Sour all round

Sheffield United 0 v Norwich City 1

Championship

Saturday 16 September 2017

SUFC 2017/18 Game 23

Twitter @ball_sup

I suppose there are going to be games like that. Injuries bit deep into the squad. Particularly upfront. Norwich played well. With a great tempo at times. And, went into timewasting mode to make sure they got it over the line. I know it’s heresy, but I was disappointed that Wilder seemed to lose his cool. I’ll take all the bollocks about passion, belief, bollocks. But, passion isn’t just about getting hot under the collar in the Technical Area. Nor is it about coming into the Presser & moaning about what Norwich have done. He’s had a go at their coach driver FFS. I can train any given monkey to kick bottles about outside the dugout. What he does. Week in. Week out. Has dragged this club up off of its knees. More of that. Less of the showboating.

At times, Norwich seemed to get the rub of every loose ball. But, there was a reason for that. They were putting it in. Getting quickly to the United player. Trying to get something on the pass. Or in the tackle. And, then going again for anything loose. Not a bad way of playing that. And, as is the Championship model, attacking at pace. That said, United were well in it throughout. On a different day ……

David Brooks got his start. He got Man Of The Match. But, personally, I’m not sure about that. As he develops, I prefer him as either one of a front two. Or as the one in front of a midfield three, with someone else as a top one. I’ll worry if he’s conventional midfield. On balance, the more he’s involved, the more effective he’ll be. So, if we can, I’d prefer him in the one one. His roving style means he’ll be drifting too wide in a conventional two. If we’re struggling a bit to get it going. You can stick him central, 20 yards into the attacking half. And, say to the others - “give it him there, let him run, support him”. Once the subbing had finished, it was Carruthers who was in that position. Brooks spent too long out of the game. But, fair do. It must be clear by now that I am a Big Brooks Fan. Could have had a goal. Lively. Caused problems. Joy to watch.  

Nathan Thomas was excellent when he came on for Stevens. That augurs well.

The Drink Inn - never anyone in when The Sportsman coach drops me off after an away game. Closed at 1125am on a Saturday. Despite “advertised” as 1100. I wonder how long that one has got left. I gave them a right verbal coating when I saw the shutters.

Head Of Steam. CAMRA Discount. Anarchy Brewing Co, Blonde Star on cask at 4.1%. Thoroughly enjoyed that. Bursting with flavour. Bright, fresh.

The Devonshire Cat, Abbeydale, Abacaxi, Pineapple Sour on keg at 6%. I’ve been meaning to try that one for a while (after seeing reviews). I drink so little sour beer, that the first taste is always - “wow, that IS sour”. But, generally, my palate settles down a bit as I get through it. I enjoyed it. But, it wasn’t quite the mash up of full on flavours I was hoping for. I didn’t really get much tropical fruit through the sour if I’m honest.

534/1124