves. He has been a solid signing so far on the whole. Nothing remarkable but does get stuck in and at least compete.
Rothwell 6/10 – Thought he was dreadful first half, like many others, barely seeing any of the ball and when he did, he went backwards and sideways. Seemed to not be in the game at all and they ran through the middle a fair bit although they were direct so missing midfield out but no excuse for us doing the same. Had one decent shot and then improved after this and thought second half he played quite well. He drove forward and was able to move it on quicker. Should have scored of course but then he set up the second and seemed to threading balls through or always looking to be more positive.
Peck 7/10 – Our stand out player first half and he was always getting stuck in, nicking loose balls and trying to be the one driving us. A few poor passes or touches but did not hide. Most of our better things came from him, as we were second best the first 30 minutes. Second half much the same, he looked to try and play forward passes, although Rothwell was much more involved. Bamford dropped back a fair bit and this helped us dominate the ball. A few slalom runs and seemed another that was unlucky to be booked (looked like he got pulled down?).
Brereton Diaz 6.5/10 – A mixed bag. Did some decent things and maybe the best he has played since he came back but he takes an age to do things and is painfully slow to move/get on the ball. When he did have the ball, a few nice touches and pieces of skill but he just does not have the pace to hurt teams. Couple of shots on goal but weak finishes when he should be doing better – but he was involved in some decent things and his early cross set up the second. Not convinced him and Chong, playing as inverse wingers works but they did swap a fair bit. Both kept coming onto stronger foot.
Chong 6.5/10 – First half he was given a fait bit of the ball but seemed like he was very predictable, as he kept coming onto his left foot and trying to come inside. This made it easy for Lincoln but he did put a few decent crosses in. HE was another who lacks the pace and aggressiveness to really hurt defenders and kept coming inside. I thought neither him or BBD were really hurting them but second half they both improved but particularly Chong. He became more direct, ran at them and went inside and outside. He had a few good runs before he got on the Rothwell pass to score (ironically may have not been going in – hit keeper and could have been a cross?) Better showing but would prefer Donovan to be honest but maybe Wilder thought he would be better used when they tired?
Cannon 5/10 – Thought he was largely anonymous sadly (as was Bamford till he scored!) Too often the ball comes off him or it does not stick and he is painfully weak in any kind of challenge. Not sure he had many touches first half at all. Did try and make runs and I suppose the direct stuff does not suit him but then when we play it to him, he struggles to hold it up or link play. Not sure him and Bamford have much of an understanding and feel we need either physicality or pace in a strike pairing. Second half became a bit more involved but did not have any efforts at goal, create anything meaningful or even really be part of many moves we made. Just a nothing sort of player – would love us to try and get some money back in January.
Bamford 8/10 – 8/10 seems high for someone who that up his goal who was as poor as Cannon, and not in the game most of the first half but his second half he was excellent. First half, it was not helped by our complete lack of service or play into the front two (still think they should move more and present more) but despite being way off the pace, as he had been much of the season, you know he can find a moment – unlike Cannon. The goal was a lovely flick and classic centre forward play. After this, he gained confidence and then became involved in many of our good moves second half. He dropped back into a 10 role and was more influential. Held it up, used it well and came back to retrieve possession a few times. He then scored a sumptuous third goal for us, which was only a half chance.
Subs –
McGuiness 6/10 – Some may have been surprised by the change but we did not have a right back on the bench (where is Doherty and Shackleton – these two like Phillips seem to be unfit despite not playing, or were they just not chosen?). I think Wilder was concerned about their physicality and that their route back was a set piece goal or something coming from a header so it proved a decent change. McGuiness did well and actually looked more comfortable than Tanganga did in this position.
Donovan 6/10 – The game was crying out for him first half and if we had not scored, surely, we would have put him on at half time? However, the goal saw us leave it at the break and we improved so we did not need to call on him. Despite Chong and BBD doing some of things second half, I still would want him starting and he might be getting a bit fed up, as he was been one of our most dangerous players this season. Did ok when he came on but at this point, the game was just being played to the finish.
Campbell – Not sure he had many touches; he chased down a few balls forward but at this stage we did not need to attack much.
One – Nice to see him back and get some time against the club he was on loan too. Blocked a few clearances and put himself about. Offers us something difference (pace and power) wide or up top. Want him to see more time moving forward over Cannon and Campbell ideally.
Riedewald – Just brought on to help see things out but the game was already decided.
Manager Rating: Wilder 7/10 – Three points, a clean sheet and a comfortable win – in the end. He will have been happy to see of a tricky fixture, especially when some pressure was building on him and the team. We were awful the first part of the game and you felt nothing had changed and wondered what we had been working on/the plan but the goal really gave us a big lift and the win was never in doubt after this. Credit to whatever he said at the break. Been very critical of him this season for not impacting the team after the breaks but he clearly got them up the field, seemed to tweak things with Bamford playing more withdrawn, saw us dominate the ball and we went through them a number of times, both centrally and out wide. It was played forward quicker with less touches and individually/collectively and tactically we hugely improved after the break.
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Lincoln – Started the game well and were the much better side. They looked to get it forward with big strikers (House and Street!) and utilised the long throws/free kicks with Reach taking most of these. They had 5 shots to 0 and were much more likely the first half hour. Missed a good headed chance and Reach will have been disappointed with his free kick too – he normally is excellent on these and in an ideal place for him. They looked up for the fight and were quicker and more physical. They pressured the backline and seemed to get to the ball first. We had not really tested the defence at all but then when we did, they showed weaknesses. The balls into the box wee not defended well at all and they did not react to players attacking the ball – all three goals saw players from United get to the ball first to finish. Thought the defenders looked slow and clumsy and we moved them about and found gaps. Second half, they were never in it and meekly surrended. They made changes but the game was up really by this stage. In the end, well beaten and will be frustrated they did not get a lead to start the game. It might have been different of course then. Overall, looked a fairly limited side that relied on throws, knock ons and set plays. Maybe that is harsh as they have done well this season and had some impressive wins. Lack quality and perhaps an out and out striker to nick the goals. I think they will struggle and be in a relegation fight and when injuries occur, will lack the depth of other sides. Home games will be so important to them of course.
Opposition player of the match – Street was lively early on and a handful but most of their chances seemed to come from Reach’s crosses/throws! Ogbene did ok when he came on and nearly made a goal with the ball in, that led to the Cooper wonder save.
Opposition weak link – Thought the centre backs were slow and Bamford showed his class against the big but immobile Bradley. McGrandles was booked and nearly got a second yellow as he struggled with Peck for long periods – before being withdrawn.
Referee – Josh Smith. Premier League ref isn’t he? Showed as he became fussy and totally inconsistent. He booked McCallum, rightly so for the foul on the edge of the box but then let them off for two or three cynical fouls (on Bamford and BBD) as we broke. He then booked McGrandles for a lesser offence and seemed to indicate it was a totting up – but this was more for the team than him? After this he seemed to decide to book players every sort of 10 minutes, so you could get away with fouls if you did it just after he had booked one! Thought he was making it up as he went along. The yellow for Tanganga – when it was Elerewe who was the aggressor. The Peck one also seemed like definite contact but to book him for diving seemed really harsh? He started booking players randomly near the end and there were so many soft free kicks and it became stop start. It was not a really dirty game at all and lacked fluency in terms of passing/technical play but his performance did not help at all.
