Antidote

Sheffield United U21 3 v QPR U21 0

Monday 10 August 2015

Under 21 Professional Development League 2 - North
played at Shirecliffe

Twitter @ball_sup

Disaster. Self inflicted. Didn’t get a Beer today. Some roadworks near me seriously disrupted the bus. I only just made kick off. I targeted a pub for an after match celebration. But, when I got there, a Wake was in full swing. Didn’t fancy that.

But, what a glorious antidote that was to the nonsense at Gillingham. Bright, lively, committed, heart. Great game & the Blades Nippers were worth it. (As is the way at this level), they had many more chances. Could have been six. All against a backcloth of a good strong start by QPR. But, once United got into it, there was no looking back.

Trialists

Andrew Cartwright (?Sunderland) was on the bench. But, didn’t get a trot. Ben Withey (?Bristol City) started at Right Back. He also played in the pre season at Buxton. Poor sod. His most notable contribution was a ridiculous air shot as the ball was rolled to him. He was a good way out, but it had opened up a bit in front of him. There was nothing outstanding from him. But he looked competent enough.

Summary

Oh my. Jake Wright & Jamie McDonagh linking well, consistently and at pace. Playing each other in. Nothing too fancy, little slips, running onto the ball at pace. You didn’t notice Evans & Banton were there. Because they dealt with everything competently. The brief opening spell aside, barely a sniff for the Hoops up front. Banton looks stronger & stronger.

Three up in around 20 minutes. McDonagh brought down for the penalty. (It was a foul, but he made a bit of it). In pre season, Diego has fought all comers for the ball to take spot kicks. In his absence, Ben Whiteman did the business. And then great skills from Wright & McDonagh - who has ended up with two.

I was a bit disappointed with David Brooks. He did have a good chance, which he could have put away. I thought he was anonymous for much of the rest. Although, one of the fellow travellers disagreed with me.

Enjoyed that. Great win.

186/384