Post by deadbat on Apr 27, 2023 14:03:43 GMT
Sorry for late report – did not get back till late so done before work and over my lunch break so might not be usual standards! Not saying much!
Pod to come maybe in a few days – might be a double header with Preston due to work/family stuff
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Promotion was sealed for the Blades in a glorious night at Bramall Lane in front of a sold-out crowd under the lights. United sealed promotion with still three games to spare as they saw off play off chasers West Brom with a complete second half performance. The Blades never really got going in the first half and the Baggies shaded it in terms of play and chances with keeper Foderingham making a vital stop. However, it was a completely different story after the break as Heckingbottom’s men came out with a purpose, drive and determination to get the job done. Iliman Ndiaye laid a goal on a plate for the outstanding Sander Berge before Anel Ahmedhodzic’s volleyed finish from a George Baldock cross shot sealed matters. The final period of the game was played out to almost carnival scenes with a crackle and noise enveloping the S2 night air. The final whistle saw long and jubilant celebrations from both players and fans alike as United celebrated their return to the big time.
United made three changes from their admirable efforts in the FA Cup semi final against Manchester City, with Doyle and McAtee returning as expected and McBurnie back in. Fleck, Norwood and Jebbison were back on the bench. West Brom still were very much in the shake up for a top 6 place despite a home defeat to Sunderland at the weekend but opted not to start one-time United target John Swift who was on the bench.
The game started with both teams feeling each other out but it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous and some slick football saw them move it around and as a cross came over from Wallace, Grant headed down, but it bounced up and over with Baldock doing just enough. United struggled to get going and Lowe gave the ball away twice and nothing was sticking at the top of the field. Berge did have one shot, but it was well over the bar and also a header on the stretch from a deep cross.
The sloppy play meant the away side started to sense an opportunity to striker first and very nearly did when from a clever corner routine, the ball was pulled back and Grant’s shot was pushed away by Foderingham as the ball came through a crowd of bodies. He saved twice more on the rebound, but the assistant’s flag had already gone up as the Blades fans drew for breath.
United tried to find openings with Berge and Doyle moving it around nicely but West Brom were banking up in numbers defensively and denying space. They also were pressing well when the Blades tried to bring it out and it meant key men Ndiaye and McAtee were only seeing fleeting moments with the ball. Doyle sent in two poor crosses, and it was becoming a real toil for United to even get in the last third despite seeing a lot of the ball. Foderingham went down but it seemed this desire for treatment may have actually been a ploy that United have used before to ensure that the coaching staff could reshape and rejig things and indeed the keeper seemed fine when play restarted!
A poor tackle from Pieters after some lusty tackles in the build up saw him rightly booked as Doyle went down in a heap before Robinson had a tame effort as he came inside saved by Palmer. At the other end, an acrobatic effort by Gardner Hickman was equally as comfortable for Foderingham. Ndiaye then finally had a few moments where he got space and one good run from deep saw him go down but the claims for a penalty seemed ambitious. A feature of the first half had been several players falling to the ground, often under little challenges on a heavily watered pitch.
The second half began, and it was clear Heckingbottom had asked the players to respond individually and collectively, and they did so. The tempo was quicker and as the previous home game it was Baldock leading the way. He won two early tackles and then seized on a poor touch from Townsend and forced Plamer into a save as he fired across goal. United now were in control and Berge was at the heart of everything good. Lowe intercepted the ball well on the left side and Robinson/Egan were now playing front foot in term of winning the loose stuff and sending United going the other way. Robinson and Ahmedhodzic attempted overhead kicks that were off target from a corner.
There were appeals for a penalty as lovely interchange saw the ball moved around and McAtee went into the box and there seemed contact as he fell but maybe his theatrics did not impress referee Whitestone? Berge then got down the right and the ball did not quite sit but just before the hour mark, the deadlock was broken. Gardner Hickman’s back pass was short and Ndiaye read it and was able to drift past Ajayi and beautifully sit him down as he came back inside. With the keeper coming across to deny Ndiaye, the striker unselfishly squared it to set up a simply finish for BERGE who fired home in front of a jubilant Kop.
The fans responded and the songs were now coming out from all sides and United sensed they could put West Brom away. Baldock did well again and then Ndiaye almost found a pocket of space before patient stuff that saw United move it from left to right, saw the cross stood up from Berge and Furlong seemed to knock McBurnie off the ball as the striker fell to the ground. Once again nothing was given.
A great came soon after as the ball came over from the right from McAtee and Egan somehow headed down and wide with the expectant crowd sensing the clincher. It mattered not as after Sharp and Fleck came on for McBurnie and McAtee, the second goal came on 76 minutes. The ball was almost permanently in the West Brom final third, and they simply could not get out. After winning another corner, Doyle’s delivery was half cleared but Baldock hit a cross shot that AHMEDHODZIC did superbly well to cushion a volley high into the net. A quick glance to the assistant and he was onside and the noise inside the Lane went up another level. The players, including the substitutes celebrated down in the corner and it seemed that promotion was in the bag.
A number of changes ensued for both sides and Bogle and Basham saw action but United were comfortable and only one effort from Garnder Hickman was saved from Foderingham. Egan took a tactical booking on Swift, but West Brom seemed to have run out of ideas. There was five minutes of stoppage time played but nothing of note happened apart from more keep ball from United and one last wayward shot from West Brom that sailed into the upper tier.
The final whistle saw joyous scenes as the players celebrated in a huddle initially before moving around the ground to salute each area. The songs blared out and hardly anyone left the famous old ground. Hecky did his now traditional fist salute in front of the Kop before Ndiaye danced a merry jig as a light show started too. The players had a customary group photo in front of the ‘Promotion!’ banner and the champagne began to be sprayed around before the party continued both in the changing room for the players and on London Road for the fans!
United – Fantastic achievement to go up and do it with quite a bit to spare. Huge credit to Hecky, the coaching staff and players. We have had a few wobbles but recently the form in terms of results, not necessarily performances until the 2nd half tonight, has been solid and we have done what we needed to and remained consistent. Boro and to a lesser extent Luton have dropped some points and we have kept our foot down and professionally done the job. After the last international break there is only that one loss at Burnley, and we have won the rest. We had the four home games in a row, and you thought they were a lot that were winnable, and we have won them all so far!
I will do my season review and discuss the season as a whole at the end of the season in a few weeks so will focus more on tonight in this section but I do want to acknowledge how professional and calm we have remained. Even in the last few home games, like tonight, we have not been fantastic or fluent in the first half of games and had to remain patient and overcome some sticky spells. I felt West Brom, like Bristol City, were better than us first half and moved it around and had a few chances. The header over the bar and then the corner routine which was saved. They got through us much easier than we got through them and broke through our press too easy at times. Thought we gave it away a bit easily and got little up top even though Ndiaye and McAtee tried to probe and find openings. They really banked up and pressed but to be fair even though we created little, we remained patient and maybe a bit like City with us on Saturday, we just tired them out but moving it around and letting them chase us? Berge had one effort and Ndiaye had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty, but they definitely had the better of it and had two better chances. I was happy to go in at half time goalless as felt we could improve as we had in other home games and so it proved.
Second half we were superb and the best we have played for a long, long time – maybe since some of those big wins and dominant home performances to start the season against Blackburn and Reading. It reminded me of the Burnley second half performance in some ways as we just were completely ‘on it’. We won the ball high up and the whole team moved forward. The tempo was so much better and Baldock sort of led the charge, as he did last week. We were winning all the loose balls with Lowe suddenly a different player – Robinson was nipping in and getting there, and everyone seemed to show a new desire to get the job done. We turned it forward with pace but played some good football as well and moved it with purpose. The football was the best it had been for a long time and with Berge and Doyle dictating midfield and Ndiaye and McAtee getting it and going at defenders, you sensed a goal was coming. We had a few half chances and efforts, and the goal then came it was from a mistake as a loose pass was pounced on but a fantastic piece of calmness and set up from Ili and the great desire from Berge to finish. Sharp came on and worked hard and then the 2nd came as Baldock’s volley was not the best but kept it alive but what a finish from Anel! This is something now we have come to expect from him as he has shown what a good finisher is and scored a fair few goals (5 is it?). This, much like the O’Connell goal, was the moment where you knew it was pretty much done and we were up!
After this we did what we had to, and it became really easy and West Brom sort of gave up! Like that Ipswich game, both sets of players, officials and fans were then just clock watching and waiting for the game to be over. I am glad everyone stayed off the pitch and the players could celebrate with the fans. It was great to see everyone so jubilant and seemed to just be a carry on from Saturday and the weekend which despite the loss seemed like a big party too!
We can now enjoy the last few games in comfort and maybe see some different players. However, whilst we enjoy this week, thoughts will quickly turn to next season. The boardroom uncertainty of course continues with the questions now over what will happen – with the takeover, in terms of Dozy at least, being dead in the water. Interesting the Prince has re-surfaced, and he and his board were mostly all there last night, and he was saluting the fans and very much part of the celebrations. Again, I will discuss him and the board in more detail at the end of the season but I do find it a bit galling he has just turned up for the last few big games and suddenly it back interested – is he now not wanting to sell or still does but needs to just find a new investor – which may happen now we are up (after the complete mess of the last two we were linked with). There will be discussions on players and those out of contract, the loan lads and of course who we may be able to bring in. That is for another day.
Ratings (many of these ratings reflect the massive 2nd half performance whereas each player save maybe Berge you would rate them a few marks lower if you looked at the first half but just felt the magnitude of the occasion and how the players stepped up deserves credit in the marks)
Foderingham 7.5/10 – First half made one routine save near the half time whistle but a vital one from Grant (did well to save the other two as well even if offside) and this felt a big moment. Not easy as came through bodies. After this he swept up well and did what he had to but only had one save to make 2nd half which he held well late on. The save was important first half. I am convinced that we now have the regular thing of the ‘fake injury’ when we need the coaching staff to make some changes!
Baldock 9/10 – First half did ok and won a few tackles and was ok defensively including helping get a challenge in when they had the header, and he did just enough. He got forward when he could too. After the break he absolutely took it up a level and was inspirational. He was great against Bristol City last week, and indeed has been in many games since he came back into the side but last night took it to a new level. Won tackles, chased up and down and some incredible runs such as the one they fouled him 3 or 4 times and he kept going and going and somehow did not get a foul. Had the shot saved and then the cross shot for the 2nd and seemed to be everywhere. The shot of him in the dug out on his own with a beer was a lovely one. Been one of our star players to finish the season and his attitude and commitment that massively helps drive the team.
Lowe 7/10 – First half thought he was poor and gave it away a few times, did not pick his man up and was guilty of silly fouls and one that could have been a penalty – right on the edge of the box. He was way off his man and kept drifting between the wing back he was marking and Wallace but not picking up either. 2nd half completely different and that has been a theme for him in recent games. Tighter to his men, got stuck in and won several balls. He led the break a few times and was just a lot sharper in everything we did, and they barely had any threats down this side. Still think he has and is one of our weaker players and will not be good enough for next level, but he was better 2nd half and really stepped up.
Robinson 8/10 –Think overall he has been remarkably consistent throughout this season and even though we have the mistakes/errors, he has cut these out (just if they happen, they are normally a big one!). He let one ball go over the top and was running backwards again but outside of this he got stuck in, got forward and first half seemed to be covering Lowe way too much. After the break he, like the rest, stepped up the field more and won every ball forward and helped us get going the other way. Some crunching tackles and key interceptions. Become a real fan favourite. Like others, doubtful he will be able to step up and play regularly but that is for another day. This season he has been solid and the fact Clark, even when fit, did not play much sums up his consistency.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – Definitely right back to the standards of earlier in the season. Maybe not quite as thrusting going forward, particularly first half but he still has been seen in the opposition half more. He did what he needed to from a defensive point of view but felt all the back line were too slow to move it but after the break he was almost entirely in their half or right on halfway and we had all those combinations down the wide. He had another ambitious overhead kick (will maybe score one soon!) but then he scores a wonderful finish – it was like his goal v Reading where he swept home a lovely first-time volley. Clearly a good footballer and looked delighted at the end and now gets to test himself at a higher level.
Egan 8/10 – Solid and he has been another, like Baldock who has sort of galvanised and led the way really. He has been winning his battles and coming out with the ball. First half again they all took too long to move it on, but then improved at this and they all passed it quicker. He totally dominated Thomas Asante. Only negatives are the poor headed miss which he should have scored and then the booking which was necessary but still cynical.
Doyle 8/10 – Excellent on the ball throughout, moving it across and side to side. He was able to win tackles and keep the ball going. His set plays were off and some crosses poor (at keeper or nowhere near where they needed to be) but he kept going despite getting a hefty tackle first half. As we got better, he and Berge dovetailed nicely. Always available, mobile, tackles and can pass. A must buy.
McAtee 6.5/10 – Thought he flitted in and out again last night and that when he gets involved, he is good and can glide past people, but he lost his footing a few times last night and/or it did not quite come off. Always looking to go forwards which I live and when we break having him and Ndiaye is such a threat for us. Came off for Fleck around the hour mark. Did work hard and his improvements and vital goals been huge.
Berge 9/10 – Our best player and by quite a bit. Baldock, Ndiaye were both excellent and many others played well – but he was on a different level. First half he was our best player as he showed for it, moved it side to side and got the tempo improving. He had our one effort shot (two if you can count the header as an effort) and was the player who we kept looking to probe. After the break though he took things to a new level and was phenomenal. Strong, powerful, great on the ball – he even won tackles. He seemed to be everywhere and dictated the whole play. He got down the side and put crosses in, he found space for himself and linked with others. Busted a gut to score the goal too and took it calmly. He looked very bit the player we thought we had signed when we did. Set his standards and needs to show this weekly next season.
Ndiaye 8/10 – Usual box of tricks, flicks, dribbles and more than that 100% hard work. Got back and won the ball, defended from the front and was always in motion. A wonderful footballer. Again a few things did not quite work and maybe first half he was ploughing a lone furrow. Had two decent runs and both maybe went down a bit easy. After the break with more support from others, he turned it on, and they were terrified of him. Most of the time they just fouled him. He was brilliant reading the mistake and the way he chopped back sitting the defender/keeper down was so calm and then the pass when some may have shot. After this he continued to show the range of skills he has. Great to see him dancing in front of the Kop and celebrating with that big smile at the end. Just hope we keep him even for one more season or even up to January, but you worry the big clubs will circle now sadly.
McBurnie 5/10 -Poor. Some have said he worked hard last game or two when I disagreed and watched him carefully. Not sure he moved much at all sadly and was too static. He only won a few headers defensively (which he often does well) but the rest of the game he did not hold it up, barely linked and was miles off Ndiaye a lot of the time. Looked very immobile and often just fell to ground. Did a few ok bits second half but generally not looked player he was to start the season and for other spells and feel he has looked tired and not a threat recently. We have looked better with Sharp on albeit you can argue he may helped tire defenders for this to be the case? Does go down easily but could have had a penalty.
Subs –
Sharp 7/10 – Ran the channels, put himself about, won a few free kicks and linked well. One chance nearly fell to him when the keeper dropped, and we are all desperate for him to score
Fleck 6/10 – He was ok and won a few tackles and interceptions when he needed to, but it was a case of keep ball and just nothing daft at this point.
Norwood – As above but some off long balls that were not needed. Just keep the ball. Doyle now has the shirt, but he still has a future at the Lane next season I feel even if not a regular.
Basham – Barely on but great to see him being part of things.
Bogle – Brought on right at the end too and gave Baldock the chance for a great ovation as he fist pumped the crowd as he departed.
Manager: Heckingbottom 9/10 – First half flat and passive and stood off but then 2nd half we were a different team and he got them going and on the front foot. The players played further forward and totally took over the game. Nearly every player stepped up. We scored two good goals and won the game in the end at a canter. Real credit to Hecky – has stayed calm and composed and not panicked and the team have followed his lead. We have just professionally got the job done. The performances have not been amazing (until the 2nd half tonight) but the results were all that mattered in the end. I will discuss the job he has done in depth in a few weeks, but I do feel his subs and tactical tweaks have improved a lot – having the experienced lads to come on and see games out – Fleck, Norwood and Sharp has been something other clubs at this level are very envious of. Hecky had spoken really well and just been nice and composed. Really impressed me with how he has done this season (and last) and maybe shown me things I did not think we had when we appointed him.
West Brom – Not going to talk about them too much as the night was about us but they were better than I thought first half. They played it around and pressed hard too and we never found any space. They had a couple of decent chances too but looked well organised and resolute – which was odd as in other games they have been quite easy to get through. They seemed determined to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat and try and give themselves a chance of the top 6 still. However, it might be they worked too hard and burnt themselves out. After the break we completely dominated, moved them around and they started to make errors – which we often forced. The first goal was a poor back pass and then the second no one was marking. We could have scored more, and they sort of gave up. In the end they were well beaten.
They have some good players but lack up front (the lad Dyke always seems to be injured) and are missing a few (Diangana out injured?). They have a lot of players you may think are on their way down (Livermore, Bartley, Reach etc) but so have talent but Swift and Wallace arguably have not had the impact perhaps they would have wanted – not helped by managerial changes and changes in tactics/style. I do like Swift though and was surprised he was on the bench. They have some quite pondering and slow players too. Only 2 points off the playoffs and face Norwich at home and Swansea away – two teams you feel going in different directions currently but neither I expect to make the playoffs.
Opponent Man of the Match/Weak link – Not sure anyone was that bad or good – they played ok, but no one stood out. Grant had a few chances – one he should have done better, and Furlong’s long throw is effective. The Yoksulu started well but faded badly. The centre halves are quite slow and can be beaten in a foot race. The lad Gardner Hickman gave the ball away at a crucial stage too.
Referee/Officials – Dean Whitestone. Awful. From start to finish. Kept getting in the way of the ball, fell over and was at times fussy and then others let fouls go. Baldock and Ndiaye were fouled constantly second half, but he gave nothing. No wonder Jack Lester got booked. He was not helped by two equally poor assistants who did not want to give anything or merely guess. The ref’s errors were constant – the goal kick he gave when the ball went off their man when Lowe crossed, the penalty he could have given against Loew. There was a ball that did not go out and they said it had. A few other fouls both ways (one on Robinson he gave which was the other way and then there was on Ndiaye he gave to them I think?). There were also two very good penalty shouts on McAtee and McBurnie. Both seemed quite clear to me. When you win fairly easily and the ref gets loads of grief, you generally know he has been bad. We will have the fun and games of VAR next season and not necessarily better refs even – so twice as much to get annoyed about.
Crowd / Scenes post-match – Full Bramall Lane and the Kop back packed too. Great atmosphere but was a bit nervy first half but as soon as the players upped it and the tackles came in with Robinson, Baldock etc getting the noise going – you felt the atmosphere change. We score and it is loud and then the second and it’s even louder. Good range of chants (Jack O’Connell one nice but is it sang too much – bit controversial as know he has been great for us, but others are playing now!). So good that at the end the fans stayed off and the team could celebrate, and the fans could all salute and acknowledge them. I think Sinclair, as good an announcer as he is, sometimes needs to realise less is more in terms of saying too much. Still, I guess he is a fan and gets caught up. Love the way the team were together and then all went to the Kop after going to their families. It was just great, and you did not know where to look (need to watch it all back again).
After the game it was quite lively around the ground and up the Chinese Quarter although not the scenes on London Road of 4 years ago, but it was late and maybe this will happen Saturday? We went for a few beers at the Beer Engine and then I got to bed past midnight but hopefully Saturday I can do it all again and not have to get up for work the next day too! For now, we can just enjoy being promoted – the first time we have done it at the Lane in a game for 52 years and just relax and watch the last few games in comfort. I should be at the last two away games as well as Preston and feel Saturday will be another celebration although my liver and bank balance is struggling!
A wonderful week and one for everyone that will live long in the memories. A trip to Wembley and promotion!
Pod to come maybe in a few days – might be a double header with Preston due to work/family stuff
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Promotion was sealed for the Blades in a glorious night at Bramall Lane in front of a sold-out crowd under the lights. United sealed promotion with still three games to spare as they saw off play off chasers West Brom with a complete second half performance. The Blades never really got going in the first half and the Baggies shaded it in terms of play and chances with keeper Foderingham making a vital stop. However, it was a completely different story after the break as Heckingbottom’s men came out with a purpose, drive and determination to get the job done. Iliman Ndiaye laid a goal on a plate for the outstanding Sander Berge before Anel Ahmedhodzic’s volleyed finish from a George Baldock cross shot sealed matters. The final period of the game was played out to almost carnival scenes with a crackle and noise enveloping the S2 night air. The final whistle saw long and jubilant celebrations from both players and fans alike as United celebrated their return to the big time.
United made three changes from their admirable efforts in the FA Cup semi final against Manchester City, with Doyle and McAtee returning as expected and McBurnie back in. Fleck, Norwood and Jebbison were back on the bench. West Brom still were very much in the shake up for a top 6 place despite a home defeat to Sunderland at the weekend but opted not to start one-time United target John Swift who was on the bench.
The game started with both teams feeling each other out but it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous and some slick football saw them move it around and as a cross came over from Wallace, Grant headed down, but it bounced up and over with Baldock doing just enough. United struggled to get going and Lowe gave the ball away twice and nothing was sticking at the top of the field. Berge did have one shot, but it was well over the bar and also a header on the stretch from a deep cross.
The sloppy play meant the away side started to sense an opportunity to striker first and very nearly did when from a clever corner routine, the ball was pulled back and Grant’s shot was pushed away by Foderingham as the ball came through a crowd of bodies. He saved twice more on the rebound, but the assistant’s flag had already gone up as the Blades fans drew for breath.
United tried to find openings with Berge and Doyle moving it around nicely but West Brom were banking up in numbers defensively and denying space. They also were pressing well when the Blades tried to bring it out and it meant key men Ndiaye and McAtee were only seeing fleeting moments with the ball. Doyle sent in two poor crosses, and it was becoming a real toil for United to even get in the last third despite seeing a lot of the ball. Foderingham went down but it seemed this desire for treatment may have actually been a ploy that United have used before to ensure that the coaching staff could reshape and rejig things and indeed the keeper seemed fine when play restarted!
A poor tackle from Pieters after some lusty tackles in the build up saw him rightly booked as Doyle went down in a heap before Robinson had a tame effort as he came inside saved by Palmer. At the other end, an acrobatic effort by Gardner Hickman was equally as comfortable for Foderingham. Ndiaye then finally had a few moments where he got space and one good run from deep saw him go down but the claims for a penalty seemed ambitious. A feature of the first half had been several players falling to the ground, often under little challenges on a heavily watered pitch.
The second half began, and it was clear Heckingbottom had asked the players to respond individually and collectively, and they did so. The tempo was quicker and as the previous home game it was Baldock leading the way. He won two early tackles and then seized on a poor touch from Townsend and forced Plamer into a save as he fired across goal. United now were in control and Berge was at the heart of everything good. Lowe intercepted the ball well on the left side and Robinson/Egan were now playing front foot in term of winning the loose stuff and sending United going the other way. Robinson and Ahmedhodzic attempted overhead kicks that were off target from a corner.
There were appeals for a penalty as lovely interchange saw the ball moved around and McAtee went into the box and there seemed contact as he fell but maybe his theatrics did not impress referee Whitestone? Berge then got down the right and the ball did not quite sit but just before the hour mark, the deadlock was broken. Gardner Hickman’s back pass was short and Ndiaye read it and was able to drift past Ajayi and beautifully sit him down as he came back inside. With the keeper coming across to deny Ndiaye, the striker unselfishly squared it to set up a simply finish for BERGE who fired home in front of a jubilant Kop.
The fans responded and the songs were now coming out from all sides and United sensed they could put West Brom away. Baldock did well again and then Ndiaye almost found a pocket of space before patient stuff that saw United move it from left to right, saw the cross stood up from Berge and Furlong seemed to knock McBurnie off the ball as the striker fell to the ground. Once again nothing was given.
A great came soon after as the ball came over from the right from McAtee and Egan somehow headed down and wide with the expectant crowd sensing the clincher. It mattered not as after Sharp and Fleck came on for McBurnie and McAtee, the second goal came on 76 minutes. The ball was almost permanently in the West Brom final third, and they simply could not get out. After winning another corner, Doyle’s delivery was half cleared but Baldock hit a cross shot that AHMEDHODZIC did superbly well to cushion a volley high into the net. A quick glance to the assistant and he was onside and the noise inside the Lane went up another level. The players, including the substitutes celebrated down in the corner and it seemed that promotion was in the bag.
A number of changes ensued for both sides and Bogle and Basham saw action but United were comfortable and only one effort from Garnder Hickman was saved from Foderingham. Egan took a tactical booking on Swift, but West Brom seemed to have run out of ideas. There was five minutes of stoppage time played but nothing of note happened apart from more keep ball from United and one last wayward shot from West Brom that sailed into the upper tier.
The final whistle saw joyous scenes as the players celebrated in a huddle initially before moving around the ground to salute each area. The songs blared out and hardly anyone left the famous old ground. Hecky did his now traditional fist salute in front of the Kop before Ndiaye danced a merry jig as a light show started too. The players had a customary group photo in front of the ‘Promotion!’ banner and the champagne began to be sprayed around before the party continued both in the changing room for the players and on London Road for the fans!
United – Fantastic achievement to go up and do it with quite a bit to spare. Huge credit to Hecky, the coaching staff and players. We have had a few wobbles but recently the form in terms of results, not necessarily performances until the 2nd half tonight, has been solid and we have done what we needed to and remained consistent. Boro and to a lesser extent Luton have dropped some points and we have kept our foot down and professionally done the job. After the last international break there is only that one loss at Burnley, and we have won the rest. We had the four home games in a row, and you thought they were a lot that were winnable, and we have won them all so far!
I will do my season review and discuss the season as a whole at the end of the season in a few weeks so will focus more on tonight in this section but I do want to acknowledge how professional and calm we have remained. Even in the last few home games, like tonight, we have not been fantastic or fluent in the first half of games and had to remain patient and overcome some sticky spells. I felt West Brom, like Bristol City, were better than us first half and moved it around and had a few chances. The header over the bar and then the corner routine which was saved. They got through us much easier than we got through them and broke through our press too easy at times. Thought we gave it away a bit easily and got little up top even though Ndiaye and McAtee tried to probe and find openings. They really banked up and pressed but to be fair even though we created little, we remained patient and maybe a bit like City with us on Saturday, we just tired them out but moving it around and letting them chase us? Berge had one effort and Ndiaye had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty, but they definitely had the better of it and had two better chances. I was happy to go in at half time goalless as felt we could improve as we had in other home games and so it proved.
Second half we were superb and the best we have played for a long, long time – maybe since some of those big wins and dominant home performances to start the season against Blackburn and Reading. It reminded me of the Burnley second half performance in some ways as we just were completely ‘on it’. We won the ball high up and the whole team moved forward. The tempo was so much better and Baldock sort of led the charge, as he did last week. We were winning all the loose balls with Lowe suddenly a different player – Robinson was nipping in and getting there, and everyone seemed to show a new desire to get the job done. We turned it forward with pace but played some good football as well and moved it with purpose. The football was the best it had been for a long time and with Berge and Doyle dictating midfield and Ndiaye and McAtee getting it and going at defenders, you sensed a goal was coming. We had a few half chances and efforts, and the goal then came it was from a mistake as a loose pass was pounced on but a fantastic piece of calmness and set up from Ili and the great desire from Berge to finish. Sharp came on and worked hard and then the 2nd came as Baldock’s volley was not the best but kept it alive but what a finish from Anel! This is something now we have come to expect from him as he has shown what a good finisher is and scored a fair few goals (5 is it?). This, much like the O’Connell goal, was the moment where you knew it was pretty much done and we were up!
After this we did what we had to, and it became really easy and West Brom sort of gave up! Like that Ipswich game, both sets of players, officials and fans were then just clock watching and waiting for the game to be over. I am glad everyone stayed off the pitch and the players could celebrate with the fans. It was great to see everyone so jubilant and seemed to just be a carry on from Saturday and the weekend which despite the loss seemed like a big party too!
We can now enjoy the last few games in comfort and maybe see some different players. However, whilst we enjoy this week, thoughts will quickly turn to next season. The boardroom uncertainty of course continues with the questions now over what will happen – with the takeover, in terms of Dozy at least, being dead in the water. Interesting the Prince has re-surfaced, and he and his board were mostly all there last night, and he was saluting the fans and very much part of the celebrations. Again, I will discuss him and the board in more detail at the end of the season but I do find it a bit galling he has just turned up for the last few big games and suddenly it back interested – is he now not wanting to sell or still does but needs to just find a new investor – which may happen now we are up (after the complete mess of the last two we were linked with). There will be discussions on players and those out of contract, the loan lads and of course who we may be able to bring in. That is for another day.
Ratings (many of these ratings reflect the massive 2nd half performance whereas each player save maybe Berge you would rate them a few marks lower if you looked at the first half but just felt the magnitude of the occasion and how the players stepped up deserves credit in the marks)
Foderingham 7.5/10 – First half made one routine save near the half time whistle but a vital one from Grant (did well to save the other two as well even if offside) and this felt a big moment. Not easy as came through bodies. After this he swept up well and did what he had to but only had one save to make 2nd half which he held well late on. The save was important first half. I am convinced that we now have the regular thing of the ‘fake injury’ when we need the coaching staff to make some changes!
Baldock 9/10 – First half did ok and won a few tackles and was ok defensively including helping get a challenge in when they had the header, and he did just enough. He got forward when he could too. After the break he absolutely took it up a level and was inspirational. He was great against Bristol City last week, and indeed has been in many games since he came back into the side but last night took it to a new level. Won tackles, chased up and down and some incredible runs such as the one they fouled him 3 or 4 times and he kept going and going and somehow did not get a foul. Had the shot saved and then the cross shot for the 2nd and seemed to be everywhere. The shot of him in the dug out on his own with a beer was a lovely one. Been one of our star players to finish the season and his attitude and commitment that massively helps drive the team.
Lowe 7/10 – First half thought he was poor and gave it away a few times, did not pick his man up and was guilty of silly fouls and one that could have been a penalty – right on the edge of the box. He was way off his man and kept drifting between the wing back he was marking and Wallace but not picking up either. 2nd half completely different and that has been a theme for him in recent games. Tighter to his men, got stuck in and won several balls. He led the break a few times and was just a lot sharper in everything we did, and they barely had any threats down this side. Still think he has and is one of our weaker players and will not be good enough for next level, but he was better 2nd half and really stepped up.
Robinson 8/10 –Think overall he has been remarkably consistent throughout this season and even though we have the mistakes/errors, he has cut these out (just if they happen, they are normally a big one!). He let one ball go over the top and was running backwards again but outside of this he got stuck in, got forward and first half seemed to be covering Lowe way too much. After the break he, like the rest, stepped up the field more and won every ball forward and helped us get going the other way. Some crunching tackles and key interceptions. Become a real fan favourite. Like others, doubtful he will be able to step up and play regularly but that is for another day. This season he has been solid and the fact Clark, even when fit, did not play much sums up his consistency.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – Definitely right back to the standards of earlier in the season. Maybe not quite as thrusting going forward, particularly first half but he still has been seen in the opposition half more. He did what he needed to from a defensive point of view but felt all the back line were too slow to move it but after the break he was almost entirely in their half or right on halfway and we had all those combinations down the wide. He had another ambitious overhead kick (will maybe score one soon!) but then he scores a wonderful finish – it was like his goal v Reading where he swept home a lovely first-time volley. Clearly a good footballer and looked delighted at the end and now gets to test himself at a higher level.
Egan 8/10 – Solid and he has been another, like Baldock who has sort of galvanised and led the way really. He has been winning his battles and coming out with the ball. First half again they all took too long to move it on, but then improved at this and they all passed it quicker. He totally dominated Thomas Asante. Only negatives are the poor headed miss which he should have scored and then the booking which was necessary but still cynical.
Doyle 8/10 – Excellent on the ball throughout, moving it across and side to side. He was able to win tackles and keep the ball going. His set plays were off and some crosses poor (at keeper or nowhere near where they needed to be) but he kept going despite getting a hefty tackle first half. As we got better, he and Berge dovetailed nicely. Always available, mobile, tackles and can pass. A must buy.
McAtee 6.5/10 – Thought he flitted in and out again last night and that when he gets involved, he is good and can glide past people, but he lost his footing a few times last night and/or it did not quite come off. Always looking to go forwards which I live and when we break having him and Ndiaye is such a threat for us. Came off for Fleck around the hour mark. Did work hard and his improvements and vital goals been huge.
Berge 9/10 – Our best player and by quite a bit. Baldock, Ndiaye were both excellent and many others played well – but he was on a different level. First half he was our best player as he showed for it, moved it side to side and got the tempo improving. He had our one effort shot (two if you can count the header as an effort) and was the player who we kept looking to probe. After the break though he took things to a new level and was phenomenal. Strong, powerful, great on the ball – he even won tackles. He seemed to be everywhere and dictated the whole play. He got down the side and put crosses in, he found space for himself and linked with others. Busted a gut to score the goal too and took it calmly. He looked very bit the player we thought we had signed when we did. Set his standards and needs to show this weekly next season.
Ndiaye 8/10 – Usual box of tricks, flicks, dribbles and more than that 100% hard work. Got back and won the ball, defended from the front and was always in motion. A wonderful footballer. Again a few things did not quite work and maybe first half he was ploughing a lone furrow. Had two decent runs and both maybe went down a bit easy. After the break with more support from others, he turned it on, and they were terrified of him. Most of the time they just fouled him. He was brilliant reading the mistake and the way he chopped back sitting the defender/keeper down was so calm and then the pass when some may have shot. After this he continued to show the range of skills he has. Great to see him dancing in front of the Kop and celebrating with that big smile at the end. Just hope we keep him even for one more season or even up to January, but you worry the big clubs will circle now sadly.
McBurnie 5/10 -Poor. Some have said he worked hard last game or two when I disagreed and watched him carefully. Not sure he moved much at all sadly and was too static. He only won a few headers defensively (which he often does well) but the rest of the game he did not hold it up, barely linked and was miles off Ndiaye a lot of the time. Looked very immobile and often just fell to ground. Did a few ok bits second half but generally not looked player he was to start the season and for other spells and feel he has looked tired and not a threat recently. We have looked better with Sharp on albeit you can argue he may helped tire defenders for this to be the case? Does go down easily but could have had a penalty.
Subs –
Sharp 7/10 – Ran the channels, put himself about, won a few free kicks and linked well. One chance nearly fell to him when the keeper dropped, and we are all desperate for him to score
Fleck 6/10 – He was ok and won a few tackles and interceptions when he needed to, but it was a case of keep ball and just nothing daft at this point.
Norwood – As above but some off long balls that were not needed. Just keep the ball. Doyle now has the shirt, but he still has a future at the Lane next season I feel even if not a regular.
Basham – Barely on but great to see him being part of things.
Bogle – Brought on right at the end too and gave Baldock the chance for a great ovation as he fist pumped the crowd as he departed.
Manager: Heckingbottom 9/10 – First half flat and passive and stood off but then 2nd half we were a different team and he got them going and on the front foot. The players played further forward and totally took over the game. Nearly every player stepped up. We scored two good goals and won the game in the end at a canter. Real credit to Hecky – has stayed calm and composed and not panicked and the team have followed his lead. We have just professionally got the job done. The performances have not been amazing (until the 2nd half tonight) but the results were all that mattered in the end. I will discuss the job he has done in depth in a few weeks, but I do feel his subs and tactical tweaks have improved a lot – having the experienced lads to come on and see games out – Fleck, Norwood and Sharp has been something other clubs at this level are very envious of. Hecky had spoken really well and just been nice and composed. Really impressed me with how he has done this season (and last) and maybe shown me things I did not think we had when we appointed him.
West Brom – Not going to talk about them too much as the night was about us but they were better than I thought first half. They played it around and pressed hard too and we never found any space. They had a couple of decent chances too but looked well organised and resolute – which was odd as in other games they have been quite easy to get through. They seemed determined to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat and try and give themselves a chance of the top 6 still. However, it might be they worked too hard and burnt themselves out. After the break we completely dominated, moved them around and they started to make errors – which we often forced. The first goal was a poor back pass and then the second no one was marking. We could have scored more, and they sort of gave up. In the end they were well beaten.
They have some good players but lack up front (the lad Dyke always seems to be injured) and are missing a few (Diangana out injured?). They have a lot of players you may think are on their way down (Livermore, Bartley, Reach etc) but so have talent but Swift and Wallace arguably have not had the impact perhaps they would have wanted – not helped by managerial changes and changes in tactics/style. I do like Swift though and was surprised he was on the bench. They have some quite pondering and slow players too. Only 2 points off the playoffs and face Norwich at home and Swansea away – two teams you feel going in different directions currently but neither I expect to make the playoffs.
Opponent Man of the Match/Weak link – Not sure anyone was that bad or good – they played ok, but no one stood out. Grant had a few chances – one he should have done better, and Furlong’s long throw is effective. The Yoksulu started well but faded badly. The centre halves are quite slow and can be beaten in a foot race. The lad Gardner Hickman gave the ball away at a crucial stage too.
Referee/Officials – Dean Whitestone. Awful. From start to finish. Kept getting in the way of the ball, fell over and was at times fussy and then others let fouls go. Baldock and Ndiaye were fouled constantly second half, but he gave nothing. No wonder Jack Lester got booked. He was not helped by two equally poor assistants who did not want to give anything or merely guess. The ref’s errors were constant – the goal kick he gave when the ball went off their man when Lowe crossed, the penalty he could have given against Loew. There was a ball that did not go out and they said it had. A few other fouls both ways (one on Robinson he gave which was the other way and then there was on Ndiaye he gave to them I think?). There were also two very good penalty shouts on McAtee and McBurnie. Both seemed quite clear to me. When you win fairly easily and the ref gets loads of grief, you generally know he has been bad. We will have the fun and games of VAR next season and not necessarily better refs even – so twice as much to get annoyed about.
Crowd / Scenes post-match – Full Bramall Lane and the Kop back packed too. Great atmosphere but was a bit nervy first half but as soon as the players upped it and the tackles came in with Robinson, Baldock etc getting the noise going – you felt the atmosphere change. We score and it is loud and then the second and it’s even louder. Good range of chants (Jack O’Connell one nice but is it sang too much – bit controversial as know he has been great for us, but others are playing now!). So good that at the end the fans stayed off and the team could celebrate, and the fans could all salute and acknowledge them. I think Sinclair, as good an announcer as he is, sometimes needs to realise less is more in terms of saying too much. Still, I guess he is a fan and gets caught up. Love the way the team were together and then all went to the Kop after going to their families. It was just great, and you did not know where to look (need to watch it all back again).
After the game it was quite lively around the ground and up the Chinese Quarter although not the scenes on London Road of 4 years ago, but it was late and maybe this will happen Saturday? We went for a few beers at the Beer Engine and then I got to bed past midnight but hopefully Saturday I can do it all again and not have to get up for work the next day too! For now, we can just enjoy being promoted – the first time we have done it at the Lane in a game for 52 years and just relax and watch the last few games in comfort. I should be at the last two away games as well as Preston and feel Saturday will be another celebration although my liver and bank balance is struggling!
A wonderful week and one for everyone that will live long in the memories. A trip to Wembley and promotion!
