Post by deadbat on Jan 5, 2020 18:34:47 GMT
The Blades got through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and avoided an upset versus a non-league team for the second year running. Fylde gave a great account of themselves but unlike Barnet could not quite do enough to get a result against United.
It was eleven changes with Michael Verrips and Jack Rodwell in for debuts and returns for several players who have not been close to the first team in Leon Clarke, Ravel Morrison, Kieron Freeman and Kean Bryan. Fylde were backed by a healthy and noisy following and had former Blade Danny Philliskirk starting and two others, Andy Taylor and Mark Yeates on the bench.
United saw all of the early ball and moved it around patiently. Besic was central to the early play and showed his range of passing. It was not long before the opening goal. Freeman put his cross over and ROBINSON turned and swivelled before firing in via a deflection into the corner. It was a quick, instinctive piece of skill. The striker scooped the ball out of the net clearly keen for more!
United continued to have all the early ball but were not able to create any clearer chances and indeed Fylde had a chance when a ball over the top saw Haughton in but Besic got back to cleanly win his last-ditch tackle as he shaped to shoot.
Freeman’s mis directed cross had to be helped over by Hornby and then the keeper had to flick away a header from Clarke.
Flyde had looked dangerous on the break and a ball over the top after Freeman (K)’s error saw them threaten and Verrips was quick off his line. However, in getting there he clashed with Bryan and an attacker and went down. After receiving treatment, it was deemed he was not fit to continue and possibly concussed. Dean Henderson who maybe had expected the day off, had to come on in his place.
Osborn was booked for a high tackle near the touchline just before the break but Fylde had limited United to no clear chances after the goal.
The second half saw the Blades start well and neat work down the right saw Freeman’s cross drop for Robinson but the keeper made a good save from close range.
Whitemore had the first real chance for the visitors but headed wide under no pressure at all and then soon after a scramble saw Jagielka and then Besic make key blocks as Fylde put in several shots on goal with United at full stretch.
Rodwell had taken a knock and had to be replaced by Basham just before the hour mark. He was straight in on the action with his trademark surging runs shown to the fore as he linked with Freeman.
The Blades went back on the attack and had a goal ruled out for offside when Morrison headed home after Clarke’s knockdown. VAR was used but the original decision was upheld.
A neat move led to the second goal on 61 minutes. Morrison, Freeman and then Besic were involved after Basham’s earlier enterprise. Besic fed Freeman and his shot hit the post but CLARKE reacted well to smash the ball home in front of the empty Kop.
After this, it seemed United may go on and take the game away and Freeman had two efforts saved and then deflected over. However, with just under 10 minutes to play, out of nowhere Fylde got back in it. A lovely through ball from Bradley dissected both Bryan and Osborn and WILLIAMS were in. As Henderson came out, he lobbed it beautifully over him and into the empty net. Game on!
After this Fylde came again and Williams had a low shot saved from Henderson. United brought on Stearman for Robinson as they knew they had to see it out now as Fylde started to knock the ball forward. United played keep ball to take the sting out of things for a period as the game went into four minutes of additional time. A late attack saw the non-league side win a corner but Yeates delivery did not beat the first man with the whole Fylde team including the keeper in the box!
United – Bit of a relief to get through really. We deserved to win but were not fantastic or even that good really. It was a performance where we just did enough without really putting together a game but limited side.
Like last year v Barnet, it was not the most exciting of games and it was quite a poor watch. We did have a lot of the ball and saw some nice bits of play at times but for the most part it was very slow and a little bit predictable. You would have expected our far superior quality to impose themselves a bit more on the game and pin them back but it never happened as most of our football was played a long way from the goal. We did show flashes and for a spell in the second half could have scored a few more goals as we pulled them apart but we did not do this consistently.
The whole tempo of the game was slow and they let us have it. We were a bit safe and lacked penetration and bravery to get into the last third and created very few chances especially first half against such a lowly ranked team. Even if they do sit in and bank up, we have to move it quicker. Robinson scored a good goal but after this it was really subdued. Second half they had a few chances but then for a 20-minute spell, we had lots of it and played some quicker and more purposeful football. We got the second and you thought that would be it but sloppy defending and the game was back alive.
I thought Besic and Jags did well and Freeman (both) did ok for spells but several others not sure they showed they are close to what we require at such a high level. It’s a win but again like last year not sure too many took their chance and really will be knocking on his door. I have watched the likes of Osborn, Bryan, Morrison and Luke Freeman in these cup games this season and not sure any of them look close to being first team regulars. The fact some of these are not even on the bench (even Osborn and L Freeman missed out on the match day squad some weeks) shows this. He will be happy how we started but then it all became slow and pedestrian. They then came back and really had a few chances to level second half. When we went 2-0 up, I wanted us to be ruthless and take it away but it did not happen. They got back in it and then it was all a bit nervy.
The game is always hard when we change it and I do wonder that it is harder to come into our system and the way we play as it has been worked on for so long by those that play week in, week out. It was important to win but might have come at a cost with a few injuries to debutants Verrips and Rodwell. This may not be great when we don’t have much cover in these positions.
Be interesting to see the draw tomorrow as now there are fewer weak teams left in it of course and if that team starts it will be a real struggle to get through but I think it is right Wilder plays the same sort of team regardless. The attention turns now to a big game Friday when of course all the regulars will come back in.
Ratings (with prognosis for the future for the fringe players – both short and longer term in parenthesis)
Verrips 7/10 – Had little to do other than a few kick outs and back passes which he was fine with. The first time he actually had to get involved properly was then they broke and he had to get amongst bodies to make a save and a combination of an attacker/defender saw him take a whack to the blow. Seemed quite shaken and right to take no risks. With Moore injured and now him under a concussion protocol be interesting to see who will be the back-up on Friday.
Will battle with Moore as the back up but be disappointed in his big chance he had to come off. If Henderson goes back, we may bring in two in this area still next summer.
Freeman K. 7/10 – Thought he was really good attacking wise and our main source of creativity first half. Got very far up the pitch and had one or two decent crosses. One Clarke should have scored from. Ironically his poorest nearly went in and was helped onto the bar by the keeper. Defensively showed his weaknesses as in one move, he failed to clear twice and led to the keeper injured as they broke. Second half same story. Some good runs and crosses amidst a few overplayed. He also made another sloppy pass that nearly let them in. He was much better than he was last season in the corresponding fixture at this stage.
I expect him to stay till the end of the season as cover for Baldock but expect him too move on as we look to strengthen in the summer
Osborn 4/10 – Really struggled most of the game. Heard a few saying left wing back is not his position and that may be right but then that also concerns me as we have no cover behind Stevens at all (Bryan showed his deficiencies in this position before). Was ok with his passing early on but then he started to struggle and got booked for a high foot and after that he was lucky to stay on the pitch with another poor foul and another lunge near the end which luckily missed his man. The goal came when the ball was played behind him and Bryan and neither reacted.
Will be part of the squad as cover and expect him to be used more in the middle of the field/left midfield than left sided defence
Bryan 5.5/10 – He was better than previous games where he struggled in the League Cup and FA Cup last season. Looks very nervous on the ball and waits for it to come to him and is back foot a lot. Technically he is not sure enough and needs to take several touches to do the basics. He just looks a bit out of his depth on and off the ball. He was ball watching on the goal and needed to react quicker. All looks a bit quick for him.
Now 23 so not a kid anymore, not sure now almost 18 months on if he has improved at all. He needs to go out on loan. Still has another year left after this season but one I expect to move out of the 25-man squad.
Jagielka 7.5/10 – Our best defender by some way. Made several timely interceptions and blocks and was just nice and composed helping settle a debutant and a nervy lad either side of him. He just played it nice and simple although they had spells second half where he was at full stretch more than he should have been as the midfield left us exposed.
Continue to be a back up and may be used in more games the second half as inevitably we may pick up more injuries/suspensions and he is next man up in the three. Not sure they will give him another year though and may look to get him into the coaching side possibly?
Rodwell 6/10 – He was steady without being spectacular but not really under much pressure aside from one or two long balls where he was a bit slow to get across. He did ok with the ball and kept it simple. Tried to come out a few times but was not found when he got in more advanced areas. Got a knock early in the second half and came on. Not a great sign for someone who had been so injury prone to hobble off on his debut.
Be a backup in central defence (right side) and midfield. Not sure we will see much of him and like Ravel think he is just insurance and will rarely be on the bench.
Freeman. L 7/10 – He got man of the match and seen a lot saying he was really good. I will probably get pelters for this but did not see the outstanding games that many others saw. He did a few nice balls, runs with the ball, especially second half and his shot led to the goal. He also had a few other nice assists that led to chances. However, I also thought for the odd bits of good play on the ball, he was quite slow and pedestrian at times and took too many touches to move it on. His set plays and corners were awful too. Out of possession he also was slow to cover and get back. As I say I will probably be on my own in this opinion, but I thought he was ok but nothing more and saw as many deficiencies in his game (lack of pace/power and mobility) as positives (dribbling, ability to try and pick a forward pass and wanting to take responsibility).
Will continue to be around the bench but again not sure he will start many games and see Besic as now being the next player up in this area, especially away from him.
Morrison 5.5/10 – Probably another mark where I will get criticism but against a team that is right near the bottom of the National League, I expected out midfield to dominate in terms of winning the ball and penning them back. I wanted to see some drive, some pace of passing and the tempo raised. It was all so slow and safe. He did not give it away much first half but then second half showed his lack of discipline as we had huge gaps in midfield when they had quite a lot of breaks. His corners were awful either not beating the first man or floated behind or into the keeper’s hands. I expected him to really express himself today and show his ability but other than maybe one or two clever balls, it was a very so-so performance where he did not even stand out against non-league players.
I am not sure I see a future here. It is nothing to do with his attitude really. I am just not convinced he has what it takes to be a contributor at this level. His style is languid but even saying that, his technical ability is not at the level where he is dictating play or making things happen. I used to recall he was a quick, dribbler with an eye for goal but now seems to be more reserved.
Besic 7.5/10 – Thought he was our best player. First half straight away made sure we had a better tempo and urgency than the game v Barnet last year. Won a few tackles and moved it quick side to side. He looked like he wanted to make an impact. Busy on and off the ball. Made a great tackle when they broke thought. Second half he was not quite as involved and I felt a few times he needed to be more secure with possession but overall he did well and one of the few that showed a claim for a shirt.
After a decent game at City and ok cameo at Anfield, he will now be pushing Lundstram for a start and JL will need to ensure he gets back to his early season form v West Ham or Besic may come in. He may be more an away player perhaps when we need more from players out of possession.
Robinson 7/10 – Began the game well with a quick swivelled finish (may have been going wide when you look at the shot going the other way before it hit the man and went into the other corner). Loved the way he got the ball out of the net too as showed he was hungry for more. Continued to look our best attacked (outside of Freeman) but he too faded second half. Had one good chance when the keeper saved and then a turn and shot over. Some neat and tidy stuff but again against poor opposition it was all a bit fits and starts and wanted him to drive at defenders more. Still needs to impose himself more but it was a better performance in that he was much more involved and secure in keeping the ball.
The fact he started today confirms he needs games to get going but also that Wilder probably has him ranked 5th in the strikers (I know he had a rare start v City). Most of the games recently Wilder has used the other 4 either starting or from the bench. Will be pleased to get a goal but still to be convinced by him that he is good enough at this top level and do we have time to keep waiting for him to find his feet in cut throat Premier League where every game/moment is so important? I would not be shocked to see him go out on loan if we signed another striker.
Clarke 5.5/10 – I know he scored but he looked off the pace for most of the game. He had one other headed effort that looped up and the keeper saved. Outside of this he had another few shots blocked but he was very slow and lost most of his battles first half and did not even hold it up. Second half he was much better and scored an opportunistic striker and was more involved in the link up but he did lack mobility and unless the ball was right to his feet did not fancy running for it! Looked like he has had a good Xmas (and August, Sept, Oct, Nov!) as carrying a few pounds. Grown a nice beard whilst out of action too!
Expect that to be his last ever game at the Lane. I have said that before but now unless he stays for the next round, then expect him to leave this window. Seen a few Championship clubs linked with him such as Birmingham but expect he will probably leave to a League One side. He will then move on when his contract is up at the end of the season. Been a really good player for us though and will be well thought of down here wherever he goes.
Subs –
Henderson 6.5/10 – Did not have much to do as a few shots were blocked and a header went wide. Took a few through balls but then one ball came and he did not know whether to stay or go. He kind of got in no man’s land. Made one save near the end at his near post.
Basham 7.5/10 – Even in the short space of time, he helped change our whole attacking intent and pace we went forward. He got on it, drove up the field and at times looked like two men! You realise how much he has improved technically, physically and intelligence wise even in a short burst. He was one of the few (Jags maybe the other) that looked a class above when the rest did not really show this. Helped make the second goal and involved in other attacks of note with his running and energy.
Stearman – Brought on to help us keep the lead! Yes, versus Fylde! I think Wilder knew they would pump the ball forward and so wanted an extra bit of height as they had some big lads they would throw forward.
Wilder 6/10 – It’s a win and he got to see some different players and what they offered but not sure he will feel many are now banging on his door as they limped through. Besic and Jagielka did well but several others were so-so and were a bit safe. I am sure he wanted to see us be more ruthless and move the ball quicker but it never happened and, in the end, it became a bit of a slog. Sure, he will play a similar team no matter who we draw next round although a few may have moved on as we look to change elements of the 25-man squad and need to create spaces for a few probable incomers.
Fylde – They did well and will be proud of their efforts. The early goal could have knocked them off their stride but they stayed in the game and did not concede many clear chances at all. They tried the ball over the top a few times and nearly got in once before we got a last-ditch tackle in and then it happened again when Verrips got injured. We had a lot of the ball but they did not really get stretched too much and we maybe only had a few chances other than the goal in the first half. The second half they had a go and one header and then a scramble nearly saw them level. United got the second and you thought it would get away from them but it never happened and they got the goal and then they had hope. Not sure they had many clear chances after this with one effort wide and a few corners but they had a real go and deserve a lot of plaudits for their efforts. The lad Williams took his goal really well. The centre halves battled gamely. The ex Blades had mixed impact. Andy Taylor never got off the bench. My Uncle joked they were saving him for the penalty shoot out in the replay (remember when he was deemed a penalty expert by Danny Wilson when he came on v Huddersfield and missed)! Philliskirk played central midfield and was hard working if he did not see much of the ball. Mark Yeates came on and his only contribution seemed to be a corner that did not beat the first man right at the death with the whole Fylde team in the box, including the keeper. My mate and Uncle reckon he scored a 25-yard screamer on the angle at the Kop end once. I cannot remember and think they are making this up! I recall a winger who was slow, could not beat his man or cross a ball in a poor period for United.
Referee/Officials/VAR – First game for the Australian referee Jarred Gillett, who did ok in a game with few flashpoints. Of course, the game was delayed as we waited for a replacement for the fourth official who had to run the line when an assistant was taken ill. Jordan Machin, a Blades fan from Worksop got the gig after reffing a game in the morning locally! There was one check for VAR when Morrison scored when the flag went up. I thought it would be just our luck to get a decision in a game outside the Premier League but we did not even get that!
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – 11,133. Really flat of course with little noise. The Fylde fans tried their best – they maybe had 4 or 500 who travelled over and saw a goal and deservedly the team got a standing ovation from all ahem…three sides of the ground. You could hear the players shouting at times, it was that quiet and was inevitably flat. Maybe they should open the Kop and the South Stand rather than the two side stands just to try and create a bit more atmosphere. Interesting to be in the South Stand and my normal seat and have loads turning up late, not knowing where they are sitting and then looking and then still sitting in the wrong seat!
It was eleven changes with Michael Verrips and Jack Rodwell in for debuts and returns for several players who have not been close to the first team in Leon Clarke, Ravel Morrison, Kieron Freeman and Kean Bryan. Fylde were backed by a healthy and noisy following and had former Blade Danny Philliskirk starting and two others, Andy Taylor and Mark Yeates on the bench.
United saw all of the early ball and moved it around patiently. Besic was central to the early play and showed his range of passing. It was not long before the opening goal. Freeman put his cross over and ROBINSON turned and swivelled before firing in via a deflection into the corner. It was a quick, instinctive piece of skill. The striker scooped the ball out of the net clearly keen for more!
United continued to have all the early ball but were not able to create any clearer chances and indeed Fylde had a chance when a ball over the top saw Haughton in but Besic got back to cleanly win his last-ditch tackle as he shaped to shoot.
Freeman’s mis directed cross had to be helped over by Hornby and then the keeper had to flick away a header from Clarke.
Flyde had looked dangerous on the break and a ball over the top after Freeman (K)’s error saw them threaten and Verrips was quick off his line. However, in getting there he clashed with Bryan and an attacker and went down. After receiving treatment, it was deemed he was not fit to continue and possibly concussed. Dean Henderson who maybe had expected the day off, had to come on in his place.
Osborn was booked for a high tackle near the touchline just before the break but Fylde had limited United to no clear chances after the goal.
The second half saw the Blades start well and neat work down the right saw Freeman’s cross drop for Robinson but the keeper made a good save from close range.
Whitemore had the first real chance for the visitors but headed wide under no pressure at all and then soon after a scramble saw Jagielka and then Besic make key blocks as Fylde put in several shots on goal with United at full stretch.
Rodwell had taken a knock and had to be replaced by Basham just before the hour mark. He was straight in on the action with his trademark surging runs shown to the fore as he linked with Freeman.
The Blades went back on the attack and had a goal ruled out for offside when Morrison headed home after Clarke’s knockdown. VAR was used but the original decision was upheld.
A neat move led to the second goal on 61 minutes. Morrison, Freeman and then Besic were involved after Basham’s earlier enterprise. Besic fed Freeman and his shot hit the post but CLARKE reacted well to smash the ball home in front of the empty Kop.
After this, it seemed United may go on and take the game away and Freeman had two efforts saved and then deflected over. However, with just under 10 minutes to play, out of nowhere Fylde got back in it. A lovely through ball from Bradley dissected both Bryan and Osborn and WILLIAMS were in. As Henderson came out, he lobbed it beautifully over him and into the empty net. Game on!
After this Fylde came again and Williams had a low shot saved from Henderson. United brought on Stearman for Robinson as they knew they had to see it out now as Fylde started to knock the ball forward. United played keep ball to take the sting out of things for a period as the game went into four minutes of additional time. A late attack saw the non-league side win a corner but Yeates delivery did not beat the first man with the whole Fylde team including the keeper in the box!
United – Bit of a relief to get through really. We deserved to win but were not fantastic or even that good really. It was a performance where we just did enough without really putting together a game but limited side.
Like last year v Barnet, it was not the most exciting of games and it was quite a poor watch. We did have a lot of the ball and saw some nice bits of play at times but for the most part it was very slow and a little bit predictable. You would have expected our far superior quality to impose themselves a bit more on the game and pin them back but it never happened as most of our football was played a long way from the goal. We did show flashes and for a spell in the second half could have scored a few more goals as we pulled them apart but we did not do this consistently.
The whole tempo of the game was slow and they let us have it. We were a bit safe and lacked penetration and bravery to get into the last third and created very few chances especially first half against such a lowly ranked team. Even if they do sit in and bank up, we have to move it quicker. Robinson scored a good goal but after this it was really subdued. Second half they had a few chances but then for a 20-minute spell, we had lots of it and played some quicker and more purposeful football. We got the second and you thought that would be it but sloppy defending and the game was back alive.
I thought Besic and Jags did well and Freeman (both) did ok for spells but several others not sure they showed they are close to what we require at such a high level. It’s a win but again like last year not sure too many took their chance and really will be knocking on his door. I have watched the likes of Osborn, Bryan, Morrison and Luke Freeman in these cup games this season and not sure any of them look close to being first team regulars. The fact some of these are not even on the bench (even Osborn and L Freeman missed out on the match day squad some weeks) shows this. He will be happy how we started but then it all became slow and pedestrian. They then came back and really had a few chances to level second half. When we went 2-0 up, I wanted us to be ruthless and take it away but it did not happen. They got back in it and then it was all a bit nervy.
The game is always hard when we change it and I do wonder that it is harder to come into our system and the way we play as it has been worked on for so long by those that play week in, week out. It was important to win but might have come at a cost with a few injuries to debutants Verrips and Rodwell. This may not be great when we don’t have much cover in these positions.
Be interesting to see the draw tomorrow as now there are fewer weak teams left in it of course and if that team starts it will be a real struggle to get through but I think it is right Wilder plays the same sort of team regardless. The attention turns now to a big game Friday when of course all the regulars will come back in.
Ratings (with prognosis for the future for the fringe players – both short and longer term in parenthesis)
Verrips 7/10 – Had little to do other than a few kick outs and back passes which he was fine with. The first time he actually had to get involved properly was then they broke and he had to get amongst bodies to make a save and a combination of an attacker/defender saw him take a whack to the blow. Seemed quite shaken and right to take no risks. With Moore injured and now him under a concussion protocol be interesting to see who will be the back-up on Friday.
Will battle with Moore as the back up but be disappointed in his big chance he had to come off. If Henderson goes back, we may bring in two in this area still next summer.
Freeman K. 7/10 – Thought he was really good attacking wise and our main source of creativity first half. Got very far up the pitch and had one or two decent crosses. One Clarke should have scored from. Ironically his poorest nearly went in and was helped onto the bar by the keeper. Defensively showed his weaknesses as in one move, he failed to clear twice and led to the keeper injured as they broke. Second half same story. Some good runs and crosses amidst a few overplayed. He also made another sloppy pass that nearly let them in. He was much better than he was last season in the corresponding fixture at this stage.
I expect him to stay till the end of the season as cover for Baldock but expect him too move on as we look to strengthen in the summer
Osborn 4/10 – Really struggled most of the game. Heard a few saying left wing back is not his position and that may be right but then that also concerns me as we have no cover behind Stevens at all (Bryan showed his deficiencies in this position before). Was ok with his passing early on but then he started to struggle and got booked for a high foot and after that he was lucky to stay on the pitch with another poor foul and another lunge near the end which luckily missed his man. The goal came when the ball was played behind him and Bryan and neither reacted.
Will be part of the squad as cover and expect him to be used more in the middle of the field/left midfield than left sided defence
Bryan 5.5/10 – He was better than previous games where he struggled in the League Cup and FA Cup last season. Looks very nervous on the ball and waits for it to come to him and is back foot a lot. Technically he is not sure enough and needs to take several touches to do the basics. He just looks a bit out of his depth on and off the ball. He was ball watching on the goal and needed to react quicker. All looks a bit quick for him.
Now 23 so not a kid anymore, not sure now almost 18 months on if he has improved at all. He needs to go out on loan. Still has another year left after this season but one I expect to move out of the 25-man squad.
Jagielka 7.5/10 – Our best defender by some way. Made several timely interceptions and blocks and was just nice and composed helping settle a debutant and a nervy lad either side of him. He just played it nice and simple although they had spells second half where he was at full stretch more than he should have been as the midfield left us exposed.
Continue to be a back up and may be used in more games the second half as inevitably we may pick up more injuries/suspensions and he is next man up in the three. Not sure they will give him another year though and may look to get him into the coaching side possibly?
Rodwell 6/10 – He was steady without being spectacular but not really under much pressure aside from one or two long balls where he was a bit slow to get across. He did ok with the ball and kept it simple. Tried to come out a few times but was not found when he got in more advanced areas. Got a knock early in the second half and came on. Not a great sign for someone who had been so injury prone to hobble off on his debut.
Be a backup in central defence (right side) and midfield. Not sure we will see much of him and like Ravel think he is just insurance and will rarely be on the bench.
Freeman. L 7/10 – He got man of the match and seen a lot saying he was really good. I will probably get pelters for this but did not see the outstanding games that many others saw. He did a few nice balls, runs with the ball, especially second half and his shot led to the goal. He also had a few other nice assists that led to chances. However, I also thought for the odd bits of good play on the ball, he was quite slow and pedestrian at times and took too many touches to move it on. His set plays and corners were awful too. Out of possession he also was slow to cover and get back. As I say I will probably be on my own in this opinion, but I thought he was ok but nothing more and saw as many deficiencies in his game (lack of pace/power and mobility) as positives (dribbling, ability to try and pick a forward pass and wanting to take responsibility).
Will continue to be around the bench but again not sure he will start many games and see Besic as now being the next player up in this area, especially away from him.
Morrison 5.5/10 – Probably another mark where I will get criticism but against a team that is right near the bottom of the National League, I expected out midfield to dominate in terms of winning the ball and penning them back. I wanted to see some drive, some pace of passing and the tempo raised. It was all so slow and safe. He did not give it away much first half but then second half showed his lack of discipline as we had huge gaps in midfield when they had quite a lot of breaks. His corners were awful either not beating the first man or floated behind or into the keeper’s hands. I expected him to really express himself today and show his ability but other than maybe one or two clever balls, it was a very so-so performance where he did not even stand out against non-league players.
I am not sure I see a future here. It is nothing to do with his attitude really. I am just not convinced he has what it takes to be a contributor at this level. His style is languid but even saying that, his technical ability is not at the level where he is dictating play or making things happen. I used to recall he was a quick, dribbler with an eye for goal but now seems to be more reserved.
Besic 7.5/10 – Thought he was our best player. First half straight away made sure we had a better tempo and urgency than the game v Barnet last year. Won a few tackles and moved it quick side to side. He looked like he wanted to make an impact. Busy on and off the ball. Made a great tackle when they broke thought. Second half he was not quite as involved and I felt a few times he needed to be more secure with possession but overall he did well and one of the few that showed a claim for a shirt.
After a decent game at City and ok cameo at Anfield, he will now be pushing Lundstram for a start and JL will need to ensure he gets back to his early season form v West Ham or Besic may come in. He may be more an away player perhaps when we need more from players out of possession.
Robinson 7/10 – Began the game well with a quick swivelled finish (may have been going wide when you look at the shot going the other way before it hit the man and went into the other corner). Loved the way he got the ball out of the net too as showed he was hungry for more. Continued to look our best attacked (outside of Freeman) but he too faded second half. Had one good chance when the keeper saved and then a turn and shot over. Some neat and tidy stuff but again against poor opposition it was all a bit fits and starts and wanted him to drive at defenders more. Still needs to impose himself more but it was a better performance in that he was much more involved and secure in keeping the ball.
The fact he started today confirms he needs games to get going but also that Wilder probably has him ranked 5th in the strikers (I know he had a rare start v City). Most of the games recently Wilder has used the other 4 either starting or from the bench. Will be pleased to get a goal but still to be convinced by him that he is good enough at this top level and do we have time to keep waiting for him to find his feet in cut throat Premier League where every game/moment is so important? I would not be shocked to see him go out on loan if we signed another striker.
Clarke 5.5/10 – I know he scored but he looked off the pace for most of the game. He had one other headed effort that looped up and the keeper saved. Outside of this he had another few shots blocked but he was very slow and lost most of his battles first half and did not even hold it up. Second half he was much better and scored an opportunistic striker and was more involved in the link up but he did lack mobility and unless the ball was right to his feet did not fancy running for it! Looked like he has had a good Xmas (and August, Sept, Oct, Nov!) as carrying a few pounds. Grown a nice beard whilst out of action too!
Expect that to be his last ever game at the Lane. I have said that before but now unless he stays for the next round, then expect him to leave this window. Seen a few Championship clubs linked with him such as Birmingham but expect he will probably leave to a League One side. He will then move on when his contract is up at the end of the season. Been a really good player for us though and will be well thought of down here wherever he goes.
Subs –
Henderson 6.5/10 – Did not have much to do as a few shots were blocked and a header went wide. Took a few through balls but then one ball came and he did not know whether to stay or go. He kind of got in no man’s land. Made one save near the end at his near post.
Basham 7.5/10 – Even in the short space of time, he helped change our whole attacking intent and pace we went forward. He got on it, drove up the field and at times looked like two men! You realise how much he has improved technically, physically and intelligence wise even in a short burst. He was one of the few (Jags maybe the other) that looked a class above when the rest did not really show this. Helped make the second goal and involved in other attacks of note with his running and energy.
Stearman – Brought on to help us keep the lead! Yes, versus Fylde! I think Wilder knew they would pump the ball forward and so wanted an extra bit of height as they had some big lads they would throw forward.
Wilder 6/10 – It’s a win and he got to see some different players and what they offered but not sure he will feel many are now banging on his door as they limped through. Besic and Jagielka did well but several others were so-so and were a bit safe. I am sure he wanted to see us be more ruthless and move the ball quicker but it never happened and, in the end, it became a bit of a slog. Sure, he will play a similar team no matter who we draw next round although a few may have moved on as we look to change elements of the 25-man squad and need to create spaces for a few probable incomers.
Fylde – They did well and will be proud of their efforts. The early goal could have knocked them off their stride but they stayed in the game and did not concede many clear chances at all. They tried the ball over the top a few times and nearly got in once before we got a last-ditch tackle in and then it happened again when Verrips got injured. We had a lot of the ball but they did not really get stretched too much and we maybe only had a few chances other than the goal in the first half. The second half they had a go and one header and then a scramble nearly saw them level. United got the second and you thought it would get away from them but it never happened and they got the goal and then they had hope. Not sure they had many clear chances after this with one effort wide and a few corners but they had a real go and deserve a lot of plaudits for their efforts. The lad Williams took his goal really well. The centre halves battled gamely. The ex Blades had mixed impact. Andy Taylor never got off the bench. My Uncle joked they were saving him for the penalty shoot out in the replay (remember when he was deemed a penalty expert by Danny Wilson when he came on v Huddersfield and missed)! Philliskirk played central midfield and was hard working if he did not see much of the ball. Mark Yeates came on and his only contribution seemed to be a corner that did not beat the first man right at the death with the whole Fylde team in the box, including the keeper. My mate and Uncle reckon he scored a 25-yard screamer on the angle at the Kop end once. I cannot remember and think they are making this up! I recall a winger who was slow, could not beat his man or cross a ball in a poor period for United.
Referee/Officials/VAR – First game for the Australian referee Jarred Gillett, who did ok in a game with few flashpoints. Of course, the game was delayed as we waited for a replacement for the fourth official who had to run the line when an assistant was taken ill. Jordan Machin, a Blades fan from Worksop got the gig after reffing a game in the morning locally! There was one check for VAR when Morrison scored when the flag went up. I thought it would be just our luck to get a decision in a game outside the Premier League but we did not even get that!
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – 11,133. Really flat of course with little noise. The Fylde fans tried their best – they maybe had 4 or 500 who travelled over and saw a goal and deservedly the team got a standing ovation from all ahem…three sides of the ground. You could hear the players shouting at times, it was that quiet and was inevitably flat. Maybe they should open the Kop and the South Stand rather than the two side stands just to try and create a bit more atmosphere. Interesting to be in the South Stand and my normal seat and have loads turning up late, not knowing where they are sitting and then looking and then still sitting in the wrong seat!
