Post by deadbat on Jan 9, 2021 19:17:09 GMT
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A break from the losing monotony of the Premier League saw United travel South West to Bristol taking on League One Rovers at the Memorial Ground. The FA Cup was hoped to give Chris Wilder’s beleaguered side some respite from the miserable season that they have suffered so far. So, it proved as a strong side put out was able to win a five-goal thriller in a game United dominated for long periods and had 22 attempts (30 in total for both sides) and led three times but sloppy defending at set plays threatened to undo some really good attacking play at the other end. McGoldrick, Bogle, Osborn and sub-Burke impressed in the win and United will hope this will give them some confidence for the game at the Lane against Newcastle on Tuesday evening/teatime.
The Blades had a number of issues with injury and Coronavirus related problems and Wilder had stated pre game that he potentially only had 16 players to choose from. United started with a strong line up with McGoldrick and Mousset up top, Fleck, Lundstram and Norwood in midfield, McGoldrick and at the back they had Ramsdale, Basham, Egan and Ampadu. Only possibly the wing backs could be deemed not to be the strongest with Bogle and Osborn starting in place of the injured Baldock and Stevens. United only named 8 subs out of 9 with still no place for McBurnie either. Young defender Kyron Gordon, cousin of striker Tyler Smith, getting his first outing in the first team squad following on from another youngster Antonine Hackford, who was not included today after his taster last week.
Rovers named a side that featured former Blades nemesis Erhan Otzhumer who was on loan from Charlton and had a new keeper in Joe Day, also on loan, from Cardiff City. They were managed by the debonaire Paul Tisdale.
The first minute saw United on the attack and McGoldrick fed Osborn whose cross was excellent and Lundstram flicked it on at point blank range but Da made a great save. The fast start from the Blades saw Mousset down the right-hand side but his cross was straight at the keeper.
Rovers first attack saw Egan alert to head away before a goal came on 7 minutes. Lundstram was involved with a great crossfield ball and Osborn was in again down the left. His cross still had a lot to do but Mousset headed it goalward powerfully. The ball was flicked onto the bar by DAY and then came back and hit the keeper and bounced into his own net. Despite his celebrations Mousset would not be able to claim the goal.
McGoldrick then showed lovely skill to flick on for himself and away but the ball aimed for Mousset was cut out. United had been very good and in total control with Mousset in again but his hold up to Lundstram saw the midfielder crowded out as he tried to dribble through.
The home side had not been in the game really at all but totally against the run of play they levelled. McGoldrick gave away a soft foul but unnecessary all the same. The ball was whipped in from Westbroke and KILGOUR was too strong for Basham and headed powerfully into the corner giving Ramsdale no chance.
This surprise leveller saw Rovers buoyed and Hanlan’s pace won a corner. The ball was cleared and Mousset broke but after seeming to get away from his man, McCormick got back to make the tackle. It was more even now after the dominant United start with the goal changing things. Ozthumer then got in and sent the ball back but Ayunga made a back on Ramsdale and a foul was given.
A break down the right saw appeals for a penalty when Mousset fed Bogle and Leahy appeared to bring him down but the replays showed referee Stroud was right not to give it as he got a slight toe on the ball.
Nice play from United in their own corner flag saw them calmly play it out and after several passes McGoldrick was in yards of space but took too long and opted to shoot with better options. The ball deflected out for a corner. The set play saw a scramble as Egan twice tried to help it back into the danger area and the second time, he found Lundstram but his shot on the turn was saved well by Day at his near post leading to another corner.
United then found another chance from the main source of opportunities with Osborn down the left putting in another superb cross which Egan headed back and Mousset smashed home from close range but the referee adjudged that Egan had climbed over his man and disallowed it. Crucial decisions once again had gone against United summing up the type of season they were having.
The next 5 minutes saw a bit of a scrappier period of play ensue with Upson having a shot at Ramsdale. The League One side were more than holding their own and now it was a fairly even contest in possession even if the Blades had created more and looked more dangerous as an attacking side. Egan headed over in the final chance of the half.
Rovers began the second half better with a Leahy shot blocked and then an attack down the left. United’s second half fadeouts may have escaped censure in such a poor season when they have lost every game almost but it has been a feature. United did have a flurry of chances to begin the half. McGoldrick’s cross found Bogle but Leahy did well to block the shot as it appeared to be goalbound. Burke came on for Mousset just 5 minutes into the second half and this signalled for the Blades to really up things attacking wise as he had an instant impact.
More lovely work from McGoldrick saw his individual skill drift across the field and find Osborn who linked well with Fleck. The cross back from the left-wing back was perfect and Burke surely had to score but skewed his shot badly and it went out for a throw in.
McGoldrick continued to be the architect with the creative play and laid it back to Lundstram who fired a powerful shot that was flicked over by Day. McGoldrick then nearly got away from Kilgour but the defender got back to make the tackle.
Bristol Rovers had not really threatened at the other end but Ramsdale found himself outside the box and lost the ball and united were fortunate it bounced to a pink shirt to clear.
BURKE made amends on the hour mark as he netted his first United goal. There were appeals for a foul as Bristol Rovers attacked but United came away with it and Fleck played the striker through and he used his searing pace to get away. This time he made no mistake and calmly rolled it past Day to give the Blades the lead.
Rovers made a double change with Barrett and Grant on for Ozthumer and Ayunga. Manager Tisdale has wanted to make this change for a while but had not been able to do it until the goal went in. On 63 minutes though parity was restored again. It was another goal from a set play with more sloppy defending. The chance came when Hanlan’s pace got away from Basham to win a corner. The delivery came in and was headed back by Leahy who got away from his man and no one went with EHMER who crept in unmarked to score from close range. Norwood appealed but he probably was playing him onside!
23 seconds later it was incredibly in the net again as United took the lead for the third time. McGoldrick put the ball through and as Burke dummied, BOGLE got in and calmly side footed home from close range. It was a remarkable game and one that had been full on incident and goals!
United looked to make sure now and Burke was in again but whilst his pace took him away from his man, his clipped finish rolled agonisingly off the post with Day beaten. Another opportunity came when Norwood hit a fantastic cross that Osborn met on the angle but volleyed into the side netting.
Bryan came on for Lundstram as the game became stretched but United looked the more likely to score again and Burke came inside and whipped a shot just over. This was just after Basham had nearly got in on goal after the ball over from the left-hand side.
McGoldrick then also got in on goal but maybe took too long and the keeper made the save in a chance reminiscent and in a similar position, to the Bogle goal. The game ticked into the final 5 minutes and maybe naturally after so long without a win, United sat back a bit and Barrett pulled a shot wide. Lowe came on for Fleck in another defensive more. There was to be 4 minutes of stoppage time but a McCormick shot at Ramsdale was as close as Rovers got and United saw out the time to finally have that winning feeling after around 6 months; albeit in a cup competition.
United – It does feel like a massive relief. Just to win a game after so long. WE deservedly won and 3-2 I felt flattered Bristol Rovers. Yes, they fought hard and came back with 2 goals but no way did they deserve anything from the game. First half alone we had a number of chances and should have led at the break. We started well and Osborn was a real threat with his crossing. We got a goal and could have had more. They scored from nothing after a silly foul and you thought here we go! We then had one disallowed and a penalty appeal denied – you just felt this is another day where things go against us and I thought we may go on and lose but 2nd half we dominated really. Mousset had been ok but Burke really improved us and we looked a threat every time we attacked with him linking with McGoldrick and the wing backs getting high up the pitch. Burke and others missed a number of chances but then he finally scored with good work from Fleck. Then inexplicably we cock up on a set play again but then recovered instantly. I do worry if it had stayed 2-2 for a longer period, we may have really started to go into our shell but we stayed strong and scored straight away. After this we should have put the game away with Burke, Osborn and McGoldrick having more chances. We played some good stuff going forward and stretched them defensively. There was always a fear due to the season we had they may nick one but they never really looked like doing it.
Our play was mixed. We did some ok stuff but at times I thought went long quite a lot but oddly this worked as we got up the pitch. We did go wide a lot and try and overload but created lots of chances so in this sense cannot be too predictable. Some lovely stuff – like the bit we broke from our own corner and played several passes – McGoldrick shot deflected wide mixed with some poor stuff and bad final ball. Still if we switch on defensively at set plays we win that game easily. I still am worry that our midfield do not impose themselves and we are still too much of a soft touch but we did at least look like a goal threat and in open play we were the far better side.
There were a few things of worry outside of the set plays and lack of concentration – I felt midfield we still left gaps and poorer players still ran off us. We got a bit stretched and the game became a bit ragged. Today its kind of suited us as we knew we had better players and attacked that could hurt them but such an open game we would have struggled and have v Premier League players when they run through our midfield. Still, we saw more players play well or ok than poorly and we looked a goal threat. We scored 3 and could have had 7 or 8. We had 22 attempts (although only 8 on target). We hope we can use the win and us creating more as a spring board for Tuesday and in the Premier League. I enjoyed it today and that we kind of had the shackles off, albeit with the big caveat of whom we played but still it felt more like the old United.
It had been an odd week with the Wilder rumours (normally there is not smoke without fire so you wonder where those come from?) and then the Mousset car crash – so today kind of had the perfect recipe for another disaster and a cup upset but United won and won fairly well regardless of the score line. It could and should have been much more really. We are in the hat but not sure it matters whether we are home or away. You just do not want a Premier League team as they beat us! At least we can have a weekend where we have that winning feeling and I for one am not that arsed who it is against at the moment! It seems so long ago!
Ratings:
Ramsdale 5/10 – No chance on the goal as once again we concede from a header from a set play. He made one standard save and then came out and maybe got a bit lucky for a foul. Came out and kicked one away on the edge of his box. Second half once again had little to do but was let down by his defence on the corner. He then went wandering and lost it and got lucky. He also dropped a cross again but did recover. With very little to do he saw two goals fly past him again and still a few moments of indecision.
Bogle 7.5/10 – Ok to start with and had one run and penalty appeal but they had a few attacks and won a few corners down that side. Second, he was much more involved and got forward well and scored the goal which he took well – now got 2 goals and shown an eye for a goal in limited games! He was in good areas on a few occasions. He was not great last week at Palace but was more like he was v Brighton today.
Osborn 7.5/10 – Excellent first half with some lung bursting runs and several great crosses (where have they been all season?) with one for the goal and another for a few other chances. He kept the ball moving and was lively. He was a constant outlet and always in the right area to get it. He was very wide and this stretched them out. Second half not as involved as we went down the middle or the right more but had one effort into the side netting and nearly assisted to Burke when he missed badly. Did well today both defensively and going forward.
Basham 5/10 – Bitty performance. Some decent things where he got forward and got into good areas but defensively a bit hesitant and a few things came from him losing his battle. I have to say that even though I love the guy it has dawned on me he is a bit rubbish and weak in the air for a big lad aerially and there have been quite a few goals come from him losing a direct challenge this season. The goal was a clear point but it has happened in quite a few games. It means we rely on Egan all the time. The lad up top Hanlan did him for pace down the left once midway through the first half too and I think also second when it led to the corner for the goal and on the goal him and Lundstram did not win the header. He went into midfield to end the game and had a few half chances and finished the game better.
Ampadu 5.5/10 – Steady enough to begin the game and nothing really that bad or good. He was probably one of the least involved in the game as we went forward quite a bit and he stayed back as Osborn pushed on. Second half made an error early on and a few times he had some errant touches but he was ok – nothing spectacular but not sure the goals came down to him I do not think looking at who was picking up who. He is better than Robinson I feel in this position but both are not great. He is not someone who imposes himself and even today felt that but I suppose defending wise he did his job.
Egan 6.5/10 – Solid enough defensively but teams do knock the ball away from aerially knowing he is the main man at the back. He was involved attacking wise in two chances we had first half although maybe did not need to climb/foul his man on the disallowed goal. He was often involved in some set plays attacking wise. The goals we conceded the ball was not near him but we need to do better – whether he is used as a roamer and just attacks the ball or we bring in a dominant left sided centre back in the next week or so (the lad Davies at Preston is just 6 foot and not sure he is quite that sort of player).
Norwood 6/10 – Up and down but some ok things too and better than he has been. He played a few diagonal balls that came off and some that did not. He was on the ball more than he has been but not sure he was as sure on the ball or deliver as much as I would like. His corners were not the best but he did put some decent balls in such as the one for Osborn. Still looks like he is running through mud when teams break but they did not have the quality too hurt us. On the ball better with it and created some breaks.
Lundstram 5.5/10 – Thought he was lively to start and got in the box early for the header and then nearly linked with Mousset. Lovely diagonal for the goal and was involved more than the other two from an attacking sense. He was always moving and we had something different from midfield. He was not as involved second half and, on the goal, he does not do enough when his man overpowers him. He was taken off with around 20 minutes to play – maybe with an eye on Newcastle. Despite him probably moving on in the summer, he is still one of our best 3 midfield players and still offered more this season than Norwood and Fleck – that’s how bad they have been and Lunny has only been average.
Fleck 4/10 – Still looked very off it early and too slow to react to things. Just looks really off the pace. He did a few decent bits on the ball – linked with Osborn and then put a couple of balls through including the one for the goal but seems tentative in everything he is doing. He looks like he does not have the drive and muscle to go past players or get into those little pockets. We need him to find form fast. At least we saw a few bits (with the assist) today but a long way from the Fleck we know.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Began really well and drifted in and out of the play with some nice drops of the shoulder, passes and link ups. Daft foul for the goal and then at times he took too long to do things but as the game went on his influence grew. Slalomed across the pitch and was always on it. Nearly everything good we did came from him. He just coming onto the ball, linking play or creating things with little jinks. Could have scored and maybe at times took the wrong option but a delight to watch at times. Daft foul for the goal though. Lovely footballer to watch and just enjoyable to see do his thing.
Mousset 6/10 – Started quite up for it and pretty much scored out goal (does not go to him). Had another disallowed. Showed some decent pace at times but then others let defenders get back. He was at least involved which he has not been much in brief action this season. He was lively in terms of playing on the shoulders although pace wise worrying they got back at him a few times. Odd he started after the alleged indiscretion in the week – I thought Wilder may have banished him for a while but he started him. I do think that Brewster is way off it at this level (may one day get there) and that McBurnie has been so up and down/recent injury issues– more bad than good that it will be a combination of the two that started today and Burke for the next few games at least.
Subs –
Burke 7.5/10 – Thought that he was involved in everything and even though the front two had looked a threat; we ended up creating chances every time we attacked. He missed a chance with an awful finish which summed up his composure but then did score when put through. I was not convinced he would finish but took it well doing the keeper with his eyes. He then hit the post and had a curled effort over and easily could have had a hat trick. They could not keep up with his pace and movement and he looked a step above League One defenders and showed even v Championship defenders, he will cause problems. Just needs to work on the last bit but he did make an impact. I would keep him on the bench for Tuesday as someone who can come on and make changes.
Bryan – Steady enough when he came on – won a few headers late on but they did not really threaten much.
Lowe – Came on right near the end as we looked to see it out.
Manager Wilder 6/10 – It’s a win. We had a good attitude. He picked a side that did the job. We created tons of chances and had some really good attacking play. At times it was still bitty and we did not always have a solid structure and the game became a bit stretched. They did not have the quality to hurt us despite a few give aways in midfield but set plays was a major issue again. He will be furious with this as it has been our Achilles heel all season (amongst other things) and surely had to address this with a defensive signing in the next few weeks – I am not that bothered about someone to overlap at this stage. I want someone who can head it and kick it away and do the basics. Sadly, we have not done this. Bristol Rovers barely created a chance but they scored from two they did and we still do not look anywhere like keeping a clean sheet. He will be pleased with the two wing backs and on the performance, albeit v lower league, they will retain their places. The midfield still up and down in terms of defensive protection and creativity but the front 2/3 all looked threatening in the game.
Bristol Rovers – Struggled a bit this season but had picked up winning 5 of 6 including the last win in the 2nd round of this competition. Always think Paul Tisdale does not look like a manager – very debonair as he wears nice clothes/hat – compared the tracksuits/cheap suits other managers seem to wear! He has bounced around the lower leagues with Exeter, MK and now Rovers. They do not have the resources even of teams at this level so them even staying up you would think would be an achievement. Shows how out of touch I am with lower league football (suppose you watch your team higher than you do – that is not arrogant just reality) that I barely recognised more than a handful of names. The lad Baldwin who was at Sunderland. Ozthumer of course was another. They did have two lads at the back that got their foot in, defended well and of course a threat on set plays. Both Leahy and Kilgour looked about 40 as we said on the pod!
Today, they kept in the game but were always struggling to contain the wing backs and McGoldrick and Burke and they were fortunate to only lose narrowly but scored two decent set play goals and kept competitive against almost our first side so will gain confidence for that. I felt for the first time this season fitness wise we looked a bit above and also athleticism and physique (not set plays) but general play we held our own for once and football wise had cuter players of course. They did not really throw much at us at the end when I thought they would have got the ball into the box as we would have panicked.
Opponent Man of the Match – The striker Hanlan was decent and a threat with his pace a few times and the goalie Day played well but the big centre back Kilgour tried his guts out. Scored a goal, threw his body in the way and although struggled with pace and trickery of our strikers he was the one who often got the blocks in.
Opponent Weak link – I thought that no one was terrible but at times they just looked a bit leggy when we broke and they struggled down the wings even though Leahy got his foot in a few times and Ehmer scored – they never coped with our wing backs. I actually thought that Ozthumer as the player I feared was really poor and other than one chance was completely ineffectual and was taken off. Remember many wanted us to sign him!
Referee/Officials - Do think it is ridiculous that a competition can have VAR in some games and not others and it changes round per round how many. It is just bizarre. I know some ground might not be equipped but they all have camera’s, don’t they? There are enough officials to cover it you would think. Just shows that football will never be the same as we now have quite different rules not only from amateur/Sunday league to professional football but even in the whole pyramid with big money tier two games worth a lot of money playing an almost different sport in some ways. Seems to make a mockery of it but then all the young team line ups and the reversing of games to other teams’ grounds just makes it the latest thing to dilute what makes football so great. The FA Cup has been on the wane for a while and it seems in the midst of COVID-19, it is taken even less seriously. The Cup was always about lower league teams getting upsets in front of packed small grounds down the leagues but even that could not happen. You would have thought today would have been a cracking atmosphere – one I definitely would have gone to.
Anyway, I digress. The referee was Keith Stroud (him of Brentford home game fame – multiple sending offs and odd decisions, wasn’t it?). Without VAR to discuss you would think the game would be straight forward. Just one man and his two helpers to oversee things. No crowd to influence him. Easy. Well, it was kind of. There were a few decisions we can discuss. The foul McGoldrick gave away was soft but probably a foul. I saw no foul on Basham on the goal – just felt the lad was stronger. The penalty the defender did get a bit on the ball so was fine with that. The Egan one I have seen some let them go and he had with Egan heading back a bit before and maybe their goal. However, he maybe had his arm straight as he pushed him and it looked clumsy as he went above him. I did not have any issues it being a foul though – my mate thought it was the same as the Basham one on the goal but I did not. Outside of this not sure Stroud gave us much first half but then there was a possible foul second half in the build up for the Burke goal but I have not seen that back but they protested quite a bit but seemed he just got outmuscled. After this he started giving us more and the 50-50 ones went out way. He did ref with a smile on his face as he was constantly grinning! Only one booking – Leahy for complaining about the aforementioned possible foul on the goal.
open.spotify.com/episode/4FjZRMFPqwh9VmHUlOVnFp
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A break from the losing monotony of the Premier League saw United travel South West to Bristol taking on League One Rovers at the Memorial Ground. The FA Cup was hoped to give Chris Wilder’s beleaguered side some respite from the miserable season that they have suffered so far. So, it proved as a strong side put out was able to win a five-goal thriller in a game United dominated for long periods and had 22 attempts (30 in total for both sides) and led three times but sloppy defending at set plays threatened to undo some really good attacking play at the other end. McGoldrick, Bogle, Osborn and sub-Burke impressed in the win and United will hope this will give them some confidence for the game at the Lane against Newcastle on Tuesday evening/teatime.
The Blades had a number of issues with injury and Coronavirus related problems and Wilder had stated pre game that he potentially only had 16 players to choose from. United started with a strong line up with McGoldrick and Mousset up top, Fleck, Lundstram and Norwood in midfield, McGoldrick and at the back they had Ramsdale, Basham, Egan and Ampadu. Only possibly the wing backs could be deemed not to be the strongest with Bogle and Osborn starting in place of the injured Baldock and Stevens. United only named 8 subs out of 9 with still no place for McBurnie either. Young defender Kyron Gordon, cousin of striker Tyler Smith, getting his first outing in the first team squad following on from another youngster Antonine Hackford, who was not included today after his taster last week.
Rovers named a side that featured former Blades nemesis Erhan Otzhumer who was on loan from Charlton and had a new keeper in Joe Day, also on loan, from Cardiff City. They were managed by the debonaire Paul Tisdale.
The first minute saw United on the attack and McGoldrick fed Osborn whose cross was excellent and Lundstram flicked it on at point blank range but Da made a great save. The fast start from the Blades saw Mousset down the right-hand side but his cross was straight at the keeper.
Rovers first attack saw Egan alert to head away before a goal came on 7 minutes. Lundstram was involved with a great crossfield ball and Osborn was in again down the left. His cross still had a lot to do but Mousset headed it goalward powerfully. The ball was flicked onto the bar by DAY and then came back and hit the keeper and bounced into his own net. Despite his celebrations Mousset would not be able to claim the goal.
McGoldrick then showed lovely skill to flick on for himself and away but the ball aimed for Mousset was cut out. United had been very good and in total control with Mousset in again but his hold up to Lundstram saw the midfielder crowded out as he tried to dribble through.
The home side had not been in the game really at all but totally against the run of play they levelled. McGoldrick gave away a soft foul but unnecessary all the same. The ball was whipped in from Westbroke and KILGOUR was too strong for Basham and headed powerfully into the corner giving Ramsdale no chance.
This surprise leveller saw Rovers buoyed and Hanlan’s pace won a corner. The ball was cleared and Mousset broke but after seeming to get away from his man, McCormick got back to make the tackle. It was more even now after the dominant United start with the goal changing things. Ozthumer then got in and sent the ball back but Ayunga made a back on Ramsdale and a foul was given.
A break down the right saw appeals for a penalty when Mousset fed Bogle and Leahy appeared to bring him down but the replays showed referee Stroud was right not to give it as he got a slight toe on the ball.
Nice play from United in their own corner flag saw them calmly play it out and after several passes McGoldrick was in yards of space but took too long and opted to shoot with better options. The ball deflected out for a corner. The set play saw a scramble as Egan twice tried to help it back into the danger area and the second time, he found Lundstram but his shot on the turn was saved well by Day at his near post leading to another corner.
United then found another chance from the main source of opportunities with Osborn down the left putting in another superb cross which Egan headed back and Mousset smashed home from close range but the referee adjudged that Egan had climbed over his man and disallowed it. Crucial decisions once again had gone against United summing up the type of season they were having.
The next 5 minutes saw a bit of a scrappier period of play ensue with Upson having a shot at Ramsdale. The League One side were more than holding their own and now it was a fairly even contest in possession even if the Blades had created more and looked more dangerous as an attacking side. Egan headed over in the final chance of the half.
Rovers began the second half better with a Leahy shot blocked and then an attack down the left. United’s second half fadeouts may have escaped censure in such a poor season when they have lost every game almost but it has been a feature. United did have a flurry of chances to begin the half. McGoldrick’s cross found Bogle but Leahy did well to block the shot as it appeared to be goalbound. Burke came on for Mousset just 5 minutes into the second half and this signalled for the Blades to really up things attacking wise as he had an instant impact.
More lovely work from McGoldrick saw his individual skill drift across the field and find Osborn who linked well with Fleck. The cross back from the left-wing back was perfect and Burke surely had to score but skewed his shot badly and it went out for a throw in.
McGoldrick continued to be the architect with the creative play and laid it back to Lundstram who fired a powerful shot that was flicked over by Day. McGoldrick then nearly got away from Kilgour but the defender got back to make the tackle.
Bristol Rovers had not really threatened at the other end but Ramsdale found himself outside the box and lost the ball and united were fortunate it bounced to a pink shirt to clear.
BURKE made amends on the hour mark as he netted his first United goal. There were appeals for a foul as Bristol Rovers attacked but United came away with it and Fleck played the striker through and he used his searing pace to get away. This time he made no mistake and calmly rolled it past Day to give the Blades the lead.
Rovers made a double change with Barrett and Grant on for Ozthumer and Ayunga. Manager Tisdale has wanted to make this change for a while but had not been able to do it until the goal went in. On 63 minutes though parity was restored again. It was another goal from a set play with more sloppy defending. The chance came when Hanlan’s pace got away from Basham to win a corner. The delivery came in and was headed back by Leahy who got away from his man and no one went with EHMER who crept in unmarked to score from close range. Norwood appealed but he probably was playing him onside!
23 seconds later it was incredibly in the net again as United took the lead for the third time. McGoldrick put the ball through and as Burke dummied, BOGLE got in and calmly side footed home from close range. It was a remarkable game and one that had been full on incident and goals!
United looked to make sure now and Burke was in again but whilst his pace took him away from his man, his clipped finish rolled agonisingly off the post with Day beaten. Another opportunity came when Norwood hit a fantastic cross that Osborn met on the angle but volleyed into the side netting.
Bryan came on for Lundstram as the game became stretched but United looked the more likely to score again and Burke came inside and whipped a shot just over. This was just after Basham had nearly got in on goal after the ball over from the left-hand side.
McGoldrick then also got in on goal but maybe took too long and the keeper made the save in a chance reminiscent and in a similar position, to the Bogle goal. The game ticked into the final 5 minutes and maybe naturally after so long without a win, United sat back a bit and Barrett pulled a shot wide. Lowe came on for Fleck in another defensive more. There was to be 4 minutes of stoppage time but a McCormick shot at Ramsdale was as close as Rovers got and United saw out the time to finally have that winning feeling after around 6 months; albeit in a cup competition.
United – It does feel like a massive relief. Just to win a game after so long. WE deservedly won and 3-2 I felt flattered Bristol Rovers. Yes, they fought hard and came back with 2 goals but no way did they deserve anything from the game. First half alone we had a number of chances and should have led at the break. We started well and Osborn was a real threat with his crossing. We got a goal and could have had more. They scored from nothing after a silly foul and you thought here we go! We then had one disallowed and a penalty appeal denied – you just felt this is another day where things go against us and I thought we may go on and lose but 2nd half we dominated really. Mousset had been ok but Burke really improved us and we looked a threat every time we attacked with him linking with McGoldrick and the wing backs getting high up the pitch. Burke and others missed a number of chances but then he finally scored with good work from Fleck. Then inexplicably we cock up on a set play again but then recovered instantly. I do worry if it had stayed 2-2 for a longer period, we may have really started to go into our shell but we stayed strong and scored straight away. After this we should have put the game away with Burke, Osborn and McGoldrick having more chances. We played some good stuff going forward and stretched them defensively. There was always a fear due to the season we had they may nick one but they never really looked like doing it.
Our play was mixed. We did some ok stuff but at times I thought went long quite a lot but oddly this worked as we got up the pitch. We did go wide a lot and try and overload but created lots of chances so in this sense cannot be too predictable. Some lovely stuff – like the bit we broke from our own corner and played several passes – McGoldrick shot deflected wide mixed with some poor stuff and bad final ball. Still if we switch on defensively at set plays we win that game easily. I still am worry that our midfield do not impose themselves and we are still too much of a soft touch but we did at least look like a goal threat and in open play we were the far better side.
There were a few things of worry outside of the set plays and lack of concentration – I felt midfield we still left gaps and poorer players still ran off us. We got a bit stretched and the game became a bit ragged. Today its kind of suited us as we knew we had better players and attacked that could hurt them but such an open game we would have struggled and have v Premier League players when they run through our midfield. Still, we saw more players play well or ok than poorly and we looked a goal threat. We scored 3 and could have had 7 or 8. We had 22 attempts (although only 8 on target). We hope we can use the win and us creating more as a spring board for Tuesday and in the Premier League. I enjoyed it today and that we kind of had the shackles off, albeit with the big caveat of whom we played but still it felt more like the old United.
It had been an odd week with the Wilder rumours (normally there is not smoke without fire so you wonder where those come from?) and then the Mousset car crash – so today kind of had the perfect recipe for another disaster and a cup upset but United won and won fairly well regardless of the score line. It could and should have been much more really. We are in the hat but not sure it matters whether we are home or away. You just do not want a Premier League team as they beat us! At least we can have a weekend where we have that winning feeling and I for one am not that arsed who it is against at the moment! It seems so long ago!
Ratings:
Ramsdale 5/10 – No chance on the goal as once again we concede from a header from a set play. He made one standard save and then came out and maybe got a bit lucky for a foul. Came out and kicked one away on the edge of his box. Second half once again had little to do but was let down by his defence on the corner. He then went wandering and lost it and got lucky. He also dropped a cross again but did recover. With very little to do he saw two goals fly past him again and still a few moments of indecision.
Bogle 7.5/10 – Ok to start with and had one run and penalty appeal but they had a few attacks and won a few corners down that side. Second, he was much more involved and got forward well and scored the goal which he took well – now got 2 goals and shown an eye for a goal in limited games! He was in good areas on a few occasions. He was not great last week at Palace but was more like he was v Brighton today.
Osborn 7.5/10 – Excellent first half with some lung bursting runs and several great crosses (where have they been all season?) with one for the goal and another for a few other chances. He kept the ball moving and was lively. He was a constant outlet and always in the right area to get it. He was very wide and this stretched them out. Second half not as involved as we went down the middle or the right more but had one effort into the side netting and nearly assisted to Burke when he missed badly. Did well today both defensively and going forward.
Basham 5/10 – Bitty performance. Some decent things where he got forward and got into good areas but defensively a bit hesitant and a few things came from him losing his battle. I have to say that even though I love the guy it has dawned on me he is a bit rubbish and weak in the air for a big lad aerially and there have been quite a few goals come from him losing a direct challenge this season. The goal was a clear point but it has happened in quite a few games. It means we rely on Egan all the time. The lad up top Hanlan did him for pace down the left once midway through the first half too and I think also second when it led to the corner for the goal and on the goal him and Lundstram did not win the header. He went into midfield to end the game and had a few half chances and finished the game better.
Ampadu 5.5/10 – Steady enough to begin the game and nothing really that bad or good. He was probably one of the least involved in the game as we went forward quite a bit and he stayed back as Osborn pushed on. Second half made an error early on and a few times he had some errant touches but he was ok – nothing spectacular but not sure the goals came down to him I do not think looking at who was picking up who. He is better than Robinson I feel in this position but both are not great. He is not someone who imposes himself and even today felt that but I suppose defending wise he did his job.
Egan 6.5/10 – Solid enough defensively but teams do knock the ball away from aerially knowing he is the main man at the back. He was involved attacking wise in two chances we had first half although maybe did not need to climb/foul his man on the disallowed goal. He was often involved in some set plays attacking wise. The goals we conceded the ball was not near him but we need to do better – whether he is used as a roamer and just attacks the ball or we bring in a dominant left sided centre back in the next week or so (the lad Davies at Preston is just 6 foot and not sure he is quite that sort of player).
Norwood 6/10 – Up and down but some ok things too and better than he has been. He played a few diagonal balls that came off and some that did not. He was on the ball more than he has been but not sure he was as sure on the ball or deliver as much as I would like. His corners were not the best but he did put some decent balls in such as the one for Osborn. Still looks like he is running through mud when teams break but they did not have the quality too hurt us. On the ball better with it and created some breaks.
Lundstram 5.5/10 – Thought he was lively to start and got in the box early for the header and then nearly linked with Mousset. Lovely diagonal for the goal and was involved more than the other two from an attacking sense. He was always moving and we had something different from midfield. He was not as involved second half and, on the goal, he does not do enough when his man overpowers him. He was taken off with around 20 minutes to play – maybe with an eye on Newcastle. Despite him probably moving on in the summer, he is still one of our best 3 midfield players and still offered more this season than Norwood and Fleck – that’s how bad they have been and Lunny has only been average.
Fleck 4/10 – Still looked very off it early and too slow to react to things. Just looks really off the pace. He did a few decent bits on the ball – linked with Osborn and then put a couple of balls through including the one for the goal but seems tentative in everything he is doing. He looks like he does not have the drive and muscle to go past players or get into those little pockets. We need him to find form fast. At least we saw a few bits (with the assist) today but a long way from the Fleck we know.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Began really well and drifted in and out of the play with some nice drops of the shoulder, passes and link ups. Daft foul for the goal and then at times he took too long to do things but as the game went on his influence grew. Slalomed across the pitch and was always on it. Nearly everything good we did came from him. He just coming onto the ball, linking play or creating things with little jinks. Could have scored and maybe at times took the wrong option but a delight to watch at times. Daft foul for the goal though. Lovely footballer to watch and just enjoyable to see do his thing.
Mousset 6/10 – Started quite up for it and pretty much scored out goal (does not go to him). Had another disallowed. Showed some decent pace at times but then others let defenders get back. He was at least involved which he has not been much in brief action this season. He was lively in terms of playing on the shoulders although pace wise worrying they got back at him a few times. Odd he started after the alleged indiscretion in the week – I thought Wilder may have banished him for a while but he started him. I do think that Brewster is way off it at this level (may one day get there) and that McBurnie has been so up and down/recent injury issues– more bad than good that it will be a combination of the two that started today and Burke for the next few games at least.
Subs –
Burke 7.5/10 – Thought that he was involved in everything and even though the front two had looked a threat; we ended up creating chances every time we attacked. He missed a chance with an awful finish which summed up his composure but then did score when put through. I was not convinced he would finish but took it well doing the keeper with his eyes. He then hit the post and had a curled effort over and easily could have had a hat trick. They could not keep up with his pace and movement and he looked a step above League One defenders and showed even v Championship defenders, he will cause problems. Just needs to work on the last bit but he did make an impact. I would keep him on the bench for Tuesday as someone who can come on and make changes.
Bryan – Steady enough when he came on – won a few headers late on but they did not really threaten much.
Lowe – Came on right near the end as we looked to see it out.
Manager Wilder 6/10 – It’s a win. We had a good attitude. He picked a side that did the job. We created tons of chances and had some really good attacking play. At times it was still bitty and we did not always have a solid structure and the game became a bit stretched. They did not have the quality to hurt us despite a few give aways in midfield but set plays was a major issue again. He will be furious with this as it has been our Achilles heel all season (amongst other things) and surely had to address this with a defensive signing in the next few weeks – I am not that bothered about someone to overlap at this stage. I want someone who can head it and kick it away and do the basics. Sadly, we have not done this. Bristol Rovers barely created a chance but they scored from two they did and we still do not look anywhere like keeping a clean sheet. He will be pleased with the two wing backs and on the performance, albeit v lower league, they will retain their places. The midfield still up and down in terms of defensive protection and creativity but the front 2/3 all looked threatening in the game.
Bristol Rovers – Struggled a bit this season but had picked up winning 5 of 6 including the last win in the 2nd round of this competition. Always think Paul Tisdale does not look like a manager – very debonair as he wears nice clothes/hat – compared the tracksuits/cheap suits other managers seem to wear! He has bounced around the lower leagues with Exeter, MK and now Rovers. They do not have the resources even of teams at this level so them even staying up you would think would be an achievement. Shows how out of touch I am with lower league football (suppose you watch your team higher than you do – that is not arrogant just reality) that I barely recognised more than a handful of names. The lad Baldwin who was at Sunderland. Ozthumer of course was another. They did have two lads at the back that got their foot in, defended well and of course a threat on set plays. Both Leahy and Kilgour looked about 40 as we said on the pod!
Today, they kept in the game but were always struggling to contain the wing backs and McGoldrick and Burke and they were fortunate to only lose narrowly but scored two decent set play goals and kept competitive against almost our first side so will gain confidence for that. I felt for the first time this season fitness wise we looked a bit above and also athleticism and physique (not set plays) but general play we held our own for once and football wise had cuter players of course. They did not really throw much at us at the end when I thought they would have got the ball into the box as we would have panicked.
Opponent Man of the Match – The striker Hanlan was decent and a threat with his pace a few times and the goalie Day played well but the big centre back Kilgour tried his guts out. Scored a goal, threw his body in the way and although struggled with pace and trickery of our strikers he was the one who often got the blocks in.
Opponent Weak link – I thought that no one was terrible but at times they just looked a bit leggy when we broke and they struggled down the wings even though Leahy got his foot in a few times and Ehmer scored – they never coped with our wing backs. I actually thought that Ozthumer as the player I feared was really poor and other than one chance was completely ineffectual and was taken off. Remember many wanted us to sign him!
Referee/Officials - Do think it is ridiculous that a competition can have VAR in some games and not others and it changes round per round how many. It is just bizarre. I know some ground might not be equipped but they all have camera’s, don’t they? There are enough officials to cover it you would think. Just shows that football will never be the same as we now have quite different rules not only from amateur/Sunday league to professional football but even in the whole pyramid with big money tier two games worth a lot of money playing an almost different sport in some ways. Seems to make a mockery of it but then all the young team line ups and the reversing of games to other teams’ grounds just makes it the latest thing to dilute what makes football so great. The FA Cup has been on the wane for a while and it seems in the midst of COVID-19, it is taken even less seriously. The Cup was always about lower league teams getting upsets in front of packed small grounds down the leagues but even that could not happen. You would have thought today would have been a cracking atmosphere – one I definitely would have gone to.
Anyway, I digress. The referee was Keith Stroud (him of Brentford home game fame – multiple sending offs and odd decisions, wasn’t it?). Without VAR to discuss you would think the game would be straight forward. Just one man and his two helpers to oversee things. No crowd to influence him. Easy. Well, it was kind of. There were a few decisions we can discuss. The foul McGoldrick gave away was soft but probably a foul. I saw no foul on Basham on the goal – just felt the lad was stronger. The penalty the defender did get a bit on the ball so was fine with that. The Egan one I have seen some let them go and he had with Egan heading back a bit before and maybe their goal. However, he maybe had his arm straight as he pushed him and it looked clumsy as he went above him. I did not have any issues it being a foul though – my mate thought it was the same as the Basham one on the goal but I did not. Outside of this not sure Stroud gave us much first half but then there was a possible foul second half in the build up for the Burke goal but I have not seen that back but they protested quite a bit but seemed he just got outmuscled. After this he started giving us more and the 50-50 ones went out way. He did ref with a smile on his face as he was constantly grinning! Only one booking – Leahy for complaining about the aforementioned possible foul on the goal.
