Back in the saddle

Aston Villa U23 3 v Sheffield United U23 0

Premier League Cup, Group Stage

Played at Hednesford Town

Thursday 11 January 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Game 40

Ground number 201 watching an SUFC XI - all ages, all competitions, all surfaces. A great little ground as well. Proper four sided, with a comfortable main stand. There was a handpull in the Clubhouse Bar. But, it was turned around. Drat.

Luckily, I’d taken the liberty of pre-loading. My first Real Ales since October. Two sub 4% belters as well.

The Bridge Inn, Hednesford. Salopian, Vanishing Point on cask at 3.9%.
(And, somewhere in Sheffield) Ilkley Brewery, Mary Jane, Pale Session Ale on cask at 3.5%.

A disappointing defeat. On a disappointing night. At this stage, the Premier League Cup is eight times four team groups. All play all. Home & away. After last night, we’re played 3, won 1, lost 2, points 3. Puts us in third place behind Villa & Ipswich. Next up for us (in this Cup) is Ipswich away (at Portman Rd) on Monday 22 January.

Looking back, United were well beaten. Towards the end, I felt we lacked everything. Shape had gone. Discipline had gone. Heads had gone. Game had gone. Although, as you’d hope, there was still a lot of effort there. Right at the death, 90+2, Tyler Smith missed a good chance for a consolation goal.

Trialist Charlie Scott

My assumption (& Google) is that is Charlie Scott From Manchester United’s system. Born in 1997. Been with the other United since 2014. I have to say, I liked the look of him. He fitted in well. And, was very busy in the first half. As United floundered a bit in the second, he became more anonymous. He initially set up as the right of a back three - Sam Graham in the middle & George Cantrill over on the left. He got forward down the wing - in true Sheffield United style. And, got his crosses in when he had the chance. He was also pushed up on the wing to try & win the headers from our goal kicks. He linked up very well with Will Portman who was “outside him” at right wingback. Scott also stayed forward on a number of attacks. In general, he looked very comfortable on the ball. He covered well, read the game & made his tackles when he had to.

There were other positives. I thought Jordan Hallam looked very sharp. He’s been away playing Mesters Football at Southport. He looked quick & on the pace. A number of deft touches - quick & accurate. But, in other news, some of his crosses & dead balls were shit. That is a big part of his game - so he needs to keep at it.

And. He’s back. Jake Wright Junior back from (what I take to be) ankle reconstruction. He came in for Will Portman after 60 mins. He looked OK - a bit sluggish - but OK. Some typical combative stuff. But, all this side of the line. He knocked a good chance of a clear header wide after 70. But, by that stage, United were REALLY struggling to get owt going. Villa had a very dominant spell. With United right off the boil. It felt at that stage that Villa could score at will. They attacked at pace & were very accurate with short passes. They really opened us up a good few times.

The Blades had started fairly lively. And, I felt we’d had the better chances in the first 20 minutes. Slater, Hallam & Smith combined well at times. We had the ball in the net just before half time. Great work from Portman on the right. He crossed for Ty Smith to bundle home. But, the flag had been up early for offside. Compared with his usual standard, I felt Graham looked sloppy at times. He succumbed (along with Slater) to being a bit moany & petulant as it slipped away from United.

Well beaten. Go again. In the League at Bolton on Monday.

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