Bring It On Copper

Sheffield United U18 2 v Crewe Alexandra U18 1

Tuesday 1 November 2016

FA Youth Cup Round 1

Played at Bramall Lane

Twitter @ball_sup

A wonderful night for the SUFC Nippers at The Lane in front of a healthy crowd. For those asking, I assume the draw will be made after 5 November. That was the original date by which First Round games should be completed. Second Round games should be played by 19 November. So games will come thick & fast. I’m pretty sure this round was regionalised. I’m not sure at what round that will run out. Of course, the Carrier Bag Firm are dreaming of their ideal draw - Metropolitan Police away. They got a bye into the Second Round. Bring that one on Copper.

A few murmurs about the team selection. I think Callum Semple is still pickable at this level. He was around. In the stands. Two Rumour Mills. One that he is injured. One wondering whether he’ll be involved at senior level next up in the FA & Checkatrade Cups. Also some surprise at Alex Brown & Stephen Mallon only being on the bench. Although when Mallon came on, he did have some heavy strapping on one leg. He livened it up though once he was involved.

I’ve not really had much of a look at George Cantrill at left back. He’s built from the mould though. Pushing way forward at times. And, deliciously, getting on the end of a Tyler Smith cross in injury time to win it. I often joke that after about 65 minutes, it’s the team who have fewer kids go down with cramp who will win it. Sapping. But, all hail the nutritionists & conditioners. I made it just one all in the Cramp Stakes. United’s pop up everywhere livewire skipper Regan Slater going down for a lengthy spell, both legs up in the air, with a Fizz on each.

I’m going to say The Blades deserved that. More chances than The Alex. Very close on a number of occasions. But, it could have gone down differently. We were behind from the second minute. A picture perfect rebound as the Crewe young ‘un charged the keeper down and it ballooned in. It took until the 73rd minute for Tyler Smith to drop a lob on the post and Jordan Hallam to knock the rebound in. Extra Time loomed - until Cantrill got it done.

No real standout performances. A true team job. It’s interesting how the “too young for this level” kids are captaining & running the show for The Academy. Semple for the U23s & Slater for the 18s. I don’t go in for this “will he make it” malarkey. I’m happy enough to see good football & support a United XI in their own right. But, obviously, a young kid leading a side older than him - makes you notice. Graham & Cummings were very solid at the back. As mentioned, Cantrill bombed & scored. As mentioned, Slater was buzzing everywhere. Smith & Greaves & Burton worked hard and stayed at it. Jordan Hallam had a quiet game by his high standards. But, that still means he was involved a lot. Harvey Gilmour was a bit quiet, borderline anonymous at times. But, a team job.

The pre match drink was in The Old Crown on London Road. The latest in the increasing number of near The Lane pubs to get the Real Ale makeover. This time by the Reet Ale Pubs mob. (The Rutland, The Closed Shop, The Three Tuns). Firstly, desperately quiet. But, this was half five on a November Tuesday. I’m an afternoon drinker, so I won’t complain too much. It looked like four pumps, three on (or thereabouts). They don’t look to have done too much with it. Other than a nice spruce up. And swapping 40w bulbs for 60s. It is a nice bright, welcoming place. The beer was in great condition. I had Black Sheep, Pathmaker on cask at 4%.

I can’t wait for that draw.

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