Silverware 2017

Sheffield United U18 1 v Coventry City U18 0

U18 Professional Development League 2, National Final

Played at Bramall Lane

Wednesday 10 May 2017

Twitter @ball_sup

Well unless something mad happens, that is my last Sheffield United match of the season. All ages, all levels, all competitions, all friendlies - that is 89 for the season. I’ve still got the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea to come. And depending on how far England U20 progress, maybe the Full Internationals at Hampden & in Paris.

I saw two SUFC Academy games in the FA Youth Cup & I’ve seen six in the U18 Professional Development League 2, North. This final marks the ninth U18 game this season. So, what a game to finish on. Having been beaten on Penalties last year at Charlton in the FInal, the U18s got it done tonight.

In case you missed it, these teams have been utterly dominant this year. In the South, Coventry finished on 65 points (from 28 games). Winning 21 & drawing 2. They scored a whopping 76 goals, conceding 30.

The U18 Blades finished on 63 points in the North. Winning 19 - but only losing 3 games. 68 goals scored, 32 conceded. And, it did feel like two big teams slugging it out tonight. A bit cagey at times. And a bit nervy. It was great to see quite a big crowd in The South Stand. U18 Big Lads not involved, supporting their mates. Many many younger Academy Nippers proudly strutting around in their Utd Trackies. Proudly beaming Mums, Dads, Aunties, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters. The pompous git in me (ie large part) quite enjoyed some of my Blades mates & casual acquaintances asking me for low down, gossip & general whats what.

One day, maybe, if we all get our acts together, the Carrier Bag Firm will swell to double figures (no runners).

I’m biased. Other Blogs are available. But, I thought United were worth that win. At U18 level, you’re going to get chances at both ends. So, it was surprising that there was only one in it. When I snaffled the teamsheet I marvelled at the attacking threat. Jordan Hallam. Ty Smith. Horatio Hirst & David Parkhouse all out there. Incidentally, that is a good time to mention that tonight’s scorer Hallam finished with 19 goals this season. That puts him joint 4th on the top scorers list. Ty Smith has bagged 10 (14th on the list). It NEEDS to be pointed out that Jordan Hallam has also scored 10 goals at U23 level. Twenty nine for the season. And with a nod to Keith Edwards Of Nazareth, I should say Jordan is the best dead ball deliverer at the club and takes all the corners an’ all.

Hallam is a class act. Scores for fun. Puts a ball in. Although he’s still a little on the small side. A mate asked me who I thought would make it. Of all those out there, I say Jordan Hallam. How. When. Who with. Don’t know.

Tyler Smith has (opinion) come on leaps & bounds. I didn’t see it at first. But, he’s aware, intelligent, gets in positions, does the hard yards. He’s fast & strong. When I first saw Hirst I thought - battering ram. He didn’t really show those qualities tonight. He was a bit off it if I’m honest. It looked to me like Binnion (who is 30 years old, did I tell you before….) used Parkhouse as a traditional target man. He’s mobile enough to get around to try and win goalkicks, deep free kicks & clearances. I thought he did very well in that role. Nice delicate head ons. With Hallam & Smith coming through at pace, that’s gonna hurt.

With all those attacking players, I felt Slater had to play more of a holding, defensive midfield role. Fair dos. He played very well. But, it’s testament that he didn’t have nearly as much influence as I’ve seen him in some games. At times, when United were on top, Charlesworth & Norrington-Davies were able to bomb wide as wingbacks - leaving two (Graham & Cantrill) at the back. I don’t recall seeing Norrington-Davies before. But, he looked very accomplished going forward. He delivered a number of good teasing balls into the box. And on another day, Ty Smith would have put two or three of those away.

I reckon Norrington-Davies, David Parkhouse & Horatio Hirst (maybe others..) are all part of the more recent initiative to bring players into the Academy from Junior teams. To sign them from the market if you will.

Anyway, thought I’d better have a serious beer.

Thornbridge, Mango Halcyon on keg at 7.4% in The Stags Head. You don't get the Mango at first. Initially, it comes across as high abv fruity IPA. For me, the fruit comes in right at the very end of the first mouthful. But, as you get half way down, the Mango is there more prominent. Nice trick. The Mango seems to accentuate, emphasise the hop bitterness.

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