stinkyblade
Active Member
If the league table was on current form then Bramall Lane would hosting European football, however the Blades still lie in 14th position after a superb win propelled them further from the relegation zone. The last time the Blades visited Wigan they were hammered 4-0, but clearly Neil Warnock had done his homework and the outcome of the game seemed down more to sheer spirit than actual football.
Only just over 16,000 bothered to turned up, of which 2,500 were Blades fans, and after Paul Jewell recently questioned fans to show their loyal support he wasn’t rewarded, as the away support proudly sang and facilitated their team to victory. Once again, Rob Hulse was on hand to brilliantly flick home young Stephen Quinn’s low cross. The latter is becoming somewhat of a hero with Blades fans as it is now a goal and an assist in two games for the young Irishman.
Wigan were extremely lethargic in their approach and provided their meagre support with nothing to shout about. United were hardly any better, in fact it was a half that dwindled on for an age and if it wasn’t for Hulse’s excellent predatory instinct the half would have petered out. As it was, Hulse showed guile to side foot home Quinn’s cross to send the away support into half time much the happier. Frankly, it was the central point in a half devoid of any clear chances, with the united fans behind Paddy Kenny providing the entertainment, certainly in yuletide spirit.
The second half saw Wigan bring on young David Cotterill, a revelation since signing from Bristol City, and he certainly changed The Latics after the break as the game improved significantly. Danny Landzaat brought a flying save from Kenny, and the latter then saved crucially from Kevin Kilbane. He capitalized on Rob Kozluk’s dreadful error but was unable to get passed the inspired keeper. At the other the drama began to unfold, as Keith Gillespie broke away and sent a fizzing drive to goal, and then did exceptionally well to save the follow up from Danny Webber.
Then the Blades were ‘awarded’ a dubious penalty as Arjan de Zeeuw appeared to handle. Referee Peter Walton pointed to the spot, yet under intense pressure from Wigan players he consulted his assistant and changed his mind. Amazingly, the forthright Warnock agreed with Walton’s decision. ‘I couldn’t see it from where I was’. He added that he ‘wasn’t too upset with the decision and the referee was entitled to do so’. All this on the pitch sparked altercations off it, with a Jewell pointing in the face of Warnock under the nose of the fourth official who stood and gave a smile.
Still on the pitch the drama continued up until injury time with Wigan’s Lee McCulloch inflicting a huge shiner upon the face of Chris Morgan. The referee failed to see the incident but surely the FA will be taking action. Warnock jokingly said it hadn’t affected his captain’s looks, possibly revelling in a third win in four.
Let me know what you think, if you have taken the time to read. Thanks. Danny.
Only just over 16,000 bothered to turned up, of which 2,500 were Blades fans, and after Paul Jewell recently questioned fans to show their loyal support he wasn’t rewarded, as the away support proudly sang and facilitated their team to victory. Once again, Rob Hulse was on hand to brilliantly flick home young Stephen Quinn’s low cross. The latter is becoming somewhat of a hero with Blades fans as it is now a goal and an assist in two games for the young Irishman.
Wigan were extremely lethargic in their approach and provided their meagre support with nothing to shout about. United were hardly any better, in fact it was a half that dwindled on for an age and if it wasn’t for Hulse’s excellent predatory instinct the half would have petered out. As it was, Hulse showed guile to side foot home Quinn’s cross to send the away support into half time much the happier. Frankly, it was the central point in a half devoid of any clear chances, with the united fans behind Paddy Kenny providing the entertainment, certainly in yuletide spirit.
The second half saw Wigan bring on young David Cotterill, a revelation since signing from Bristol City, and he certainly changed The Latics after the break as the game improved significantly. Danny Landzaat brought a flying save from Kenny, and the latter then saved crucially from Kevin Kilbane. He capitalized on Rob Kozluk’s dreadful error but was unable to get passed the inspired keeper. At the other the drama began to unfold, as Keith Gillespie broke away and sent a fizzing drive to goal, and then did exceptionally well to save the follow up from Danny Webber.
Then the Blades were ‘awarded’ a dubious penalty as Arjan de Zeeuw appeared to handle. Referee Peter Walton pointed to the spot, yet under intense pressure from Wigan players he consulted his assistant and changed his mind. Amazingly, the forthright Warnock agreed with Walton’s decision. ‘I couldn’t see it from where I was’. He added that he ‘wasn’t too upset with the decision and the referee was entitled to do so’. All this on the pitch sparked altercations off it, with a Jewell pointing in the face of Warnock under the nose of the fourth official who stood and gave a smile.
Still on the pitch the drama continued up until injury time with Wigan’s Lee McCulloch inflicting a huge shiner upon the face of Chris Morgan. The referee failed to see the incident but surely the FA will be taking action. Warnock jokingly said it hadn’t affected his captain’s looks, possibly revelling in a third win in four.
Let me know what you think, if you have taken the time to read. Thanks. Danny.
