Double Harry

Queens Park Rangers U23 2 v Sheffield United U23 1

U23 Professional Development League

Monday 19 March 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Game 78

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A poor day for Blogging the U23s. Very cold out West. I didn't quite have the right kit on. All a bit too cold to make proper notes. Nominally, to my mind, there's two trialists out there. Harry Sheppeard. Who has featured before. And, Reece York. Who I don't think has. Google suggests Reece is/has been with Fulham. I'm not a fan of letting Young Blades go & trial/loan elsewhere. While bringing in a bunch of other kids to trial with us. It's like some mad merry go round.

Anyway. Sorry Reece lad. Because you're from just down the road from Rangers at Fulham. You'll be forever imprinted in my mind as the Bus Pass Trialist.

To cap it all off. Harry S & Reece set up on our right. The far side from us, high in the stand behind Bellowing Binnion's Bench. I was really struggling to make out who was which. Part of the problem was Harvey Gilmour Teamsheeting as No. 7. But clearly Shirting as No. 4. That threw the who's who numbering system out of whack. Therefore, no detailed scouting report on them I'm afraid.

They both looked settled & comfortable. Fitting in. Being encouraged. And encouraging others. Nothing stood out for me skills wise though.

A weakened Blades side. Doherty, Mallon & Norrington-Davies are all away on international duty. No fringe first teamers - Evans C, Freeman, Heneghan. But, strengthened a bit by the returning Regan Slater (armbanding). Came up against a Hooops side which, I'm lead to believe, included some of their first teamers.

Utd had two of the smaller strikers, Ty Smith & Simeon Oure up top. Pumping balls up to them two ain't gonna work. Our only moments of sanity were when we hit 'em in the channels instead.

A Red n White Striped conventional back four - a rarity these days. Semple & Graham in the centre. I'm a Callum Semple fan. So, I wouldn't want to upset him. But, I've seen enough Centre Half Mishapes to know my stuff. Terry Kennedy's arse. Man Boy Harry Maguire. Semple's legs aren't from a “normal sized human”. That's all I'm saying.

Of course, once I'd worked the numbering system out, that meant we'd gone for Double Harry Full Backs. Boyes & Sheppeard.  On balance, I felt Utd were second best. Not way off. But off. One of the attractions of age group football is - you'll have some moments. We did. A neat chance as early as minute 13. Regan Slater fed Tyler Smith. He wriggled a bit & did very well to get a cross shot off. The keeper only kept it out with his feet.

There was a great example of how the experienced U23ers, who've been together since short strides & snot, work together. Semple hauled those Incredible Hulk legs up for a corner, Graham joined him. Hooopers cleared it quickly. As Semple & Graham tried to find get back ffs gear, box to box game readers (& it has to be said Short Arses) Regan Slater & Harvey Gilmour just slipped in as impromptu Centre Backs. Loved that.

But, we went behind on 22. I felt Boyes let the bloke run too far with it. Then was too loose as he cut inside onto peg, left. But, it's a hell of a curling finish to beat Eastwood. The Young Blades were back level after 34. Slater found some space out right. Kept the ball close. And his enemies backpedaling. Mazy little solo dribble & a very good finish.

I felt we started the second half quite lively. Simeon Oure in particular was on it. Didn't last long. Back behind after just 50 minutes. A strong run with the ball at his feet. The first, edge of the box, shot was blocked. There were a few bobbles. Then it fell loose. And one of them has absolutely rocketed it in.

Just after the hour, there was a period where both sides had a few chances. Scrambles & miss kicks. That sort of caper. Potts, Smith & York all involved at one end. And Eastwood flapping out a very strong hand to keep one out at the other. Incidentally, Eastwood had a good game. He had quite a bit of work to do at times. Low diving push it out saves. Tips over. Stay bigs. He kept United in it at times.

A good pre match in the Shepherds Bush BrewDog. I collected a free shareholder Indie Pale Ale on keg at 4.2%. Look, I know we're more “Starbucks” now. But, time to leave it be. Always searching for this mass market entry beer. Pilsener, Kingpin Lager, Indie Pale. Bland it out. Leave it now. I had it 'cause it was free.

Greenbush, Dunegras, American IPA on keg at 6.7%.
Wicklow Wolf, Sorachi Irish Red on keg at 4.8%.

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