Post by deadbat on Feb 16, 2011 0:18:49 GMT
The doom and gloom continued at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night as Micky Adams miserable start to life in the hot seat at Bramall Lane continued. Adams is now without a win in 8 games and looks no nearer to solving the crisis that has enveloped the club. Granted the Blades managed to salvage a point with a late goal but in truth United had been second best for large periods of the game and whilst the efforts of the side could not be faulted; the quality and composure certainly could. The Blades were always in this game and competed all over the park but the lion’s share of possession and chances went the way of the Berkshire side but they could not break the home side down until the 80th minute when more sloppy defending was punished by a clinical finish by Shane Long. The game looked up for the Blades but another debatable penalty; once again won and converted by Daniel Bogdanovic earned United a fortunate point.
United began the game giving a start to new signing Sam Vokes alongside new skipper Richard Cresswell. Williamson and Ertl came in for the injured Nick Montgomery and Shane Lowry with Marcus Bent dropping to the bench. Ched Evans was not in the squad presumably due to illness/injury. Reading began with ex Blade Brian Howard and another former United player Chris Armstrong on the bench.
Reading began the game firmly on the offensive and could have been ahead after only a minute as Howard swung in a cross and Ingimarsson’s header was saved by the legs of Simonsen. United’s hesitant defending continued as Tabb almost got in on goal but the ball was scrambled away. United’s poor start continued as Kebe got wide and beyond Parrino but his cross evaded everyone as the crowd showed their frustration at United’s lifeless start. The home side has shown little but a through ball from Doyle almost saw Cresswell in but Federici was quick off his line and soon the visitors were back on the offensive with Kebe’s dangerous cross headed into the side netting by McAnuff with United’s defence once again all at sea. United tried to make inroads in the game but Yeates shot was well over the bar and this was a brief respite in a game that Reading had for the most part controlled. Harte then headed wide before Jordan clattered the dangerous Kebe who beat him all ends up down the right flank leading to a caution for the full back. Parrino was then fortunate to escape a booking for two quick fouls in succession; with the second one on Kebe presenting a good opportunity for the free kick specialist Harte but his kick was deflected behind for another Reading corner. Reading then had another good chance but the offside flag denied Tabb when the ball was played across the goal. United finally had a spell of possession and some half chances on goal when Quinn’s shot was blocked by Griffin with half hearted appeals for a penalty and then Williamson’s effort was charged down by Ingimarsson just before the half time.
The second half began with Lowton replacing Jordan but Reading once again were the quicker team out of the blocks and McAnuff caused problems with his strong running but Simonsen made a smart save. The same man also beat Parrino all ends up before Simonsen once again blocked the ball with Collins finally clearing just under his own bar as the ball ricocheted towards him off the keeper. Untied had really struggled to create any real chances and whilst they continued to scrap and battle they were unable to keep the ball for long periods of time. Yeates fired over and Williamson screwed well wide from one decent move but Adams had seen enough and replaced Vokes and Yeates with Bogdanovic and another home debutant, Riise. Reading still looked the more likely and Harte had one shot blocked before feeding Kebe whose cross-shot narrowly evaded Long at the far post. It seemed like the game was petering out to a stalemate but finally a succession of chances came United’s way. First Bogdanovic’s cross was headed across goal by Doyle and then Riise had a shot blocked by the Reading defence. The game was more even now but another sloppy piece of defending led to the opening goal just ten minutes from time. Quinn lost possession in midfield and as the ball was switched forward LONG saw off Lowton all too easily and then was able to poke the ball past Simonsen. In all truth it was probably a deserved lead despite it coming at a time when the home side had finally become a match for Reading and were looking as likely to get the important breakthrough.
Many United fans headed for the exits and it seemed like it was heading for another defeat but after Quinn found Cresswell; the forward played in Bogdanovic who went at Griffin who put his body across the United frontman. The striker went to the floor but it was still somewhat of a surprise when referee Kettle pointed to the spot. After a United player, Williamson had received treatment at the other end of the pitch, BOGDANOVIC took the kick and put the ball in the exactly the same spot as Saturday sending Federici the wrong way. It was a crucial goal but United knew they needed more than a point and tried to attack straight from the kick off. Doyle fired over and then Williamson’s effort was straight at Federici. Howard, Kebe and Quinn all were booked in the closing stages as both sides tried to seek the winner. United had to be on their guard and Long’s effort was turned around the post by Simonsen. The final attack saw Riise have a shot that was blocked by the Reading defence and not long after the referee brought a halt to proceedings.
Reading – Ironic that this time last season they were in a similar position but then went on a tremendous run and nearly got in the playoffs and have had a decent if not spectacular season this time around. Sadly they had/have smatterings of talent and some goal scoring threats with solid experience throughout the team. We lack most of these qualities. Tonight I felt they were the better team for much of the contest without destroying us but if they had won the game 2 or 3-0 United could not have grumbled. They began the game well, having a good chance after only a minute and this theme continued as they had most of the chances in the first half. Certainly they ought to have been in front at half time. Second half was bit more even in terms of the contest but they still had the better chances. They did not play great football nor tear us to pieces but still for a visiting side had 4 or 5 clear chances and limited us to very few.
They were not superb but in Kebe and McAnuff they had wing men with pace and forward thought. They caused us problems all night. Kebe especially was the outstanding player on the park and really tore us to pieces at times. I felt up front Long was kept quiet by Collins and Ertl until we gave him one chance which he scored. In midfield Gunnarsson was lively enough and had a lot of the ball. Howard was exactly as I remembered at the Lane; slow and plodding but when he had the ball quite effective and a decent passer of the ball. He lacks the fitness and pace to be a real force at the top level though but tonight against our midfield he was alright as he had a lot of time on the ball. At the back, Ingimarasson and Mills played the game fairly comfortably against a lack of real physical presence or pace. The full backs Harte and Griffin are very slow at this level, if experienced and savvy, but were given no real test whatsoever by equally slow and timid opponents in Quinn and Yeates. They were certainly a better side than recent opponents we have seen such as Norwich, Leicester and Millwall when United had a reasonable argument to win these game but tonight we were a touch fortunate to get anything.
United – I thought we were really poor tonight and never really got going. We seemed to be on the back foot from the off and could have been behind after a minute. After this we conceded more possession than we have in recent game and struggled to get into things. Reading had 3 or 4 decent chances first half and had far more of the ball winning several corners and free kicks. We had a decent spell at the end of the first half but I cannot remember us having a real chances and for most of the half even though we battled hard we gave the ball away easily and had no real creativity or drive when in possession. Second half we got a bit better and there was more effort and passion but other than a few long range efforts I cannot remember a clear save that the keeper had to make. We really struggled and without any real threat from wide or up front; it just turned into a scrappy game that that I felt would probably end in a 0-0. Still the customary error, us giving the ball away in the middle of the field and then a forward getting in on goal to score all too easily. This seemed to be it but Bogdanovic got a penalty; I felt fortunately and we were level. We huffed and puffed for the final moments but the reality was it was probably a draw we were a touch fortunate to get.
The overall performance was poor. I cannot remember many players that I would say did well and there were a lot of average-workmanlike-to not good enough displays. Indeed, much of the desire/100% passion from the first few games when Adams came seems to have gone now and whilst I do not doubt the players are still trying it seems like a set of strangers just chucked together who do not know each other and do not quite know how to win football games. We are changing lineups every week with new loan players coming in all the time but these are not that much better than what we have. The team is woefully short of pace, skill, athleticism and creativity and no amount of honest endeavour and battling covers up for that. Tonight I never felt we looked like scoring or creating anything and I just felt it was a pretty desperate performance. A draw was slightly more than we deserved and I just feel the writing is on the wall. I cannot see us getting much from the next two crucial away games and then we will be in a deep hole. Maybe they will surprise me but I cannot see this team/squad winning more than a few games between now and the end of the season and in reality we will need at least 5 or 6.
The side is probably the worst I have seen in red and white stripes for a good 15-20 years and has no personality, experience (at least quality experience), character or quality. The level of football is nil and we do not look capable of winning games with the confidence at rock bottom; not helped by results but more than that most of the players probably realise that they are not good enough and I felt at times tonight they showed. Most of the players won’t be here come August with maybe only 5 or 6 still being contracted and it is hard to see where the plan is with the club/team. Adams is probably a dead man walking as if things continue and the inevitable relegation comes; then rightly or wrongly it is unlikely he will be kept on and it will be another managerial change. Do I agree with that? I am not sure but if the present form/performances continue then I think Adams will walk anyway. The form and points ratio since he came in has been abysmal no matter what personnel he has used/been able to bring in. The next few weeks will probably dictate if he is going to be around next season. I really hope he proves me wrong and turns things around but it seems like the seeds have already been sown and we seem a side that is doomed. He probably now regrets coming and his heart ruled his head maybe but I think now he realises he has joined a club that is sinking so fast that no one can turn it around without a major cash injection and that sadly ain’t coming.
Simonsen 7.5/10 – United’s outstanding performer. Still hesitant a few times on crosses and his kicking was awful but overall he did really well tonight. Caught quite a few corners/crosses and made 3 or 4 good saves that kept United in the game. Even at the death after we got to 1-1; he made a good save down low to earn us a point.
Parrino 5/10 – Thought he struggled at times tonight. One or two decent things admittedly but overall he gave his winger/s too much time and I felt Reading knew they could cause us problems down both right and left hand sides. Parrino has to get tighter to his man and at times he gives his man 20 yards! When Kebe or McAnuff got in on him they often beat him all too easily.
Jordan 4/10 – Thought he had a really poor first half showing and that Kebe and McAnuff; kept swapping wings; caused him all sorts of problems. He was booked for a bad foul and always seemed at full stretch against pace and ability. Not surprised he came off as he was playing really poorly and Kebe was causing him all sorts of problems.
Ertl 6.5/10 – Solid enough game and I felt much of Reading’s chances came from wide play and pace down the flanks rather than in the middle. Ertl did not make any massive mistakes nor did he get in the wrong positions.
Collins 6.5/10 – He was steady enough going up against a one man strike attack and headed/cleared what he had to. He lacks pace and mobility but he did not do a lot wrong tonight and defended what he had to. It was the players in front of the centre backs who did not do enough.
Doyle 5.5/10 – He worked hard and won a few scraps in the middle but he lacks mobility and overall ability to affect games to be truthful. Even Howard was able to get away from him at times which is worrying. He did get his foot in and win a few challenges but he looks symptomatic of what we are all about at the moment; an honest plodder what is not quite good enough.
Williamson 6/10 – A so-so performance. Some nice touches and a few pieces of link play but overall I felt he gave the ball away too much and was not as influential as he should be. I felt we conceded possession way too much and the midfield was overrun at times. Went off for treatment twice and it seems he is constantly unable to stay fit for more than a few games in a row.
Cresswell 5/10 – Captain Fantastic. Ok, enough of the sarcasm. He did try again tonight and tried to work across the line and front to back but sadly effort alone is not enough when you don’t win header, don’t hold the ball up, your first tough is poor and you lack pace to get beyond defender. Not sure whether he can justify starting, either wide left or up front as he lacks the essential qualities needed for both positions. Says it all that he was not in the team Saturday and then comes straight back in after doing little to nothing when he came on and then is suddenly made captain. Says it all about the squad and the lack of leaders/quality available.
Vokes 5/10 – Never thought he quite got into the game or got on top of his defender. The game seemed to just pass him by and too many times the defender got in front of him. He is a fairly big lad who seems quite mobile and his stature and the way he carries himself reminds me of Evans; so much so I thought it was Ched playing at first!
Quinn 6/10 – An up and down game where he never hid and tried to keep going. His touch was inconsistent and he was forever on the floor; some for fouls, some for no reason at all. He was mixed in possession of the ball and at times his final ball was simply not good enough. However, he did not hide and always wanted to try and make things happen. He at least kept plugging away.
Yeates 6/10 – Thought he was poor again despite a bit of a revival after the break. In the first half he as particularly poor and seemed to have a penchant for avoiding any kind of physical contact. However, despite wasting many crosses and chances to go at his man, he still had one or two efforts on goal and in the second half after he had clearly had a rollicking at half time; he began to show some fight and life and had an improved second half performance at least trying to make something happen.
Subs –
Lowton 5/10 – I have been crying out for him to get a game; at right back. However, he came on for Jordan at left back but carried on where the outgoing player left off with an erratic display. Did some decent things but gave the ball away too much and also was out of position quite a bit; albeit playing in an uncomfortable position. He also was badly outmuscled and made a poor error in the lead up to the goal.
Riise – Came on and played wide right. Looks nothing like his brother who was a lot taller and faster. Bjorn is more diminutive and quite stocky. He showed one or two nice touches and always looked for his shot but he did not really find a final ball of note or have any efforts that troubled the keeper and did not seem to have the pace to be an out and out winger.
Bogdanovic – Came on and once again looked lively; getting on the ball and causing problems with his touch and movement. Won a penalty and scored it coolly again. Not sure what he has to do to get a start as in all the abject mediocrity we are seeing, he seems to show some level of class and surely even if he only does it in glimpses then it is better than nothing and deserves a 90 minute spell.
Officials – Trevor Kettle has earned somewhat of a reputation in lower league football for his ahem....inconsistent performances. Tonight he was a mixed bag really. Some of his bookings he handed out were deserved; some seemed a bit harsh. I felt he was ok for the most part actually but I have to say for the key decision I felt it was a very harsh penalty and whilst we had a lot of penalties go against us earlier in the season, I feel we have had two 50/50’s go for us in the last two games. It just seemed shoulder to shoulder to me and I felt the referee bought Bogdanovic’s dive and was too eager to blow his whistle. I would have felt very aggrieved if they had got a penalty for such an offence taking away my United allegiances. I will have to look again but I did feel we were fortunate to get such an award.
Crowd/Atmosphere – United’s fans try and keep getting behind the team but tonight whilst the fans kept behind them it became harder and harder as it was poor fare for the most part. They gave the fans little to shout about and overall were second best. It was a dreadful night in terms of the weather and it showed as even a cheap ticket offer (£10 for adults) did not bring the crowds in and it appears many on the terraces are resigned to the fate. The number I have heard who think a) we are down and b) they are not renewing their tickets is worrying. Maybe some are saying it and when push comes to shove they will return but the early indications are we will be nearer to 10,000 next season than 20,000.
United began the game giving a start to new signing Sam Vokes alongside new skipper Richard Cresswell. Williamson and Ertl came in for the injured Nick Montgomery and Shane Lowry with Marcus Bent dropping to the bench. Ched Evans was not in the squad presumably due to illness/injury. Reading began with ex Blade Brian Howard and another former United player Chris Armstrong on the bench.
Reading began the game firmly on the offensive and could have been ahead after only a minute as Howard swung in a cross and Ingimarsson’s header was saved by the legs of Simonsen. United’s hesitant defending continued as Tabb almost got in on goal but the ball was scrambled away. United’s poor start continued as Kebe got wide and beyond Parrino but his cross evaded everyone as the crowd showed their frustration at United’s lifeless start. The home side has shown little but a through ball from Doyle almost saw Cresswell in but Federici was quick off his line and soon the visitors were back on the offensive with Kebe’s dangerous cross headed into the side netting by McAnuff with United’s defence once again all at sea. United tried to make inroads in the game but Yeates shot was well over the bar and this was a brief respite in a game that Reading had for the most part controlled. Harte then headed wide before Jordan clattered the dangerous Kebe who beat him all ends up down the right flank leading to a caution for the full back. Parrino was then fortunate to escape a booking for two quick fouls in succession; with the second one on Kebe presenting a good opportunity for the free kick specialist Harte but his kick was deflected behind for another Reading corner. Reading then had another good chance but the offside flag denied Tabb when the ball was played across the goal. United finally had a spell of possession and some half chances on goal when Quinn’s shot was blocked by Griffin with half hearted appeals for a penalty and then Williamson’s effort was charged down by Ingimarsson just before the half time.
The second half began with Lowton replacing Jordan but Reading once again were the quicker team out of the blocks and McAnuff caused problems with his strong running but Simonsen made a smart save. The same man also beat Parrino all ends up before Simonsen once again blocked the ball with Collins finally clearing just under his own bar as the ball ricocheted towards him off the keeper. Untied had really struggled to create any real chances and whilst they continued to scrap and battle they were unable to keep the ball for long periods of time. Yeates fired over and Williamson screwed well wide from one decent move but Adams had seen enough and replaced Vokes and Yeates with Bogdanovic and another home debutant, Riise. Reading still looked the more likely and Harte had one shot blocked before feeding Kebe whose cross-shot narrowly evaded Long at the far post. It seemed like the game was petering out to a stalemate but finally a succession of chances came United’s way. First Bogdanovic’s cross was headed across goal by Doyle and then Riise had a shot blocked by the Reading defence. The game was more even now but another sloppy piece of defending led to the opening goal just ten minutes from time. Quinn lost possession in midfield and as the ball was switched forward LONG saw off Lowton all too easily and then was able to poke the ball past Simonsen. In all truth it was probably a deserved lead despite it coming at a time when the home side had finally become a match for Reading and were looking as likely to get the important breakthrough.
Many United fans headed for the exits and it seemed like it was heading for another defeat but after Quinn found Cresswell; the forward played in Bogdanovic who went at Griffin who put his body across the United frontman. The striker went to the floor but it was still somewhat of a surprise when referee Kettle pointed to the spot. After a United player, Williamson had received treatment at the other end of the pitch, BOGDANOVIC took the kick and put the ball in the exactly the same spot as Saturday sending Federici the wrong way. It was a crucial goal but United knew they needed more than a point and tried to attack straight from the kick off. Doyle fired over and then Williamson’s effort was straight at Federici. Howard, Kebe and Quinn all were booked in the closing stages as both sides tried to seek the winner. United had to be on their guard and Long’s effort was turned around the post by Simonsen. The final attack saw Riise have a shot that was blocked by the Reading defence and not long after the referee brought a halt to proceedings.
Reading – Ironic that this time last season they were in a similar position but then went on a tremendous run and nearly got in the playoffs and have had a decent if not spectacular season this time around. Sadly they had/have smatterings of talent and some goal scoring threats with solid experience throughout the team. We lack most of these qualities. Tonight I felt they were the better team for much of the contest without destroying us but if they had won the game 2 or 3-0 United could not have grumbled. They began the game well, having a good chance after only a minute and this theme continued as they had most of the chances in the first half. Certainly they ought to have been in front at half time. Second half was bit more even in terms of the contest but they still had the better chances. They did not play great football nor tear us to pieces but still for a visiting side had 4 or 5 clear chances and limited us to very few.
They were not superb but in Kebe and McAnuff they had wing men with pace and forward thought. They caused us problems all night. Kebe especially was the outstanding player on the park and really tore us to pieces at times. I felt up front Long was kept quiet by Collins and Ertl until we gave him one chance which he scored. In midfield Gunnarsson was lively enough and had a lot of the ball. Howard was exactly as I remembered at the Lane; slow and plodding but when he had the ball quite effective and a decent passer of the ball. He lacks the fitness and pace to be a real force at the top level though but tonight against our midfield he was alright as he had a lot of time on the ball. At the back, Ingimarasson and Mills played the game fairly comfortably against a lack of real physical presence or pace. The full backs Harte and Griffin are very slow at this level, if experienced and savvy, but were given no real test whatsoever by equally slow and timid opponents in Quinn and Yeates. They were certainly a better side than recent opponents we have seen such as Norwich, Leicester and Millwall when United had a reasonable argument to win these game but tonight we were a touch fortunate to get anything.
United – I thought we were really poor tonight and never really got going. We seemed to be on the back foot from the off and could have been behind after a minute. After this we conceded more possession than we have in recent game and struggled to get into things. Reading had 3 or 4 decent chances first half and had far more of the ball winning several corners and free kicks. We had a decent spell at the end of the first half but I cannot remember us having a real chances and for most of the half even though we battled hard we gave the ball away easily and had no real creativity or drive when in possession. Second half we got a bit better and there was more effort and passion but other than a few long range efforts I cannot remember a clear save that the keeper had to make. We really struggled and without any real threat from wide or up front; it just turned into a scrappy game that that I felt would probably end in a 0-0. Still the customary error, us giving the ball away in the middle of the field and then a forward getting in on goal to score all too easily. This seemed to be it but Bogdanovic got a penalty; I felt fortunately and we were level. We huffed and puffed for the final moments but the reality was it was probably a draw we were a touch fortunate to get.
The overall performance was poor. I cannot remember many players that I would say did well and there were a lot of average-workmanlike-to not good enough displays. Indeed, much of the desire/100% passion from the first few games when Adams came seems to have gone now and whilst I do not doubt the players are still trying it seems like a set of strangers just chucked together who do not know each other and do not quite know how to win football games. We are changing lineups every week with new loan players coming in all the time but these are not that much better than what we have. The team is woefully short of pace, skill, athleticism and creativity and no amount of honest endeavour and battling covers up for that. Tonight I never felt we looked like scoring or creating anything and I just felt it was a pretty desperate performance. A draw was slightly more than we deserved and I just feel the writing is on the wall. I cannot see us getting much from the next two crucial away games and then we will be in a deep hole. Maybe they will surprise me but I cannot see this team/squad winning more than a few games between now and the end of the season and in reality we will need at least 5 or 6.
The side is probably the worst I have seen in red and white stripes for a good 15-20 years and has no personality, experience (at least quality experience), character or quality. The level of football is nil and we do not look capable of winning games with the confidence at rock bottom; not helped by results but more than that most of the players probably realise that they are not good enough and I felt at times tonight they showed. Most of the players won’t be here come August with maybe only 5 or 6 still being contracted and it is hard to see where the plan is with the club/team. Adams is probably a dead man walking as if things continue and the inevitable relegation comes; then rightly or wrongly it is unlikely he will be kept on and it will be another managerial change. Do I agree with that? I am not sure but if the present form/performances continue then I think Adams will walk anyway. The form and points ratio since he came in has been abysmal no matter what personnel he has used/been able to bring in. The next few weeks will probably dictate if he is going to be around next season. I really hope he proves me wrong and turns things around but it seems like the seeds have already been sown and we seem a side that is doomed. He probably now regrets coming and his heart ruled his head maybe but I think now he realises he has joined a club that is sinking so fast that no one can turn it around without a major cash injection and that sadly ain’t coming.
Simonsen 7.5/10 – United’s outstanding performer. Still hesitant a few times on crosses and his kicking was awful but overall he did really well tonight. Caught quite a few corners/crosses and made 3 or 4 good saves that kept United in the game. Even at the death after we got to 1-1; he made a good save down low to earn us a point.
Parrino 5/10 – Thought he struggled at times tonight. One or two decent things admittedly but overall he gave his winger/s too much time and I felt Reading knew they could cause us problems down both right and left hand sides. Parrino has to get tighter to his man and at times he gives his man 20 yards! When Kebe or McAnuff got in on him they often beat him all too easily.
Jordan 4/10 – Thought he had a really poor first half showing and that Kebe and McAnuff; kept swapping wings; caused him all sorts of problems. He was booked for a bad foul and always seemed at full stretch against pace and ability. Not surprised he came off as he was playing really poorly and Kebe was causing him all sorts of problems.
Ertl 6.5/10 – Solid enough game and I felt much of Reading’s chances came from wide play and pace down the flanks rather than in the middle. Ertl did not make any massive mistakes nor did he get in the wrong positions.
Collins 6.5/10 – He was steady enough going up against a one man strike attack and headed/cleared what he had to. He lacks pace and mobility but he did not do a lot wrong tonight and defended what he had to. It was the players in front of the centre backs who did not do enough.
Doyle 5.5/10 – He worked hard and won a few scraps in the middle but he lacks mobility and overall ability to affect games to be truthful. Even Howard was able to get away from him at times which is worrying. He did get his foot in and win a few challenges but he looks symptomatic of what we are all about at the moment; an honest plodder what is not quite good enough.
Williamson 6/10 – A so-so performance. Some nice touches and a few pieces of link play but overall I felt he gave the ball away too much and was not as influential as he should be. I felt we conceded possession way too much and the midfield was overrun at times. Went off for treatment twice and it seems he is constantly unable to stay fit for more than a few games in a row.
Cresswell 5/10 – Captain Fantastic. Ok, enough of the sarcasm. He did try again tonight and tried to work across the line and front to back but sadly effort alone is not enough when you don’t win header, don’t hold the ball up, your first tough is poor and you lack pace to get beyond defender. Not sure whether he can justify starting, either wide left or up front as he lacks the essential qualities needed for both positions. Says it all that he was not in the team Saturday and then comes straight back in after doing little to nothing when he came on and then is suddenly made captain. Says it all about the squad and the lack of leaders/quality available.
Vokes 5/10 – Never thought he quite got into the game or got on top of his defender. The game seemed to just pass him by and too many times the defender got in front of him. He is a fairly big lad who seems quite mobile and his stature and the way he carries himself reminds me of Evans; so much so I thought it was Ched playing at first!
Quinn 6/10 – An up and down game where he never hid and tried to keep going. His touch was inconsistent and he was forever on the floor; some for fouls, some for no reason at all. He was mixed in possession of the ball and at times his final ball was simply not good enough. However, he did not hide and always wanted to try and make things happen. He at least kept plugging away.
Yeates 6/10 – Thought he was poor again despite a bit of a revival after the break. In the first half he as particularly poor and seemed to have a penchant for avoiding any kind of physical contact. However, despite wasting many crosses and chances to go at his man, he still had one or two efforts on goal and in the second half after he had clearly had a rollicking at half time; he began to show some fight and life and had an improved second half performance at least trying to make something happen.
Subs –
Lowton 5/10 – I have been crying out for him to get a game; at right back. However, he came on for Jordan at left back but carried on where the outgoing player left off with an erratic display. Did some decent things but gave the ball away too much and also was out of position quite a bit; albeit playing in an uncomfortable position. He also was badly outmuscled and made a poor error in the lead up to the goal.
Riise – Came on and played wide right. Looks nothing like his brother who was a lot taller and faster. Bjorn is more diminutive and quite stocky. He showed one or two nice touches and always looked for his shot but he did not really find a final ball of note or have any efforts that troubled the keeper and did not seem to have the pace to be an out and out winger.
Bogdanovic – Came on and once again looked lively; getting on the ball and causing problems with his touch and movement. Won a penalty and scored it coolly again. Not sure what he has to do to get a start as in all the abject mediocrity we are seeing, he seems to show some level of class and surely even if he only does it in glimpses then it is better than nothing and deserves a 90 minute spell.
Officials – Trevor Kettle has earned somewhat of a reputation in lower league football for his ahem....inconsistent performances. Tonight he was a mixed bag really. Some of his bookings he handed out were deserved; some seemed a bit harsh. I felt he was ok for the most part actually but I have to say for the key decision I felt it was a very harsh penalty and whilst we had a lot of penalties go against us earlier in the season, I feel we have had two 50/50’s go for us in the last two games. It just seemed shoulder to shoulder to me and I felt the referee bought Bogdanovic’s dive and was too eager to blow his whistle. I would have felt very aggrieved if they had got a penalty for such an offence taking away my United allegiances. I will have to look again but I did feel we were fortunate to get such an award.
Crowd/Atmosphere – United’s fans try and keep getting behind the team but tonight whilst the fans kept behind them it became harder and harder as it was poor fare for the most part. They gave the fans little to shout about and overall were second best. It was a dreadful night in terms of the weather and it showed as even a cheap ticket offer (£10 for adults) did not bring the crowds in and it appears many on the terraces are resigned to the fate. The number I have heard who think a) we are down and b) they are not renewing their tickets is worrying. Maybe some are saying it and when push comes to shove they will return but the early indications are we will be nearer to 10,000 next season than 20,000.
