I went to the Lane last night for the Cup match against Mansfield Town.
It was good to see some changes to the squad following Saturday`s defeat against Bristol City. Porter, Butler, Collins and Doyle were brought in, following NC`s decision to rest some players. I was pleased to see two up front for the home match, which I noted we should play at home after Saturday`s match.
I`m still unsure about Harris at left back, he doesn`t seem to take on the opposition, and opts for a pass or long ball. Two big centre halves were a welcome return though – Collins and Butler did well at the back, winning the high ball all the time. What I am impressed with though is the work rate of the right hand side of the team. Campbell-Ryce and Davies caused havoc down the right hand side, and look to be a good partnership there. I know Davies is a midfielder, but he`s doing well at right back, giving a bit more of a cutting edge. Baxter was on the left, and with Harris not supplying any decent balls down that side, it proved frustrating. Murphy came on later and Baxter moved across into the centre.
We are still trying to walk the ball into the net though, no testing shots coming from outside the box and later on some of the midfielders ended up taking a chance and shooting from distance, but this was probably due to the crowd urging them to “Shoot!” Butler made his mark with quite a brave header for our first and Mcnulty`s goal was good – had to work for it, but his persistence paid off in the end.
One thing that I`d like to see more often, and is one of my pet hates watching football, is when our keeper collects the ball after an opposition attack, why not hump it up field before the opposition has had time to retreat to their own half, hence cutting out most of their attacking players. I see this taught every weekend watching my lad`s under 13`s team. There seems to be a bit too long of a delay when taking a goal kick, why not try a bit of optimism?
Mansfield gave us a good game, and I would have expected an easier passage through to the next round, however, the team still needs to gel, and a bit more of a tough attitude would be welcome.
West Ham next; this should prove a good game given the past history of both clubs from a few seasons ago! We`ve beaten Villa in the Cup last season, so there`s no reason why we can`t take the game to the Hammers.
As always, I`ll look forward to the next league match.
UTB!
Olly
Sheffield United MOD/Armed Forces Supporter`s Branch Chair.
Tel: 07411 319796
Email: oliverlongden@aol.com
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