Disappointing Derby

Sheffield United U18 0 v Sheffield Wednesday U18 2

Saturday 5 November 2016

U18 Professional Development League 2, North

Played at Shirecliffe

Twitter @ball_sup

A disappointing result for United in the U18 Derby. United were combative, but not fully competitive. There was a lot of finger pointing & blaming others. A lot of sweary stuff from Regan Slater. I’ll partly excuse all that, because a Derby game quite clearly matters to these young ‘uns. But, discipline will do it in the end. Wednesday had that. Well set up. Two ranks of four. Not too much gap between them. Not ultra defensive, but difficult to break down.

But, let’s not get too far. United have very high standards at this level. That’s only the second defeat in 12 games, and we stay top. We had a lot of the game. And the chances. The Jordan Hallam free kick thing is getting annoying now. The second best scoring record in the league, yet he takes all corners & any free kick in our attacking half. That included two free kicks bang in front of the bench. He takes a great corner & wide free kick, but it’s a waste of a striker to be having him whacking them to the penalty spot from his own half near enough. Getting it all of my chest. He also had a couple of chances where the ball was dropping to him. His technique let him down a bit. Snatching at the ball, not getting a set position & not keeping his eyes on it.

England U18 striker George Hirst scored both for Wednesday. It wasn’t quite as simple as he was the difference. But, he did look the best player on the park. Strong and powerful as the target man. Fast & accurate with the ball at his feet. Great strike from distance for this first.

The Portland House. A superbly kept & fresh pint of Welbeck Abbey, Henrietta at 3.6%.

397/837
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