U18 Professional Development League
Saturday 29 January 2022
Played at Peterborough United Training Ground
SUFC 2021/22 Game #45
Peterborough United 0 v Sheffield United 2
The Championship
Saturday 29 January 2022
SUFC 2021/22 Game #46
An unprecedented Double Header as both the U18s & First Team take on Peterborough away. With a very drinker friendly half five kick off for the Big Lads. Suffice to say the Carrier Bag Firm were All Over It. (See also SPT).
Peterborough United's sponsor named idverde Training Ground is the 228th different ground I've watched a Sheffield United XI play on. And the 381st different ground I've watched any football on. Felt like a bit of a piss take if I'm honest. Very, very few training complexes have seated, covered stands that you can sit in & watch the game. Peterborough's complex had TWO fairly well appointed stands. But, both of those were on different pitches to the one being used for the U18s. So I had to stand on the touchline, behind the rope, looking longingly at what I could have won.
Games are coming thick n fast for the U18s & U23s. Add loan outs & injuries to the mix. Indeed, four of the one eights starting XI today had been on the bench for the two threes the night before as we dug deep into the roster. (Hampshaw, Anderson, Hampson & Marsh).
Following the recent Academy reshuffle, we've yet to officially appoint a lead U18 Coach. New Head of the Whole Academy Shooting Match, Del Geary was here, trying, desperately, to not get involved in the hands on. He was stood behind the U18 goal, where he could also keep an eye on the Under 16s. But, the little varmint couldn't help himself. Barking encouragement & instructions. At one mad point, for a free kick on our right, Del even lined himself up just outside the post & encouraged the left footed kicker to use him for the target and curl a shot in.
Just to finalise the touchline tally, there was a bloke with the full Polish FA bench coat & trakkie bottoms on. Presumably watching centre back Levis Pitan. Levis was recently named in a Polish U17 squad.
It would be unfair to say the game was spoiled by the high wind. But, it was very hard for either team to get any real sort of control. United's winner came as late as 83 minutes. I'm biased. I thought we were worth that win. We'd been trying to manage & see the game out from way back when. And a Posh equaliser on 78 looked to have flushed that strategy down the khazi. What a winner it was as well.
Josh Smith put a ball in. Right on George Dickinson. His first time volley was spot on. Didn't even use fucking Geary as his target. As he rocketed it home. The first goal (29 minutes) came through strong work in the box by Louie Marsh. Keeping the ball tight to his feet, and getting his shot off across the keeper.
Louie is one of those kids who has grown upwards. But, not yet outwards. He's far from a bean pole. But looks like he could use a few plates of chips to turn into upper body strength. I've not watched him much, but he has that sort of natural striker thing going on.
As we'll claim, the Carrier Bag Firm view themselves as dedicated game watchers. Kick it, and we'll turn up. But, if you get the chance to attend a game when 'nando Macedo is playing, get yourselves at it. (What I presume is) his extended family & friends turn up. Mob. Handed. Brazilian flag. Synchronised hand claps. But mainly joyful SCREAMING every time the ball goes near 'nando.
Game recognise Game. Salute to the Saco de Plástico Torcidas - Up The SPT.
The once in a generation post game, pre game drinkypoos was in;
The Wonky Donkey
102c High St, Peterborough PE2 8DR
Despite the address being High Street, that is very much not in the centre of Peterborough. Indeed, it would be better described as on the High Street in Fletton. Convenient for the ground via the BackWhacks. A single shopfront Micropub. But, goes back a long way. So, there are effectively two rooms & a patio/garden affair out back. I chatted Mine Host up. Fair to say - he's chucked himself at charity. Fair enough. Not my bag. He'd much rather tell me about the barbecue (for charity), the dominoes team (for charity), the quiz night (for charity). Than about the beer. Get some ale sold kiddo, take my money, pocket it, and pay your tax (I'm sure he already does btw), make a living.
Five on Cask. Cash only. I went;
Brewster's, Pull The Other One, Golden Ale on Cask at 4%
We might as well call that an Omen Beer. Given what happened to Rhian later in the day. Poor fucker. Great beer, mind. Bright & refreshing. And in excellent condition. Just enough sugar survived. The brewery is in Grantham. 3.75/5
Blue Monkey Brewery (Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire), Ape Ale, Golden Ale on Cask at 5.4%
A nice enough, but uninspiring, straight ahead Golden Ale. The flavours all rushed at once & it didn't all quite gell together for me. 3.25/5
Tydd Steam Brewery (Tydd St James, Cambridgeshire), English Bitter on Cask at 4.6%
I enjoyed that. A rather gentle English Bitter. 3.5/5
And. Finally. A lovely, convincing win for the First Team. Yes. I know. It's consistency we need. But we'll take what we can get, when we can get it. The aforementioned injury to Rhian didn't look too bad, did it? Walking wounded. Hopefully he won't be out for too long.
Twitter @ball_sup
www.twitter.com/ball_sup
Untappd ball_sup
Stats
I have now Blogged from 1,053 games in 2,720 days
No comments:
Post a Comment