S4 Bubble Game

Sheffield United U18 1 v Sheffield Wednesday U18 3
U18 Professional Development League 2

Sheffield United 1 v Preston North End 0
FA Cup Round 4

Saturday 27 January 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Games 48 & 49

It’s gone too far now. This you’re The Pigs, no you’re The Pigs rivalry. Do you know what a Bubble Match is? Because I do. A Bubble Match is where, for a variety of reasons, fans have to meet at a pre-arranged rendezvous, away from the ground. At a location set by the Police or other authorities. And, then, having assembled, the fans are all escorted en-masse to the ground & stands. They’re usually deployed to prevent crowd disorder in the streets & towns where the games are being played. They’re often high profile games with the potential for trouble - Leeds v Millwall for eg. Sometimes they’re smaller games - Chester v Wrexham is nearly always a Bubble Match.

Today. For the Sheffield, Steel City Under 18 Derby at Shirecliffe. The Pig v Pig U18 Derby. At a wet n windy Shirecliffe. That was a Bubble Match. Of sorts. For reference - it’s an 11am kick off. I approached the “Top Gate” at about 1030. Steward present.
“You need to go to the Main Gate, I can’t let you in here”
Sigh - trudge, trudge, trudgedy, trudgington - arrive Main Gate
“What are you here for?”
I don’t mind admitting. A number of answers went through my head. In a sense, I was searching for the answer which would give me least hassle.
“Football” - I said. He’s happy & lets me through. I’m now more confused than ever. What answer WOULDN’T have got me in?

I continue The Trudge to the path which leads to the “Top Pitches”, where the U18 games are played. This time, there are THREE Stewards blocking the closed gate.
“You can’t come through here until five to eleven”
“You need to go into reception, wait there, and someone will escort you up”

Now, I’ve had Bollocks at Age Group football before. Got to Watford for the U23s. Told it was Closed Doors - for eg. So, I was intrigued by what was happening. I’m very careful not to dig myself in deeper - I’m often asked if I’m a player’s parent or a Scout. Although those answers would ease passage. They’re lies. And a whole heap of Shit if you get found out. So, I’m always keen to emphasise I’m a Fan, come to watch. That is the card I played with the Three Stewards.
“Five to eleven” - “Go into reception”.

In there, they’ve even got Signs. Alright, they’re impromptu A4 signs run off the printer & blu tacked to the whiteboard. But, signs nevertheless. I should have taken a Photo. Something like…
“All parents must wait in reception until 10:55 when they will be escorted to the pitches”

Bubble. I tell you. 1055 comes. A shout goes up. The Scouts come out of the free tea & coffee room. The Trudge is on….. On reflection. Probably not related to potential crowd violence or synchronised pyrotechnics. But, well, no idea really. Possibly, because “some of the First Team are in”. Possibly because “We’ve got a lot of Scouts today”. At Half Time, one of the Stewards wouldn’t even let the Ref & a Linesman into the “Top Building” so they could have a piss. They’ve had a meeting (obvs). And, this is what they’ve come up with. Classic.

As an aside. Some “Scouts” do come to Shirecliffe in team badged polyester leisurewear. Track suits. Bench coats. You get the picture. Today, there was a guy in the England Gear - even got a Three Lions on his strides. He spent the entire game with an SUFC Coach. I’m surmising he’s watching a Young Blade. The only Young Blade currently involved with the England Groups is goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst. He is (I understand) U17 qualified. He was selected for an England U17 Squad earlier in the season. In the Summer (May 4-20) England are hosting the UEFA U17 EUROs. Let us hope young Marcus can secure his place in that squad. Although it was ultimately fruitless, Dewhurst did keep Utd in it in the First Half with a great “Spread Save” with the Young Owl clean through. Hope that was noticed….

Of course. Maybe I’ve got it wrong. Maybe the England Scout/Coach was looking at someone else.

Wednesday were the better side. They looked physically stronger. More organised. And had a game plan of sorts. Alright, there wasn’t a great deal in it. But, they were better. That looked a strong side for Utd. A few players who regularly play at U23 level. Including Sam Graham, Will Portman & Jordan Doherty. Plus a few who have featured more infrequently for the U23s. Dewhurst himself, Cameron Hawkes, George Broadbent for eg.

Sam Graham was clearly “up for it” as the modern vernacular would have it. He was loud & proud in organising the defence. But, I felt he did overstep the mark at times. Some of his berating of his team mates bordered on bullying at times. I’m sure he won’t see it that way. And, I know it’s good to be passionate. But, it was unseemly (to me).

He popped up in the box after 13 mins. George Broadbent (I think) took a fairly central free kick & sort of floated it into the area. Graham got a clean and accurate, but not very powerful, header on it & it dropped home. Shortlived. As Satan’s XI were level just 5 minutes later. One of the Wednesday wide men was on his arse all the time. Nobody had told him how wet it is in Sheffield 4. Wrong boots. Anyway. On one of his slipping n sliding forays, he tangled with Graham. Got up. Right boots for stamping on Graham. Which he did. And lo. That was missed by the Ref & Lino. That didn’t improve Graham’s mood any - I am here to testify.

Wednesday caused us problems from corners throughout the game. Great whipped delivery. Get your man free at the front stick. Problems.

After 63 minutes, SWFC took the lead with a superb curling free kick from the edge of the box. Up. Down. In. Superb. Wednesday were the stronger team at that stage. But, we did have our chances. After 75, Jordan Doherty & Simeon Oure combined well down the right. Oure got a shot off - but hit the bar. Three minutes later, Wednesday really put the game to bed. Ky Gordon missed a tackle a long way out, but by a long way. They continued with a nice flowing move, there was a bit of wriggling free & an easy finish.

First Team won. Blog already too long. Buy a paper.
Pennine Brewing Co, Real Blonde on cask at 4%.

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