The Growth Spurt Report

Sheffield United U23 2 v Bristol City U23 4 

U23 Professional Development League

Friday 9 September 2021 

Played at Chesterfield 

SUFC 2021/22 Game #6 

In the main, the Brizzlies did a job on us there. But, man, that was a mad last 5 Plus. Will Lankshear scored our second goal on 85 mins. A great deep cross from the left by Re-Tooled Left Wing Back Angelo Cappello. Will just kept his eyes on it & knocked it home with the outside of his foot. Four - Two.

"Got four all written all over it this one…."

exclaimed one of the Carrier Bag Firm sages.

Hassan Ayari & new squeeze Joe Starbuck both had chances after that.

However. I felt United were surprisingly quiet for a lot of the game. Slow to close down at times. And slow to track attackers making runs to crosses. Ayari & Lankshear played up top. But, Brooks, Brunt & Maguire behind them seemed too deep & couldn't get any link ups up.

A long time since I've seen some of these fellas. Indeed, the first time I've seen some of them. Let us contemplate the Growth Spurts. Karmal Grant is a bull. Huge. Shoulders on him, my God. Gonna need a bigger shirt. Hassan Ayari has grown in the right proportions. I can't think of a better way of putting it than that. He's gone from being a waif like, paper light kid. Into a stronger young athlete. It's time for Hassan to kick on, or ship out, in my opinion (not humble me). He needs to put together all the on the ball skills he has, with the football vision he has and NOW the strength & engine. Dominate games. Bag goals. Stamp on it.

I thought Angelo Cappello had an OK game. That's him now is it? Right winger converted to left wing back? Ange has not grown much taller. But, he's grown much wider. In the lower limb muscle stakes. He's quick on the ball & delivers a mean cross. He was taking simple drill corners on our right. One of the centre backs runs the pattern. Gets free. Ange his him with a deep 'un. Good skill to build on & develop.

The Young Blades were behind as early as the fourth minute. A long free kick was hit in deep. Didn't look like anyone defended it to me. Callun Hiddleston tipped it onto the bar. But, no one could clear it & it was scrambled home. Fast forward to 70. City were 3-1 at that stage. Callum made two fantastic saves. But, again, the rebound was bundled home.

As I'm writing this, I'm thinking, maybe we were a little unlucky. Great saves & great chances (at the death). But, in real time, felt we'd been well done.

This was very much a something's got to give game. United were two wins from two. City three from three. Well. We know who's got the bragging rights at the mo'.

The final thing I'm going to mention about the game is Harvey Cullinan. A positive. I really like the look of him as a centre back. A negative. He's not the fucking first one I've said that about. Maybe not even in the first fifty I've said that about. But, centre backs, love 'em me. Set up initially in the centre of a back three. He was actually subbed at half time. Reasons. Unclear. But, he's got a simple calmness about him. Reads the game well. And relies on that to be in the right place. Rather than shit what's happening now raw pace. Often the target of Cappello's deep inswinging dead balls.

The time shift of this game from 7pm to 3pm bollocksed the CBF in two key dimensions. One, we could no longer find the inclination to double up with the Rail Ale Festival at Barrow Hill. Two, the main beer destinations around the stadium are all four o'clockers (or later). But, The Glassworks works. Old favourite. Opens at Noon. We found a nice seat to set up the CBF Merch and selfie printer for autographed photos. And dived in.

Brampton Brewery, Impy Dark on Cask at 4.3%

I see from the blurb it's attempting to mimic an old Mild recipe. Nice beer I thought. There's quite a lot of English Bitter in the finish. But, toast & chocolate hidden a bit away in the malt.

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