Post by deadbat on Feb 3, 2019 12:23:54 GMT
United kept up the pace at the top end of the Championship as they completed a league double over Bolton thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win at Bramall Lane. The first half had seen United a little slow and ponderous but still shaded proceedings without creating any clear chances but after the break the Blades upped their game considerably. After a Clayton Donaldson miss, United made no mistake at the other end with the Sharp-McGoldrick combination leading to the latter to convert. With quarter of an hour left Sharp then got on the scoresheet himself with a close-range header from an excellent Olly Norwood free kick.
United went back to the team that has been so successful over the previous period with McGoldrick and Sharp up front and Duffy back in for Dowell who was on the bench. Newcomers Madine and Hogan were also named as substitutes. Bolton had former Blade Clayton Donaldson up front and gave a debut to Everton loanee Callum Connolly.
The game started with United winning an early corner and Sharp then nearly getting on the end of a long through ball soon after. Duffy then showed good feet to win a corner before McGoldrick linked well with the same man but the ball was blocked.
Bolton slowly came into the game and had a spell of possession and won two free kicks on the angle but these came to nothing. United came back out and Stevens had a shot blocked before Fleck also had an effort deflected just wide.
A piece of pinball somehow then saw Hobbs knock it clear when it easily could have gone into his own net. United had shaded the first half but Bolton had got bodies in the way and also slowed things down when they could to frustrate. United had been too slow to get it forward and it meant often they were crowded out and neither keeper had made a save of note all first half.
The second half began with United looked to play at a higher tempo and started well with Sharp linking with Duffy and then Baldock making a good run to lead to a corner. However, the best chance of the game came when Connell picked out Donaldson who peeled off from O’Connell but his header was really weak and easy for Henderson.
After this let off United were back on the attack with Basham linking well with Baldock and then McGoldrick having a mazy dribble and shot blocked. The opening goal was not long coming though and it came after the front two combined.
A long ball forward inside the channel saw Sharp and Hobbs clash but the United man was stronger wrestling the defender off before unselfishly laying the ball back and MCGOLDRICK turned it home with the keeper committed. He ran to Sharp to thank his striker partner after displaying his customary flexed muscle celebration to the Kop.
Connolly was the first man booked for a late lunge on Fleck but Bolton had a chance not long after as Lowe drove down the right and his cross was met by Ameobi but Basham got a crucial block in. United were back on the attack and a lovely header down from Sharp sat up for Fleck but his shot was high and wild.
Stearman was introduced for Duffy maybe in an attempt to counter the Bolton change of Magennis who had replaced Vela.
With 17 minutes to go, United effectively made the game safe. Connolly stupidly pushed Duffy over and Norwood took a delightful free kick that SHARP headed home via the legs of Matthews. It was a lovely free kick and simply needed the finishing touch which Sharp, as he often does, applied it.
Bolton had a chance with a through ball but Henderson was out smartly to pouch the ball as he slid in.
Madine came on for McGoldrick and then soon after Dowell for Sharp and United were now in well control. At the end it was the home side who looked more likely to score again and Madine was nearly fed by Dowell but the ball was blocked after lovely patient build up. The final whistle came after three minutes of stoppage time and it was another three points for the Blades.
United – A bit like the QPR game; it was a game we never really got anywhere near top gear but deserved to win and did what we had to in both boxes. This seems to be a change from last season and even times earlier this year. These sort of games we would have drawn but today we stepped things up when we had to. First half we were slow and not great. We still shaded things but did not create much and it was a bit flat.
However, in the second half it was a different story. We were better in all aspects and I felt that we started to pick up all the loose bits and started to stretch them. After we scored, they never hurt us massively and then the clincher came. After this it was quite comfortable. We were by no means superb today but were good enough to win. The front two stepped up second half and were the difference but a few other players improved also. Interesting that the goal we scored came from a direct (long) ball that came forward and a good old-fashioned shoulder barge!
It was crucial we did win today as it was a tricky fixture but we were professional in the end. We have a touch game at Villa to come but they were not exactly on form so we have to go there and go for the win – this would put us top temporarily and would be huge at this stage of the season. I actually would take a point but we have to go and try and win every game really. Then we have two home games and this is a big chance for us to keep up with the top two. I said I would settle for 6th and still maintain that in a very pessimistic ‘United always mess up’ kind of thought process but if we keep shooting for the top two then playoffs if we just fall short takes care of itself of course. None of the top teams are in great form (except Bristol City) and all seem to be winning a few, the drawing or losing. No one had pulled away so we are in there with a chance.
Bolton – They are clearly in a mess on and off the field and I will be shocked if they do not go down. They somehow scraped clear last year but have an even weaker team this season and lack goals and leadership. They have struggled to sign players due to the financial issues and Ken Anderson’s chairmanship has certainly not helped matters. Parkinson continues to play a very ugly direct style but today they actually played a bit more football than they have in other games I have seen. First half they were in the game and had a go for a spell but then slowly they started to time waste and sit back more and more. They began to settle for a point although had a good chance in the early part of the 2nd half. After we scored, they did not threaten too much other than a few half chances (one blocked and one well over) and the 2nd goal killed them. After this they kind of gave up and the lack of confidence was clear. They have a few talented players but not sure the style they play helps the likes of Ameobi. In a way not, sure Evans going there would have been good for him as he would not have seen many chances come his way and ironically may be better at Fleetwood although it seemed a bit naughty of Fleetwood if they did not send the documents in and thus retain him. On one hand not, sure Anderson deserved having one of our players after what happened with Doidge etc but know Wilder is big mates with Parkin and Butler – two of the Bolton coaching staff.
They were not awful today but when United upped their tempo and stepped up; they struggled to cope with us and in the end the score line was about a right really for the flow of the game and the amount of possession and pressure we had. I cannot see them winning many games at all between now and the end of the season and feel that they and Ipswich will be long gone before the end of the season leaving Rotherham and Reading to fight over the other spot.
Opponent man of the match – The midfield started quite well with Connelly on debut, Vela and the young lad Connell busy. Indeed, he was maybe the standout. He was involved quite a bit and got on the ball. Not everything came off but he was never hiding. Looked a bit like Pavel Nedved! Only 17 I think he is so, looks a good prospect.
Weak link – Hobbs got badly outmuscled on the goal too against a smaller player and this was crucial and then he clearly lost his man on the second. He was the hero in the week but he was involved in a negative way in both goals they conceded today. They were really powderpuff up the top of the field. I felt that Donaldson looked really poor. He looked quite immobile and the ball never stuck to him and he missed that weak header. Ameobi did a few nice bits but no end product and often just went down blind alleys. I also felt that they looked slow at the back and Wheater looks a player that has had his day. The keeper (Matthews not the normal keeper but has kept his place) was also quite poor and looked very jittery and a line keeper at that. I think we maybe could have exploited that more.
Henderson 7/10 – Had little to do first half at all as they did not have any real efforts of note and his main play was getting us moving from his feet. Second half he made a more comfortable save than it should have been from Donaldson’s poor header and then recall him sprinting out to save when 2-0 and he had to smother himself to a long through ball. Outside of this he was well protected and kept another clean sheet at home – the third in a row in the league.
Baldock 7.5/10 – Thought he was very good today especially second half. He was busy all game actually and a bundle of energy. He defended well against a tough opponent as Ameobi was on his side most of the time but he stuck at him and did not let him get away despite him being a powerful runner. Gradually as the game went on; he came forward more and more. Second half he seemed to be everywhere with some runs across the field and then popped up down the left. Often his final ball is still poor and he does not always pick men out but his fitness and running were a huge plus as we played higher up the field the more the game went on.
Stevens 6.5/10 – Big fan of his but he was a bit off it today. First half especially he was poor in his touch and passing and took too long to do things. He played a few short balls or miscontrolled it on a few occasions. Defensively he was ok most of the game but by his high standards he did not do much in an attacking sense. 2nd half he was better in most things but we had more of a threat down the right today.
Egan 6.5/10 – Like the above; not sure it was his best game today. He panicked a bit on the ball and a few times was sloppy with it. I also thought that he was a little careless with his marking a few times and not tight enough. There was one spell second half where he lost it, then lost it again soon after and they had a few corners as a result. Regained his composure and finished the game well with a few solid headers.
O’Connell 7/10 – Solid game apart from one moment when he completely lost Donaldson and that could have led to a goal. Other than that, he got forward well and was very advanced a lot of the game for a centre back and even when we switched to a more orthodox 2 – he still was attacking a lot as they had little threat and sat back further and further. He does not seem to be much of a goal threat currently from set plays when he used to offer more but often when he gets there, he heads them up in the air.
Basham 7.5/10 – Another all action performance where he seemed to be all over the place again. Began in his normal position but then was moved into a more midfield role as Wilder saw they had extra bodies in this area early on and had a lot of the ball. He got his foot in, won bits and pieces and then second half he played almost as a right winger at times as he seemed to drift from centre back to midfield to up front! Made one crucial block on Ameobi at 1-0. He had a few of the slalom runs and linked well with Baldock. One run where he was fouled twice by Wheater but somehow span round and kept running through and then won a corner summed him up. His final ball (or shot as it was today!) also was poor again and is the one weakness in his game which is largely consistently excellent.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Much better game today and back to standards of old. Just more involved generally and seemed to run with the ball more. 1st half he was ok; but second half especially he started to drive at Bolton and commit men. He linked well with others and was playing further forward. He had two really good chances but both shots were really poor with the one 2nd half badly over. He seems to lean back a lot when he shoots so no coincidence, he rarely gets any on target or even close. Overall though he was much better and hopefully he can kick on and have a series of consistent games.
Norwood 7/10 – Decent enough. He started the game slowly and I felt midfield wise we did not have as much of the ball as we normally do or should do for a top side. They had quite a bit of the ball but slowly we started to get more of it; with Basham stepping out helping in this respect. He then started to dictate more and play some of his passes. He does try and play the Hollywood ball a bit too much but when it comes off, we are delighted. He put one great pass into Sharp’s path first half and then on the 2nd goal it was a tremendous free kick waiting to be finished.
Duffy 7.5/10 – First half he was our best player. He got into good areas, linked well and was constant motion. He looked like the player who would make things happen and little passes or touches almost got us in. I also felt even after the break he was a threat and that when he had it, they look worried as he was able to control things or carry the ball in our moves. Not sure the end product was quite there despite a few clever balls to Sharp and McGoldrick that were intercepted. Came off for Stearman when they threw the extra lad up top which seemed an odd move but it did not affect things.
Sharp 8/10 – First half did not get involved too much and one chance from a lovely ball he miscontrolled. Did link well when he could but did not see much of the ball as he would have liked as they were quite tight on him. He stepped up hugely second half and was superb. He looked like an old-fashioned target man as against bigger players, he held it up, knocked them about and was a constant menace. Made the first goal with a superb bit of play to outmuscles Hobbs and then coolly roll it across for a tap in. He then held up for Fleck and then also McGoldrick for chances with more selfless work. He then scored his goal – another header and a poacher’s effort. Seems to be getting better and better with age and now the joint leading scorer in the Championship.
McGoldrick 8/10 – Might have edged Sharp for my man of the match, thought he was excellent throughout. First half he was able to drop deep and link with others and showed once again a lovely array of flicks, touches and clever play to retain possession. Slows the game down and makes it look easy. They struggled to pick him up and he often came deep. Had one run and shot blocked. 2nd half he was even better. He was able to run with the ball and linked well with Sharp. He got a poacher’s goal but then linked a few more times that led to half chances. Just a very clever footballer.
Subs –
Stearman – A rare league appearance – he was able to come on and help us to another clean sheet. Cannot recall him touching the ball much. Won one header they punted forward but they actually did not cause too many problems near the end.
Madine – Came on and knocked the defenders about and held it up a few times too. He had a half chance right at the end but took too long to get his shot away and was blocked.
Dowell – Played just behind Madine and got on the ball quite a bit in the limited action he saw and won a corner and then nearly led to a chance. Did look lively when he came on.
Wilder 7.5/10 – 2-0 win; a clean sheet, both strikers scored and we got some game time for some of the newer players. Also, after a sub part first half we stepped it up and his words saw us play higher up the field and at a greater tempo. We were much better and started to do things at a quicker pace and we also saw every player improve in terms of winning their battle.
I was concerned about the change when Duffy was withdrawn for Stearman as I felt Duff was playing well and we were still in control at 1-0 but maybe Wilder felt they now had three big lads up top but not sure Ameobi or Donaldson or really big headers of the ball. Magennis was another big lad though who came on so Wilder maybe was concerned about even more long balls or set plays. In the end this did not materialise but we got the 2nd and Bolton kind of gave up after this stage and he also got Madine and Dowell some minutes too.
Referee – He was ok actually. Very small guy and seeming he stood next to Ameobi was quite amusing and the fact his ten yards he marked out was actually quite a lot less due to his small legs! Joking apart he was decent and much better than some of the recent ones we have had. He let things flow when he could and kept his cards in his pocket. They were no really bad fouls although the late one by Connolly on Fleck was deservedly a yellow – the only one of the game. The rest of the game went by with little incident. I actually felt a few of the 50-50’s went for us today which has not always happened at home. Recall a shove on Sharp given when one a minute earlier on their man was not given. Parkinson was going crazy; but then he was arguing and shouting for everything.
Sadly, his team are just rotten and that is not the officials’ fault. The big calls were the goal. I felt the assistant or referee would pull it back even though I did not think it was a foul. It was a legitimate shoulder barge but often they are given these days so was pleasantly surprised when it was rightly allowed to stand. I also had a look at the assistant for an offside but again think it was played across and so not offside at all. What was telling was that Hobbs did not even muster much of an appeal nor did many Bolton players. They just looked at their teammate as if to say ‘What are you doing?’ Even Parkinson and co who appealed for everything did not really make much of a complaint. It was a legitimate goal.
Outside of this the officials were fine although it did seem both teams could take free kicks and throw ins from wherever they wanted which in a way helped the game flow but both teams started to take advantage of this!
United went back to the team that has been so successful over the previous period with McGoldrick and Sharp up front and Duffy back in for Dowell who was on the bench. Newcomers Madine and Hogan were also named as substitutes. Bolton had former Blade Clayton Donaldson up front and gave a debut to Everton loanee Callum Connolly.
The game started with United winning an early corner and Sharp then nearly getting on the end of a long through ball soon after. Duffy then showed good feet to win a corner before McGoldrick linked well with the same man but the ball was blocked.
Bolton slowly came into the game and had a spell of possession and won two free kicks on the angle but these came to nothing. United came back out and Stevens had a shot blocked before Fleck also had an effort deflected just wide.
A piece of pinball somehow then saw Hobbs knock it clear when it easily could have gone into his own net. United had shaded the first half but Bolton had got bodies in the way and also slowed things down when they could to frustrate. United had been too slow to get it forward and it meant often they were crowded out and neither keeper had made a save of note all first half.
The second half began with United looked to play at a higher tempo and started well with Sharp linking with Duffy and then Baldock making a good run to lead to a corner. However, the best chance of the game came when Connell picked out Donaldson who peeled off from O’Connell but his header was really weak and easy for Henderson.
After this let off United were back on the attack with Basham linking well with Baldock and then McGoldrick having a mazy dribble and shot blocked. The opening goal was not long coming though and it came after the front two combined.
A long ball forward inside the channel saw Sharp and Hobbs clash but the United man was stronger wrestling the defender off before unselfishly laying the ball back and MCGOLDRICK turned it home with the keeper committed. He ran to Sharp to thank his striker partner after displaying his customary flexed muscle celebration to the Kop.
Connolly was the first man booked for a late lunge on Fleck but Bolton had a chance not long after as Lowe drove down the right and his cross was met by Ameobi but Basham got a crucial block in. United were back on the attack and a lovely header down from Sharp sat up for Fleck but his shot was high and wild.
Stearman was introduced for Duffy maybe in an attempt to counter the Bolton change of Magennis who had replaced Vela.
With 17 minutes to go, United effectively made the game safe. Connolly stupidly pushed Duffy over and Norwood took a delightful free kick that SHARP headed home via the legs of Matthews. It was a lovely free kick and simply needed the finishing touch which Sharp, as he often does, applied it.
Bolton had a chance with a through ball but Henderson was out smartly to pouch the ball as he slid in.
Madine came on for McGoldrick and then soon after Dowell for Sharp and United were now in well control. At the end it was the home side who looked more likely to score again and Madine was nearly fed by Dowell but the ball was blocked after lovely patient build up. The final whistle came after three minutes of stoppage time and it was another three points for the Blades.
United – A bit like the QPR game; it was a game we never really got anywhere near top gear but deserved to win and did what we had to in both boxes. This seems to be a change from last season and even times earlier this year. These sort of games we would have drawn but today we stepped things up when we had to. First half we were slow and not great. We still shaded things but did not create much and it was a bit flat.
However, in the second half it was a different story. We were better in all aspects and I felt that we started to pick up all the loose bits and started to stretch them. After we scored, they never hurt us massively and then the clincher came. After this it was quite comfortable. We were by no means superb today but were good enough to win. The front two stepped up second half and were the difference but a few other players improved also. Interesting that the goal we scored came from a direct (long) ball that came forward and a good old-fashioned shoulder barge!
It was crucial we did win today as it was a tricky fixture but we were professional in the end. We have a touch game at Villa to come but they were not exactly on form so we have to go there and go for the win – this would put us top temporarily and would be huge at this stage of the season. I actually would take a point but we have to go and try and win every game really. Then we have two home games and this is a big chance for us to keep up with the top two. I said I would settle for 6th and still maintain that in a very pessimistic ‘United always mess up’ kind of thought process but if we keep shooting for the top two then playoffs if we just fall short takes care of itself of course. None of the top teams are in great form (except Bristol City) and all seem to be winning a few, the drawing or losing. No one had pulled away so we are in there with a chance.
Bolton – They are clearly in a mess on and off the field and I will be shocked if they do not go down. They somehow scraped clear last year but have an even weaker team this season and lack goals and leadership. They have struggled to sign players due to the financial issues and Ken Anderson’s chairmanship has certainly not helped matters. Parkinson continues to play a very ugly direct style but today they actually played a bit more football than they have in other games I have seen. First half they were in the game and had a go for a spell but then slowly they started to time waste and sit back more and more. They began to settle for a point although had a good chance in the early part of the 2nd half. After we scored, they did not threaten too much other than a few half chances (one blocked and one well over) and the 2nd goal killed them. After this they kind of gave up and the lack of confidence was clear. They have a few talented players but not sure the style they play helps the likes of Ameobi. In a way not, sure Evans going there would have been good for him as he would not have seen many chances come his way and ironically may be better at Fleetwood although it seemed a bit naughty of Fleetwood if they did not send the documents in and thus retain him. On one hand not, sure Anderson deserved having one of our players after what happened with Doidge etc but know Wilder is big mates with Parkin and Butler – two of the Bolton coaching staff.
They were not awful today but when United upped their tempo and stepped up; they struggled to cope with us and in the end the score line was about a right really for the flow of the game and the amount of possession and pressure we had. I cannot see them winning many games at all between now and the end of the season and feel that they and Ipswich will be long gone before the end of the season leaving Rotherham and Reading to fight over the other spot.
Opponent man of the match – The midfield started quite well with Connelly on debut, Vela and the young lad Connell busy. Indeed, he was maybe the standout. He was involved quite a bit and got on the ball. Not everything came off but he was never hiding. Looked a bit like Pavel Nedved! Only 17 I think he is so, looks a good prospect.
Weak link – Hobbs got badly outmuscled on the goal too against a smaller player and this was crucial and then he clearly lost his man on the second. He was the hero in the week but he was involved in a negative way in both goals they conceded today. They were really powderpuff up the top of the field. I felt that Donaldson looked really poor. He looked quite immobile and the ball never stuck to him and he missed that weak header. Ameobi did a few nice bits but no end product and often just went down blind alleys. I also felt that they looked slow at the back and Wheater looks a player that has had his day. The keeper (Matthews not the normal keeper but has kept his place) was also quite poor and looked very jittery and a line keeper at that. I think we maybe could have exploited that more.
Henderson 7/10 – Had little to do first half at all as they did not have any real efforts of note and his main play was getting us moving from his feet. Second half he made a more comfortable save than it should have been from Donaldson’s poor header and then recall him sprinting out to save when 2-0 and he had to smother himself to a long through ball. Outside of this he was well protected and kept another clean sheet at home – the third in a row in the league.
Baldock 7.5/10 – Thought he was very good today especially second half. He was busy all game actually and a bundle of energy. He defended well against a tough opponent as Ameobi was on his side most of the time but he stuck at him and did not let him get away despite him being a powerful runner. Gradually as the game went on; he came forward more and more. Second half he seemed to be everywhere with some runs across the field and then popped up down the left. Often his final ball is still poor and he does not always pick men out but his fitness and running were a huge plus as we played higher up the field the more the game went on.
Stevens 6.5/10 – Big fan of his but he was a bit off it today. First half especially he was poor in his touch and passing and took too long to do things. He played a few short balls or miscontrolled it on a few occasions. Defensively he was ok most of the game but by his high standards he did not do much in an attacking sense. 2nd half he was better in most things but we had more of a threat down the right today.
Egan 6.5/10 – Like the above; not sure it was his best game today. He panicked a bit on the ball and a few times was sloppy with it. I also thought that he was a little careless with his marking a few times and not tight enough. There was one spell second half where he lost it, then lost it again soon after and they had a few corners as a result. Regained his composure and finished the game well with a few solid headers.
O’Connell 7/10 – Solid game apart from one moment when he completely lost Donaldson and that could have led to a goal. Other than that, he got forward well and was very advanced a lot of the game for a centre back and even when we switched to a more orthodox 2 – he still was attacking a lot as they had little threat and sat back further and further. He does not seem to be much of a goal threat currently from set plays when he used to offer more but often when he gets there, he heads them up in the air.
Basham 7.5/10 – Another all action performance where he seemed to be all over the place again. Began in his normal position but then was moved into a more midfield role as Wilder saw they had extra bodies in this area early on and had a lot of the ball. He got his foot in, won bits and pieces and then second half he played almost as a right winger at times as he seemed to drift from centre back to midfield to up front! Made one crucial block on Ameobi at 1-0. He had a few of the slalom runs and linked well with Baldock. One run where he was fouled twice by Wheater but somehow span round and kept running through and then won a corner summed him up. His final ball (or shot as it was today!) also was poor again and is the one weakness in his game which is largely consistently excellent.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Much better game today and back to standards of old. Just more involved generally and seemed to run with the ball more. 1st half he was ok; but second half especially he started to drive at Bolton and commit men. He linked well with others and was playing further forward. He had two really good chances but both shots were really poor with the one 2nd half badly over. He seems to lean back a lot when he shoots so no coincidence, he rarely gets any on target or even close. Overall though he was much better and hopefully he can kick on and have a series of consistent games.
Norwood 7/10 – Decent enough. He started the game slowly and I felt midfield wise we did not have as much of the ball as we normally do or should do for a top side. They had quite a bit of the ball but slowly we started to get more of it; with Basham stepping out helping in this respect. He then started to dictate more and play some of his passes. He does try and play the Hollywood ball a bit too much but when it comes off, we are delighted. He put one great pass into Sharp’s path first half and then on the 2nd goal it was a tremendous free kick waiting to be finished.
Duffy 7.5/10 – First half he was our best player. He got into good areas, linked well and was constant motion. He looked like the player who would make things happen and little passes or touches almost got us in. I also felt even after the break he was a threat and that when he had it, they look worried as he was able to control things or carry the ball in our moves. Not sure the end product was quite there despite a few clever balls to Sharp and McGoldrick that were intercepted. Came off for Stearman when they threw the extra lad up top which seemed an odd move but it did not affect things.
Sharp 8/10 – First half did not get involved too much and one chance from a lovely ball he miscontrolled. Did link well when he could but did not see much of the ball as he would have liked as they were quite tight on him. He stepped up hugely second half and was superb. He looked like an old-fashioned target man as against bigger players, he held it up, knocked them about and was a constant menace. Made the first goal with a superb bit of play to outmuscles Hobbs and then coolly roll it across for a tap in. He then held up for Fleck and then also McGoldrick for chances with more selfless work. He then scored his goal – another header and a poacher’s effort. Seems to be getting better and better with age and now the joint leading scorer in the Championship.
McGoldrick 8/10 – Might have edged Sharp for my man of the match, thought he was excellent throughout. First half he was able to drop deep and link with others and showed once again a lovely array of flicks, touches and clever play to retain possession. Slows the game down and makes it look easy. They struggled to pick him up and he often came deep. Had one run and shot blocked. 2nd half he was even better. He was able to run with the ball and linked well with Sharp. He got a poacher’s goal but then linked a few more times that led to half chances. Just a very clever footballer.
Subs –
Stearman – A rare league appearance – he was able to come on and help us to another clean sheet. Cannot recall him touching the ball much. Won one header they punted forward but they actually did not cause too many problems near the end.
Madine – Came on and knocked the defenders about and held it up a few times too. He had a half chance right at the end but took too long to get his shot away and was blocked.
Dowell – Played just behind Madine and got on the ball quite a bit in the limited action he saw and won a corner and then nearly led to a chance. Did look lively when he came on.
Wilder 7.5/10 – 2-0 win; a clean sheet, both strikers scored and we got some game time for some of the newer players. Also, after a sub part first half we stepped it up and his words saw us play higher up the field and at a greater tempo. We were much better and started to do things at a quicker pace and we also saw every player improve in terms of winning their battle.
I was concerned about the change when Duffy was withdrawn for Stearman as I felt Duff was playing well and we were still in control at 1-0 but maybe Wilder felt they now had three big lads up top but not sure Ameobi or Donaldson or really big headers of the ball. Magennis was another big lad though who came on so Wilder maybe was concerned about even more long balls or set plays. In the end this did not materialise but we got the 2nd and Bolton kind of gave up after this stage and he also got Madine and Dowell some minutes too.
Referee – He was ok actually. Very small guy and seeming he stood next to Ameobi was quite amusing and the fact his ten yards he marked out was actually quite a lot less due to his small legs! Joking apart he was decent and much better than some of the recent ones we have had. He let things flow when he could and kept his cards in his pocket. They were no really bad fouls although the late one by Connolly on Fleck was deservedly a yellow – the only one of the game. The rest of the game went by with little incident. I actually felt a few of the 50-50’s went for us today which has not always happened at home. Recall a shove on Sharp given when one a minute earlier on their man was not given. Parkinson was going crazy; but then he was arguing and shouting for everything.
Sadly, his team are just rotten and that is not the officials’ fault. The big calls were the goal. I felt the assistant or referee would pull it back even though I did not think it was a foul. It was a legitimate shoulder barge but often they are given these days so was pleasantly surprised when it was rightly allowed to stand. I also had a look at the assistant for an offside but again think it was played across and so not offside at all. What was telling was that Hobbs did not even muster much of an appeal nor did many Bolton players. They just looked at their teammate as if to say ‘What are you doing?’ Even Parkinson and co who appealed for everything did not really make much of a complaint. It was a legitimate goal.
Outside of this the officials were fine although it did seem both teams could take free kicks and throw ins from wherever they wanted which in a way helped the game flow but both teams started to take advantage of this!
