Deadbat
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After a break from league play due to the FA Cup 4th round and the British weather forcing postponement; United got back to winning ways as they eventually saw off Wycombe Wanderers at a bitterly cold Bramall Lane. The home side were unable to break down a resilient visiting side that often had all 11 men behind the ball until the second half.
The vital opening goal came when substitute Will Hoskins scored with virtually his first touch as he latched onto a deflected though ball. After this there was only one winner and another goal from leading scorer Ched Evans and a late deflected effort from Kevin McDonald saw the Blades continue their impressive home form. With news that neighbours and rivals Wednesday had lost to a late goal at Exeter and it was a good day for United with most of the division out of action due to the inclement weather.
United began with the same side that has started many of its recent games with Cresswell and Evans continuing up front, Williamson and Quinn on the flanks and McDonald and Doyle in the centre of midfield. The backline was unchanged with Jean Francois continuing to get the nod over Marcus Williams. Wycombe had former Blade James Harper in their line up but began with a 5-4-1 line up with no place for player coach Ainsworth that once again seemed to have sustained an injury in the build-up to the game at the Lane.
United were immediately on top with Evans involved in most things. The striker had a chance when Cresswell fired a cross over but he could not get enough purchase on the ball and then Evans had a free kick into the wall after Quinn was fouled. United continued to come again and Quinn appealed for a hand ball as his cross struck a defender. Soon after the influential McDonald played Doyle in and his shot was blocked out.
It had been all United so far and the game has been played almost exclusively in the visitors half but a warning came when they had a break out of defence and a rare opening. The ball eventually dropped for Beavon who drove a low shot that went just wide and had Simonsen scrambling across his goal.
Quinn then had two opportunities; a header that skewed off target and a weak free kick that was straight into the arms of Bull. United were having all of the possession and completely dominating the game but were struggling to create many clear cut chances but they did have a chance when Evans scuffed effort bounced wide and then McDonald cut in and hit a fierce shot from range that went narrowly wide. The Chairboys were taking their time over every free/goal kick and throw in and a number of times the officials had to tell them to get on with things. It was clear they were trying to take the sting out of the game at every opportunity. They did have another rare break out but Bloomfield was booked for diving when he tried to claim Maguire had tripped him and United were soon back on the attack as Maguire stepped out with the space afforded him but shot over. Just before the break Evans hit a long range shot but it was well over and when Bull kicked the resultant goal kick clear the referee blew for half time.
United made a change at the break as Flynn replaced Williamson and immediately the home side had a very good opportunity to go in front. Jean Francois had tried to play in Evans but eventually after a McDonald shot was blocked the ball was played into Evans path by Cresswell. The striker smashed the shot into the side netting when he ought to have done better. From a corner soon after Lowton headed over when again he maybe ought to have worked Bull; who for all the play being played just in front of him had not really had a save to make. McDonald then curled wide before Harper who had been largely anonymous so far had a decent effort wide of Simonsen’s right hand post.
Wycombe continued to frustrate as they packed the central area of the field and the zone just in front of their own penalty area and were intent on making United break them down with a clever ball or penetration/pace and the game had settled into the same defence versus attack pattern of the first half again.
From a cross from Maguire, Cresswell’s header was firm but over. It was a good opportunity but it was to be the veteran’s last action as immediately after he was replaced by newcomer Hoskins who came on for his debut. After Simonsen took two attempts to gather a Beavon shot United went back on the offensive and were finally able to get the opening goal. The ball was loose and after Doyle’s block tackle the ball ricocheted into the area behind the centre backs and the keeper. HOSKINS nipped in and was able to react quicker than anyone else as he poked the ball under the advancing Bull. It was a smart, reactionary finish and a vital breakthrough in a game United had completely controlled but had been unable to make many clear chances.
Lewis came on for Whichelow but soon after the game seemed up for Wycombe. Flynn and Lowton combined and the former was able to get into the box and was clearly held back. Appeals for the spot kick came from the Kop behind but the game continued and as the ball came across from Lowton it was returned by Jean Francois. EVANS took a touch and twisted one way, then another before hitting a clinical finish beyond the helpless keeper to make it 2-0. It was a crucial goal that gave United the cushion and with the visitors creating little in the game would surely be enough to seal victory.
The visitors made further changes in an attempt to get back into the game with McNamee and McClure coming on for Strevens and Johnson as they went with a more attacking line up. They did at least have a passage of play where they forced successive corners. McNamee also had a free kick but it hit Collins. The game was petering out to a comfortable victory and United replaced Evans with Porter just before the additional four minutes of stoppage time. United added the final gloss to the score line and performance when MCDONALD picked up the ball outside the box and hit a long range shot that deflected off defender Winfield and wrong footed Bull before nestling into the net. The United fans saluted Danny Wilson just before the final whistle as attentions turned to the vital showdown at Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
United – We dominated the game in terms of possession (70% over the game), territorial advantage and efforts on goal but despite this we struggled to create many clear cut chances until we took the lead. It was really hard work at times and was a real slog despite us having all of the possession and never looking in much danger at the other end. It was not a terrific performance and at times we were quite frustrating despite all of our domination.
In the first half in particular we were so, so slow in building up and often allowed Wycombe to get all their players behind the ball. We took too many touches, too many passes and if anything over played (not something United could be accused of much in my lifetime!). We moved it about and did pass the ball well but we did not attack with pace and also allowed them to bring men over and bottle it up. We did not cross from deep enough and did not get beyond them/down the line enough. Our lack of pace was evident as they held a deep line and just waited till we got to the last third and then crowded us out. Their game plan worked really well and even though they just had one up front would have been delighted how the game went even if we were on top. They even had a couple of long range shots of their own just wide.
United needed to do something different and change the way we attacked. In the second half, we replaced Flynn with Williamson and it seemed evident we tried to move the ball quicker and use the flanks more. The play had been too narrow in the first half but we started to expand out play somewhat. We did up the pace quite a bit and pinned them back. The pressure started to crank up and eventually you felt we may get a breakthrough but the game drifted along and it did not come until Hoskins smart finish. After this the game was over really. They did not really out anymore nor change their formation much and when the second went in it was definitely over. They then brought on another attacker (McNamee) but it was too late and a late flurry aside they never really threatened us. The third was the icing on the cake if a little fortunate. Indeed with that goal and the first which deflected into Hoskins path, we did have a bit of luck today which was a change from many games this season. However, we did dominate the game and no one can say we did not deserve to win the game even though it took us longer than other recent home games to get in front.
We at least stayed patient and did not resort to hoofing it which was pleasing. Wilson even admitted himself that we were too slow and deliberate in the build-up in the first half. At times we rely too much on McDonald threading a ball through, on Evans finding a yard and getting a shot away or Lowton penetrating down the left. Too many of our players at times don’t take responsibility (Quinn and Williamson were chief culprits today) turning inside and asking others to make the pass or cross. We are crying out for pace and a bit more creativity. Hoskins looked sharp when he came on and looked to get on the ball but out wide we don’t have natural wingers and they often come inside and we get funnelled into a midfield battle where everything is a bit tight. Saying that we did pass the ball well and it is nice to see us keep the ball; even for the above criticism over the lack of speed/creativity in last third. It is good to see a Blades side mostly look comfortable on the ball but again some of the praise has to be tempered with the poor opponents. Tuesday night will be a truer test and we have still not beaten any of the other top 3 teams in the division. If we could win at Huddersfield it would be a massive boost and put us firmly in the driving seat with our games in hand. I would take a draw there of course too but a win there would really give us a great chance with 3 of 4 home games to come (with just a small game over the city sandwiched amongst them) in the coming weeks. I fear Rhodes may be a bit nimble for our centre backs and they were quite physical at the Lane; something we have struggled with. We need to go there with confidence, match them with the physical battles and then let our football take over as I feel we can create chances. I am not getting carried away by us winning and ‘them’ losing as come Tuesday (all top 6 meet each other), it could easily be us losing and ‘them’ winning. In fact my negative side probably expects that and we will be back to where we were. However, if they do fail to win and we get a result, we have a real opportunity to get a stranglehold on second.
Wycombe – They cannot say they deserved anything despite Waddock saying how well they did. They had 5 shots (3 on target) to our 23 (10 on target) and had very little of the ball nor did they even venture into our half very much. They came for a point (if they got a goal on the break and could get three points then even better) and from minute one the way they set up and the way they time wasted (ridiculously at times) showed their approach.
I cannot blame them as their team and wage bill/resources in comparison to ours means it is difficult to compete but they can occasionally spring a surprise as they showed when they beat us earlier in the season. For the first hour they would have been really pleased and felt they were on track to get exactly what they wanted. It was working well and they must have felt another 10-15 minutes and United may have started to get desperate and start lumping it up.
After we scored they kind of just gave up and the result was never in doubt, it just seemed a question of how many. We scored a few more and despite their manager saying it was a little flattering; it was a relatively comfortable win in the end despite the toils of the first hour for United. Wycombe were much more organised than some of the teams down at the Lane and defended much better than many (quite a few teams above them too have looked more susceptible at the back). They may stay up if they have the same resolve and organisation and will pick up the odd point here and there away from home. It will be their home form that will decide their fate.
As for individuals, the lad Beavon up front worked hard on his own and had a few decent efforts but was hopelessly isolated and had to fight two or three defenders for loose balls most of the time. The backline headed the ball away and got tight on Evans and Cresswell and limited the space behind them as the third centre back cleaned up any scraps behind them. Harper was exactly how I remembered him at the Lane. He began his pointless pointing right from the kick off as he pointed where he wanted them to kick it. He then continued this act for much of the game pointing to United players he wanted anyone but himself to pick up and absolving himself of all responsibility. Can barely remember him touching the ball till he had the shot wide which to be fair was a decent effort. Probably found his level (lower league one). As for Gareth Ainsworth, I do think it is a but gutless he never plays. He made a terrible challenge that a player who was a local hero had to retire from. Yes, it was desperately disappointing what happened and yes of course he will get boos when he returns but so what? He made the tackle and has to live with the consequences. Man up and play. Take the boos/laugh them off; get on with it. I do find it pathetic he cannot face playing when it seems clear he feigns an injury every time we play them.
Simonsen 6/10 – Had little to do really but I do think at times he was slow off his line to through balls and also a couple of crosses that came in near the end he was once again rooted to his line. Saved one shot from Beavon that he nearly spilt into an incoming attacker.
Lowton 7.5/10 – One of our better attacking threats as he continues to motor down the right flank and support our attacks. He showed good quick feet and was able to interchange and exchange passes with others to create half chances/openings. Some of his crossing was mixed as a few hit the first man
Francois 7/10 – Steady game. Won tackles and defended sensibly faced with little pressure (did not really have an out and out winger against him). He got forward and supported
Maguire 7/10 – Made a few tackles and blocks but had little to do in terms of out and out defending and most of his play was dealing with long balls, controlling it and bringing the ball out of defence to create things. At times he could have come forward more and advanced further and sometimes played it too early from too deep or played it across.
Collins 7/10 – Did what he had to in terms of defending but again he had little pressure and spent more time on the ball then he had probably in any game all season. Did help us retain possession but as with Maguire I felt at times he was too slow to advance the ball and played it across or to the side when we could have got forward more.
Doyle 6.5/10 – Had a relatively quiet game I felt. He won a few tackles and covered for the attacking players but at times when he had the ball he was mixed in his passing. He did create the first with a timely challenge. However, it was the sort of game where we had so much of the ball and it was more about us breaking them down that he seemed superfluous to what we needed today. Maybe we could have played Quinn/Williamson inside and started with Flynn? Just a thought though I appreciate what he does from a covering/defensive point of view.
McDonald 8/10 – The best midfielder on the pitch and I have said that a lot in recent weeks. He got on the ball and moved it left and right, he was one of the few who tried to get the pace of the attacks upped and he always looked to try different things whether it was a clever through ball, a reverse pass or a chipped ball. Good to see him get a goal even if it got deflected and he had one or two other decent shots before this.
Quinn 6/10 – Another disappointing display in my opinion. He had a few efforts on goal but none were convincing and his passing was often short or not sharp enough. I will say he did not hide and tried to get involved but as in a lot of games recently, today things did not quite come off for him. His annoying tendency to flick the ball seems to have been replaced with this new trick he does which is to always stop, flick it with his left foot between his legs and come inside. This may keep the ball but completely halts any momentum we have in attacks and allows men to get back. Once in the second half he sprinted away down the left and beat two men and I was delighted. We need more of that.
Williamson 5/10 – Thought he was pretty ineffectual and not that surprised he went off but a little surprised it was so early I suppose. He did not give us width and kept coming inside. He also kept swapping wings and meant we continually seemed to get squeezed inside. Like Quinn on his day as good as anything in this division but on other days he just sort of goes through the motions. Still not sure he is a natural winger and would like to see him have a game or two inside but with form of McDonald and Doyle it is hard for this case to be pressed.
Evans 7/10 – He was involved in many of the decent things we did and had one or two half efforts or free kicks. He has not been quite as effective in recent games but still is our biggest attacking threat and teams are genuinely concerned about him. At times today they crowded two men onto him. He tried to link with others and kept plugging away even he was not as influential as he has been.
Cresswell 5/10 – Thought he was poor today and never really in the game. The centre back/s won a lot of headers and often got in front of him to get to the ball first. He did toil and worked the line but I cannot remember him hardly touching the ball for the first hour he was on the pitch. He had that one headed chance right before he went off but can’t recall him contributing to any other attacking moments or chances. I think Hoskins may start on Tuesday.
The vital opening goal came when substitute Will Hoskins scored with virtually his first touch as he latched onto a deflected though ball. After this there was only one winner and another goal from leading scorer Ched Evans and a late deflected effort from Kevin McDonald saw the Blades continue their impressive home form. With news that neighbours and rivals Wednesday had lost to a late goal at Exeter and it was a good day for United with most of the division out of action due to the inclement weather.
United began with the same side that has started many of its recent games with Cresswell and Evans continuing up front, Williamson and Quinn on the flanks and McDonald and Doyle in the centre of midfield. The backline was unchanged with Jean Francois continuing to get the nod over Marcus Williams. Wycombe had former Blade James Harper in their line up but began with a 5-4-1 line up with no place for player coach Ainsworth that once again seemed to have sustained an injury in the build-up to the game at the Lane.
United were immediately on top with Evans involved in most things. The striker had a chance when Cresswell fired a cross over but he could not get enough purchase on the ball and then Evans had a free kick into the wall after Quinn was fouled. United continued to come again and Quinn appealed for a hand ball as his cross struck a defender. Soon after the influential McDonald played Doyle in and his shot was blocked out.
It had been all United so far and the game has been played almost exclusively in the visitors half but a warning came when they had a break out of defence and a rare opening. The ball eventually dropped for Beavon who drove a low shot that went just wide and had Simonsen scrambling across his goal.
Quinn then had two opportunities; a header that skewed off target and a weak free kick that was straight into the arms of Bull. United were having all of the possession and completely dominating the game but were struggling to create many clear cut chances but they did have a chance when Evans scuffed effort bounced wide and then McDonald cut in and hit a fierce shot from range that went narrowly wide. The Chairboys were taking their time over every free/goal kick and throw in and a number of times the officials had to tell them to get on with things. It was clear they were trying to take the sting out of the game at every opportunity. They did have another rare break out but Bloomfield was booked for diving when he tried to claim Maguire had tripped him and United were soon back on the attack as Maguire stepped out with the space afforded him but shot over. Just before the break Evans hit a long range shot but it was well over and when Bull kicked the resultant goal kick clear the referee blew for half time.
United made a change at the break as Flynn replaced Williamson and immediately the home side had a very good opportunity to go in front. Jean Francois had tried to play in Evans but eventually after a McDonald shot was blocked the ball was played into Evans path by Cresswell. The striker smashed the shot into the side netting when he ought to have done better. From a corner soon after Lowton headed over when again he maybe ought to have worked Bull; who for all the play being played just in front of him had not really had a save to make. McDonald then curled wide before Harper who had been largely anonymous so far had a decent effort wide of Simonsen’s right hand post.
Wycombe continued to frustrate as they packed the central area of the field and the zone just in front of their own penalty area and were intent on making United break them down with a clever ball or penetration/pace and the game had settled into the same defence versus attack pattern of the first half again.
From a cross from Maguire, Cresswell’s header was firm but over. It was a good opportunity but it was to be the veteran’s last action as immediately after he was replaced by newcomer Hoskins who came on for his debut. After Simonsen took two attempts to gather a Beavon shot United went back on the offensive and were finally able to get the opening goal. The ball was loose and after Doyle’s block tackle the ball ricocheted into the area behind the centre backs and the keeper. HOSKINS nipped in and was able to react quicker than anyone else as he poked the ball under the advancing Bull. It was a smart, reactionary finish and a vital breakthrough in a game United had completely controlled but had been unable to make many clear chances.
Lewis came on for Whichelow but soon after the game seemed up for Wycombe. Flynn and Lowton combined and the former was able to get into the box and was clearly held back. Appeals for the spot kick came from the Kop behind but the game continued and as the ball came across from Lowton it was returned by Jean Francois. EVANS took a touch and twisted one way, then another before hitting a clinical finish beyond the helpless keeper to make it 2-0. It was a crucial goal that gave United the cushion and with the visitors creating little in the game would surely be enough to seal victory.
The visitors made further changes in an attempt to get back into the game with McNamee and McClure coming on for Strevens and Johnson as they went with a more attacking line up. They did at least have a passage of play where they forced successive corners. McNamee also had a free kick but it hit Collins. The game was petering out to a comfortable victory and United replaced Evans with Porter just before the additional four minutes of stoppage time. United added the final gloss to the score line and performance when MCDONALD picked up the ball outside the box and hit a long range shot that deflected off defender Winfield and wrong footed Bull before nestling into the net. The United fans saluted Danny Wilson just before the final whistle as attentions turned to the vital showdown at Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
United – We dominated the game in terms of possession (70% over the game), territorial advantage and efforts on goal but despite this we struggled to create many clear cut chances until we took the lead. It was really hard work at times and was a real slog despite us having all of the possession and never looking in much danger at the other end. It was not a terrific performance and at times we were quite frustrating despite all of our domination.
In the first half in particular we were so, so slow in building up and often allowed Wycombe to get all their players behind the ball. We took too many touches, too many passes and if anything over played (not something United could be accused of much in my lifetime!). We moved it about and did pass the ball well but we did not attack with pace and also allowed them to bring men over and bottle it up. We did not cross from deep enough and did not get beyond them/down the line enough. Our lack of pace was evident as they held a deep line and just waited till we got to the last third and then crowded us out. Their game plan worked really well and even though they just had one up front would have been delighted how the game went even if we were on top. They even had a couple of long range shots of their own just wide.
United needed to do something different and change the way we attacked. In the second half, we replaced Flynn with Williamson and it seemed evident we tried to move the ball quicker and use the flanks more. The play had been too narrow in the first half but we started to expand out play somewhat. We did up the pace quite a bit and pinned them back. The pressure started to crank up and eventually you felt we may get a breakthrough but the game drifted along and it did not come until Hoskins smart finish. After this the game was over really. They did not really out anymore nor change their formation much and when the second went in it was definitely over. They then brought on another attacker (McNamee) but it was too late and a late flurry aside they never really threatened us. The third was the icing on the cake if a little fortunate. Indeed with that goal and the first which deflected into Hoskins path, we did have a bit of luck today which was a change from many games this season. However, we did dominate the game and no one can say we did not deserve to win the game even though it took us longer than other recent home games to get in front.
We at least stayed patient and did not resort to hoofing it which was pleasing. Wilson even admitted himself that we were too slow and deliberate in the build-up in the first half. At times we rely too much on McDonald threading a ball through, on Evans finding a yard and getting a shot away or Lowton penetrating down the left. Too many of our players at times don’t take responsibility (Quinn and Williamson were chief culprits today) turning inside and asking others to make the pass or cross. We are crying out for pace and a bit more creativity. Hoskins looked sharp when he came on and looked to get on the ball but out wide we don’t have natural wingers and they often come inside and we get funnelled into a midfield battle where everything is a bit tight. Saying that we did pass the ball well and it is nice to see us keep the ball; even for the above criticism over the lack of speed/creativity in last third. It is good to see a Blades side mostly look comfortable on the ball but again some of the praise has to be tempered with the poor opponents. Tuesday night will be a truer test and we have still not beaten any of the other top 3 teams in the division. If we could win at Huddersfield it would be a massive boost and put us firmly in the driving seat with our games in hand. I would take a draw there of course too but a win there would really give us a great chance with 3 of 4 home games to come (with just a small game over the city sandwiched amongst them) in the coming weeks. I fear Rhodes may be a bit nimble for our centre backs and they were quite physical at the Lane; something we have struggled with. We need to go there with confidence, match them with the physical battles and then let our football take over as I feel we can create chances. I am not getting carried away by us winning and ‘them’ losing as come Tuesday (all top 6 meet each other), it could easily be us losing and ‘them’ winning. In fact my negative side probably expects that and we will be back to where we were. However, if they do fail to win and we get a result, we have a real opportunity to get a stranglehold on second.
Wycombe – They cannot say they deserved anything despite Waddock saying how well they did. They had 5 shots (3 on target) to our 23 (10 on target) and had very little of the ball nor did they even venture into our half very much. They came for a point (if they got a goal on the break and could get three points then even better) and from minute one the way they set up and the way they time wasted (ridiculously at times) showed their approach.
I cannot blame them as their team and wage bill/resources in comparison to ours means it is difficult to compete but they can occasionally spring a surprise as they showed when they beat us earlier in the season. For the first hour they would have been really pleased and felt they were on track to get exactly what they wanted. It was working well and they must have felt another 10-15 minutes and United may have started to get desperate and start lumping it up.
After we scored they kind of just gave up and the result was never in doubt, it just seemed a question of how many. We scored a few more and despite their manager saying it was a little flattering; it was a relatively comfortable win in the end despite the toils of the first hour for United. Wycombe were much more organised than some of the teams down at the Lane and defended much better than many (quite a few teams above them too have looked more susceptible at the back). They may stay up if they have the same resolve and organisation and will pick up the odd point here and there away from home. It will be their home form that will decide their fate.
As for individuals, the lad Beavon up front worked hard on his own and had a few decent efforts but was hopelessly isolated and had to fight two or three defenders for loose balls most of the time. The backline headed the ball away and got tight on Evans and Cresswell and limited the space behind them as the third centre back cleaned up any scraps behind them. Harper was exactly how I remembered him at the Lane. He began his pointless pointing right from the kick off as he pointed where he wanted them to kick it. He then continued this act for much of the game pointing to United players he wanted anyone but himself to pick up and absolving himself of all responsibility. Can barely remember him touching the ball till he had the shot wide which to be fair was a decent effort. Probably found his level (lower league one). As for Gareth Ainsworth, I do think it is a but gutless he never plays. He made a terrible challenge that a player who was a local hero had to retire from. Yes, it was desperately disappointing what happened and yes of course he will get boos when he returns but so what? He made the tackle and has to live with the consequences. Man up and play. Take the boos/laugh them off; get on with it. I do find it pathetic he cannot face playing when it seems clear he feigns an injury every time we play them.
Simonsen 6/10 – Had little to do really but I do think at times he was slow off his line to through balls and also a couple of crosses that came in near the end he was once again rooted to his line. Saved one shot from Beavon that he nearly spilt into an incoming attacker.
Lowton 7.5/10 – One of our better attacking threats as he continues to motor down the right flank and support our attacks. He showed good quick feet and was able to interchange and exchange passes with others to create half chances/openings. Some of his crossing was mixed as a few hit the first man
Francois 7/10 – Steady game. Won tackles and defended sensibly faced with little pressure (did not really have an out and out winger against him). He got forward and supported
Maguire 7/10 – Made a few tackles and blocks but had little to do in terms of out and out defending and most of his play was dealing with long balls, controlling it and bringing the ball out of defence to create things. At times he could have come forward more and advanced further and sometimes played it too early from too deep or played it across.
Collins 7/10 – Did what he had to in terms of defending but again he had little pressure and spent more time on the ball then he had probably in any game all season. Did help us retain possession but as with Maguire I felt at times he was too slow to advance the ball and played it across or to the side when we could have got forward more.
Doyle 6.5/10 – Had a relatively quiet game I felt. He won a few tackles and covered for the attacking players but at times when he had the ball he was mixed in his passing. He did create the first with a timely challenge. However, it was the sort of game where we had so much of the ball and it was more about us breaking them down that he seemed superfluous to what we needed today. Maybe we could have played Quinn/Williamson inside and started with Flynn? Just a thought though I appreciate what he does from a covering/defensive point of view.
McDonald 8/10 – The best midfielder on the pitch and I have said that a lot in recent weeks. He got on the ball and moved it left and right, he was one of the few who tried to get the pace of the attacks upped and he always looked to try different things whether it was a clever through ball, a reverse pass or a chipped ball. Good to see him get a goal even if it got deflected and he had one or two other decent shots before this.
Quinn 6/10 – Another disappointing display in my opinion. He had a few efforts on goal but none were convincing and his passing was often short or not sharp enough. I will say he did not hide and tried to get involved but as in a lot of games recently, today things did not quite come off for him. His annoying tendency to flick the ball seems to have been replaced with this new trick he does which is to always stop, flick it with his left foot between his legs and come inside. This may keep the ball but completely halts any momentum we have in attacks and allows men to get back. Once in the second half he sprinted away down the left and beat two men and I was delighted. We need more of that.
Williamson 5/10 – Thought he was pretty ineffectual and not that surprised he went off but a little surprised it was so early I suppose. He did not give us width and kept coming inside. He also kept swapping wings and meant we continually seemed to get squeezed inside. Like Quinn on his day as good as anything in this division but on other days he just sort of goes through the motions. Still not sure he is a natural winger and would like to see him have a game or two inside but with form of McDonald and Doyle it is hard for this case to be pressed.
Evans 7/10 – He was involved in many of the decent things we did and had one or two half efforts or free kicks. He has not been quite as effective in recent games but still is our biggest attacking threat and teams are genuinely concerned about him. At times today they crowded two men onto him. He tried to link with others and kept plugging away even he was not as influential as he has been.
Cresswell 5/10 – Thought he was poor today and never really in the game. The centre back/s won a lot of headers and often got in front of him to get to the ball first. He did toil and worked the line but I cannot remember him hardly touching the ball for the first hour he was on the pitch. He had that one headed chance right before he went off but can’t recall him contributing to any other attacking moments or chances. I think Hoskins may start on Tuesday.
