Makeshift defence concede first goal in 500 minutes
The stat on the TV, when I watched the goals back this afternoon, was that Sheffield United had conceded their first goal at Bramall Lane in 500 odd minutes, which is 5 or 6 games. As we walked away from the ground, I commented that with a back four of Stewart, Kallio, Noseworthy and Monty, we couldn't really grumble that we'd got a point.
The first half was dreadful. Blades didn't have a threat on goal, never mind a shot on or off target. Derby looked like they could walk through us at will. 1-0 at half time after Robbie "only his mother likes (not even loves) him" Savage managed to score from miles out with the ball seemingly in slow motion. Officials managed to add to our despair by giving terrible decisions and not giving blatant fouls. I think they do it just to wind me up. It works.
Second half, they'd obviously been given a bit of a talking to. I also must point out that Mark Bunn had been hobbling around and not kicking the ball most of the first half (but after the goal). It was a bit of a surprise to see him come out. Quinn was poor again with some hopeless passing. Midfield were practising their heading again - nobody willing to get the ball down.
We managed to carve out a chance. Forget the exact move, but it resulted in Stewart hitting it wide, when I thought he was clearly being fouled. No penalty, of course. Think it might have been from a corner. Subs time: Bunn off, Bennett on. Henderson and Evans off (both had poor games, in my opinion) and on came Ward and Camara. Ward on the right, Yeates (who appeared to have a decent eye for a ball) to the left with Creswell (not a good game, I thought) alongside Camara.
Instantly, Camara is bringing the ball under control, not matter how many players are trying to smash into his back. Hendo, Evans, Creswell all control the ball up to eye level. Billy Sharp always did this, but I think I am the only person to notice! Very quickly we carved out a chance and forced a double scramble save/block from the keeper and defender. Camara should really have scored, but at least he put it on target.
Finally, we got the break through. Playing to feet and along the floor at the edge of the box, WILLIAMSON broke free and scored. Point saved, all nearly forgiven.
Blades could really have won it, had they managed to take one of their other reasonable chances (think Creswell put a free header wide).
My biggest gripe is the team selection. I suspect that Camara and Ward (and maybe others) aren't really fit, but are put on the bench, because there is little choice. I think Blades should tell us that people aren't fully fit, so that we don't get the "Why is Monty at right back, when Geary is on the bench?" converstions every single game.
If they're not fit, then it was probably the right team. If they are I would have preferred :-
Bunn
Geary
Kallio
Noseworthy
Stewart
Little on right
Monty
Williamson
Yeats on left
Ward
Camara
Let Hendo and Evans work their way back in (Creswell too)
Little can hold on to the ball and I think we need that.
Have another home game next week, so more joy in the cold!
Blades 1 - Derby 1
The first half was dreadful. Blades didn't have a threat on goal, never mind a shot on or off target. Derby looked like they could walk through us at will. 1-0 at half time after Robbie "only his mother likes (not even loves) him" Savage managed to score from miles out with the ball seemingly in slow motion. Officials managed to add to our despair by giving terrible decisions and not giving blatant fouls. I think they do it just to wind me up. It works.
Second half, they'd obviously been given a bit of a talking to. I also must point out that Mark Bunn had been hobbling around and not kicking the ball most of the first half (but after the goal). It was a bit of a surprise to see him come out. Quinn was poor again with some hopeless passing. Midfield were practising their heading again - nobody willing to get the ball down.
We managed to carve out a chance. Forget the exact move, but it resulted in Stewart hitting it wide, when I thought he was clearly being fouled. No penalty, of course. Think it might have been from a corner. Subs time: Bunn off, Bennett on. Henderson and Evans off (both had poor games, in my opinion) and on came Ward and Camara. Ward on the right, Yeates (who appeared to have a decent eye for a ball) to the left with Creswell (not a good game, I thought) alongside Camara.
Instantly, Camara is bringing the ball under control, not matter how many players are trying to smash into his back. Hendo, Evans, Creswell all control the ball up to eye level. Billy Sharp always did this, but I think I am the only person to notice! Very quickly we carved out a chance and forced a double scramble save/block from the keeper and defender. Camara should really have scored, but at least he put it on target.
Finally, we got the break through. Playing to feet and along the floor at the edge of the box, WILLIAMSON broke free and scored. Point saved, all nearly forgiven.
Blades could really have won it, had they managed to take one of their other reasonable chances (think Creswell put a free header wide).
My biggest gripe is the team selection. I suspect that Camara and Ward (and maybe others) aren't really fit, but are put on the bench, because there is little choice. I think Blades should tell us that people aren't fully fit, so that we don't get the "Why is Monty at right back, when Geary is on the bench?" converstions every single game.
If they're not fit, then it was probably the right team. If they are I would have preferred :-
Bunn
Geary
Kallio
Noseworthy
Stewart
Little on right
Monty
Williamson
Yeats on left
Ward
Camara
Let Hendo and Evans work their way back in (Creswell too)
Little can hold on to the ball and I think we need that.
Have another home game next week, so more joy in the cold!
Blades 1 - Derby 1
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