United 4 Stevenage 1 - report

[super_pig]

great win.. the best we've played since cheds departure
the pace on the right opened it up.. westlake was a breath of fresh air after macmahon and i thought blackman did well on the wing, reminding me in places of the impact Matt Phillips had last season.. we even had a few decent corners.. that was back to last years style of play and we totally dominated them..
harry was imperious and for probably the first time didn't look like the junior partner in central defence.. kmac had someone to pass to and miller was just what we needed up front. for all of cheds goals last year, not many were poacher type tap in like that.. we've been missing this type of player for some time
great win.. buzzin'

 

[Sirius]

Hope not. Don't forget, DB is writing reports partly for the 'couldn't get to the game' lot in Sheffield, partly fpr the 'went to the game, but let's see what Deadbat says' and also (where I am) the 'I wanna know everything' brigade, who have grown to trust his narrative. He's never done us badly in the several seasons I have been reading his reports, however wordy and overblown they may seem to some.

To Deadbat. Keep 'doing a Deadbat', please.

pommpey

Being so far from the the Lane, I look first for Deadbat's take on the game. He never ever lets us ex-pats down. As I read I can picture myself back home and almost smell the linament. Thanks DB, and, Pomps, Nice to know you are back again.
UTB

 

[stannyblade]

Good report again thanks Deadbat. Although I thought that Mcdonald was scored too high myself but thats personal opinion.

 

[IOM Blade]

Cracking cross from Doyle, and as Foxy said the ball does seem to take a touch off Porter - could have been heading wide otherwise.

Pretty sure Ports was offside too......

 

[Grecian2000]

When I got in last night, the missus quoted the possession stats from the BBC website

Now that made me laugh. When I get in my other half might occasionally pick up how we've gone on by my manner, she wouldn't even know the score never mind possesion stats!!!!

On the match, quite easily the best performance of the season. Was really worried at half time that we'd played so well and conceded late and this might cause a return to a more negative attitude in the second half. No such problems, happy as Larry with that (is that thread about annoying sayings still on the go?).

To pick up on a point made by super_pig earlier in the thread about Harry looking like the "senior partner" for the first time. I disagree only in that I think he's looked the senior partner for all the season. Despite all playing well I think he was, again, head and shoulders the best player on view (although marking Justin Beiber probably isn't the most difficult task of the season).

 

[Hodgyman]

Great reading DB, thanks for the report, I was unable to make the match on Saturday and have only just got back from abroad. Iwas told while away that we had drawn 0-0. The real score and your report have cheered me up no end.

 

[Pinchy]

Pretty sure Ports was offside too......

I didn't realise Porter had got a touch. If he did, he scored the goal, not Collins!

 

[Selly]

I didn't realise Porter had got a touch. If he did, he scored the goal, not Collins!

Its certainly not obvious from teh TV angle, however from LoughboroBlade 's video above, he certainly does...

 

[Pinchy]

Now that made me laugh. When I get in my other half might occasionally pick up how we've gone on by my manner, she wouldn't even know the score never mind possesion stats!!!!

On the match, quite easily the best performance of the season. Was really worried at half time that we'd played so well and conceded late and this might cause a return to a more negative attitude in the second half. No such problems, happy as Larry with that (is that thread about annoying sayings still on the go?).

To pick up on a point made by super_pig earlier in the thread about Harry looking like the "senior partner" for the first time. I disagree only in that I think he's looked the senior partner for all the season. Despite all playing well I think he was, again, head and shoulders the best player on view (although marking Justin Beiber probably isn't the most difficult task of the season).

I might be wrong but my impression was that it was Harry who lost his man for their goal? If so, that has to reduce his mark a little. My vote for MoM went to Ryan Flynn, just ahead of Chris Porter. If anyone ever deserved a goal it was CP.

 

[Pinchy]

Its certainly not obvious from teh TV angle, however from LoughboroBlade 's video above, he certainly does...

Then it's his goal. A goal is scored by the person who puts it in the net, whether deliberately or inadvertently! The only exception, I think, is a slight deflection, off an opponent, of a shot that's going in anyway. As for attackers though, last touch claims the goal. That's always been the rule in every team I've played for.

 

[grafikhaus]

Worth mentioning the patient build-up that created the chance, as there'd quite a lot of passes from that initial short-corner. A rare visit to BladesMad turned up this link to the goal that captures all of it well. Cracking cross from Doyle, and as Foxy said the ball does seem to take a touch off Porter - could have been heading wide otherwise.

Fantastic video (I thought it was from the kop until the celebrations began...). Just a couple of points, whether the possession stats. are right or wrong, they mean absolutely nothing. Teams like Swansea usually have 101% possession as they make 50 passes where one will do. If they are to mean anything, surely possession in the opponents half would be better?

And re. their goal, the first attempt at their (quick) corner was pulled back as the ref. wasn't ready. For the second attempt, their corner kicker lifted the ball above his head with both hands before taking the kick - obviously it was going to be 'one from the training ground'. As the ball came over, one of their players took a United player completely out (could have been Collins, but not sure).

 

[Pinchy]

Seen it now. Porter's goal without a doubt. Blades 4 Stevenage 1 (Miller 2, Porter 2). The Blades Dubious Goals Committee has spoken!

 

[Guesty]

Seen it now. Porter's goal without a doubt. Blades 4 Stevenage 1 (Miller 2, Porter 2). The Blades Dubious Goals Committee has spoken!

Two Millers and two Porters, not just a good strike force but also a round of drinks!

 

[flash-blade]

top report DB

 

[shreds1975]

Now that made me laugh. When I get in my other half might occasionally pick up how we've gone on by my manner, she wouldn't even know the score never mind possesion stats!!!! =quote]

Ha - I am lucky to be married to a football fan, albeit a Bolton Wanderers one. She was home when I finally got back with the kids (via my parents) and alway makes sure she is up to speed on how we have done!

 

[Bergen Blade]

And re. their goal, the first attempt at their (quick) corner was pulled back as the ref. wasn't ready. For the second attempt, their corner kicker lifted the ball above his head with both hands before taking the kick - obviously it was going to be 'one from the training ground'. As the ball came over, one of their players took a United player completely out (could have been Collins, but not sure).

It seems to be Porter who was marking Roberts, he may have got a little shove as he jumps for it. The header comes at waist height between Williams and the post. Maybe he shouldn't allow that to happen, but it's not easy as he probably wants to cover some space to the right of himself too.

 

[Kenilworth]

Seen it now. Porter's goal without a doubt. Blades 4 Stevenage 1 (Miller 2, Porter 2). The Blades Dubious Goals Committee has spoken!

If it was Porter he was offside!

 

[Pinchy]

If it was Porter he was offside!

Blades 4 Stevenage 1 (Miller 2, Linesman, Porter).

 

[Kenilworth]

Blades 4 Stevenage 1 (Miller 2, Linesman, Porter).

Much better Pinchy - It was a difficult angle though, only viewable from that excellent video.
Hats off to person that made the vid. Good quality and a steady hand.