Deadbat’s report, thoughts and ratings for Saturday’s win over QPR.
Sheffield United`s showed signs of breathing new life into their disappointing season as they came from behind to beat big spending Queens Park Rangers. Billed by many as a match that could determine both the fate of United`s season and the future of manager Bryan Robson, the Blades once again started badly but a second half performance full of spirit and effort saw the Blades snatch a fortunate equalising goal and then a smartly taken winner from Lee Hendrie. Even this turnaround would not have been enough had Matt Kilgallon not somehow saved his team with a late clearance, that the QPR players were convinced had been with his outstretched arm rather than his head.
Complete with new billionaire owners, Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore and backed by the investment of Lakshmi Mittal, Queens Park Rangers arrived in town with new signings aplenty. The likes of Fitz Hall, Rowan Vine, Gavin Mahon and Patrick Agyemang have all bolstered Luigi De Canio`s squad in the January transfer deadline. United began with the spine of the side that played so admirably at The Reebok Stadium, intact with Leigh Bromby retaining his place in the centre for defence. Rob Hulse, Michael Tonge and Gary Speed returned at the expense of Luton Shelton, Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn.
Speed was made captain on his home debut at Bramall Lane and was quickly to the fore making several interceptions and using his experience to retain possession of the ball. United had the first chance but Bromby unmarked headed well over from a Hendrie corner. Rangers started to get a foothold in the game and enjoyed a good ten minutes of play punctuated by a number of corners, free kicks and long throws in the United last third. Buzsaky drove goalwards but Kenny saved comfortably before a more dangerous opening saw Geary make a last ditch tackle on Rowlands as the midfielder shaped to shoot. The best effort on goal came from the former Plymouth midfielder after Sharp had been harshly penalised defending on the edge of his own box. Buzsaky took it and his whipped effort had Kenny diving to his left to acrobatically flip the ball over. QPR had been the better side thus far but United`s first effort on goal was not long after. It came from Carney`s effort which nearly surprised Camp but the keeper managed to get a hand to the ball and turn it over the angle of bar and post. A scramble in the box ensued minutes later as Hulse could not get the vital touch after Camp had failed to deal with the initial danger. United then had two free kick chances of their own but Speed and Carney both failed to hit the target with the first effort deflecting wide and then the Australian curling over. QPR still were looking a threat and Buzsaky once again tested Kenny with a long range effort but it was United who thought they had the lead when a nice move saw Hendrie play Sharp in who slotted the ball past Camp. Alas, the assistant`s flag was raised to cut short celebrations around the ground.
Hulse remained down on the turf clutching his head, Miller played on despite it being an obvious head injury. Hulse tried to get to his feet but other United players dithered and as the ball reached Connolly on the left wing, a cross was sent in unopposed towards AGYEMANG. The United centre backs failed to react and the ball fell kindly to the big striker who lashed high past Paddy Kenny to stun the United crowd. It was a cruel blow for the home side that had recovered to play their way back into the game after a poor opening. United still had another chance on goal soon after as Sharp lifted the ball over the keeper who got a touch before the ball rebounded and hit Hulse. The big striker did not have much time to react but was only yards in front of goal and could only divert his headed attempt wide when the ball could just have easily have been diverted into the empty net. The half time whistle came not long after with crowd showing their frustration at referee Miller for an inconsistent half of officiating, as the players trooped off.
The crowd tried to lift the home side that certainly could not be faulted for their efforts and slowly they started to pen the visitors back. United forced much of the play and won two quick corners in succession. Despite this United did not create any worthwhile chances until suddenly on 64 minutes they were level. United could bemoan the lack of fortune they had experienced all season and once again much of the loose balls had found their way to hooped jerseys this afternoon. However, crucially the equalising goal owed as much to lady luck as it did good play from the home side. From a Hendrie corner, the ball was half cleared and Tonge lashed the shot goal wards. Camp parried the fierce shot and the ball rebounded towards Carney. The United man challenged for the ball but it was Rowlands who got there first and tried to smash the ball clear. However, the ball somehow ricocheted off STEWART and flew past the startled Camp into the net.
Immediately after the goal United`s concentration levels lapsed and the big defender Stewart nearly made amends with a header but Kenny made a smart reaction stop. The game was now being played at a frenetic pace and with the crowd urging United forward they were able to complete their comeback on 70 minutes. Hulse and Carney were involved in the initial move before Sharp sent over an arcing cross. The ball deflected off a defender and as Stewart and Camp converged in an attempt to deal with the danger HENDRIE managed to seize on the loose ball. The crowd firstly appealed for handball but as the ball fell, the diminutive midfielder smashed the ball into the net to send the Kop into raptures. United now had the lead and their job now was to hold on and gain the vital three points. Hendrie departed before the kick off being replaced by Stead with the midfielder clearly fatigued from his efforts.
It was actually United who looked like scoring again in the next 10 minutes of the contest and Hulse`s header hit the top of the bar from a Kilgallon cross before the striker nearly converted a close range chance after an excellent driven ball from Carney. The hard working Geary got a standing ovation as he was replaced by Gillespie as the home side looked to see out time. United knew they would still have to defend and the excellent Buzsaky nearly made them pay in the final minute as his viscous drive through a crowd of players seemed goal bound with Kenny nowhere, but Kilgallon somehow diverted the ball clear. The QPR players appealed loudly for handball but referee Miller felt the defender`s clearance was legal and merely pointed for a corner. United survived the subsequent set play and substitute Shelton, on for Sharp, had the game`s final effort shooting over shortly before the final whistle.
Player Ratings
Kenny
7.5/10 – Made two very good saves, one from a free kick in the first half and then a reaction save from a header toward the end of the game. At times he was hesitant at coming off his line and his distribution was the usual mixed bag but overall he did well with the reaction saves being vital.
Geary
8/10 – Tremendous all action performance. Made several covering tackles, got up and down the right flank and his overall play and the heart he showed was exemplary. He tired towards the end and was subbed but that was understandable after so long out.
Armstrong
6.5/10 – Did some good things in his defending and covering but also was careless at times in possession of the ball
Kilgallon
7.5/10 – Played well with several good block and tackles. but overall he had another good game and his consistency recently is pleasing. He did crucially let Agyemang get in front of him for the goal but Bromby must take equal blame as they only had one man to mark in this instance. Crucial block at the end whether it was hand or head. It saved a goal and three points!
Bromby
7.5/10 – I must admit I would have moved him on in the last 12 months if rumours of an offer are correct but he has got back into the team and played well. Today he was very good and made many key interceptions, showing his ability to read the game. One negative was that along with Kilgallon he was a bit slow to react on the goal. He used the ball well when in possession. Did nothing remarkable but was just sensible in all aspects of the game. At this level that is more than enough.
Carney
7.5/10 – Had a better game than I have seen him have if still a touch frustrating. He used the ball fairly well when he had it and showed a nice touch and a few clever passes. His crossing also was decent with some good corners and set plays. Clearly lacks pace and aggression, which means defenders, can come out on top in 50/50 duels but today I saw a lot more effort from him than I have done before.
Hendrie
7/10 – An odd game as at times he looked good, showing some neat and tidy touches with some clever passes but then drifted out of the game and seemed to be not involved for long periods. When he has the ball he does do some good things though and took his goal very well.
Tonge
7/10 – Fair play to the guy today. He did not always see much of the ball and was way too quiet for me for a guy who can pass the ball well and make things happen but he did scrap and battle and did win 2 or 3 challenges when he looked second to the ball.
Speed
7.5/10 – Just a very steady game. He won a lot of key loose balls and often just played it nice and simple. One thing I did notice is that for the first time in a long time we had a midfielder that won headers and actually could also be a threat at the attacking end and a key defender as opposed to the midgets we normally field in the middle of the pitch.
Hulse
7/10 – Tried very hard and did hold the ball up well despite being constantly manhandled by Stewart. Won most things in the air for the first hour too. Very unlucky with a couple of reaction efforts not to score. He did tire towards the end and seemed to be running on empty for the last 10 minutes.
Sharp
6.5/10 – Still not convincing but worked hard. The crowd are willing him to do well but it is just not happening in front of goal. Had a goal disallowed for offside and should have done better with another effort when the ball eventually ricocheted wide off Hulse. Like Carney his lack of pace really is noticeable and thus unless he has the ball to feet he is not going to see much of the ball. He did well to assist on the second goal but he still does not really look like scoring. Surprised he started ahead of Stead. Just hope if he gets another chance (personally think he is lucky to keep getting the chances he has when he is not producing and I want him to do as well as anyone) he bangs one in next week at Hillsbrough. Would be getting hammered for his performances if he was not a self confessed Blades fan in my opinion.
Stead
Came on and played wide right. Played two lovely balls after superb control from the heavens to take the ball down but also played two or three aimless balls straight to their defenders. Feel sorry for him to not start after alleging playing well last week.
Gillespie
Played at right back as Geary was basically shattered and did a steady job even if his distribution and touch with the ball was still maddeningly inconsistent in the time he played.
Crowd
Played for the last minute of stoppage time. He had one run and curling shot that went well wide but at least this killed the final moments.
United
Much better in terms of effort, passion and will to win. Yes, once again, it was not brilliant football. Yes, once again we lacked creativity and the nous to create many chances but after another poorish opening 20 minutes spell we got into the game and were unlucky to go behind although the way the team stopped after Hulse went down and did not defend properly really was poor. The second half was nearly all United until we scored the goal and then of course we did panic a bit as we have not won many games at home all year. I was convinced the ball had gone in from the late shot and maybe it was the bit of luck (if it was handball – I have no idea honestly from my vantage point on the Kop) we needed, along with the own goal. I felt on the ball Hendrie and Carney did better than they have done this season and we at least tried to play football on a couple of occasions. Tonge showed a renewed fight and Del Geary was an inspiration at the back. Do not get me wrong this was not a brilliant United performance but it was a better one in terms of the attitude and will to win and much of it seemed to stem from the returning right back whose enthusiasm seemed to be contagious to the rest of the team and the crowd. United did enough to win the game and now can hopefully with the steadying Speed and returning Hulse, go on a mini run. Yes, Derby games can go either way but let`s be honest Wednesday are a poor side that are in no kind of form. Next week represents a good chance to get another three points and push on even further. It would be great if by Easter we are within touching distance of the playoffs but of course we need the consistency we have not displayed all season.
QPR
They have brought in a lot of new signings. Of course a few were loan signings they have turned into permanent buys, like Vine and Ephraim but Mahon and Hall were two players I would have liked United to have signed that would have been inexpensive but would have strengthened key areas although the argument could be that they are merely journeyman deemed surplus to requirements for two poorish (at least in Premiership terms) teams. I felt they played like a team that will move up the league when the players start to gel. Their actual first team is quite decent when you look through the names. They started the game well today without cutting us to pieces. Their best player is undoubtedly Buzsaky who was at the heart of most good things they did. He is certainly a player that would have been a favourite down at the Lane and has clever skills and can make a defence splitting pass. He had most of their good efforts, although Agyemang took his goal well, albeit it fell fortunately to him I felt. Their keeper Camp will need replacing and I am sure he will be. He is too indecisive and does not dominate his box in any way. He is a decent shot stopper but as an all round goalkeeper he can be a liability. They surprised me playing only one up front but it worked for an hour. As soon as we got level and then went in front they had to change things but apart from a brief late flurry and the shot off the line they did not test United that much. They will probably finish middle of the league this year and then spend again in the summer and expect playoffs at the very least next year. Annoying that a tin pot team like them has such big investment but a perk of being in the capital city I suppose where teams are seen as more attractive to invest in (Fulham being another example) despite little in the way of tradition, historical success nor crowd support.
Crowd
Crowd – Excellent both in numbers and support. QPR brought a decent amount too and to attract 29,000, reduced admission or not, is excellent and the crowd no doubt helped the comeback. The crowd stayed with the team and there was no criticism or negativity at all. Indeed the only boo`s were aimed at the referee for his inconsistent display. United`s fans could easily have turned on the team again, especially when they went behind but kept going and I felt after we equalised with the crowd support as it was there would only be one winner and so it proved. If United can play with the same sort of passion and enthusiasm second half, regardless of ability, United should be able to pick up a lot more points at home in the second half of the season than they have in the first half of the season.