Deadbat
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Sheffield United made it back to back home wins after easily dispatching lowly Scunthorpe United at Bramall Lane. After a less than convincing performance at the weekend had seen a narrow win over Port Vale; the Blades were able to put together their best performance for some time as they comprehensively saw off the Iron. The visitors had been somewhat of a nemesis in recent years but were never in the game tonight as Jason Holt’s long range shot and a pair of Jose Baxter goals sandwiched a clever Jamie Murphy finish. In truth it was a fair reflection of a comprehensive win.
United were again forced into changes as Mark Howard’s injury problems continued meaning Iain Turner was back between the sticks and striker Matty Done was not seemed fit enough to start with Ryan Flynn on the bench. Steven Davies spearheaded the line supplanted by Holt, Jose Baxter and Coutts in midfield. John Brayford skippered the side with Michael Doyle again left out of the starting line-up. Visiting Scunthorpe featured the dangerous Paddy Madden, former Owl Miguel Llera and had ex Blade Marcus Williams on the bench.
United were back in the more familiar red and white stripes but began the game slowly and the visitors were the quicker to settle without really troubling keeper Turner. A sloppy piece of play saw Freeman go in the book for a silly foul but the free kick came to nothing. United slowly came into the game and a neat move featuring Coutts, Harris and Murphy nearly led to a chance but Daniels gathered well.
However United forced a corner soon after and from it came the opening goal. The ball was played short and Coutts fed HOLT who was around 30 yards from goal but hit a low shot that went through a body of players and past Daniels into the bottom corner. It was a great strike and fairly arrowed home but it was still a surprise that it managed to evade so many bodies.
Buoyed by this United were now able to show greater confidence. Baxter had a shot over and then Harris had a free kick blocked. Townsend was struggling to cope with Flynn who was having an excellent first half and he drew two quick fouls on the defender.
Scunthorpe had offered little but a long ranger from Llera from a free kick was deflected over in a rare opening. United were back on the attack and some nice one tough stuff almost saw Davies in but then another neat move saw a penalty awarded. The ball was transferred across the box and Flynn found himself on the left before he took a touch and was felled clumsily by Canavan. It was an obvious award and little appeals resulted from the Scunthorpe defenders. As on Saturday Jose BAXTER took the kick and again hit it firm, this time going more centrally as the keeper dived to his right.
United had the rare cushion of a two goal lead and it showed as confidence started to filter through the side with Baxter probing, Holt looking lively and both wingers causing problems and Davies an excellent foil. United were playing with a high tempo and were forward thinking; a far cry from some of the lacklustre slow build-up of recent games.
The half time whistle saw generous applause for the much improved performance from the Blades.
The second half carried on as the first half had ended with United confidently knocking the ball about. Some neat football again involving a number of players nearly led to another chance with Murphy and Flynn often swapping wings and causing problems. Coutts was now more involved on the ball and with Baxter continuing to dictate, it seemed a matter of time before another goal came. Murphy had a lovely run and effort saved as it seemed set for the far corner before Flynn somehow had his cross turned away from right on the line.
Scunthorpe had not really been in the game but a silly foul from Basham saw a free kick but substitute Van Veen’s shot was narrowly wide in their best effort so far. United were back on the attack soon after but again good work down the right saw the ball cleared just before Murphy seemed set to pounce. McNulty and Done came on for Davies and Coutts with around 15 minutes to play.
The third goal came when Freeman chipped the ball over the defence and MURPHY sprang the offside trap and was in on goal. Reminiscent of many of his goal this season, he kept his goal ran in on goal and cleverly dinked the ball over the advancing keeper. It was a cool finish and showed his class when in such positions.
Ben Davies came on for the excellent Flynn soon after but the goals did not stop.
Llera cynically hacked down McNulty on the by-line and got booked and then he was soon walking down the tunnel in the build up to the fourth goal
As with the first it came from a United corner (a weakness much discussed amongst many fans this season) as the ball came over; Llera manhandled McNulty right in front of the referee and the award although seemed to be delayed; seemed another obvious one. The second yellow followed and there were cheerios again for an opponent; for the second successive game.
BAXTER took the kick again and hit is hard and high again but this time went to the right but although Daniels went the right way he was given no chance. United were now playing getting the cheers from the crowd as they pinged it about and cries of; ‘We want five!’ went up from the Kop. United could not add another goal but kept possession and saw out the final three minutes of stoppage time to win another home game and keep another clean sheet.
United – It was so much better. An excellent performance. We played the whole game at a better tempo. We actually started the game slowly but after first 10 minutes we gradually got into the game and after Holt scored we never looked back and I actually never thought they would get anything. A few silly free kick give aways apart I cannot recall Turner having a real save to make and his poor punches/kicking was the only thing that concerned us (other than one free kick that went not far wide). There were no poor players tonight and everyone had decent to good games. The midfield were busy and looked to get forward. Davies led the line well (and is unfortunate his hard work has not seen him get a goal) and the two wide men were a threat all night. Flynn was excellent and was driving at the defence and caused all manner of problems. I also felt Brayford had his best game since coming back. There were the odd mistake and at times maybe we still could have made better decisions in the last third but overall it was so much better. We played with a pomp and arrogance but in a good way and we dictated the game.
I just felt we looked to attack and try and make things happen. We got them turned and got them going the wrong way. We used the full pitch and made them work. We showed what we should be doing most weeks in that we have better footballers and technical players than many at this level. That is not saying much but likes of Murphy and Baxter really should be dominating at this level. Tonight they did. Baxter has been excellent last two games and I felt he controlled the game. Holt had a good first half and worked really hard too. I also thought Coutts had a better second half.
Overall it was the sort of performance and result we have been looking for in many months and whilst it was great to see, made you feel so frustrated how we have tossed away so many points and played so negatively when we can play like we did tonight. I have been critical of the side but tonight they were good and showed what they can do. It was the nearest I have seen them to the Southampton game and in some of the end of games earlier in season (Gillingham for example) when we have pressed teams, won the ball and then moved it forward at pace. We have committed extra men forward and made the other team think about us rather than the other way around.
We need to carry on like this in weeks to come. With likes of Scougall, Kennedy, Wallace and maybe even Campbell Ryce (+ Done and Doyle who did not start tonight) to come back; then hopefully we can push on now and at least secure the playoff place and then of course despite our awful record, it is a new season. Still frustrating to be so far behind the top 4 and particularly Bristol City when I do not think we are much worse (squad wise) but sadly our (managers) approach and our inconsistency means we are resigned to the playoffs now. Tonight though was a big move in the right direction. We need to follow it up and not get sloppy and make it three home wins in a week before the two South Yorkshire derbies. If we could win those two then we would not be caught by either Barnsley or Doncaster with so few games left.
Scunthorpe – They were really poor but have to credit United too for pressing them and making them make mistakes. They were sloppy in possession, gave away silly fouls and penalties but too often were stretched down the flanks and were really struggling every time we attacked. They actually started the game ok but after we scored they regressed badly and after the second they sort of fell apart. They had a brief 5 minutes in the second half and if the free kick had gone in then maybe they may have had a sniff but cannot recall Turner having a save of note to make all night? The third goal killed it and their head dropped after this and they just wanted to get off and it was just a case of how many United could get. They lost their discipline a bit and Llera was idiotic to pick up two obvious bookings.
They have done ok since Robins took over and seemed set to survive comfortably but a poor run has seen them sucked back into things and they are now only a point off the bottom. They could do down but they do have goals in Madden who I like and also some experience in the likes of McSheffrey too but they will rely on getting some wins at home which has always been a big ally for them.
United were again forced into changes as Mark Howard’s injury problems continued meaning Iain Turner was back between the sticks and striker Matty Done was not seemed fit enough to start with Ryan Flynn on the bench. Steven Davies spearheaded the line supplanted by Holt, Jose Baxter and Coutts in midfield. John Brayford skippered the side with Michael Doyle again left out of the starting line-up. Visiting Scunthorpe featured the dangerous Paddy Madden, former Owl Miguel Llera and had ex Blade Marcus Williams on the bench.
United were back in the more familiar red and white stripes but began the game slowly and the visitors were the quicker to settle without really troubling keeper Turner. A sloppy piece of play saw Freeman go in the book for a silly foul but the free kick came to nothing. United slowly came into the game and a neat move featuring Coutts, Harris and Murphy nearly led to a chance but Daniels gathered well.
However United forced a corner soon after and from it came the opening goal. The ball was played short and Coutts fed HOLT who was around 30 yards from goal but hit a low shot that went through a body of players and past Daniels into the bottom corner. It was a great strike and fairly arrowed home but it was still a surprise that it managed to evade so many bodies.
Buoyed by this United were now able to show greater confidence. Baxter had a shot over and then Harris had a free kick blocked. Townsend was struggling to cope with Flynn who was having an excellent first half and he drew two quick fouls on the defender.
Scunthorpe had offered little but a long ranger from Llera from a free kick was deflected over in a rare opening. United were back on the attack and some nice one tough stuff almost saw Davies in but then another neat move saw a penalty awarded. The ball was transferred across the box and Flynn found himself on the left before he took a touch and was felled clumsily by Canavan. It was an obvious award and little appeals resulted from the Scunthorpe defenders. As on Saturday Jose BAXTER took the kick and again hit it firm, this time going more centrally as the keeper dived to his right.
United had the rare cushion of a two goal lead and it showed as confidence started to filter through the side with Baxter probing, Holt looking lively and both wingers causing problems and Davies an excellent foil. United were playing with a high tempo and were forward thinking; a far cry from some of the lacklustre slow build-up of recent games.
The half time whistle saw generous applause for the much improved performance from the Blades.
The second half carried on as the first half had ended with United confidently knocking the ball about. Some neat football again involving a number of players nearly led to another chance with Murphy and Flynn often swapping wings and causing problems. Coutts was now more involved on the ball and with Baxter continuing to dictate, it seemed a matter of time before another goal came. Murphy had a lovely run and effort saved as it seemed set for the far corner before Flynn somehow had his cross turned away from right on the line.
Scunthorpe had not really been in the game but a silly foul from Basham saw a free kick but substitute Van Veen’s shot was narrowly wide in their best effort so far. United were back on the attack soon after but again good work down the right saw the ball cleared just before Murphy seemed set to pounce. McNulty and Done came on for Davies and Coutts with around 15 minutes to play.
The third goal came when Freeman chipped the ball over the defence and MURPHY sprang the offside trap and was in on goal. Reminiscent of many of his goal this season, he kept his goal ran in on goal and cleverly dinked the ball over the advancing keeper. It was a cool finish and showed his class when in such positions.
Ben Davies came on for the excellent Flynn soon after but the goals did not stop.
Llera cynically hacked down McNulty on the by-line and got booked and then he was soon walking down the tunnel in the build up to the fourth goal
As with the first it came from a United corner (a weakness much discussed amongst many fans this season) as the ball came over; Llera manhandled McNulty right in front of the referee and the award although seemed to be delayed; seemed another obvious one. The second yellow followed and there were cheerios again for an opponent; for the second successive game.
BAXTER took the kick again and hit is hard and high again but this time went to the right but although Daniels went the right way he was given no chance. United were now playing getting the cheers from the crowd as they pinged it about and cries of; ‘We want five!’ went up from the Kop. United could not add another goal but kept possession and saw out the final three minutes of stoppage time to win another home game and keep another clean sheet.
United – It was so much better. An excellent performance. We played the whole game at a better tempo. We actually started the game slowly but after first 10 minutes we gradually got into the game and after Holt scored we never looked back and I actually never thought they would get anything. A few silly free kick give aways apart I cannot recall Turner having a real save to make and his poor punches/kicking was the only thing that concerned us (other than one free kick that went not far wide). There were no poor players tonight and everyone had decent to good games. The midfield were busy and looked to get forward. Davies led the line well (and is unfortunate his hard work has not seen him get a goal) and the two wide men were a threat all night. Flynn was excellent and was driving at the defence and caused all manner of problems. I also felt Brayford had his best game since coming back. There were the odd mistake and at times maybe we still could have made better decisions in the last third but overall it was so much better. We played with a pomp and arrogance but in a good way and we dictated the game.
I just felt we looked to attack and try and make things happen. We got them turned and got them going the wrong way. We used the full pitch and made them work. We showed what we should be doing most weeks in that we have better footballers and technical players than many at this level. That is not saying much but likes of Murphy and Baxter really should be dominating at this level. Tonight they did. Baxter has been excellent last two games and I felt he controlled the game. Holt had a good first half and worked really hard too. I also thought Coutts had a better second half.
Overall it was the sort of performance and result we have been looking for in many months and whilst it was great to see, made you feel so frustrated how we have tossed away so many points and played so negatively when we can play like we did tonight. I have been critical of the side but tonight they were good and showed what they can do. It was the nearest I have seen them to the Southampton game and in some of the end of games earlier in season (Gillingham for example) when we have pressed teams, won the ball and then moved it forward at pace. We have committed extra men forward and made the other team think about us rather than the other way around.
We need to carry on like this in weeks to come. With likes of Scougall, Kennedy, Wallace and maybe even Campbell Ryce (+ Done and Doyle who did not start tonight) to come back; then hopefully we can push on now and at least secure the playoff place and then of course despite our awful record, it is a new season. Still frustrating to be so far behind the top 4 and particularly Bristol City when I do not think we are much worse (squad wise) but sadly our (managers) approach and our inconsistency means we are resigned to the playoffs now. Tonight though was a big move in the right direction. We need to follow it up and not get sloppy and make it three home wins in a week before the two South Yorkshire derbies. If we could win those two then we would not be caught by either Barnsley or Doncaster with so few games left.
Scunthorpe – They were really poor but have to credit United too for pressing them and making them make mistakes. They were sloppy in possession, gave away silly fouls and penalties but too often were stretched down the flanks and were really struggling every time we attacked. They actually started the game ok but after we scored they regressed badly and after the second they sort of fell apart. They had a brief 5 minutes in the second half and if the free kick had gone in then maybe they may have had a sniff but cannot recall Turner having a save of note to make all night? The third goal killed it and their head dropped after this and they just wanted to get off and it was just a case of how many United could get. They lost their discipline a bit and Llera was idiotic to pick up two obvious bookings.
They have done ok since Robins took over and seemed set to survive comfortably but a poor run has seen them sucked back into things and they are now only a point off the bottom. They could do down but they do have goals in Madden who I like and also some experience in the likes of McSheffrey too but they will rely on getting some wins at home which has always been a big ally for them.
Did anyone else see that?
