U21 Derby

Sheffield United U21 1 v Sheffield Wednesday U21 1

Monday 31 August 2015

at Bramall Lane

Twitter @ball_sup

Under 21 Round Up

As of 26 August, United U21s were mid table. Sixth in a Division of 11 teams. Played 3, won 1 for three points. Wednesday were played 2, drawn 1 for one point. They are next to bottom. But, with many teams only having played 2 games, it is very early days.

The Game

Thoroughly enjoyable one each draw. I’m biased. I thought United were the better team. Neither team could really get it going up front. Indeed, I’m hard pushed to remember a game at this level where United were so composed in the two-thirds. But, so pony up front. So, I’ll sling the barbs Diego’s way. Frustrating. I was a little surprised to see him out there. I thought he might get a shot in the Paint tomorrow. But maybe the rules about how many changes you can make kiboshes that. He looked over pleadingly every time a sub looked like coming on. But, he was left out there to dry. Innocuous, ineffective, wandering. Not good. Need better from him.

Otherwise, Salutes all round. Nice step up for/from Shea Gordon. Usual intelligent stuff from Jamie McDonagh. Here is what you notice about him. He looks around. He’s got the speed, timing & skill to have a look before he does stuff. And, because of that, he’s done a well taken goal. Composed at the back - Whiteman, Evans, Banton & Kelly. Dimaio & Coustrain OK - although, they’re experienced players now & maybe we should expect a little more.

How the hell do United manage to cause a commotion at an U21 game with 800 and bits present. It’s Bank Holiday. You had to queue to either buy a 3 quid ticket or show ‘em your Season Ticket for a free ‘un. Queue at the ticket office that is. I went early doors, but people are in there legitimately trying to buy Bury home tickets (etc). Once you’ve got your ticket, you scan it at the turnstile. This over complication is mental at such a low key game. The kick off was slightly delayed (don’t know if that was deliberate). And incomers were telling dark tales of the length of the queue at kick off. I know some less committed fellas just went to the pub instead. Gate, in. Simple plan.

The Drink

I need to have another look at London Rd. I’m a little embarrassed. (In ages) Haven’t done The Cremorne, The Albion (closed today). I was invited to The Crown & told good things about the beer range (closed today). We ended up in the revamped Hermitage. Four on cask. I had Saltaire Brewery, Cascadian Black (IPA) on cask at 4.8%. Nice enough. A bit too sweet. Not bitter enough. But perfectly acceptable.

And then, The Lord Nelson (Fannys). Where I had Bradfield Brewery, Farmers Brown Cow on cask at 4.2%.

196/405