Guess Who's Back?

Sheffield United U23 1 v Birmingham City U23 2 

U23 Professional Development League 

Played at Chesterfield 

Monday 6 January 2020 

SUFC 2019/20 Game 45 

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Ultimately, a disappointing result for the Young Blades. We've now lost nine of 17. Only won four. It's difficult to put my finger on it. But everything feels a bit fractured & disjointed for the U23s this season. I haven't got the exact stats. But I count over FORTY players we've used across those seventeen games. We've generally set up as a back three. So, there's some continuity there. But, once the subbing had subsided last night, two of our CBs were makeshift. "Experienced" Midfielders playing out of position.

The Carrier Bag Firm have had to extend pre match drinking time. Scouring the Teamsheets. But, illustratively, not to speculate on tactics, shape, trialists. The common question on their lips is - where's so and so? Makeshift Centre Backs. But, not one of a handful of developing Centre Backs even on the bench. Where's Ky Gordon?

Additional usual suspects line up last night brought to you by Summer Leagues. The return of Jordan Doherty. Been on loan at Tampa Bay. Returning as a makeshift CB. Obvs. The return of David Parky Parkhouse from Derry City. My understanding is Parky has been offered a contract. But, currently doesn't fancy signing it as he wants to explore options. (Media chatter includes Celtic & Everton). So, basically no idea of the motive tonight. Shop window? Let Wilder see him in a game situation? Got to play someone? Anyway - looks like he's grown a bit, and had some gym time. Looked bigger/stronger in his upper body. Finally, Oliver Greaves is/has been on loan at Barrow. But, doesn't always get a shirt. Maybe he's back temporarily to get game time. Oli sat on the bench at kick off, came on at 55.

So. What's happened to 'em? Are they better players Phil? Mate. Not noticeably. I've damned Parkhouse before. Doesn't score enough for someone his size, stature & hype. Didn't score tonight. Same. Obviously, you want to be able to see clear water, demonstrable progress from your loan kids. But, that's a bit unrealistic. More experience. Adjustments on the tiller. Reinforced their strengths. Better on their weaknesses. A lot of that won't be discernible to someone wondering what's being served in the pub over the road. But, honestly, Parkhouse didn't play any different. Got the tools. Did the bits. But, the trees remain unripped.

Jordan Doherty, as he has done in the past, was makeshift centre of the three. Competent. Switched on. But, he didn't make you shuffle in your seat. I'm a big Oli Greaves fan. He slotted in up top. In me head, I see him more as the ten. But, he was lovely & lively. Aside from Jake Young's goal gifted to him on 10mins, Greaves created the best chances. He hit the bar on 77. And, was fully involved in the pile on pressure to try & grab an equaliser.

On paper, that Blades team is stuffed with skillful, creative players. Ndiaye, Andall-Gibbons, Gribbin, Doherty, Broadbent, York. For me, they're underperforming. They don't seem to be driving on, breaking the line, unlocking. It's all too quiet. I did notice Andrew Hughes was a bit more vocal tonight. Geeing Parky up on kick off. Encouraging George Broadbent to get forward from Right Wingback. Andre Brooks came on at HT for Ashton Hall. A trip down memory lane for the Carrier Bag Firm. An U23 manager, quite vocal, encouraging his player - Brooksy, Brooksy, Brooksy. But, Travis & David have gone - we'll have to see how this Tribute Act gets on.

Special word for keeper Amissah. (Remember, we've got a keeper crisis). Jordan made some great saves. Kept us in it a few times before that 70th minute BlueNose winner. If I'm honest, I'm not his biggest fan. But, he did really well tonight.

Not a bad game. Both teams got something going on. But, not much on plan in our system at the minute.

At least at U23s at Chesterfield, the Carrier Bag Firm have "a thing". The Glassworks, a Brampton Brewery pub bang opposite the ground, have a Beer Of The Week at two and half English. This time around….

Brampton Brewery, Jerusalem on cask at 4.6%. English Bitter. Nice balance. The malt works very well. Old Skool bitter.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 892 games in 1,966 days 

The Missing

Birmingham City U23 1 v Sheffield United U23 1
Professional Development League
Monday 23 September 2019
Played at St Andrew’s

SUFC 2019/20 Game 25

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I thought that was all a bit scrappy. On balance, I feel Birmingham had the better, more clear cut chances. But, the Young Blades were not out of it by any means. I had to bin off my initial views on the game & recalibrate when Reece York equalised in the 80th minute. There was a lot going on in the last ten minutes & either side might have gone on to win it.  Let’s start with the speculation. If you believe Wilder’s Media Manipulation, then both McBurnie & McGoldrick will still be carrying injuries from the weekend. And Billy Sharp is still suspended. Given that the rules of the League Cup, as “voted for” by the fans, are that you’re not allowed to play your best players, we might be a bit light for the game v Sunderland on Wednesday. So, there’s more interest in those who are not here at Birmingham today, than those who are.  Michael Verrips was here, played the full 90. But, there were no other players you would call First Team Fringers.

I’m sort of intrigued by two of The Missing. Jake Young had started 5 of the six U23 games to date - and been Sub for the other. You could say we’re three strikers light for Sunderland. Jake is an out & out target man striker. And, to my knowledge is not injured. So, maybe he could feature somehow on Wednesday. Stephen Mallon is one of the more advanced & experienced U23 players. He’s just spent time on loan in Australia with Central Coast Mariners. Bluntly, I’m not sure what they’re going to do with Stephen. There is no real point in him coming back to play Development Football again. He’s started once for the U23s this season (Sub twice). Anyway. He wasn’t here at St Andrew’s either. It would be easy to read too much into that.

I had a special look at recently signed Ta’Shae Andall-Gibbons today. He took a good few whacks and was down for fairly extensive treatment twice. But, he lasted the 90. I must say. He surprised me a bit. And, I liked the look of him. My understanding is that he’s been at the same Rising Ballers Academy as Iliman Ndiaye. In short spells, they seemed to have a telepathic sense of where the other one was & what he was up to. Ta’Shae looks a little on the small side. Mainly height. He’ll grow. He’s already reasonably strong & stocky in his trunk & legs. He set up in a midfield three with Reece York & Callum Gribbin. They all roamed around a bit. But, Ta’Shae was more back of the diamond, taking it off the keeper & back three, Coutts role. He’s got that short back lift, but quick & accurate pass thing going on. As if he’s placing the ball there rather than passing it. Ta’Shae was very combative in midfield. Fighting his corner. Putting himself in. Trying to rob his man. And often succeeding. As early as the second minute, he robbed his man, & got it to Ndiaye. In turn, he pushed it to Sammy Ompreon, right into his stride, but his shot blazed over. Maybe Ta’ Shae took a few minutes to adjust to it all. Some of Birmingham’s triangular passes & moves were easily going around him & putting him out of the game. 

But, very quickly, he switched on. Constantly looking for the ball, and quick to close down when required. He has good vision. In spells, not all the time granted, he was running the show. He was disciplined & organised. Kept his position well & held the shape of that midfield together. It’s maybe a little unfair. But, that contrasts with Callum Gribbin. I felt he drifted out of the game at times. A bit mardy as well, if some other bod wasn’t doing what he thought was needed. 

I’m also going to say a little something about Harry Boyes. His football is sometimes so joyful that it makes me laugh out loud. Left wingback. Does the defensive duties well. But, really it’s his energy pushing forward. Wave after wave. And, he’s given the freedom to more or less do what he likes. And, what he fucking likes is popping up in the Inside Right, occasionally wide right, channel. All I’ve got in my head is - what’s he doing there? And, he’s effective as well. As early as ten minutes, he popped inside right & created a great chance by flicking it through to Ompreon.

After a bit of building pressure, the BlueNoses scored an it’s been coming goal on 70 minutes. I felt it was a worked corner routine. Pushed low to a guy arriving in the box. He got a great rising right foot shot off. Which crackled into the roof of the net. To be honest, I’d written it off. But, Reece York, Reece Yorked for the second game running. On 70, he took all the matters into his own hands. Bursting through from midfield with the ball at his feet. His pace meant the only thing the Midlandarian could do was a lunge across him foul. Sammy Ompreon looked longingly at Reece, from the penalty spot. No. No. No. As per last week, Captain York pulled himself up, took it himself. And belted home the equaliser. 

Stats
I have now Blogged from 858 games in 1,861 days

WWBD?

Sheffield United 1 v Queens Park Rangers 0
The Championship
Saturday 12 January 2019

Sheffield United U23 1 v Birmingham City U23 0
U23 Professional Development League
Monday 14 January 2019
Played at Bramall Lane

SUFC 2018/19 Games 58 & 59

2018/19 Football Season Brewery Visits - 74

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SUFC Academy - A Fan’s Eye

In this Blog I'm focusing on what I'm going to call a problem at United's Shirecliffe Academy. I want to make it clear from the outset. This is not particularly a problem of anyone's making. I'm not blaming anyone. I'm trying to make the argument that, through the First Team’s success, we may be outgrowing our Academy. If you want to blame anyone, blame Wilder. He's masterminded a rapid rise for the first team from that League One abyss to the Championship heights.

Let me explain. Before I joined the Carrier Bag Firm full time, I was a Government Statistician. In that role, I once edited a book which speculated on what the UK might look like in twenty years time. All based on Government Statistical forecasts & projections. At the press launch, some journalist had a pop. Of all the things he decided to have a dig at, it was the forecast we'd have an aging population. How many of us there'll be & how old we'll be.

“How certain can you be of these population projections?” - he preened

“What I can be certain of is that if you & I are still alive this time next year, we'll be a year older” - I bristled.

FFS, he weren't happy. But, that's it. That's how Cohorts work. Six, Seven, Eight years ago we were a League One club. With League One pounds & spending power. Trying to attract the best 14, 13 & 12 year olds into the Academy of a League One club. To potentially play League One kicky ball. With a League One scouting network to do it.

Look, I know it's not as simple as that. But, I'm labouring the point. Those kids, any kids, Ben Woodburn, Kieran Dowell, any kids, starting their football journey at 14 six years ago, are going to really struggle to break into a top Championship side six years later.

A cohort of Harvey Gilmour, Regan Slater, Tyler Smith, Callum Semple, Sam Graham, Jake Eastwood. Local lads (I believe). My guys. Carrier Bag Firm Heroes. Times were different when they were sucked in to the Academy. Now, at an advanced stage of their development. It's a top Championship side they're looking/needing to break into. And, that ain’t easy. Were they the best we could recruit at the time? Hell knows. Let’s go Yes. Have Cox, Geary, Binnion & the boys done the best possible job in developing them through the ages. Hell knows. Let’s go Yes. Are they the best players currently in the Academy? Oh, hang on, I know this one. Yes. But, are they good enough for top of the Championship. It’s NO. Or at least NO, not yet. Gilmour has already moved on. Slater, Smith, Semple & Graham have been/are being loaned out a little down the pyramid.

Our Academy will remain attractive to kids & their parents. Because, we can show them the pictures - Walker, Maguire, Calvert-Lewin, Brooks. And, because we can now say - come & join a top Championship Academy. The reputation is there & could grow with the First Team status. But, in a way, we’ve grown past our own current Academy intakes & cohorts. Not their fault. Not your fault. The unfortunate consequence of the rapid rise of the first team. Maybe we’re near a crossroads. We’ve just had an FA Cup game, with no Academy Lads involved. (I’m not saying they should have been, I’m saying they weren’t). The most senior Academy lads have either just come back from, or are still on loans. But, decisions about their futures are not far off.

Here’s what we should do going forward in any circumstances.

Maintain, or indeed improve, the quality of leadership, management, recruiting network, coaching staff. Get the best lads in & make sure we develop them to their full potential.  To a fan like me, the quality of leadership, management & coaching are a bit hidden. Sure, if we have a Maguire, DCL or Brooks, we’re bound to think - ooohhh they’ve done well to get, retain & develop him. It’s a results driven business - they’re results.  Recruitment is of course a bit more transparent. You can read about the new kids in the papers, on the Club Site, etc. And, you can see them in their Red n White Shirts. Looking at the profile of the Academy lads at the moment, I think you could happily conclude that we have a number of fingers & a number of pies.

Singling out individuals only as examples, we have…..

Local Lads. The gones - Harry Maguire, DCL. The Current Big ‘Uns - Slater, Graham, Semple, Smith. But, still the new ‘uns come - Harrison Neal, Reon Potts, Tom Weaver, Frank Maguire.

Lads from High Profile PL Academies. David Brooks would be the best example of that (Manchester City). But, he’s the tip of the iceberg - George Broadbent & Jean Belehouan (Manchester United), Harry Boyes (Manchester City), Sammy Ompreon (Chelsea), Reece York (Fulham), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Swansea).  Zak Brunt, of course, was a somewhat controversial signing. If you believe Google, the lad had already been across Aston Villa, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Derby & Matlock Town before we signed him.

Lads from non-league junior clubs. The successes & gones - Che Adams (Ilkeston Town). The nows - Jake Young (Guiseley), Harry Sheppeard (Tadcaster Albion)

Lads from Ireland/N. Ireland. Stephen Mallon, Jordan Doherty, Leo Gaxha, Shea Gordon (in his time).

Lads from overseas. Simeon Oure, Jordan Amissah, Nickseon Gomis.

Lads who played in midfield until they were fourteen, who were at Hull City’s Academy & who are now the England U18 GOALKEEPER. And, incidentally, is the best swearer at the club. Alright. Maybe that’s an unusual example - but step forward anyway, Marcus Dewhurst.

What we don’t have - is Lads we have paid a decent whack for.

The question I want to pose in this Blog is - how many people would lose their shit if we paid some serious money for a young prospect who will have no realistic chance of a first team spot for 4 years, maybe more? We’re Sheffield United. We’re always arguing about money. Because there’s not enough. At the turn of the year, there were rumours that Leeds United were about to pay £400k for a 16 year old kid called Stuart McKinstry at Motherwell. That’s Leeds, a Cat 2 Academy (like us) and a top Championship side (like us). As it happens, the latest rumours are that Premier League Southampton may hijack that deal.

I just could not see Utd shelling out that sort of money on that sort of gamble. Shit would be lost. Give the money to The Wilder Cult - he’s an infallible genius (note, he ain’t). I’m not saying we can/should make that sort of money available for transfers into the Academy. But, I am saying from a simple logical position. If we have the right networks to get local, other Academy drop out, non-league, Irish, Foreign & Marcus Dewhurst into the Academy - essentially on FREEs.  Then a next step may be PAYING transfer fees.

WWBD. What Would Binnion Do? If he had more of a Budget. Improve facilities at the Academy? Employ more scouts & recruiters? Employ more coaches? Have a bigger intake of “free” kids? Pay that good money for key prospects?

Hiding behind that argument & question is whether we should put a lot more money into the Academy Budget to move to Cat 1 Status. Obvs, with the Big Prinz & McCabe locked in battle, not a good time to be considering questions with Pounds Notes involved. But, you know, crossroads. As a top Championship, daring to dream club should we apply for Cat 1 Status. You can ask me all you want about what that entails. I’m not a details Guy. Not when the answer is MONEY. Mainly to pay for more STAFF (Coaches & the like).

Brewery 74

We zipped over to Huddersfield last week to visit Magic Rock Brewing. They’ve still got that set up as a lovely place to attract a range of different drinkers. We went over because there was a Magic Rock/Cloudwater Collab launch & a mini Cloudwater Tap Takeover. But, there were still five on cask (3 Magics, 2 Clouds), including the lovely Terriers football themed Session Bitter, Hat-Trick, Town Pale Ale at 3.7%. But, unashamedly, we’d gone for the kegs. Of which there were an impressive ten.

The first launch beer was,
Magic Rock/Cloudwater, Big Dipper 2019 at 8.3%. A great, Old Skool, straight down the line DIPA. An ever rarer breed these days. Essentially brown & clear beer. No modern gloopiness. A hit of sugar, then the bitterness grows & grows. I'm a Hop Head. So, natch, it just didn't quite go far enough for me. But, it did get a bit of a second wind as some bitter orange marmalade came in.

But, I actually preferred,
Magic Rock/Cloudwater/J W Lees, Three’s Company at 8.2%. A collaboration IPA using some JW Lees yeast. This one was opaque, bordering on orange juice in the glass. But, intriguingly, the mouthfeel was quite thin. But, that very much suited & added to the beer. The hop hints were citrus, grapefruit. But, they didn't overpower as the bitterness grew & grew. Superb.

766/1609

I'm Only Human

Sheffield United U23 0 v Birmingham City U23 2

U23 Professional Development League, North
Played at Stocksbridge

Sheffield United Futures U21 5 v Belper Town U21 0

North Midlands Development Football League, U21 League Cup
Played at Shirecliffe

Wednesday 2 May 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Games 89 & 90

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That (disappointing) U23 game concludes the season. This is my Diary. So, forgive me, I’m going to start off with my stats. That is the nineteenth U23 League game I’ve watched this season (9 at home, 10 away). I’ve also watched six U23 Cup games (3 at home three away). That gives me a total of 25 U23 games (12 at home & 13 away).  On my travels, I’ve swept up four new grounds.

Hednesford Town (v Aston Villa)
Leyland FA (v Bolton Wanderers)
North Ferriby Utd (v Hull City)
Landore Training Ground (v Swansea City)

I’m going to give an honourable mention to a bar I’ve been in before. The superb Taproom SE18 (Hopstuff) for Charlton away. But, my U23 season has let me get to four new beer destinations that I want to give a mention to.

The Font, in Chorlton, Manchester (for Burnley away at Curzon Ashton)
The Market Ale House in Leyland (for Bolton Wanderers away at Leyland FA). Hell, if you crane your neck, you can see the turnstiles from the bar.
The Boss Brewery Bar (for Swansea City away)
The Bristol Beer Factory Tap Rooms (for Bristol City away). That felt like, just around the corner from the ground.

But, standout new beer destination of the U23 season was Furley & Co. in Hull. Ten pukka craft keg. And a great, varied selection at that. Plus five on cask.

A somewhat fractured & disjointed game. Like the First Team, it's another fizzler outer of a season. Knocked out of the Cup & missing the Play Offs last week. It wasn't much of a game. Not many chances in the First Half. But, the Young Blades did keep up a high tempo for a lot of the game. Before HT, that was mainly by having wingbacks Ferguson & Norrington-Davies pushed well forward. And, Jordan Doherty playing a very free role. Sometimes supplementing the back three. Get it. Give it. Go for it.

All that had an element of pointlessness about it. As Tyler Smith was (AGAIN) lone striker ploughing. I'm a Stephen Mallon fan. But, as end of season notes, I'll say …. he's got the skills, he's got pace over short distance, he's got increasing strength. He has to find a way of getting involved in the game more, making an impact. Has to. It's all “Too Cameo” at the moment. Clocks ticking.

At Half Time, the BlueNoses brought on an “absolute unit” as Sub. Wearing 16, not listed on the Teamsheet. The line for the Blog is …. couldn't be named on the 'sheet, only humans eligible.

AnyRoadUp, he's clattered Mallon on 50 mins. Stephen running at the defence, at pace. A lunging clattering. Ouch. He limped off very gingerly. Needed assistance. He was treated on the bench. An ice bag strapped to his left foot. Obviously not an ambulance case, but it didn't look good.

Harvey Gilmour hit the far post direct from a corner on our right just before half time. Birmingham hit a post on 57 mins. A great shot, after a surging run. Although, Utd backed off him too far.

With Oure replacing Mallon. And, trialist Michael Elstone replacing Rhys Norrington-Davies, United now went ultra attacking. Effectively three up top. Elstone had a difficult game at Swansea. He looked more at it here. His first touch was a nice heeled lay off to Harvey Gilmour. He gave it him back. But, the keeper was able to gather Elstone’s shot.

Birmingham scored two in the last ten minutes to win it. There's nowt to point to. No mistakes particularly. No tactical errors. Just two teams chasing a result in an end of season game.

While we’re at it. The Academy U18 season has also finished. I watched six home U18 League games, two away, and one away FA Youth Cup Tie. That gives me a total of nine U18 games (6 at home & 3 away).

The Futures season kicks on. That easy 5-0 win puts the Futures U21 into their Cup Final. (After the U19s won their final last night). It was five before half time for United. The Belper coach didn't take his players into the marvellously appointed Shirecliffe Academy changing rooms at HT. Presumably in protest that the ownership of Shirecliffe continues to feature in the legal wrangling between Kev and The Big Prinz. Or maybe he was just cross that they were five nil down. Anyway, Belper started much better. Firing balls over the top. Turning Utd defenders to face their own goal. Creating pressure & problems that way. Nil Nil in the second half.

Unlike Belper, I did go indoors between games. To The Wellington. No Half Time oranges, but given the timing, I thought “believable” abvs would be a good idea.

Turning Point, Avalon on cask at 3.8%.
Great lowish abv pale. Unfined & unfiltered. Lots of good stuff left in. Citrus dominates the bitterness.

Neepsend, Lacuna on cask at 3.8%.
Crystal clear. Superb condition. A nice tangy bitterness running all the way through it from start to finish & back again.

Neepsend, Blonde on cask at 4%.
A bit too sweet for my taste. Vanilla, which surprised me. Nice enough. But, I wouldn't rush back.

653/1352

Wake Up Call

Birmingham City U23 3 v Sheffield United U23 0

Professional Development League, North

Played at St Andrews

Wednesday 4 October 2017

SUFC 2017/18 Game 32

Big, big wake up call for the Young Blades that one. Two defeats & two poor performances on the bounce now. Following last week's one nil loss at Bramall Lane to Ipswich in the Cup. Overrun at times in midfield. No big man up top. And neither twin striker could get anything going up front. Frail in defence as the BlueNoses poured through midfield. Poor.

We were the only game tonight. Despite missing the chance to go top. We stay second for the time being. We need to regroup & push back from here. International week. So, no David Parkhouse (Norn’ Irn’ U21). No Rhys Norrington-Davies (Wales U19). No Jordan Doherty (Ireland U19). Simon Moore getting some minutes. Nathan Thomas likewise. Ben Heneghan remaining at the middle of the back three. And, Regan Slater back from suspension.

But, I'm restating. Overrun in midfield. Not tenacious enough. Not much ball off the back three. Midfield backing off when Brum run at them. Players getting in behind the midfield & running across the back line. At will. We had the Birmingham wide players in two minds. Shall I beat them out wide? Or shall I leave 'em for dead & cut in? Destroyed us.

Jordan Hallam & Tyler Smith were isolated up front. And never, ever, got it going.

I'll call it as I see it. I can be proved wrong by Video Evidence. In the build up to the Birmingham goal on 5 minutes. I swear the fella beat Harvey Gilmour TWICE in the same move. Ghosted past him. TWICE. It got dinked inside. Worked all the way across to an overlapper on our right. Good low ball in. And their guy has finished well.

More difficult to call the second goal. It just looks like it must be poor marking & organisation. A good deep cross from our left. Basically, matey is unmarked around the penalty spot. That's Heneghan’s zone. That's Heneghan's man. The cross has come from deep. Not wide. The rest is a Pearler. Love a bit of Hang Time me. He's up. Still up. Yep, still up there. Great header past Moore. Fucking still up there for all I know.

I know little about organising a back three. But, at times, Heneghan looked too deep. The three wasn't a line. Maybe Sam Graham looks a little lost “playing full back”. He's better in the middle of the three. Graham, Heneghan & Ferguson all made “last ditch tackles” according to my notes. It was that sort of a game.

Because of the way the U Two Threes play, you're always gonna notice the wingbacks. I did feel Jake Bennett did OK. Often, he was the main/only attacking threat. After 30, he broke down our right. The keeper rushed out & Jake prodded it over him. But, a Birmingham defender hooked it off the line, when it looked for all the world like it'd put us back in it.

Birmingham had it all going on. Pace. Very fluent. Proper Wake Up Call. Heaven knows how they didn't score immediately after the break. Great flick header. Maybe Moore kept it out. Someone did.

I dug myself out of the hole in The Post Office Vaults.
XT Animal, Black Swan (Black IPA on cask at 4.6%)

547/1142

Sweating

Sheffield United U23 1 v Birmingham City U23 2

Premier League Cup, Group H

Monday 27 February 2017

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Disappointing that. A draw would have been enough to see us through to the last 16. As it stands, we now need Reading to get at least a point in their final game away at Stoke City. No date for that rearranged fixture as yet. United just couldn’t get it going tonight. Particularly in the first half. We did get more into it as the game went on. The Blades have hit the woodwork, had them cleared off the line & their keeper making double wonder saves.

It was mad towards the end. As United went for the equaliser that would have been enough. Jake Wright, David Parkhouse & Kimarni Smith were all on & playing “centre forward”. Parkhouse (CF) had been brought on for Cantrill (CB). Leaving 2 at the back - Kelly & Cummings. That is until Cummings joined Wright, Parkhouse & Smith (K) up top. In what I can only describe as a 1-5-4 formation. We still couldn’t get it done though.

George Long was between the sticks. Call it as I see it. He didn't do anything which suggested he's developed into a commanding & confident keeper. Who knows whether he's really had a crisis of confidence? But, if it looks like he has, that's what matters. I've written earlier in the season, as he tried to comeback from the debacle against Southend, at times he just doesn't look like a keeper. The first goal went in at the near post, although there was a defender in the way as well. The whole episode looked untidy. For the second goal, he got a good hand on it. But, he couldn't stop the ball dropping loose so the fella could knock it in. What do I know? About Goalkeeping? But, I noticed at least one other ocasion where his wrists didn't look strong enough as he merely palmed a shot back out to the attackers running in. The best thing that could happen (IMHO) is that Moore has to go off in a first team game. When United are one up. Nothing too serious. He'll be back next week. George comes on. The crowd will be behind him in those circumstances. He has three assured touches. Tips one over. Collects a cross. Stays big as he closes someone down. Ends 2-0. And, we can all get on with the rest of our lives.

Amongst all that, was a lovely equaliser on 22 minutes, Stephen Mallon unloading a 25 yarder into the top corner. Louis Reed was the standout player (again). Three at the back has given him a new lease of life. Although I do think BlueNose FC had noticed how we played last week & were better prepared. They seemed to deny us space & gave us the hurry up. And, whatever it was, this was a very quiet night for & from Wright & Smith (T). The Mallon/Charlesworth wingback thing never really delivered much of an attacking threat. But, the number of chances & a bit of backs to the wall by Birmingham means it shouldn’t all be doom & gloom. Just got to wait now.

The Beers

We started in BrewDog. Where it was finally confirmed to me. There will be no more of the elusive Brewdog/Cloudwater collab. In. Any. Vessel. But, lo. That Single Batch Vermont IPA on keg at 7.4% is the prototype. Better that than nowt. It was decent. But, these high abv IPAs are moving away from why I fell in love with them in the first place. By going to the more yeasty & citrus spectrums. They are missing out on the intense & growing bitterness that defines them. I say...
I made my first visit to the newly Abbeydale revamped Devonshire Cat. A great beer range. Which I was too busy enjoying to make proper notes. Except, that Beer Ink Double IPA redresses the balance a bit. Took me back to the more straight ahead, in your face DIPA.

Brussels Project, Stereo Lips on keg at 6.2%
Brewdog, Single Batch Vermont IPA on keg at 7.4%
Beer Ink, Two Faced, Double IPA on keg at 7.5%

Good set that.

U23 Round Up

Premier League Cup

As I say, we’re sweating on a result going our way between Reading & Stoke. In order to join Blackburn, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Norwich, Brighton, West Ham, Fulham, Liverpool, Reading & some others in the last 16.

The Central League Cup, Northern

United go to Fleetwood Town away. Tomorrow, Tuesday, 1pm. That's the one legged Semi Final of our bit of The Central League Cup.

Let us call it sixteen (16) hours after the finish tonight against Birmingham. That's a tough ask. But, this is very much the Step Down Cup for SUFC. And, the U18s didn't play Saturday. So, expect a young side.  Chesterfield play Wigan at home in the other SF. That is on Tuesday afternoon as well.

Professional Development League, North

United beat Leeds last Friday. That leaves us third in the table. Two pts behind Hull with three games in hand. Eight pts behind Sheffield Wednesday, also with three games in hand. United have ten games left. Starting with Bolton at The Lane at 7pm on Monday 6 March. Hull play SWFC that night.

The top two in the North qualify to play the top two in the South (currently Charlton & Millwall) in end of season play offs. There is, however, no promotion.

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U23 Round Up

Birmingham City U23 1 v Sheffield United U23 3

Premier League Cup, Group H

Played at The Automated Technology Group Stadium, Solihull Moors FC

Monday 20 February 2017

Twitter @ball_sup

My 190th ground watching a Sheffield United XI - all levels, all teams, all ages, all competitions, all surfaces. It used to be “on grass & with corner flags”. But, 3G pitches put paid to that - some of them are barely green. So, I’ve reverted to the “must have corner flags rule”.

The Game

Good win that. SUFC were dominant & convincing at times. But, fair do. Birmingham came out much better in the second half. Towards the end it was backs to the wall stuff for United. Action of the rearguard variety. Blocks. Off the line. Fingertip saves.

The players who caught my eye all got subbed. Game time, fixture management & rotation. Regan Slater rifled in the second goal. He was very busy. Comfortable with either foot. He closes down opposition players very quickly.

Graham Kelly is getting his second wind on the left hand side of that back three. He's a great organiser & communicator. His natural wingback tendency means he's great in “the O’Connell role”. Pushing forward with, and past, Stephen Mallon down the left. Confident that Reed and/or Slater will fill in for him. When Alex Brown replaced Kelly, the Blades went conventional four at the back.

I've written about Stephen Mallon's improvement. More of the same today at left wingback. Equally at home with mazy runs & defensive headers. A good all round game.

Reed took on the Coutts role. Coming deep back to the three. Giving them an outlet. Like Slater, he was also popping up all over. Very busy.

Three well taken goals from McNulty, Slater & Wright.

Noticeably, United's Academy has an encouraging & explaining culture. The staff & the players take that approach with each other. I see other teams bollocking each other. Oh, & the language…. But, our set up is less critical, less hostile.

Academy U23 Round Up

This competition, The Premier League Cup

After a short pre-qualifying stage, the PL Cup is now a long way through a 32 team in 8 Groups phase. Each team plays the others in the group home & away - 6 games in all. And the top two in each group qualify for a single leg last 16. The claimed “aim” is to provide more games for Development XIs. In United’s case, it gives us the chance to play teams from a higher level in the Pyramid to ourselves. We’re in a Group with today’s oppos Birmingham (from our level), Stoke (the level above us - Premier League 2, Division 2) and Reading (from the very top level - Premier League 1, Division 1).

That result today puts us 2nd behind Reading. We've got 8 pts. They've got 10 pts. Stoke are third with 5 pts. Birmingham are out of it with just 4 pts. Everyone in the group just has one game to play.

United now have one game left, against Birmingham, next Monday 27 February, 7pm at Bramall Lane.

Reading go to Stoke on Saturday 25 February. A win for Reading or a draw would see United into the last 16. And therefore a dead rubber next week for us v Birmingham. A win for Stoke would send us into that Birmingham game needing a point to qualify.

Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham and Liverpool are the only teams to have qualified so far. So, most of the Groups are going down to the wire. The Group fixtures will all more-or-less finish by end-February.

The Blades top scorer in the Premier League Cup is Jake Wright The Younger with four. That puts him joint top with three others.

Professional Development League

Is split into North & South - 10 teams in each. You play everyone in your region home and away & everyone in the other region just once. To give a season of 30 games. The top two in each region play off to decide an overall winner. There is NO promotion & relegation. Teams very occasionally switch up or down based on the category of their Academy.

There have been a few League games today. Now that those have all shaken down, United have dropped from 3rd to 5th.

Top SWFC 39 pts from 21 games
2nd Hull City 33 pts from 21
3rd Crewe 29 pts from 20
4th Huddersfield 28 pts from 21
5th SUFC 28 pts (on goal difference) from just 17 games

The next game is this Friday, 24 February, 1pm up at Shirecliffe against Leeds United who are bang bottom 10th. With 19 pts from 19 games.

United’s top goalscorer in the Professional Development League is David Brooks. He has bagged 7 goals. That puts him joint tenth in the scorers list - headed by Ben Brereton from Nottingham Forest with 13.

The Central League Cup

SUFC are in the Northern Cup. Fourteen teams were split into 3 groups of 4 or 5 teams. Each team played the others in the group once. That phase has now finished. United qualified top of Group 1 with 9 points from 4 games. Putting us into a Northern Cup SF away at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 28 February. The winners of that single leg affair will play the winners of Chesterfield v Wigan in the Northern Final.

That Semi Final emphasises the fixture pile up coming our way. United have games today, Friday, next Monday & next Tuesday across the three compos. As of today, some teams have played 4 League games more than us. They have 9 to play, we have 13 - and we’re still in both cups (for the moment). Helpfully there is no U18 fixture this Saturday. So, there’ll be a bit of squad rotation across Friday/ Monday/Tuesday.

The Beer

Ilkley Brewery, Hanging Stone, Oatmeal Stout on cask at 5%. Great beer that. If I was looking to pick holes, I'd say just a little too sweet. But, overall, it plays to my taste buds. Deep red fruit sweet. Gives way to some toasted nuts. Gives way to a long bitter finish. Very appealing to look at. Coal black. Almost brown head.

And. In the enormous & welcoming Solihull Moors Clubhouse. Guinness, Golden Ale on keg at 4.5%. Nothing on cask. Way it goes. No criticism here. Football clubhouses have to do what they can.

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