United 3 Portsmouth 0 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

It is back-to-back wins for the Blades and a repeat scoreline from Sunday’s derby victory as United moved out of the bottom three after a convincing victory over Portsmouth. Once again Michael Cooper did not have a save to make as United found their way into a scrappy game and applied the pressure to force a big moment when Terry Devlin spiked Japhet Tanganga’s header over the bar. The resultant red card and penalty saw United earn a man and goal advantage as Sydie Peck scored his first goal for the club. The second half saw the home side in complete control and further goals from Pat Bamford, his first for the club after Tanganga was denied again – this time by the bar and then a wonderful long-range screamer from the returning Gus Hamer; gave the scoreline a realistic margin by full time. The Blades were in complete control of the contest after the opening goal and played some great football as the visiting Pompey side looked well beaten long before the final whistle came.



There were two changes for the derby day heroes as Campbell and Ings were rotated out of the starting line up with Cannon and Bamford beginning up front – with United having three games in less than a week. Matos was back amongst the substitutes.



The brightest thing about the opening stages of a cagey contest was Portsmouth’s luminous yellow away kit. Neither side could find any sustained pressure or even prolonged possession and it became rather stop start. Brooks hit a shot over the bar in the first effort for either side whilst Bishop tested Cooper but it was relatively easy for the United keeper.



O’Hare was busy looking to find space off the Pompey defence whilst Murphy, as he often does, looked a threat down the side for the visitors. There was relatively little in the way of goalmouth action although both teams won a corner- that came to nothing with Cooper fouled on one and Poole clearing at the other end. The game lacked the intensity of the Sheffield Derby and the atmosphere was flat in comparison – not helped by the swirling rain. Bianchini headed off target for Pompey who were more than matching United in the early proceedings but as the game went on, the Blades started to find more of the ball and force the visitors back. Mee knocked down for Bamford who hit a decent effort not far wide.



Cannon and Brooks had shots blocked before good work down the right saw an opportunity set up for Bamford but he miskicked completely. United won several corners in succession but despite Schmid looking uncertain, they could not fashion a serious chance on target until Riedewald found himself completely free but could not beat the keeper who made the save from close range. McCallum’s next delivery saw Tanganga leap the highest and power his header goalwards. The keeper was beaten this time but Devlin diverted the ball over the bar; right on the goal line. However, it became quickly apparent that he had used his hand to stop the ball going over the line and referee Doughty had an obvious decision to make in awarding the penalty and sending the Pompey man off. There was no complaints from anyone as he slouched off the field with his shirt over his head.



Bamford looked like he was going to take the penalty kick but then there were gasps from the Bramall Lane crowd as the ball was given rather surprisingly to PECK – with the midfielder not scoring a goal yet for the club despite a number of attempts in the last two seasons. However, the execution was perfect as he drilled the ball into the corner despite Schmid going the right way. It was a popular goal as Peck wheeled away in jubilation to celebrate finally getting off the mark.

Just before the break, McCallum had a fierce shot palmed out by the keeper after good build up involving O’Hare.



The second half saw the visitors make an immediate change as Williams replaced Segecic but it was clear it was going to be a tough ask for Pompey who were pinned back immediately. O’Hare and Cannon won free kicks and Seriki and Brooks linked down the right. United won yet another corner and Pompey’s weaknesses aerially were exploited again. The ball came over and Tanganga and Poole converged on it and it came off a combination of both players smashing the bar. The ball dropped and BAMFORD bundled it over the lines despite Schmid’s attempts to keep it out. Bamford celebrated his first goal for 19 months in front of the Kop who sang the song he mocked Wilder with as the striker accompanied it with the hand gestures!



Murphy had a rare effort saved by Cooper before the action transferred back to the other end, as United continued to dominate. O’Hare, Brooks and Seriki were linking well and Cannon then had a powerful effort blocked.



There were a flurry of changes as Bamford and McCallum were replaced by Hamer and Burrows just after the hour mark. Kirk and Chaplin came on for Murphy and Bishop as Pompey perhaps thought about conserving energy for the weekend, with the game probably beyond them. Seriki was taken down by Kosznovszky earning the Pompey man a booking. Hamer’s dangerous cross just evaded Cannon but on 73 minutes, the game was completely finished as HAMER showed a massive moment of quality. O’Hare dropped the ball off and Hamer took a touch to steady himself before hammering the ball into the top corner from fully 25 yards. A superb goal and showed his pedigree.



Ings came on for Cannon before United nearly made it four. Brooks danced down the right and his direct run saw his cross shot palmed away but Hamer blazed over when he maybe should have done better. McGuinness and Soumare came on for Seriki and Riedewald.



Ings then thought he had scored his first goal after being threaded thought to finish but the assistant’s flag went up. Replays showed that he was probably onside and the goal should have stood. There was 4 minutes of stoppage time played but the only side that looked like scoring again was the home side as they moved the ball around in confident fashion.



United – Did the job and followed up Sunday with a professional and assured performance. The first half hour was quite dull and there was little noise from the terraces. Both teams gave it away a lot and lacked any real composure. They had a few sort of half moments and we had the same but gradually we started to create more than Pompey – Bamford had a few opportunities – one good effort and another he miskicked. Riedewald should have also done better really with a good chance. So, I felt we were starting to apply some pressure but their manager is right – there appeared little in the game. I thought we would get stronger as the game went on and with some good forwards/options in reserve so I was kind of ok even if we were not really as secure with the ball as I would hope. It was not as crisp in terms of the passing and keeping the ball but we were starting to have moments. The penalty / red card / goal is a big moment but we forced it by winning the corner and then a great header that would have been a goal if the defender does not do that.



After this, it was all United and we nearly got a second before half time but then after the break we score from another set play. We coast to the win after this and could and should have had more. We played some decent football, albeit versus ten but moved it around and strong play from O’Hare, Peck, Seriki, Brooks and Cannon/Bamford looked a threat too. Hamer comes on and scores a superb goal and you think we might go and get 4 or 5 but it did not quite happen despite some decent chances.



I do not think anyone was superb but we had a lot of solid to good performances and we also rested some key strikers. I thought Pompey looked a poor side though (yes, the 10 men helps hugely!) and like the game versus Wednesday, I am not going to get too carried away but it is another 3-0 win, another clean sheet, and another game where players look more confident and put away an opponent with ease.



Leicester will be a tougher task but been an excellent week so far and we need to keep this run going. I’d take a draw and then set us up for 2 home games in a row (Norwich and Stoke). Getting out of the bottom three is a big step – as we have been stuck there all season – but we need to ensure we keep moving away. It would still need a sustained run to even get to near the mid table places and we do have some harder games to come but we have took some positive steps. We are not conceding stupid goal, look more secure and finally have some strikers finding some form – with others chipping in goals too. Credit Wilder. I have been critical of him but we have seen improvements and look like we might be able to start turning the corner.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Nothing to do at all really. Made an easy save from a Bishop shot early on. Kicked a few out and got fouled on a corner but other than a push over from a Murphy shot, it was another quiet night.



Seriki 6.5/10 - Not quite as involved as the Derby but he still did ok and was a threat with his forward runs. Few loose touches and distribution now always there but a constant outlet. First half did not get forward as much but after the red card, he helped us stay up the field. Some nice moves and drove into the area. Sometimes he panics with his final moment/pass but he sent one good ball in not far off Cannon. Hope he can stay fit as his return to the side has made a big difference and looks quick, hungry and always tries to make things happen.



McCallum 6.5/10 – Solid enough again but a few balls bounced off him I felt and not as secure in possession. Had one shot driven at the keeper. Second half he linked a few times down the left but came off with half an hour left. Some decent balls into the box and his two corners led to the penalty/2nd goal.



Mee 6.5/10 – Just did his job again. Nothing flashy but uses the ball well for a centre half. Not really pressured and after the red card, they had to sit back and could not throw men forward. Composed and calm and the defence looks solid currently -granted versus poor opponents in the last three games.



Tanganga 7.5/10 – Won a lot of headers and came onto the ball when it came towards him. He looked in determined mood and this was summed up by two great efforts – one that led to the penalty and the one off the bar via him and a defender. He will get his goal soon – deserved one tonight. Looks far better at centre back.



Peck 7.5/10 – Delighted he got his goal. Thought our midfield were sloppy and not as secure the first half hour but he did improve as the game went on and whilst I was surprised he was given it – he took it well and clearly meant a lot to him. This gave him a big lift and second half saw a lot more of the ball and helped us completely control it.



Riedewald 6/10 – As with Peck, he started slowly and a bit loose but started to help us control the game. He was another that was not spectacular but just kept it and moved it on. A player that will not wow you but does a functional job for the midfield and allows the forwards in front to take chances with their runs. Should have done better with the chance first half.



O’Hare 7.5/10 – Another good performance. Might just shade Tanganga and Peck for man of the match. He was constantly in motion and worked so hard. A lot of recoveries for the team and always seemed to the one receiving it or making runs. He linked well with others and his control and passing kickstarted many attacks after the break. In top form at the moment.



Brooks 6.5/10 – Impressed me again with his hard work and the defensive side even if not always an end product. He started quiet but grew into the game and made better decisions with the ball too. Did not always come on his left and varied it more. His pass to Bamford should have seen a shot on target and the then second half linked well down the right with others. Had some good runs where he burst way and unlucky not to set up a few goals with his dribbling and balls across. Seems to be finding some consistency and his link up with Seriki has given us pace and dynamism we have not had this season.



Bamford 6.5/10 – Flitted in and out of the game but a few nice touches. Missed a decent chance that he ballooned (did it bobble?) first half but he made some good runs and held it up ok. Got his goal second half when he was on the spot. Amusing to see him doing the arm gesture as the Kop sang the Der, Der, Der song! Not sure he will play many full games or even start that many but did ok tonight.



Cannon 6/10 –As with Bamford – he did his job in terms of running off the ball and offering an outlet. He has definitely been much better – albeit from a low bar – as he has at least controlled the ball/held it a bit and made some runs off defenders. He was slow to react to a few balls across – one second half from the cross over from the right. Still does not quite anticipate things but he worked hard tonight and got a decent reception when he departed.



Subs -

Hamer 7.5/10 –Came on and played one superb cross and just showed his class with his passing and interplay. The goal was simply tremendous- hit so hard and accurate- giving the keeper no chance. He had a few other moments too where he got on it and just came away from his man. He did miss one good chance though at the end.



Burrows 6/10 – Quiet-ish but got down the left and was able to help us recycle the ball around and a few decent runs even if the crosses did not find a man. I do expect him eventually to come back in over McCallum but not yet as the form of McCallum has been fine and Burrows was rightly dropped.



Ings – Scored another offside – although replays suggested this one was on. Got caught offside quite a few times and needs to be more alive to the balls and stay onside.



Soumare – Few neat passes and interceptions but the game became easy for us at this point with everyone having so much time on the ball.



McGuiness – Did not do anything particularly wrong but saw the drop off in terms of how he distribute the ball and generally did not look as composed. We have improved massively since he was taken out of the side and we changed formation.





Manager: Wilder 7/10 – Another win and another clean sheet. We did what we had to – he rotated players, made changes and even though was not a great first half hour, we got in front and then eased to the win. His signings, that I criticised, Riedewald and Bamford, have come in and made a difference and helped settle us in key areas. Credit for him going back to a 4 and Tanganga at the back and taking out McGuiness. That has helped hugely for me. I think he must see this. I would hope he is ruthless in January and as well as sending all the loans back (I mean all – Soumare is not playing and not sure he is worth any kind of fee long term) and looking to maybe see if anyone will take McGuiness and Matos (and a few others) and bring 3 or 4 in.

Portsmouth – I thought they would do much better than how they are faring this season. Had a decent first season back at this level – stayed up and in the end with a bit to spare. I like Mousinho (although he would not shut up talking to the fourth official first half!) and think he has done a really good job. He seemed to bring a few decent recruits in to add to what he had but they have struggled to get going and dropped off recently. They concede a lot of goals from set plays and become a bit of a soft touch. I thought they might be a dark horse for the playoffs but in a tight division and with the promoted teams doing well, they look like it might be a season of struggle.



They won well against a decent Millwall side at the weekend but then tonight despite staying in the game imploded on a moment of madness. The penalty/red card of course changes it but as much as opposition manager’s like Mousinho say it completely changed the game- they fail to realise when they say such things, that it was their own player’s stupid mistake and error. He would have been better letting it in rather than doing that he did – although get it is a natural reaction really in some ways. 1-0 and 11 v 11, they have more of chance. They concede a penalty, goal and red card and then they are struggling to even stay in the game. After this they never really looked likely to even stay close to us and with better finishing/more clinical play, could have lost by even more.



Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure anyone really came out and impressed? Murphy showed a few flashes but even he faded and McCallum dealt with him well before he switched wings.



Opponent Weak link – A number struggled. They had little up front and I like Bishop but Mee handled him well. Midfield slowly started to get overrun even before the red card. Thought the keeper was not convincing on crosses but Devlin has to take this award for being sent off and conceding the penalty.



Referee / Officials – Leigh Doughty. Easy game to referee really. The red card was obvious on replay but I was not certain at the time so a good spot by him. Only one other yellow and not sure there were many bad tackles – they sort of stood off and we just knocked it about. It resembled a practice match of attack v defence at times.







Crowd – Really flat on the back of the derby win. That was disappointing but a night match and a crowd that is a bit lower due to not the most attractive opposition and a cold, Wednesday night meant that it would always be a bit of a come down. There only seemed to be noise when we scored and was really subdued despite the big win. Safe standing had made no real difference sadly so far. Credit Pompey fans. Superb following in terms of numbers (maybe 1,200-400) on a night match travelling 4+ hours. Saw them all going back on the coach and felt sorry for them. Ridiculous that the EFL schedules such games/trips midweek.

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

FIRST SOMEHOW???

 

[N20 Blade]

Agree with your assessment as ever Deadbat with thanks. Would maybe mark McCallum higher given his involvement in two goals and handling their best player (Murphy) pretty well. First and foremost, great turnout from PFC.

 

[Valley Blade]

Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Nothing to do at all really. Made an easy save from a Bishop shot early on. Kicked a few out and got fouled on a corner but other than a push over from a Murphy shot, it was another quiet night.



Seriki 6.5/10 - Not quite as involved as the Derby but he still did ok and was a threat with his forward runs. Few loose touches and distribution now always there but a constant outlet. First half did not get forward as much but after the red card, he helped us stay up the field. Some nice moves and drove into the area. Sometimes he panics with his final moment/pass but he sent one good ball in not far off Cannon. Hope he can stay fit as his return to the side has made a big difference and looks quick, hungry and always tries to make things happen.



McCallum 6.5/10 – Solid enough again but a few balls bounced off him I felt and not as secure in possession. Had one shot driven at the keeper. Second half he linked a few times down the left but came off with half an hour left. Some decent balls into the box and his two corners led to the penalty/2nd goal.



Mee 6.5/10 – Just did his job again. Nothing flashy but uses the ball well for a centre half. Not really pressured and after the red card, they had to sit back and could not throw men forward. Composed and calm and the defence looks solid currently -granted versus poor opponents in the last three games.



Tanganga 7.5/10 – Won a lot of headers and came onto the ball when it came towards him. He looked in determined mood and this was summed up by two great efforts – one that led to the penalty and the one off the bar via him and a defender. He will get his goal soon – deserved one tonight. Looks far better at centre back.



Peck 7.5/10 – Delighted he got his goal. Thought our midfield were sloppy and not as secure the first half hour but he did improve as the game went on and whilst I was surprised he was given it – he took it well and clearly meant a lot to him. This gave him a big lift and second half saw a lot more of the ball and helped us completely control it.



Riedewald 6/10 – As with Peck, he started slowly and a bit loose but started to help us control the game. He was another that was not spectacular but just kept it and moved it on. A player that will not wow you but does a functional job for the midfield and allows the forwards in front to take chances with their runs. Should have done better with the chance first half.



O’Hare 7.5/10 – Another good performance. Might just shade Tanganga and Peck for man of the match. He was constantly in motion and worked so hard. A lot of recoveries for the team and always seemed to the one receiving it or making runs. He linked well with others and his control and passing kickstarted many attacks after the break. In top form at the moment.



Brooks 6.5/10 – Impressed me again with his hard work and the defensive side even if not always an end product. He started quiet but grew into the game and made better decisions with the ball too. Did not always come on his left and varied it more. His pass to Bamford should have seen a shot on target and the then second half linked well down the right with others. Had some good runs where he burst way and unlucky not to set up a few goals with his dribbling and balls across. Seems to be finding some consistency and his link up with Seriki has given us pace and dynamism we have not had this season.



Bamford 6.5/10 – Flitted in and out of the game but a few nice touches. Missed a decent chance that he ballooned (did it bobble?) first half but he made some good runs and held it up ok. Got his goal second half when he was on the spot. Amusing to see him doing the arm gesture as the Kop sang the Der, Der, Der song! Not sure he will play many full games or even start that many but did ok tonight.



Cannon 6/10 –As with Bamford – he did his job in terms of running off the ball and offering an outlet. He has definitely been much better – albeit from a low bar – as he has at least controlled the ball/held it a bit and made some runs off defenders. He was slow to react to a few balls across – one second half from the cross over from the right. Still does not quite anticipate things but he worked hard tonight and got a decent reception when he departed.



Subs -

Hamer 7.5/10 –Came on and played one superb cross and just showed his class with his passing and interplay. The goal was simply tremendous- hit so hard and accurate- giving the keeper no chance. He had a few other moments too where he got on it and just came away from his man. He did miss one good chance though at the end.



Burrows 6/10 – Quiet-ish but got down the left and was able to help us recycle the ball around and a few decent runs even if the crosses did not find a man. I do expect him eventually to come back in over McCallum but not yet as the form of McCallum has been fine and Burrows was rightly dropped.



Ings – Scored another offside – although replays suggested this one was on. Got caught offside quite a few times and needs to be more alive to the balls and stay onside.



Soumare – Few neat passes and interceptions but the game became easy for us at this point with everyone having so much time on the ball.



McGuiness – Did not do anything particularly wrong but saw the drop off in terms of how he distribute the ball and generally did not look as composed. We have improved massively since he was taken out of the side and we changed formation.





Manager: Wilder 7/10 – Another win and another clean sheet. We did what we had to – he rotated players, made changes and even though was not a great first half hour, we got in front and then eased to the win. His signings, that I criticised, Riedewald and Bamford, have come in and made a difference and helped settle us in key areas. Credit for him going back to a 4 and Tanganga at the back and taking out McGuiness. That has helped hugely for me. I think he must see this. I would hope he is ruthless in January and as well as sending all the loans back (I mean all – Soumare is not playing and not sure he is worth any kind of fee long term) and looking to maybe see if anyone will take McGuiness and Matos (and a few others) and bring 3 or 4 in.

Portsmouth – I thought they would do much better than how they are faring this season. Had a decent first season back at this level – stayed up and in the end with a bit to spare. I like Mousinho (although he would not shut up talking to the fourth official first half!) and think he has done a really good job. He seemed to bring a few decent recruits in to add to what he had but they have struggled to get going and dropped off recently. They concede a lot of goals from set plays and become a bit of a soft touch. I thought they might be a dark horse for the playoffs but in a tight division and with the promoted teams doing well, they look like it might be a season of struggle.



They won well against a decent Millwall side at the weekend but then tonight despite staying in the game imploded on a moment of madness. The penalty/red card of course changes it but as much as opposition manager’s like Mousinho say it completely changed the game- they fail to realise when they say such things, that it was their own player’s stupid mistake and error. He would have been better letting it in rather than doing that he did – although get it is a natural reaction really in some ways. 1-0 and 11 v 11, they have more of chance. They concede a penalty, goal and red card and then they are struggling to even stay in the game. After this they never really looked likely to even stay close to us and with better finishing/more clinical play, could have lost by even more.



Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure anyone really came out and impressed? Murphy showed a few flashes but even he faded and McCallum dealt with him well before he switched wings.



Opponent Weak link – A number struggled. They had little up front and I like Bishop but Mee handled him well. Midfield slowly started to get overrun even before the red card. Thought the keeper was not convincing on crosses but Devlin has to take this award for being sent off and conceding the penalty.



Referee / Officials – Leigh Doughty. Easy game to referee really. The red card was obvious on replay but I was not certain at the time so a good spot by him. Only one other yellow and not sure there were many bad tackles – they sort of stood off and we just knocked it about. It resembled a practice match of attack v defence at times.







Crowd – Really flat on the back of the derby win. That was disappointing but a night match and a crowd that is a bit lower due to not the most attractive opposition and a cold, Wednesday night meant that it would always be a bit of a come down. There only seemed to be noise when we scored and was really subdued despite the big win. Safe standing had made no real difference sadly so far. Credit Pompey fans. Superb following in terms of numbers (maybe 1,200-400) on a night match travelling 4+ hours. Saw them all going back on the coach and felt sorry for them. Ridiculous that the EFL schedules such games/trips midweek.

Disagree about Soumare. He is a good player with a lot of potential. He is a very useful player to have as back up so needs to be kept.

 

[Grappler]

Have replays confirmed that Ings was onside for his disallowed goal?, looked like a tight call to me.

 

[N20 Blade]

Have replays confirmed that Ings was onside for his disallowed goal?, looked like a tight call to me.

deffo off

 

[anglian blade]

I wonder if Ings is getting caught because he is expecting the pass a bit earlier and our midfield hasn't quite got the speed of thought/action he is used to in the Prem?

 

[bakeblade]

Disagree about Soumare. He is a good player with a lot of potential. He is a very useful player to have as back up so needs to be kept.

We don't have the option to send him back

 

[bakeblade]

Have replays confirmed that Ings was onside for his disallowed goal?, looked like a tight call to me.

Tight, but looked the correct call.
He's offside far too much and last night looked very lazy getting back on side. If we can get someone else in I wouldn't keep him.

 

[Grappler]

Tight, but looked the correct call.
He's offside far too much and last night looked very lazy getting back on side. If we can get someone else in I wouldn't keep him.

Cheers.

 

[MadDad38]

I didn't rate Mee in his first few games for us but thought he snaffled most things up last night. Riedewald also deserved a higher mark than Brooks imo (which is me praising Jairo rather than particularly slagging AB).

 

[Deadbat]

Tight, but looked the correct call.
He's offside far too much and last night looked very lazy getting back on side. If we can get someone else in I wouldn't keep him.

Roygbiv and Liam from Who remembers pod told me it was onside. Those lads are never wrong.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks for the report Deadbat
I thought Murphy was really poor and didn't notice him threaten at all and I thought the other winger Bianchini? was more of a threat. Perhaps I was expecting more from Murphy because he really gave us a going over last season and we were very lucky to win at BDTBL.
Still not convinced by Cannon and to me, he looks afraid of physical contact. It was a improvement though and I genuinely hope he becomes the £10m player we thought we'd bought.

 

[Roygbiv]

Roygbiv and Liam from Who remembers pod told me it was onside. Those lads are never wrong.

Second one was onside. Even Chris Iwelumo said it was onside and he's 47 years old

 

[bladesince64]

Not only is playing with another striker beneficial for Cannons strengths as a goalscorer but also the team as a whole playing more on the front foot will undoubtedly mean more chances created.

In a way the pressure on Wilder to achieve promotion is lessened now and he can be more adventurous.

Last season the plan as we all know was to get a goal then shut up shop and it was not the prettiest to watch but unarguably was successful.

Maybe a new more attacking set up will now reap rewards.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Yes Deadbat. Point taken, Portsmouth and Southampton both travelled here midweek. Terrible for the fans.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Thought Cannon was better than Brooks, who I thought was our worst player. He plays in short bursts, is slow to react and is a bit predictable. Cannon made some good runs against Pompey, linked up well with Bamford and although it's plain to see his confidence is shot, there's actually been a few green shoots the last couple of games.

UTBFTP