Post by deadbat on Feb 12, 2011 20:53:58 GMT
Micky Adams came within stoppage time of securing his first victory as Sheffield United manager but a late Kevin Lisbie leveller denied the Blades the crucial three points and left them stuck in the relegation places after a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane. Daniel Bogdanovic had won and converted a penalty that seemed like it was enough to take the spoils but indecisive goalkeeping from Steve Simonsen yet again saw Lisbie on the spot to convert at the death. For Adams it is now just 3 points from a possible 24 and his dreadful start to his managerial career at the Lane continuing with a performance full of effort and heart but once again lacking in real quality and basic defending that is needed to win games.
The Blades began the game with changes with Jordan, Evans, Quinn and Yeates coming in for Ertl, Cresswell, Bogdanovic and the suspended Williamson. Lowry began back in central defence with Jordan and Quinn operating at left back and left wing respectively. United began the game fairly well with Parrino involved getting forward down the right to support the attack. The first chance came when the ball dropped and Bent hit a low shot that Forde saved going down to his right. Soon after United won a free kick on the edge of the box but after Yeates hit the wall with the first effort his second effort once again saw Forde scrambling across his goal to his right to push the ball away. Morison was booked for a clumsy foul on Quinn after previously voicing his frustration when he felt he was fouled by Parrino only moment earlier. The game was very much a battle in the middle of the park with Montgomery and Doyle perhaps edging matters but Millwall gave United a reminder to be on their guard when Henry almost stole in. Doyle showed his attacking intents with two long range efforts, the second of which was not far wide of the post. The visitors did began to come back into a game they had been second best in and Trotter’s long range effort ought to have been held by Simonsen but he did get up to push the ball away from an advancing Millwall attacker who sought to get on the rebound. Thankfully the assistant referee’s flag was raised. Millwall then won two corners with the second effort headed goalwards by Robinson but straight at Simonsen when the defender maybe should have done better. Quinn was booked just before half time but it seemed a bizarre decision as although he fell he got up instantly and tried to carry on so the caution for simulation seemed unfortunate to say the least.
After the break Millwall started the game the better side and a mistake by Parrino nearly led to a chance but Lowry blocked the danger. Soon after a game of pinball saw the ball come off Robinson and bounce into Simonsen’s hands when it easily could have gone past him. United were struggling to make much headway this half and the Lions now were in the ascendancy. Trotter header was over when unmarked and then Henry shot just wide via a deflection. United had offered little until they won a free kick on the edge of the box. This time Evans had a go but his effort was straight at Forde. Millwall made a change with Harris coming on for Robinson and the Blades made a double change not long after. Bogdanovic and Cresswell came on for Evans and Bent. Bent had struggled most of the game and Evans’ change although booed by the crowd was maybe understandable considering the forward’s recent illness.
Instantly Bogdanovic got in the ball and linked well with Yeates earning United a corner. Soon after Yeates and Doyle found the Maltese striker and his run was blocked off by Robinson. The assistant referee signalled for the spot kick by putting his flag across his chest. After the protests had finally abated, BOGDANOVIC took the kick and coolly rolled it into the left hand corner of the goal in front of the Kop. A crucial goal and one that gave United a great chance to finally get three points under Micky Adams and break their duck in 2011. Lisbie came on for Schofield but it was United who came again not long after and Yeates finally put in a good cross after more good work from Bogdanovic; but the ball was cleared at the back post by Abdou with Cresswell waiting to pounce behind him.
United were clearly anxious to hang on though and Millwall threw men forward and from one cross Jordan did well to head over at the back post. Millwall then switched play and this led to a great chance for Lisbie at the back post but his firm shot was tipped round the post superbly by Simonsen. Unfortunately from the resultant corner the keeper flapped at the ball, just as he had done in the recent game against Norwich, and once again just as in that game the ball fell to an opponent, LISBIE who smashed home to stun the Blades. Several Blades lay prone in the box with their head in their hands and it was clear how much of a blow this had been to the home side that were stoppage time from the victory. The sense of disappointment on and off the pitch was evident and Millwall tried to take advantage and win the game. In stoppage time they forced United back again and won a free kick on the edge of the box that was blocked and then nearly stole it at the death with Lisbie heading over from Henry’s deep cross.
United – I thought we were ordinary to average for much of the contest. We did not give the opponents masses of chances and defended ok until the end but going forward other than couple of efforts from Bent and Yeates I can’t remember many clear cut chances all game. We shaded the first half and seemed on top without really having many clear chances or really looking like scoring but after the break we seemed to run out of ideas completely and did not create anything really. Millwall actually got in top and you felt like they may score until we made changes and were able to have a flurry of possession and via a lot of percentage stuff we managed to get the ball back in the Millwall last third and then won and scored a penalty. Until Bogdanovic came on (and Cresswell to be fair) we did not look like doing anything and it looked like a 0-0 at best or knowing how our season had gone a 0-1. However, we got in front from a penalty that seemed a little fortunate from where I was but it seemed to give the side/crowd a lift and for 5 minutes we seemed buoyant and it seemed we would go on and win. However as the game entered the final stages we then we began to panic and defended deeper and deeper and it was no surprise when they did level. Indeed it looked nailed on they would score just before the goal when Simonsen produced a superb save. Of course the goal they did score was another mistake, almost identical to the ones Norwich scored. We cannot go on making mistakes like this but with Wright injured he knows he will carry on getting picked. We float awful corners in game after game which keepers take in and around the 6 yard box (Quinn, Yeates both as bad) and other teams do this and our goalie comes and flaps at them. He actually missed or failed to take 2 or 3 others before the mistake and teams now are clearly trying to exploit this as they know he has absolutely zero command of his box or defence.
The overall performance was so-so. The team battled hard and showed heart but there was no real quality on show all game (from both sides to be fair) and the only glimpses of talent came from Bogdanovic towards the end (he has to start games from this point). We did not keep the ball very well and it was very much percentage stuff hoping for flicks/breaks or a ball to fall in the box. We did not have many spells of real quality football nor were many players linking and whilst there was good effort from messrs Quinn, Evans and Monty; the so called talent in the team such as Yeats and Bent offered little to nothing and it seemed like we looked clueless how to score with nothing of note in terms of quality service and nothing in terms of link play from the strikers. We had a few long range efforts from Yeates and Doyle but I cannot recall many clear cut chances we had all game.
We do look a really poor side and whilst many of the opponents we play look equally poor, these sides are higher up and come with organised plans and invariable these plans work. Today it seemed like for once we had done enough to win but you were not shocked then the leveller came and it kind of summed up the season. It was just another sign that this team is probably destined for the trapdoor. With a crucial run of games to come I still cannot see this side putting together one win let alone 2 or 3 on the bounce and feel this time in a month our fate may be decided. That may be very pessimistic but it is an honest view. I cannot knock the manager or players effort but overall they just don’t seem to have the quality or ingenuity to get goals/stop goals and crucially get results. Despite the rumours being quashed in the week there must be big pressure on Adams and I am not saying for one moment he should be dismissed; as that is going to achieve nothing and he will be here till the end of the season at least. However, his start has been dreadful. Even those who were not in favour Adams fans could have envisaged we would have only got 3 points from 24 since he took over is awful. He seems unable to get the players doing any better and worryingly the performances of some of the players and the team in general have not been that much better (save for a decent show v Leicester and an ok first half v Norwich) than those under Speed and the results have been even worse. I am not sure what he can do either. Sure he can bring in Boggy and maybe hope Henderson can get fit but the backline continues to make mistakes every week and we look devoid of any creativity or any player taking responsibility to make/score goals in the last third. Sadly, these are the hallmarks of a relegation side.
Millwall – Kenny Jackett has done a great job to get them promoted and allow them to consolidate this year. They probably have a lot lower wage budget than us and most of the rest of the division and have a very small squad but are hard working, organised and committed. They don’t give away too many silly goals and have players who can get something at the other end as Lisbie has proved in consecutive weeks. That is enough in this league to garner a respectable finish. However, the counter argument is that they are another very ordinary side that did ok for spells but looked oh-so beatable for most of the game. It just needed some pace or a bit of flair to break them down in the last third. They did not have a chance of note until a header near the end of the first half I felt were second best for a lot of the first half despite United hardly outplaying them. Millwall improved in the second half and I felt they won the midfield battle. They had a lot more efforts on goal than us and more corners and would argue they shaded the game after the break. Still we got in front and it seemed enough but they did not give up and threw bodies forward. They deserved a draw even though it was agonisingly late. Indeed they had chances to win in stoppage time and it was they who were going all out for the win at this stage sensing United’s fragile confidence.
As a side they were another like so many before who did not play scintillating football and did not look like carving us to pieces but equally they actually were never put under masses of pressure and seemed comfortable to get a point or if they could nick it on the break. This plan has worked for so many teams this year and it was a surprise when United actually went in front for once but they then came out stepped up and got a leveller. I felt if the game had gone on another 5 minutes United would have lost.
In terms of individuals they don’t have many that stand out but someone like Lisbie is not a bad sub to snatch a goal. Morison is a player who has done really well and was picked up cheap. It amazes me why we don’t look at lower level players anymore and seem to prefer rejects and players on the way down like Doyle and Collins. He did not do much today though other than moaning at the ref all game. Trotter the big midfielder is a decent player and I felt another one who moaned a lot, Henry, also showed he is decent on the ball despite his whinging. However, like United they looked slow and pedestrian at the back and Robinson and Purse looked so easy to get at if only we had some pace or subtlety and when Bogdanovic came on you saw how panicky they became with a player who could step off them and get on the ball. We played into their hands with a lot of direct/aerial stuff for the most part. The fact they are middle of the league and we are at the bottom may be mystifying but they showed like many others before them that it is easy to get something at the Lane as United will struggle to score and regardless of whether they do or not they will invariably do something daft to give the opposition a chance to score.
United –
Simonsen 4/10 – I thought he made one decent save in the first half from a header from point blank range and then made a tremendous save at the death to deny Lisbie. However, he made an awful mistake from the resultant corner which led to Lisbie scoring and several other times he came and completely missed or flapped at crosses. His indecision is costing us badly and it was another goalkeeping mistake that cost us all three points albeit straight after a great save that looked to have won us the three points. Surely as soon as Wright is fit he will go straight back in.
Parrino 7/10 – I thought he played well today and seems to be getting better each week. He made one awful slice in the second half which he was lucky to get away with but overall he defended ok and got forward well. Seems to be improving his positioning and also getting closer to his man. A good athlete and comfortable on the ball. Still very young and with more coaching and experience could make a good defender.
Jordan 6/10 – Surprised to see him back. He did ok today. Some decent pieces of defending mixed in with some sloppy pieces of play but overall he limited his winger and made a few good clearances under pressure, such as the header over his own goal in the second half.
Lowry 6.5/10 – Another ok-decent game where he just stuck to the basics and the percentages without looking too flashy or skilled. Sure he may not be much of a technical player but he reads the game fairly well and seems to be able to get in good positions to make clearances and blocks. Very clumsy at times thought and you are fearful skilled players can take him to the cleaners and he is a very much of an ale house centre back. However, that is probably what we need with Morgan missing at the moment.
Collins 6.5/10 – Thought he was alright without being outstanding. Clearly lacks pace and mobility but he headed and cleared the ball fairly well for the most part and gave us more height at the back which we have missed. Not sure how we would do with these two against faster, more mobile players. Be interesting how the likes of Long and Hunt do on Tuesday night as I fear they may give us some real problems with their pace and ability to run the channels.
Doyle 6.5/10 – Thought he was better today and at least got involved in things and showed he could/would have a go at goal. He began the game quiet but he did grow as the game went on and at least he had 2 or 3 long range efforts on goal that went wide or forced keeper into handling (albeit straight at him). He is awfully slow and very limited on the ball but he did manage to get his foot in once or twice and also kept the ball better than he had done in previous games. Better overall.
Montgomery 6/10 – Began the game well and actually was decent in possession and did not give the ball away but as Millwall grew I felt his presence lessened and as in previous home games he became less of a factor. He had another good spell earlier in the second half winning loose balls and going on several driving runs down the right but at times I did feel we conceded ground and possession too easily in the centre of the park as Doyle and Monty were not able to keep the ball.
Bent 3/10 – Really poor from the start until he was rightly substituted. He just was never in the game and seemed sluggish and disinterested. Always behind the play and never really involved. He had one decent shot that Forde saved early on but outside of this he did not win headers, did not hold the ball up and his understanding with Evans was nil. Like Cresswell he looks done at this level but thankfully he is only on loan so will not be around next season.
Evans 6/10 –Worked hard and tried to get things going but not everything came off for him today. Had no real partner with Bent completely ineffective and little service from the midfield or wide men. Kept plugging away but difficult for him to create or make a chance of note. Looked fatigued after his illness and despite a lot of the Lane booing when he came off it was clear he was exhausted and that he could not go on much longer.
Quinn 7/10 – Overall I felt he was one of our better players. His touch was quite decent, he worked hard and tried to get forward and make things happen. He actually put a lot of effort in and always seemed to be positive when he had the ball.
Yeates 4/10 – Had a bit of a nightmare other than a purple patch for 5-10 minutes in the second half. Given a start and a chance to bed down a regular stating place he proved why he is probably never going to be more than a bit part player at this level. His touch, crossing and overall contribution was not good enough. From his floated corners to the keeper to his turnover of the ball and finally his inability to bother getting back and defend, he was quite awful for the most part. He finally had a bit of a spell in the second when he got past his man or won a corner and then nearly made a second for Cresswell but it was merely a flurry in another frustratingly, poor showing.
Subs –
Bogdanovic – Seemed to make the difference when he came on. Not only did he show good control and hold up play but he also actually put a lot of effort in and actually harried and hustled defenders. Had a few decent bits of play before he ran at the defender to induce the daft challenge for the penalty. Cool spot kick too and I felt he caused real problems for Millwall when he was on the field. He may be not always play at break neck speeds or look like the most committed (just his style me things) but he definitely deserves a run of games as he is one of few players who actually looks like he could score or make a goal. He might have been our best player even though he only played 20 minutes! Says a lot about the rest.
Cresswell – Rightly dropped after weeks of poor showings. He came on and actually out a shift in, chasing balls down and working across the line. He nearly scored a second and overall actually showed a bit of life when he did come on. However, he should only be used as a substitute at most for me and it should be Evans and Bogdanovic on Tuesday.
Officials – Darren Deadman. I thought he was ok for the most part in terms of the majority of free kicks and decisions for both teams but then maybe a few of the big decisions actually were debatable. Primarily the Quinn booking and the penalty. Actually the penalty was given by the assistant regardless of whether it was or wasn’t. Deadman did let things flow and tried to keep the game going but there were one or two times he had to give fouls or get his book out. Henry the midfielder was chirping away at him all game as was Morison the striker and it was getting boring by the end. I did think Quinn was unlucky to be booked as he tried to carry on after he had fell to the ground and did not look an obvious dive. As for the spot kick I think I would have been unhappy if it had been given against United (as many like that have been this season) and it was a bit soft but was also a poor challenge and was definitely inside the box but the linesman was close to the incident. I felt Bogdanovic drew him in and it was a risky block off but I think a lot of times officials would let that go as he seemed to be looking for the spot kick. Still we have had that many go against us this season it is about time we had a 50/50 go for us. I heard Kenny Jacket say it was a ridiculous decision and I do feel if it had been the other way we would have been very angry. I suppose it was one of those that is given as a foul anywhere on the pitch but whether rightly or wrongly it is often not given in the box; as if it needs to be a bit more of a foul. Technically it was a block off but was soft I felt being honest
Crowd/Atmosphere – I thought the crowd would be bigger judging by the numbers in the pubs before the game but it must have been all the Millwall fans in my boozer! They actually only brought around 700-800 but seemed intent on spoiling for a fight with most of G and H block with the Police and stewards spending the last 20 minutes forcing them back from the bottom of the lower tier.
The Booker introduction and scarf waving/shouting before the game was cringeworthy. Sure, introduce him and let him say a few words maybe but the way he stumbled towards the Kop, shouting his own song and then chanting ‘United! United!’ was maybe passionate but I felt a little desperate. He clearly was a bit ‘Delia-ed’ up too and was very reminiscent of her ‘Let’s be having you!’ speech. Booker was a hard working, honest 100%er who did really well at the Lane and great to see him back but he has been wheeled out at least 2 or 3 times now (Wednesday when he left was fair enough the week after but Watford a few years ago and then today) and seems to have been over-done.
United fans kept behind their team and tried to give them life when they seemingly had hit the wall in the second half and did not look like scoring until the changes. At the end you could feel the despair all around the ground when the late goal went in and you felt it was the sort of moment that confirmed that United would be playing league one football next season.
The Blades began the game with changes with Jordan, Evans, Quinn and Yeates coming in for Ertl, Cresswell, Bogdanovic and the suspended Williamson. Lowry began back in central defence with Jordan and Quinn operating at left back and left wing respectively. United began the game fairly well with Parrino involved getting forward down the right to support the attack. The first chance came when the ball dropped and Bent hit a low shot that Forde saved going down to his right. Soon after United won a free kick on the edge of the box but after Yeates hit the wall with the first effort his second effort once again saw Forde scrambling across his goal to his right to push the ball away. Morison was booked for a clumsy foul on Quinn after previously voicing his frustration when he felt he was fouled by Parrino only moment earlier. The game was very much a battle in the middle of the park with Montgomery and Doyle perhaps edging matters but Millwall gave United a reminder to be on their guard when Henry almost stole in. Doyle showed his attacking intents with two long range efforts, the second of which was not far wide of the post. The visitors did began to come back into a game they had been second best in and Trotter’s long range effort ought to have been held by Simonsen but he did get up to push the ball away from an advancing Millwall attacker who sought to get on the rebound. Thankfully the assistant referee’s flag was raised. Millwall then won two corners with the second effort headed goalwards by Robinson but straight at Simonsen when the defender maybe should have done better. Quinn was booked just before half time but it seemed a bizarre decision as although he fell he got up instantly and tried to carry on so the caution for simulation seemed unfortunate to say the least.
After the break Millwall started the game the better side and a mistake by Parrino nearly led to a chance but Lowry blocked the danger. Soon after a game of pinball saw the ball come off Robinson and bounce into Simonsen’s hands when it easily could have gone past him. United were struggling to make much headway this half and the Lions now were in the ascendancy. Trotter header was over when unmarked and then Henry shot just wide via a deflection. United had offered little until they won a free kick on the edge of the box. This time Evans had a go but his effort was straight at Forde. Millwall made a change with Harris coming on for Robinson and the Blades made a double change not long after. Bogdanovic and Cresswell came on for Evans and Bent. Bent had struggled most of the game and Evans’ change although booed by the crowd was maybe understandable considering the forward’s recent illness.
Instantly Bogdanovic got in the ball and linked well with Yeates earning United a corner. Soon after Yeates and Doyle found the Maltese striker and his run was blocked off by Robinson. The assistant referee signalled for the spot kick by putting his flag across his chest. After the protests had finally abated, BOGDANOVIC took the kick and coolly rolled it into the left hand corner of the goal in front of the Kop. A crucial goal and one that gave United a great chance to finally get three points under Micky Adams and break their duck in 2011. Lisbie came on for Schofield but it was United who came again not long after and Yeates finally put in a good cross after more good work from Bogdanovic; but the ball was cleared at the back post by Abdou with Cresswell waiting to pounce behind him.
United were clearly anxious to hang on though and Millwall threw men forward and from one cross Jordan did well to head over at the back post. Millwall then switched play and this led to a great chance for Lisbie at the back post but his firm shot was tipped round the post superbly by Simonsen. Unfortunately from the resultant corner the keeper flapped at the ball, just as he had done in the recent game against Norwich, and once again just as in that game the ball fell to an opponent, LISBIE who smashed home to stun the Blades. Several Blades lay prone in the box with their head in their hands and it was clear how much of a blow this had been to the home side that were stoppage time from the victory. The sense of disappointment on and off the pitch was evident and Millwall tried to take advantage and win the game. In stoppage time they forced United back again and won a free kick on the edge of the box that was blocked and then nearly stole it at the death with Lisbie heading over from Henry’s deep cross.
United – I thought we were ordinary to average for much of the contest. We did not give the opponents masses of chances and defended ok until the end but going forward other than couple of efforts from Bent and Yeates I can’t remember many clear cut chances all game. We shaded the first half and seemed on top without really having many clear chances or really looking like scoring but after the break we seemed to run out of ideas completely and did not create anything really. Millwall actually got in top and you felt like they may score until we made changes and were able to have a flurry of possession and via a lot of percentage stuff we managed to get the ball back in the Millwall last third and then won and scored a penalty. Until Bogdanovic came on (and Cresswell to be fair) we did not look like doing anything and it looked like a 0-0 at best or knowing how our season had gone a 0-1. However, we got in front from a penalty that seemed a little fortunate from where I was but it seemed to give the side/crowd a lift and for 5 minutes we seemed buoyant and it seemed we would go on and win. However as the game entered the final stages we then we began to panic and defended deeper and deeper and it was no surprise when they did level. Indeed it looked nailed on they would score just before the goal when Simonsen produced a superb save. Of course the goal they did score was another mistake, almost identical to the ones Norwich scored. We cannot go on making mistakes like this but with Wright injured he knows he will carry on getting picked. We float awful corners in game after game which keepers take in and around the 6 yard box (Quinn, Yeates both as bad) and other teams do this and our goalie comes and flaps at them. He actually missed or failed to take 2 or 3 others before the mistake and teams now are clearly trying to exploit this as they know he has absolutely zero command of his box or defence.
The overall performance was so-so. The team battled hard and showed heart but there was no real quality on show all game (from both sides to be fair) and the only glimpses of talent came from Bogdanovic towards the end (he has to start games from this point). We did not keep the ball very well and it was very much percentage stuff hoping for flicks/breaks or a ball to fall in the box. We did not have many spells of real quality football nor were many players linking and whilst there was good effort from messrs Quinn, Evans and Monty; the so called talent in the team such as Yeats and Bent offered little to nothing and it seemed like we looked clueless how to score with nothing of note in terms of quality service and nothing in terms of link play from the strikers. We had a few long range efforts from Yeates and Doyle but I cannot recall many clear cut chances we had all game.
We do look a really poor side and whilst many of the opponents we play look equally poor, these sides are higher up and come with organised plans and invariable these plans work. Today it seemed like for once we had done enough to win but you were not shocked then the leveller came and it kind of summed up the season. It was just another sign that this team is probably destined for the trapdoor. With a crucial run of games to come I still cannot see this side putting together one win let alone 2 or 3 on the bounce and feel this time in a month our fate may be decided. That may be very pessimistic but it is an honest view. I cannot knock the manager or players effort but overall they just don’t seem to have the quality or ingenuity to get goals/stop goals and crucially get results. Despite the rumours being quashed in the week there must be big pressure on Adams and I am not saying for one moment he should be dismissed; as that is going to achieve nothing and he will be here till the end of the season at least. However, his start has been dreadful. Even those who were not in favour Adams fans could have envisaged we would have only got 3 points from 24 since he took over is awful. He seems unable to get the players doing any better and worryingly the performances of some of the players and the team in general have not been that much better (save for a decent show v Leicester and an ok first half v Norwich) than those under Speed and the results have been even worse. I am not sure what he can do either. Sure he can bring in Boggy and maybe hope Henderson can get fit but the backline continues to make mistakes every week and we look devoid of any creativity or any player taking responsibility to make/score goals in the last third. Sadly, these are the hallmarks of a relegation side.
Millwall – Kenny Jackett has done a great job to get them promoted and allow them to consolidate this year. They probably have a lot lower wage budget than us and most of the rest of the division and have a very small squad but are hard working, organised and committed. They don’t give away too many silly goals and have players who can get something at the other end as Lisbie has proved in consecutive weeks. That is enough in this league to garner a respectable finish. However, the counter argument is that they are another very ordinary side that did ok for spells but looked oh-so beatable for most of the game. It just needed some pace or a bit of flair to break them down in the last third. They did not have a chance of note until a header near the end of the first half I felt were second best for a lot of the first half despite United hardly outplaying them. Millwall improved in the second half and I felt they won the midfield battle. They had a lot more efforts on goal than us and more corners and would argue they shaded the game after the break. Still we got in front and it seemed enough but they did not give up and threw bodies forward. They deserved a draw even though it was agonisingly late. Indeed they had chances to win in stoppage time and it was they who were going all out for the win at this stage sensing United’s fragile confidence.
As a side they were another like so many before who did not play scintillating football and did not look like carving us to pieces but equally they actually were never put under masses of pressure and seemed comfortable to get a point or if they could nick it on the break. This plan has worked for so many teams this year and it was a surprise when United actually went in front for once but they then came out stepped up and got a leveller. I felt if the game had gone on another 5 minutes United would have lost.
In terms of individuals they don’t have many that stand out but someone like Lisbie is not a bad sub to snatch a goal. Morison is a player who has done really well and was picked up cheap. It amazes me why we don’t look at lower level players anymore and seem to prefer rejects and players on the way down like Doyle and Collins. He did not do much today though other than moaning at the ref all game. Trotter the big midfielder is a decent player and I felt another one who moaned a lot, Henry, also showed he is decent on the ball despite his whinging. However, like United they looked slow and pedestrian at the back and Robinson and Purse looked so easy to get at if only we had some pace or subtlety and when Bogdanovic came on you saw how panicky they became with a player who could step off them and get on the ball. We played into their hands with a lot of direct/aerial stuff for the most part. The fact they are middle of the league and we are at the bottom may be mystifying but they showed like many others before them that it is easy to get something at the Lane as United will struggle to score and regardless of whether they do or not they will invariably do something daft to give the opposition a chance to score.
United –
Simonsen 4/10 – I thought he made one decent save in the first half from a header from point blank range and then made a tremendous save at the death to deny Lisbie. However, he made an awful mistake from the resultant corner which led to Lisbie scoring and several other times he came and completely missed or flapped at crosses. His indecision is costing us badly and it was another goalkeeping mistake that cost us all three points albeit straight after a great save that looked to have won us the three points. Surely as soon as Wright is fit he will go straight back in.
Parrino 7/10 – I thought he played well today and seems to be getting better each week. He made one awful slice in the second half which he was lucky to get away with but overall he defended ok and got forward well. Seems to be improving his positioning and also getting closer to his man. A good athlete and comfortable on the ball. Still very young and with more coaching and experience could make a good defender.
Jordan 6/10 – Surprised to see him back. He did ok today. Some decent pieces of defending mixed in with some sloppy pieces of play but overall he limited his winger and made a few good clearances under pressure, such as the header over his own goal in the second half.
Lowry 6.5/10 – Another ok-decent game where he just stuck to the basics and the percentages without looking too flashy or skilled. Sure he may not be much of a technical player but he reads the game fairly well and seems to be able to get in good positions to make clearances and blocks. Very clumsy at times thought and you are fearful skilled players can take him to the cleaners and he is a very much of an ale house centre back. However, that is probably what we need with Morgan missing at the moment.
Collins 6.5/10 – Thought he was alright without being outstanding. Clearly lacks pace and mobility but he headed and cleared the ball fairly well for the most part and gave us more height at the back which we have missed. Not sure how we would do with these two against faster, more mobile players. Be interesting how the likes of Long and Hunt do on Tuesday night as I fear they may give us some real problems with their pace and ability to run the channels.
Doyle 6.5/10 – Thought he was better today and at least got involved in things and showed he could/would have a go at goal. He began the game quiet but he did grow as the game went on and at least he had 2 or 3 long range efforts on goal that went wide or forced keeper into handling (albeit straight at him). He is awfully slow and very limited on the ball but he did manage to get his foot in once or twice and also kept the ball better than he had done in previous games. Better overall.
Montgomery 6/10 – Began the game well and actually was decent in possession and did not give the ball away but as Millwall grew I felt his presence lessened and as in previous home games he became less of a factor. He had another good spell earlier in the second half winning loose balls and going on several driving runs down the right but at times I did feel we conceded ground and possession too easily in the centre of the park as Doyle and Monty were not able to keep the ball.
Bent 3/10 – Really poor from the start until he was rightly substituted. He just was never in the game and seemed sluggish and disinterested. Always behind the play and never really involved. He had one decent shot that Forde saved early on but outside of this he did not win headers, did not hold the ball up and his understanding with Evans was nil. Like Cresswell he looks done at this level but thankfully he is only on loan so will not be around next season.
Evans 6/10 –Worked hard and tried to get things going but not everything came off for him today. Had no real partner with Bent completely ineffective and little service from the midfield or wide men. Kept plugging away but difficult for him to create or make a chance of note. Looked fatigued after his illness and despite a lot of the Lane booing when he came off it was clear he was exhausted and that he could not go on much longer.
Quinn 7/10 – Overall I felt he was one of our better players. His touch was quite decent, he worked hard and tried to get forward and make things happen. He actually put a lot of effort in and always seemed to be positive when he had the ball.
Yeates 4/10 – Had a bit of a nightmare other than a purple patch for 5-10 minutes in the second half. Given a start and a chance to bed down a regular stating place he proved why he is probably never going to be more than a bit part player at this level. His touch, crossing and overall contribution was not good enough. From his floated corners to the keeper to his turnover of the ball and finally his inability to bother getting back and defend, he was quite awful for the most part. He finally had a bit of a spell in the second when he got past his man or won a corner and then nearly made a second for Cresswell but it was merely a flurry in another frustratingly, poor showing.
Subs –
Bogdanovic – Seemed to make the difference when he came on. Not only did he show good control and hold up play but he also actually put a lot of effort in and actually harried and hustled defenders. Had a few decent bits of play before he ran at the defender to induce the daft challenge for the penalty. Cool spot kick too and I felt he caused real problems for Millwall when he was on the field. He may be not always play at break neck speeds or look like the most committed (just his style me things) but he definitely deserves a run of games as he is one of few players who actually looks like he could score or make a goal. He might have been our best player even though he only played 20 minutes! Says a lot about the rest.
Cresswell – Rightly dropped after weeks of poor showings. He came on and actually out a shift in, chasing balls down and working across the line. He nearly scored a second and overall actually showed a bit of life when he did come on. However, he should only be used as a substitute at most for me and it should be Evans and Bogdanovic on Tuesday.
Officials – Darren Deadman. I thought he was ok for the most part in terms of the majority of free kicks and decisions for both teams but then maybe a few of the big decisions actually were debatable. Primarily the Quinn booking and the penalty. Actually the penalty was given by the assistant regardless of whether it was or wasn’t. Deadman did let things flow and tried to keep the game going but there were one or two times he had to give fouls or get his book out. Henry the midfielder was chirping away at him all game as was Morison the striker and it was getting boring by the end. I did think Quinn was unlucky to be booked as he tried to carry on after he had fell to the ground and did not look an obvious dive. As for the spot kick I think I would have been unhappy if it had been given against United (as many like that have been this season) and it was a bit soft but was also a poor challenge and was definitely inside the box but the linesman was close to the incident. I felt Bogdanovic drew him in and it was a risky block off but I think a lot of times officials would let that go as he seemed to be looking for the spot kick. Still we have had that many go against us this season it is about time we had a 50/50 go for us. I heard Kenny Jacket say it was a ridiculous decision and I do feel if it had been the other way we would have been very angry. I suppose it was one of those that is given as a foul anywhere on the pitch but whether rightly or wrongly it is often not given in the box; as if it needs to be a bit more of a foul. Technically it was a block off but was soft I felt being honest
Crowd/Atmosphere – I thought the crowd would be bigger judging by the numbers in the pubs before the game but it must have been all the Millwall fans in my boozer! They actually only brought around 700-800 but seemed intent on spoiling for a fight with most of G and H block with the Police and stewards spending the last 20 minutes forcing them back from the bottom of the lower tier.
The Booker introduction and scarf waving/shouting before the game was cringeworthy. Sure, introduce him and let him say a few words maybe but the way he stumbled towards the Kop, shouting his own song and then chanting ‘United! United!’ was maybe passionate but I felt a little desperate. He clearly was a bit ‘Delia-ed’ up too and was very reminiscent of her ‘Let’s be having you!’ speech. Booker was a hard working, honest 100%er who did really well at the Lane and great to see him back but he has been wheeled out at least 2 or 3 times now (Wednesday when he left was fair enough the week after but Watford a few years ago and then today) and seems to have been over-done.
United fans kept behind their team and tried to give them life when they seemingly had hit the wall in the second half and did not look like scoring until the changes. At the end you could feel the despair all around the ground when the late goal went in and you felt it was the sort of moment that confirmed that United would be playing league one football next season.
