Post by deadbat on Sept 4, 2022 18:56:43 GMT
Podcast links and then report below….
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-22-23-hull-away
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/id1508158343?i=1000578335148
open.spotify.com/episode/51XWpr7lGAhevmbwxM78kx
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United’s finally got an away victory and went back to the top of the league table after a comfortable 2-0 win at the MKM Stadium on Sunday afternoon. United scored a goal in either half but Hull did have two clear chances either side of these goals. In truth the Blades looked the far better side and outside of these moments, it was a routine three points in a very professional performance. McBurnie scored again and Berge, the subject of all the transfer speculation in the week, celebrated remaining at the club with the second. However, Wes Foderingham made a huge double save at 1-0 and this was a big moment in the game.
United named an unchanged side from the won that hammered Reading in the week and there was just one change on the bench with Kyron Gordon featuring due to Daniel Jebbison being ill. Hull made three changes with skipper Coyle back in as was Tufan and Ryan Woods. Ex Blade Regan Slater started for Hull who boasted the prolific Estupian leading the line. Another former United trainee and Gordon’s half-brother, Tyler Smith, was on the bench.
The game started with Ndiaye’s tricks and flicks down the right forging an opening for a cross but it drifted away before from Hull’s first attack, a long throw was headed goalward from Estupinan but straight at Foderingham.
United were seeing more of the ball and Berge seemed to be a focal point and the Norwegian had a long-range effort that drifted wide before good football saw it moved to the left and Doyle had a go but it was too close to Ingram who made the save.
On 8 minutes Tetteh went down with a somewhat freak injury, with no one near him and had to be helped off with Longman coming on to replace him and went into his forward position he had occupied.
The Blades looked to move the ball around and all the football was coming from the visitors but Hull were trying to use the pace of their forwards to break but the game did become a bit stop start and a series of free kicks and an offside saw the game lack fluency.
Berge and Ndiaye were then involved and Baldock put in a cross which was just away from McBurnie but the Scottish striker was to have an impact on the game a few moments later. The ball was on the left-hand side and Norrington Davies and Lowe worked it well before finding MCBURNIE and the striker came inside holding off a challenge before hitting a low shot from around the edge of the box that may have nicked off a defender and seemed to surprise the keeper and nestled into the goal. It was the third goal in three games for the inform striker after so long where it seemed like he might never score again!
Hull tried to respond and Lowe brought his man down and was lucky not to get booked before the header looped over from the free kick before United then had a series of promising attacks and chances. Berge got on the end of the first chance and went round Ingram as the defence dithered but they did well to get men back and he had to go across goal rather than towards it and the ball was scrambled clear. Lowe’s cross behind was very dangerous and had to be turned behind and United seemed to be turning the screw.
However, from the corner, the routine did not work and as at Watford, the home side were away as Norwood then stumbled and turned into trouble leaving Hull in the clear. Estupinan ran from half way and with no one able to get back, he seemed set to level but he took way too long and Foderingham stood up and made a great save. The rebound fell loose for the striker but the Blades keeper again made the block in a superb double save. Before the corner, Foderingham needed treatment after seeming to take a kick in the melee but whilst he recovered, it was not such good news for teammate Lowe, whom in his attempt to get back may have overstretched and had to go off. Basham came on and United had to reorganise with Ahmedhodzic moving to left centre back and Norrington Davies to left wing back.
The game ticked over the half hour mark and United continued to look better technically and had control of the game but the chance for Hull will have kept them on their guard. Ahmedhodzic stepped out of his new position and curled one over before Doyle showed good work twice to force Hull back. Indeed, United were frustrating the home side and its supporters by pressing high up and stopping them coming out and were making it very difficult.
There was 6 minutes stoppage time to be played and inside it Hull, despite being second best, were able to create another golden chance to score. This time Estupinan came inside and held off a challenge and his pass deflected rather fortuitously into the path of Tufan who was in the clear with just Foderingham to beat but tried to take a first-time lob and could it wrong and it landed on the roof of the net. It was a bad miss and for all the Blades’ control and domination in terms of the game, Hull had created the best two chances of the half and should have been at least level. United will have been concerned at the gaps in the middle of the defence that saw such openings come way too easily.
United had a chance when Ndiaye seemed to rob his man but the defender got a fortunate call and was given the free kick. It seemed like the referee may have got that one wrong. Soon after Ndiaye got on the ball down the left and came inside drawing two defenders before finally finding space for the shot but he hit it straight at Ingram. It was a good chance and one he has been taking this season.
Ahmedhodzic was booked for a foot up as he tried to get on the end of a chipped ball through and left the Hull defender in some distress but the Serbian had to go for the ball. United had been in control but the next period saw the home side at least force United back as the game became scrappy.
A ball over the top saw Longman down the channel but his effort was blazed high and wide before the home side won two corners but Doyle shot well over and Norrington Davies then made a good tackle. Hull were at least putting some pressure on but had not created anything at all. Still United were not having as much of the ball and control as they had been and chose to make a change with McBurnie replaced by Brewster. Hull put on Seri and Smith for Woods and Elder and had an extra striker on now in an attempt to get back into it. They won another corner but this was cleared an Norrington Davies won a free kick down the left to stem some of the momentum the home side had been mustering.
On 75 minutes the game was put beyond doubt as Ndiaye drifted across again and found BERGE. The midfielder surged down the side and hit a shot that clipped off Jones and into the corner. He celebrated by kissing the United badge as he slid in front of the sold out travelling contingent.
After this goal there was a delay after an incident seemingly involving a supporter and a Blades substitute with Arblaster and Gordon both having words with the fourth official and a steward. After the game finally restarted Pelkas came on for Tufan but United now were in complete control. Norwood had an effort saved and then Brewster found Berge whose strength saw him come inside but after his effort was blocked, Norwood’s ball just evaded Doyle’s clever run.
Brewster then came inside and had a shot curling wide before McAtee and Arblaster came on for Berge and Doyle with the young 17-year-old making his first league appearance. Hull won a corner but in truth appeared a beaten side and despite their being 9 minutes of stoppage time, there was little of note that happened. Only a skirmish between players on both sides with Arblaster, Brewster and Norrington Davies close by and the Blades striker was booked along with Figuerido for Hull. The final whistle came to signify United had returned to the top of the table after their first away victory of the season.
United – Solid win where we had control most of the game. The stats claim Hull had more possession and corners but United had more efforts on goal and more efforts in the game. Meaningful possession and passes were all from the Blades though and really outside those two big chances, not sure Hull really threatened despite some more territory in the second half with lots of corners. United started the game well and moved it around nicely and you felt with the threat up top and Berge and Norwood controlling things, that we would get a chance. We had a few efforts with Berge and Doyle having shots and some crosses coming over and then we scored with a decent build up. The keeper will ask questions of course. After this thought we looked like we may go on and score more and Berge and then Ndiaye had moments and they seemed to be struggled with our football and movement. We forced them back and they had no idea how to come through us and barely even got into our half for a spell.
Then they have the chance (x2) when Norwood makes the mistake from a corner routine that goes wrong and you thought they would score but the striker makes a mess of it and Wes makes two great saves. We come out of that and regain control but then they have another chance – out of nothing as we have a big gap and the lad lobs it over. Weird one as we looked the far better side but they have the best two chances? Sloppy from us twice and maybe guilty of overplaying but this style has been effective. After the break we have a chance to put it away and Ndiaye was unlucky on the foul but should have scored after good work on the next chance. They then have 15 minutes of more of the ball and lots of corners but nothing clear cut at all. The subs come on for both sides and we then break and kill it with Berge. After this we could have scored a few more and they ran out of steam completely.
It is a hard one to analyse as we had all the good technical play, passing and good moves but they have the games best two chances really with only the Ndiaye one outside of the goals as good for us. In general play though thought we far better individually and collectively and deserved the win. We finally have the away win we wanted and now hopefully will have the confidence to go to Swansea and Preston and seek more victories. Rotherham have had a really good start and will not be easy next week but we have to come out with the same intensity and purpose at home as we have. If we do we will be ok. Things are looking good with the window closed and only injuries (another one today) maybe threatening to derail it a bit but hopefully some should be coming back soon too. Big credit to Hecky and the players for a really good start to the season I thought we may start slow and it has been the polar opposite of last season with the defence better (despite bit of sloppiness today) and goal threats from all over the team so far. We are playing some progressive football but are varying the way we attack. It has been excellent to watch and we look a good side and one if we carry this on, will not be too far away.
Ratings:
Foderingham 8/10 – First half made one easy save from a header but then two brilliant saves. Both were great in their own way as he stood up big and did not commit making the striker move first and then he got up and made the brave save on the second. Shook off his injury after this as he seemed in some distress. Second half had very little to do and not sure they had anything on target – with one drive over, being it? He rivals Berge and RND for MOTM just for those two big moments in close succession. Could mark him higher but he only really had those two things to do but then that seems harsh so not really his fault?
Baldock 7/10 – Steady enough game really. He put one excellent volleyed cross in and then just stuck to his task defensively and stopped many crosses coming in. It was the opposite to Luton where they got lots of crosses in but we tended to be tighter to our men today. Not sure we saw loads of him going forward but some good tussles where he came out on top.
Lowe 6.5/10 – Started ok and was able to be involved in a few moves including the goal and then put another good cross over too. He did give away a sloppy foul and was lucky not to be booked and then went off injured as he seemed to pull something. Has been playing well so blow if he is out for a few weeks and means we may have to reshuffle.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Not the outstanding performances we have seen but still competent. Used it well and also had to move across and play on the left. He did get beat once when the lad came off him before the lobbed miss on half time but overall, he was fine again and had one curling effort over and was looking to be progressive with the ball. Second half they had a few corners and moments but we held firm and another clean sheet. Showed he can adapt and play left side when he needs to. Got booked for a high boot (seemed harsh) but then went in soon after so needed to be careful.
Norrington Davies 8/10 – Continued his excellent form and in two positions he was very good and along with Berge our best player. He won tackles, never shirked anything and used the ball well. Was involved in the first goal and also got into some good areas second half when he was in the wing back role. He adapted well to the change of position and made some great cover blocks when they had a few half chances down that side to get in. Really playing well at the moment – although may have to go back to left wing back for a period now?
Egan 7/10 – Solid enough aside from the moments when they broke through but then on the corner not sure you can blame him or the defence as they were up but the other chance him and Bash were asleep. Outside of this he was fine making the interceptions and stepping out when he needed to.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Mixed bag. Some overplayed passes and of course the big error on the chance but actually did lots of good things even though a lot may focus on that – maybe if they scored, then I mark him a lot lower! Still, he was at the heart of many of our moves and controlled the game even though a few balls did not find their target and made some good tackles/break up of play too as Hull threatened to get back into it for a spell.
Doyle 7/10 – Workmanlike if not on the ball as much as the week. He helped lead the press with Ndiaye and at times he often chased things making them go back to the keeper. Had one shot and a few others bits of link play mixed with some overplay/touches too but looks a very competent footballer who will grow within the side.
Berge 8/10 – Just glided in and out of the game and cruised it really. Yes, got caught once or twice but for the most part I thought he looked very good and just upped it when he needed to. Kept it simple but then also ran with it a few times too and he nearly had the goal when he went round the keeper on the top of a curling shot early. He then sealed the game as he left Slater for dead and hit the shot that deflected in. So important we kept him as we saw again how good he can be and at times it almost looks too easy. I still want him to assert himself a bit more at times as still plays within himself as at times he just swatted Hull players away to get the ball and move it on.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Never let them settle and his pressing and chasing was good all game. He was leading the press along with Doyle and meant they had to go back a lot. Had a few tricks early on and then one decent move where he nearly got in first half but was blocked. Second half stole it off them a few times and should not have been penalised on one and then did everything right but the shot when it was at the keeper after a trademark run. He clearly had a bit of a running battle with a few defenders as he showed by his reaction on the goal as he told him what he thought of the defender! Looks a really good player and is learning/developing with every passing week.
McBurnie 7/10 – Not as involved as he has been but worked hard and was able to be a focal point first half in some of our moves. Nearly got on the end of a few and then he of course scored with his first real effort on goal. After this he tired a bit 2nd half and was brought off but had done his job and is in great scoring form currently.
Subs –
Basham 6.5/10 – Some decent bits where he got round and covered but dithered a few times too and they also got down this side on a few chances such as the one before half time. Think he needs games to get up to the sharpness of others and might get that if Lowe is out and Clark is not back.
Brewster 6.5/10 – Went to floor a few times but he did then get involved and had a curling shot and another decent cross but seems a bit too eager to get the shot away and maybe needs to not snatch at things. Then got involved in an unnecessary skirmish at the end and got booked.
McAtee – Had a few neat flicks and passes but the game was over really at this stage. He will be used mostly from the bench I feel to start with.
Arblaster – Not on for long but got involved in a bit of a pushing match (got involved in something after the 2nd goal too or told the steward about something?). Hecky seems to like him and hopefully we might see bits and pieces to ease him in.
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – Got the tactics right as we pressed them and forced them back and deserves a lot of credit as they struggled to know what to do. The chances came from our error and a deflection into the players path not from great build up. In general play they created nothing really and we just made them go back time after time. They ran out of ideas. The subs were ok in terms of timing and he was right in the end to move Anel and RND across and Bash at RCB. At the time I felt he maybe should have just put Baldock left wing back and Bash right wing back so shows what I know! A solid and professional performance and other than those two moments we never looked in danger. The only negative is the injury to Lowe of course.
Hull – Really hard to know how they might go this year and whilst I thought they may struggle; some tipped them to be a surprise side. I thought they had brought in a lot of players who had never played at this level (coming from abroad) before but actually since I made the prediction they have strengthened even more. They have some talent in the likes of Ryan Woods, Seri and Christie all who have played capably at this level. They also have some wild cards like Estupinan, Tetteh and Pelkas who all have done well at various points around the continent but never found a home yet really. Tufan has played 65 times for Turkey so is very established and they have some solid home-grown players in Greaves, Elder and Coyle. Maybe I did put them too low but easy in hindsight and they had a good start as have Blackburn and Reading and not sure I see any of the three being in the top half?
Today they huffed and puffed but I felt for most of the game they looked second best. They will point to two big chances and yes, they were the big moments outside of the goals but in general play, possession and control, United dictated things. They may argue they did not have much luck in the two goals being deflected but then the keeper makes a mess of the first anyway and also the chance they had at the end of the first half was deflected into him too. They will be disappointed that we took the game to them to begin with and after missing the big chances, they did not really have a proper go at us second half. Won a number of corners but did anything really come close. Once the second went in they sort of gave up and we looked like scoring another if anything. Looked like a side that may surprise a few teams but also look weak at the back if you get at them. They will rely on the two or three attacking threats they have a lot and if they misfire (as they did today albeit on limited but good chances) it may be a struggle due to the defensive issues they seem to have and will concede a lot.
It certainly was far from the intimidating atmosphere the chairman billed it, well watching from TV anyway! It seemed quite flat and after the second went in, the bigger than normal crowd started to empty.
Opponent Man of the Match – The lad Tufan at least got on the ball and tried to create but missed a good chance. Woods was busy but struggled to make much headway. The full backs worked hard and tried to close down gaps. Not sure anyone was outstanding and a lot of average but not quite good enough displays.
Opponent Weak link – Slater in midfield looked exactly what he was at the Lane when I saw him – worked hard but a bit non existent and lacking quality on the ball and was shrugged off easily for the 2nd goal but the two centre backs struggled with our movement and link play and felt Figuerido in particular had a difficult afternoon and Ndiaye was constantly a threat against him.
Referee/Officials – Matthew Donohue. He was the ref we remember the most, for the wrong reasons, as he had two absolute shockers at the Lane. Think it was Millwall and then Blackburn? He issued a red card to us in both those games but it was overall handling of those matches that stood out with his complete lack of control. Recall no one on either side or in the ground having a clue what he would do next and seemed determined to be the star of the show? Worried when I saw we had him again today. In the end he was ok. A few poor ones and how he booked Anel but not Lowe was mysterious. He also got a bit fussy with throws both ways and at times started to give/miss a few odd ones but dealt with the flare up at the end ok and not sure he had the influence on the game we thought he might in a relatively easy game to ref with barely a bad tackle all afternoon.
