Sheffield United 2 v Aston Villa 0
Premier League
Saturday 14 December 2019
Sheffield United U23 2 v Wigan Athletic U23 2
U23 Professional Development League
Monday 16 December 2019
Played at Chesterfield
SUFC 2019/20 Games 37 & 38
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What a mess. Very strange U23 game at Chesterfield. Essentially, Wigan dominated that one. Played strong, flowing football. With a steely purpose. And a couple of players catching the eye. Against a disjointed, lacking in ideas, "oh I forgot he was playing", United side. How have we got out of that with a Draw? It wasn't even in courageous comeback territory. Inexplicably, Wigan made some substitutions & reshuffles deep into injury time. I'd already written the "what a load of shit" full time whistle Tweet. But, then, we started to have a few chances & the Carrier Bag Firm exclaimed as one (well actually, we are "one") - hello, don't say we're going to snatch one.
But, snatch one they did. On 90+ 3. At that stage, we were even down to ten. Harrison Foulstone had gone on 85 minutes. It took a simple, but effective, set of skills for Jake Young's late equaliser. Ball rolled into his stride, facing goal, inside left channel. Take it on, cut in on right foot, and a pick your spot, not go for power, curler past the keeper.
The Official Site mentions injury & illness. The U18s have an important FA Youth Cup tie the night after. So, I assume the more experienced (and eligible) youngsters are being held for that. It was certainly an odd looking line up. The usual buzzing, I'll take this one, give it to me, midfield engine George Broadbent set up as the middle of a back three. Three debutants. One trialist (Connor Leak-Blunt, who only signed pro terms at Leeds in July) - in a disjointed, hello nice to meet you, performance, it was difficult for him to shine - I saw nothing to make me sit up.
In the early stages of Half One, Jake Young looked completely isolated from Illiman N'diyae & Andall-Gibbons. Reece York was playing the calm head, elder statesman role. Taking the corners. Standing over all the free kicks. Fair enough. But, that doesn't really give him the chance to hurt teams. Which we know he can do.
A good bit of physical stuff from Wigan in central defence. Stand tall. Poke your arms around him. Get very, very tight. Some wrestling. United had no real answer. A very strong period for the Pie Eaters just before the break. On 37, a great flowing move, with some neat individual skills left three United defenders for dead. And, right after that, #9 Gelhardt put in a great surging run with the ball at his feet. Calmly rolled it to his mate. He got a shot off. Which Verrips got a good bit on, but Broadbent couldn't stop it dropping over the line.
In a half time rethink, we went conventional four at the back. Allowing Broadbent the chance to get in the game more. It made a little difference. Helped by an equaliser on just 46. A bit of running, some pressing. A defensive kerfuffle. The keeper needed to make a hurried clearance on the edge of the box. That kick hit Ta'Shae Andall-Gibbons, and rolled over the line. But, if I'm honest, it soon unfizzled back to going nowhere, all bluster, football.
Wigan looked more switched on and dynamic. I think their 10 was Ollie Crankshaw. He trialled for us in April 2018. The player who really caught my eye was Wigan #9. Who I think may have been Joe Gelhardt. He's already played First Team football. And has England U17 & U18 caps. One of those "is he a bit podgy", doesn't look all that much of an athlete, players. But, strong & powerful. A real handful when running at United defenders - who were backing off as far as the Crooked Spire. At times, we'd lose the ball, I'd look up, and they'd seem to have five or six runners, all being orchestrated by Gelhardt.
But, I'm United through & through. So, pleased (but surprised) by that late surge & neatly crafted equaliser.
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