Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,333
- Reaction score
- 35,793
Being off work had a rare opportunity to see the reserves up at Shirecliffe...sorry u23's today.
I saw the team sheet and thought it may be a struggle as they were missing a number of regulars at this level with defenders Semple (injured), Graham, Kelly and Bennett not playing. In midfield they were missing Brooks (heard he has a knock), Gilmour and the lad who scored at Grimsby for the first team, Slater.
There were no places for McNulty or Scougall.
I know we have games (u23) Monday and Tuesday in the various u23 cups we are in so maybe he was rotating some of the above and anyone with a chance of playing tomorrow or being involved would not be risked.
Side was (rough formation I think):
-----------------------------------Jake Eastwood-----------------------------------
Thomas Charlesworth--Joe Cummings--Jack Bainbridge--George Cantrill
------------------Louis Reed (captain)-------------Jordan Doherty--------------
------------------------------------Travis Johnson------------------------------------
----------Jordan Hallam------------------------------------------Tyler Smith-------
----------------------------------Jake Wright-------------------------------------------
Report -
United won and won easily despite missing quite a few players as mentioned. They played some really nice football and like the first team they passed, passed and passed again. If anything like the first team they maybe were guilty of overplaying. Reed was central to most moves dictating things (although tried too many hollywood balls) but everyone did their jobs. The defence was comfortable on the ball and moved it around till they had a clear pass. It was crisp and incisive all game with just the final ball in the first half letting them down. Leeds were well beaten. I stood by a few Leeds fans and they admitted United were a really good footballing side and were surprised when I said we had so many regulars missing. He said they had a fairly young team out also but admitted United were far superior and looked a different class most of the game.
First half it was all Blades really other than the odd breakaway Eastwood made one smart reaction save and saved another few long shots but Leeds were on the back foot as United kicked down the hill. Early on Smith was busy combining with Cantrill down the left and Reed and Doherty were busy. A half chance came when Wright headed at the keeper from a Reed free kick. Smith then lacked power on a shot before a free kick saw the ball blocked away. Leeds had one chance but Eastwood saved the chance as discussed earlier. It was only a half chance. United were in control of the ball with both centre backs really calm in possession. Cummings actually missed a sitter from a corner when he somehow missed from a yard with the keeper saving.
Second half we kicked up the hill. A Leeds fan remarked at half time he felt they would have the advantage but a few remarked it does not normally work that way and seems to be somewhat of an advantage by number of goals u18/23's scored to kick up hill as the ball holds up rather than shooting away to the keeper or out of play down the sides especially the side where the coaches/officials are.
United upped things and after Wright had a shot blocked, Hallam was able to get in and make an excellent run, he drew two defenders and found Wright who unselfishly squared for SMITH to convert at the back post. It was a lovely team move as Leeds were carved wide open.
Mallon was now on for Cantrill and played at left wing back but was getting forward at every chance.
United came again and Hallam had another effort blocked before from a corner, the ref saw a pull back on triallist Bainbridge. It seemed a little soft but Leeds did not appeal much. WRIGHT smashed the penalty home sending the keeper the wrong way.
.
It was all United now and soon after more quick, incisive football saw Smith in again after a lovely flick from Wright but his shot was saved at point blank range and went the wrong side of the post just. Cummings then missed a really good chance as he headed at the keeper from a corner.
Kimarni Smith came on for Johnson and was lively and his run led to the third as he played in HALLAM who converted cooly one on one with the outside of his foot. Another opportunity came when Tyler Smith scored again at the back post after a lovely ball in but was deemed offside. Leeds were glad of the full time whistle when it came as United were relentless with their attacking play.
Overall United were very good and played lovely, patient football. It was a good team performance. No real huge standouts but some good performances (see players below)
Saw Wilder, Knill, Geary. It was Dungworth and Binnion who did all the coaching on the sidelines. What pleased me is how encouraging they were as they were talking to the players all game (stood on the hill second half) and giving them positive encouragement.. There was no criticism and no swearing just good instructions and they kept it nice and simple. The players seemed to respect that and there was good dialogue both ways during the game. They were determined to keep a clean sheet but also wanted to encourage players to push on and get more chances.
Leeds - Not sure of the respective experience of the Leeds side but by speaking to fans seems it was fairly inexperienced...they were in the game to start with and had a few half chances but should have been behind at half time and were never in it second half. They ended up arguing amongst themselves. One lad was lucky not to get red carded for basically taking Wright out off the ball (got booked by a generous ref).
The players on the whole looked quite young but the keeper has been on the fringe of the first team; Peacock-Farrell (aged 20); and is highly rated and made a few decent saves. They had a tricky lad in midfield and a big rangy, striker who was a threat with his running (once he went off) but other than that they were really poor.
Jake Eastwood - Solid. Made one save that came off his body but other than faultless really with good hands from crosses. Got an enormous kick and routinely got to the edge of the Leeds box kicking both ways.
Thomas Charlesworth - Solid. Not that fast but he used ball well and defended well. Two or three neat piece of defending too where he came inside to keep play moving or headed back to the keeper calmly. Ended up more as a third centre back second half as we changed to allow Mallon to push on.
Joe Cummings - Seems to have really come on since I last saw him. He is a big lad and quite athletic too and has pace. On the ball, I was not sure last few games I saw him but he seemed much more composed and confident today. He is one to watch I think once he fills out and learns the game even more.
Jack Bainbridge - He is at Everton I believe but is going to be released. Has been at Stoke. He was excellent today and him and Cummings played well today. Quite a decent size and won most headers but good on the ball. Might be one we sign but then we have Graham also and Semple (albeit out injured) but pleasing to see United now picking off players from some of the bigger clubs (did it with Brooks also)
George Cantrill - He was decent first half but is he right footed? Seemed to favour this side despite being at left back. Neat and tidy and got forward well. Came off for Mallon on the hour.
Louis Reed - Odd one as he looked the best player on the pitch for long spells. Ball seemed to gravitate to him and he had more touches than maybe anyone. His passing was mixed though. He played some great balls and set us on some attacks but also played too many over adventurous balls and tried to do too much. Seems a waste him playing here and surely he could play League 2 level; a la Whiteman. Not sure he is going to make it at SUFC but he is still quite young really and is still only 19 but games he has played for first team he has not done it in the last 12 months and seems further away than ever with players we have.
Jordan Doherty - Smallish player who like Reed got on the ball and tried to move it on. Competitive player who wants to get involved. He is another Irish player we brought over a few years ago and is a first year scholar I believe.
Travis Johnson - Is he ours or another triallist? Chatting to someone who says he was at Man Utd (website suggest he still is). Like Bainbridge may have been told he is being released and thus playing/trialling for teams. I thought he was one of the poorer players today and game seemed to pass him by. Looked very slow and lacking in awareness.
Jordan Hallam - He scored which he often seems to do. He is an odd one as he is not that fast, not amazingly skilful and seems to be quite stocky in build but he is a good footballer. Takes a lot of our corners and free kicks and always seems to be around the action. My instinct is that I am not sure he is outstanding at anyone thing but he is with us till end of 2017/18. Like to see him get some games at maybe Conference level if possible?
Tyler Smith - First half he flitted in and out but his final product was a bit lacking but second half he came alive and was excellent. Scored a predator’s goals and got on the ball and drove at defenders. He linked well with Hallam and Wright and was a constant threat. Tricky performer; played wide much of the game but came off the strikers and got on the ball.
Jake Wright - Like Hallam not outstanding in any one thing but that is not to detract from him as he is good at lots of things. He is not that fast either but is useful in the air and is a strong so and so. Loved a battle as shown two or three times when he ended up in a heap and likes an argument with the ref - although the centre back caught him off the ball quite nastily and was lucky to survive a red. Nothing wrong with having that nasty side though and I like his attitude - he keeps coming up for more! Scored a good penalty and involved in most good things we did. Had mixed reports from time at Southport so be interesting if he goes out on loan again at a similar level.
Subs:
Stephen Mallon (for Cantrill) - Seen him a few times and I like him. Lovely left foot and loves to run at men. Really skilful performer. Played left wing back today when he came on. Thing he is one they have high hopes for.
Kimarni Smith (for Johnson) - Big lad who played just off the top when he came on and showed his strong running with the ball. He was a handful when he came on.
David Parkhouse (for Wright) - Only came on for final few moments for Wright.
I saw the team sheet and thought it may be a struggle as they were missing a number of regulars at this level with defenders Semple (injured), Graham, Kelly and Bennett not playing. In midfield they were missing Brooks (heard he has a knock), Gilmour and the lad who scored at Grimsby for the first team, Slater.
There were no places for McNulty or Scougall.
I know we have games (u23) Monday and Tuesday in the various u23 cups we are in so maybe he was rotating some of the above and anyone with a chance of playing tomorrow or being involved would not be risked.
Side was (rough formation I think):
-----------------------------------Jake Eastwood-----------------------------------
Thomas Charlesworth--Joe Cummings--Jack Bainbridge--George Cantrill
------------------Louis Reed (captain)-------------Jordan Doherty--------------
------------------------------------Travis Johnson------------------------------------
----------Jordan Hallam------------------------------------------Tyler Smith-------
----------------------------------Jake Wright-------------------------------------------
Report -
United won and won easily despite missing quite a few players as mentioned. They played some really nice football and like the first team they passed, passed and passed again. If anything like the first team they maybe were guilty of overplaying. Reed was central to most moves dictating things (although tried too many hollywood balls) but everyone did their jobs. The defence was comfortable on the ball and moved it around till they had a clear pass. It was crisp and incisive all game with just the final ball in the first half letting them down. Leeds were well beaten. I stood by a few Leeds fans and they admitted United were a really good footballing side and were surprised when I said we had so many regulars missing. He said they had a fairly young team out also but admitted United were far superior and looked a different class most of the game.
First half it was all Blades really other than the odd breakaway Eastwood made one smart reaction save and saved another few long shots but Leeds were on the back foot as United kicked down the hill. Early on Smith was busy combining with Cantrill down the left and Reed and Doherty were busy. A half chance came when Wright headed at the keeper from a Reed free kick. Smith then lacked power on a shot before a free kick saw the ball blocked away. Leeds had one chance but Eastwood saved the chance as discussed earlier. It was only a half chance. United were in control of the ball with both centre backs really calm in possession. Cummings actually missed a sitter from a corner when he somehow missed from a yard with the keeper saving.
Second half we kicked up the hill. A Leeds fan remarked at half time he felt they would have the advantage but a few remarked it does not normally work that way and seems to be somewhat of an advantage by number of goals u18/23's scored to kick up hill as the ball holds up rather than shooting away to the keeper or out of play down the sides especially the side where the coaches/officials are.
United upped things and after Wright had a shot blocked, Hallam was able to get in and make an excellent run, he drew two defenders and found Wright who unselfishly squared for SMITH to convert at the back post. It was a lovely team move as Leeds were carved wide open.
Mallon was now on for Cantrill and played at left wing back but was getting forward at every chance.
United came again and Hallam had another effort blocked before from a corner, the ref saw a pull back on triallist Bainbridge. It seemed a little soft but Leeds did not appeal much. WRIGHT smashed the penalty home sending the keeper the wrong way.
.
It was all United now and soon after more quick, incisive football saw Smith in again after a lovely flick from Wright but his shot was saved at point blank range and went the wrong side of the post just. Cummings then missed a really good chance as he headed at the keeper from a corner.
Kimarni Smith came on for Johnson and was lively and his run led to the third as he played in HALLAM who converted cooly one on one with the outside of his foot. Another opportunity came when Tyler Smith scored again at the back post after a lovely ball in but was deemed offside. Leeds were glad of the full time whistle when it came as United were relentless with their attacking play.
Overall United were very good and played lovely, patient football. It was a good team performance. No real huge standouts but some good performances (see players below)
Saw Wilder, Knill, Geary. It was Dungworth and Binnion who did all the coaching on the sidelines. What pleased me is how encouraging they were as they were talking to the players all game (stood on the hill second half) and giving them positive encouragement.. There was no criticism and no swearing just good instructions and they kept it nice and simple. The players seemed to respect that and there was good dialogue both ways during the game. They were determined to keep a clean sheet but also wanted to encourage players to push on and get more chances.
Leeds - Not sure of the respective experience of the Leeds side but by speaking to fans seems it was fairly inexperienced...they were in the game to start with and had a few half chances but should have been behind at half time and were never in it second half. They ended up arguing amongst themselves. One lad was lucky not to get red carded for basically taking Wright out off the ball (got booked by a generous ref).
The players on the whole looked quite young but the keeper has been on the fringe of the first team; Peacock-Farrell (aged 20); and is highly rated and made a few decent saves. They had a tricky lad in midfield and a big rangy, striker who was a threat with his running (once he went off) but other than that they were really poor.
Jake Eastwood - Solid. Made one save that came off his body but other than faultless really with good hands from crosses. Got an enormous kick and routinely got to the edge of the Leeds box kicking both ways.
Thomas Charlesworth - Solid. Not that fast but he used ball well and defended well. Two or three neat piece of defending too where he came inside to keep play moving or headed back to the keeper calmly. Ended up more as a third centre back second half as we changed to allow Mallon to push on.
Joe Cummings - Seems to have really come on since I last saw him. He is a big lad and quite athletic too and has pace. On the ball, I was not sure last few games I saw him but he seemed much more composed and confident today. He is one to watch I think once he fills out and learns the game even more.
Jack Bainbridge - He is at Everton I believe but is going to be released. Has been at Stoke. He was excellent today and him and Cummings played well today. Quite a decent size and won most headers but good on the ball. Might be one we sign but then we have Graham also and Semple (albeit out injured) but pleasing to see United now picking off players from some of the bigger clubs (did it with Brooks also)
George Cantrill - He was decent first half but is he right footed? Seemed to favour this side despite being at left back. Neat and tidy and got forward well. Came off for Mallon on the hour.
Louis Reed - Odd one as he looked the best player on the pitch for long spells. Ball seemed to gravitate to him and he had more touches than maybe anyone. His passing was mixed though. He played some great balls and set us on some attacks but also played too many over adventurous balls and tried to do too much. Seems a waste him playing here and surely he could play League 2 level; a la Whiteman. Not sure he is going to make it at SUFC but he is still quite young really and is still only 19 but games he has played for first team he has not done it in the last 12 months and seems further away than ever with players we have.
Jordan Doherty - Smallish player who like Reed got on the ball and tried to move it on. Competitive player who wants to get involved. He is another Irish player we brought over a few years ago and is a first year scholar I believe.
Travis Johnson - Is he ours or another triallist? Chatting to someone who says he was at Man Utd (website suggest he still is). Like Bainbridge may have been told he is being released and thus playing/trialling for teams. I thought he was one of the poorer players today and game seemed to pass him by. Looked very slow and lacking in awareness.
Jordan Hallam - He scored which he often seems to do. He is an odd one as he is not that fast, not amazingly skilful and seems to be quite stocky in build but he is a good footballer. Takes a lot of our corners and free kicks and always seems to be around the action. My instinct is that I am not sure he is outstanding at anyone thing but he is with us till end of 2017/18. Like to see him get some games at maybe Conference level if possible?
Tyler Smith - First half he flitted in and out but his final product was a bit lacking but second half he came alive and was excellent. Scored a predator’s goals and got on the ball and drove at defenders. He linked well with Hallam and Wright and was a constant threat. Tricky performer; played wide much of the game but came off the strikers and got on the ball.
Jake Wright - Like Hallam not outstanding in any one thing but that is not to detract from him as he is good at lots of things. He is not that fast either but is useful in the air and is a strong so and so. Loved a battle as shown two or three times when he ended up in a heap and likes an argument with the ref - although the centre back caught him off the ball quite nastily and was lucky to survive a red. Nothing wrong with having that nasty side though and I like his attitude - he keeps coming up for more! Scored a good penalty and involved in most good things we did. Had mixed reports from time at Southport so be interesting if he goes out on loan again at a similar level.
Subs:
Stephen Mallon (for Cantrill) - Seen him a few times and I like him. Lovely left foot and loves to run at men. Really skilful performer. Played left wing back today when he came on. Thing he is one they have high hopes for.
Kimarni Smith (for Johnson) - Big lad who played just off the top when he came on and showed his strong running with the ball. He was a handful when he came on.
David Parkhouse (for Wright) - Only came on for final few moments for Wright.
