All The Mo's

Sheffield 7 v Sheffield United 2
North Midlands Development Football League U19s Division
Thursday 26 September 2019
Played at The Coach & Horses Ground, Dronfield

SUFC 2019/20 Game 27

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Lost. Seven. Two. What's happened there Phil? Didn't they win Nine Nil last week?

Yes, they did. Albeit against what turned out to be a nine man Dronfield team by the end. Basically, the named team tonight which Sheffield trounced bore no resemblance to the XI who trounced Dronny last week. I'd try to sum it up - last week, we had a lot of proper Academy lads playing, kids who have played for Wales U17, kids who'd be in contention to play away at Leeds U18 on a Saturday. Tonight, v Sheffield, we didn't. We sort of went back to "the College Kids". Partly, I'll say, to the kids for whom this team & level was designed for.

I was having a brusque exchange of views with a fellow Carrier Bag Firm Grandee about "what counts as a Sheffield United team". We were actually interrupted by the guy who had coached that Dronfield Town IX the previous week. It was very interesting to get his take on it all. He said Del Geary had been very friendly & polite to him the week before. Del had explained he was playing a handful of proper Academy Scholars. And, had more or less apologised for that. When I quizzed the Dronfield U19 Coach as to why Del might have done that last week. He simply said - they needed game time.

So, anyway, a much changed team out at The Coach & Horses got mullered by Sheffield. It's not possible to do a full audit. But, I think only Ellis Moore (centre back) played in both games. And, I will mention Ben Harriot. Who has featured extensively in United's Futures teams over recent years. Ben turned out as No. 5 for our opponents tonight.

I visited The Brothers Arms for the first time today. I was impressed. I was really hoovering up Sheffield Half Pint Marathon beers & venues. Outstanding Beer Of The Day can happily go to….

Arbor Ales, All The Mo's, on cask at 5.5%. Brewed with MOutere, MOtueka & Mosaic. Do you see what they've done there? Gloriously murky & opaque. With a nice & tight white head. It came in with rich, up top, hop forward bitterness from the go. I found the background sweetness had just a nice hint of satsuma. The bitterness seemed to die a bit, then come again. Excellent beer.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 860 games in 1,864 days

Nix that World Record chase

Kent 482 for 8 declared
v Yorkshire 269 all out
Kent 337 for 7 declared
Yorkshire 44 for 6
County Championship Division One
Close on Day Three
Wednesday 18 September 2019
Played at Headingley

Sheffield United Futures U19 9 v Dronfield Town U19 0
North Midlands Development Football League, U19s Division
Wednesday 18 September 2019
Played at Shirecliffe

SUFC 2019/20 Game 23

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I suppose one of the great things about cricket is you don't need to Blog about it. It's a numbers game. Maths. Just have a look at that. Yorkshire had to face 22 Overs late on Day 3. Chasing an unfathomable 551 to win. That's a World Record chase. Off 118 overs. Tough ask. Bat those overs out? Tough ask. But. To finish on 44 for SIX. It just makes you think. What's the point? I couldn't find it in me to drag myself out there on Day 4. When, they've eventually gone under by 433 runs. What you saying. All quite interesting. But, you've never really understood Cricket. You bat twice. Add up your runs. Add up theirs. Subtract. And you're left four hundred and thirty fucking three runs short. Aaarrrggghhh.
 

The U19 Futures game at Shirecliffe had some numbers in it as well. Disappointingly, one of those numbers is TEN. Dronfield were only able to field 10 men to start the game. And an injury meant they finished with nine. What a start though. I ain't the Official Timekeeper. But, on my watch, the Future Blades were two up in just 67 seconds. There are no 1-11 Teamsheets at these games. So, I'm guessing at goalscorers. I'm giving those two to Jack Stainrod & Daniel Jebbison. United were able to push it to 4 nil by 17 minutes (I'm saying Jebbison & Jack Appleyard). And, was that William Osula adding the fifth before Half Time. The Dronfield coach and players had an animated & passionate go at it during the half time chat. They set up narrower. Trying to stifle things through the middle & not worrying too much what was going on out wide. Fair play. The best they've got is to try & stay at it in difficult circumstances. Ryan Viggars added the sixth on 50 minutes. And, it was the best part of 75 minutes, after the substitutions that United got the last three. Dronfield were down to nine at that point.
 

United's eighth was scored by Javelle Clarke. Wearing 4. He really caught my eye. Javelle was absolutely running the show through midfield. Covering a lot of ground. Constant link up play. And, always looking like he might burst through the line with the ball and hurt the opposition.

The drink was in the Head Of Steam in Headingley.
 

Bad Seed Brewery, Groove Station IPA on keg at 6.7%. I'd gone specifically to the HoS to have that one. Having seen it on their Untappd menu. Seeing it in real life, I was a bit nervous. The suggestion was it had been stuffed full of mango pulp. But, it was gorgeous. The dry bitterness of the hops filled in beautifully behind the mango hit.

Redwillow, Smokeless on keg at 5.7%. Ditto. This time, news of smoked chipotle porter had me nervous. But, there was nothing harsh in there. It came up blackcurrant at first. And, the chili came very late. Absolutely adding to the flavours, not dominating.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 856 games in 1,856 days

CBF Completist Project

Sheffield United Futures U19 3 v Basford United U19 4
North Midlands Development Football League, U19s Division
Wednesday 4 September 2019
Played at Shirecliffe

SUFC 2019/20 Game 19

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Right. Let's see what happens this year. There doesn't appear to be an Under 21 Futures XI this time around. Just these lads at Under 19. It looks to me like Southwell City U19 have binned out AFTER the original fixtures were published. Which is a pity. As that would have been a new ground tick. That seems to leave just a five team U19 league this year - disappointing. But, one potential ground tick. If/when the Futures Blades go to tonight's opponents, Basford United, "in Nottingham".

Our U19s won what was a 7 team division last year. Played 12, Won 8, Drew 3, Lost 1. But only finishing 2 points above Sheffield FC. I often portrayed the Futures U19 last year as "Academy Lite". Lads between the 16s & 18s, who couldn't get an Academy game on Saturday mornings. Del Geary doing most of the coaching & organising on the sidelines.

So, Del was there tonight. Sat on the bench with Lee Dunn. It's team lists at this level rather than 1 thru 11 Teamsheets. We deployed the Carrier Bag Firm Automated Recognition system. But, in all honesty, we didn't get many of them. Josh Chapman in goal. Leo Gaxha sometimes midfield engine, sometimes up top. Andre Brooks. Joe Lister. Alfie Orme. Jack Stainrod maybe.

Basford United were well in it early on. Scoring on 17 & 23 minutes. But, United clawed it back to two each by half time. Possibly Stainrod with the first & definitely Number 9 with the second. (Sorry kiddo, no positive recognition). There was a neat insight into Geary's style. That 9 (who also bagged our third), had a great chance in the tenth minute. Honestly, he made a mess of it. Lost the ball between his feet with the goal at his mercy. Geary left it to calm down for 20 seconds & then shouted to the "more experienced" Leo Gaxha.

"Help him. Help him. Tell him it's OK"

Wise. Words. That 9 put us three two up on 53. The game was really opened up at that stage. Basford equalised on 71 minutes. And, then nabbed an 86th minute winner. Probably just about deserved. For my second four three loss on the spin. And the third I've seen this season.

The Supping Section of this Blog is plugging the Sheffield Half Pint Marathon. Two breweries - Abbeydale and True North. Brewing two session abv pales - Threshold & Strider. Available on cask in thirteen Sheffield venues. It's a Carrier Bag Firm Completist Project. You're supposed to go to each venue. Have one of the Ales. Get a stamp. Fuck it, get what amounts to a TICK, on a card. Complete the lot. Get a prize. Some of the money goes to supporting the Mental Health Charity, MIND.

It's not gone swimmingly if I'm honest. I ordered True North, Strider on cask at 3.6% in Church - Temple of Fun. It pulled up very opaque. I got a bit confused at first. But, was reassured it was supposed to be like that. Yet, when I slurped the same beer in The Forum, it was much clearer. Normally, my MO is to try as many varied beers as possible. I'd forgotten that if you try the same beer time & time again - you end up comparing "like with like".

Anyway. Currently the best of the two is;

True North, Strider on cask at 3.6%. I felt that packed a great deal of hop flavour in. Lovely tongue tingling bitterness.

Leaving;

Abbeydale, Threshold on cask at 3.6%. Very pale. And very gentle. A slight, and not unpleasant, soapiness off the hops. Although gentle, the flavour lingers.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 845 games in 1,842 days

Because West Yorkshire

Sheffield United Futures U19 1 v Sheffield U19 3
North Midlands Development Football League U19s Division
Wednesday 20 February 2019
Played at SUFC Academy, Shirecliffe

SUFC 2018/19 Game 69
2018/19 Football Season Brewery Visits - 91

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A disappointing result for what was on paper a strong Young Blades team. Harrison Neal & Jean Belehouan were out there. Those two had been on the bench the previous night for the U23s at The Lane. Mainly, that's a lot of credit to Sheffield U19s. I don't quite get how that works if I'm honest. Some of the best our Academy can manage. Coming very much second best to the young Sheffield lads. But, Sheffield were great on the night. As the game went deeper, United looked flatter & flatter. Sheffield's second didn't come until 89 minutes. Thoroughly deserved though. And then, that nail in the coffin third on 90+4.

It was disappointing on the night. But, it was even more disappointing against the stats. The U19 Futures were won 8, drawn 2 in the league this season. And, still in the Cup. Invincible. A bit of a leveller all round.

And. On the Brewery Ticking front. West Yorkshire. It's not for me. The Carrier Bag Firm have taken the hard knocks. If you trawl out somewhere. On an afternoon. And find the gaff is shut. Renovations. Staff piss up. Lazy. Owt. You just take it on the chin. Fire up Google Maps. You'll have a bus and/or train romper ticket. Plan something else. Execute those plans. We. Go. Again.

But. Fuck me. We've internet reccyd THREE West Yorkshire Teacake eating breweries. Two of them were no goes when we got to the front, side & even back doors. I won't name names. But they were The New Inn at Roberttown & Partners Brewhouse at Liversedge.

But, take it on the chin. The 91st Brewery of the season was Mill Valley Brewery in Cleckheaton. That is not on the beaten track. There was an a-frame sign on the main road. But, we only saw that after we'd been in & we were supposedly off to the Fruitless Arms. Anyway. A little yard. An L Shaped single room affair. Small bar front on one side. Door into the brewery on the other. Glass front. Peering in for the use of. A nice array of their own on cask.

Mill Valley Brewery, Yorkshire Rose on cask at 4.2%. A nice, hoppy floral pale. Great balance, without noticing the sugar, nice whack of floral hop flavour. Which developed into nice bitterness. We should have stayed there all day. But, I hear you say, Phil, how were you to know the other two breweries would be padlocked? Fair question. Answer. Because West Yorkshire.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 779 games in 1,646 days

YouTube Sensation

Dronfield Town U19 1 v Sheffield United Futures U19 6
North Midlands Development Football League U19
Thursday 10 January 2019

May to May Brewery Visits - 73

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From memory, that's the first time I've been in The Dronfield Arms since Hopjacker Brewery went. Naturally, you're going to miss that. A still impressive seven on cask. One of them though. Got. Got. Got. Abbeydale Moonshine & Deception. Bradfield Belgian Blue. Wild Beer Bibble. Tiny Rebel Cwtch. All winners. No doubt. But, well. You know.

I settled on Bristol Beer Factory, Midnight Magic on cask at 4.9%. They've put Cornish Fudge into it. According to the Internet. Surprising. Because it's pleasantly NOT too sweet. Indeed, the hop bitterness does it for me. Thinking it through. That's just exceptionally well balanced between sweet & bitter. Once the idea of fudge is drilled into your swede, natch you taste it. But, it's sort of background hints. Great beer.

Are you familiar with the thing that is a YouTube sensation? Yeah, vaguely, me too. On 2 Jan 2009, let's call it ten years ago, a video was uploaded/published on YouTube. That video featured a 6 year old kid running through a range of soccer skills. Let's have it right, it was a sort of promotional video for a Coaching School run by the kid's old man. (As far as I can tell). But, you know these things. They gain traction. As us Tweeters & Bloggers say. Bit of self-promotion here. The right influencer liking or linking it. A strap line. Make that strap line - THE LITTLE MESSI. Not my doing mate. I'm just reporting what someone else has done. Anyway. Presto with a Hey. Before you know where you are, that YouTube Video has been viewed over 10 MILLION times.

Don't take my word for it. Go to your computer. Put - Hassan Ayari Football Little Messi - into the search box. See. 10 Million Plus.

Anyway. Why am I telling you this? Well, because that ex-six year old played Number 10 for Sheffield United Futures U19 tonight. Away at Dronfield Town. And scored the third goal in that 6-1 stubbing.

I know you'll ask. He did OK. Didn't particularly stand out. But, OK. Got shouted at a few times by his colleagues for not putting the right amount into his shift. Low centre of gravity. Nippy without being express. Neat close control.

764/1605

New Zealand Leg 2

England 0 v New Zealand 34
International Rugby League Test Series
Sunday 11 November 2018
Played at Elland Rd, Leeds

Staveley Miners Welfare U21 3 v Sheffield United Futures U21 1
North Midlands Development Football League, U21s Division
Monday 12 November 2018

Sheffield United Futures U19 6 v Worksop Town U19 0
North Midlands Development Football League, U19s Division
Wednesday 14 November 2018
Played at SUFC Academy, Shirecliffe

SUFC 2018/19 Games 38 & 39

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Rugby League

Wow. That's a hammering in any language. It was a Dead Rubber, as England had already won the first two Tests. Still a hammering mind. I'm not a knowledgeable Rugby fan, of either code. I used to think/assume I preferred Rugby League. But, putting England v New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday, and at Elland Rd on Sunday, head to head. On this occasion, I enjoyed the Rugby Union much more. I found the League a bit biff, repeat five times, kick - repetitive. Also, it feels like most tries are mad, dive for the line scrambles, which inevitably go upstairs for review.

Great Beer Day. At the Northern Monk Refectory. Which I'm claiming as my 55th May to May 2019 Brewery visit. The barstaff were very helpful & welcoming. Two of the beers, both part of the Patron's Project range, were outstanding.

Northern Monk, Patron's Project 12.02 // Evolution Of Tradition, IPA on keg at 4.6%. Allegedly made with foraged hops from the Harewood Estate. The Hops are used wet. Not something I'm used to. So, I was a little unsure where the flavours were coming from. Looked lovely. And, indeed, the Hops dominate. Nice, nearly aniseed flavour coming off them. Loads of flavour packed in.

743/1548

Football as Art, not Science

Worksop Town U19 2 v Sheffield United Futures U19 2
North Midlands Development Football League, U19s Division
Thursday 18 October 2018
Played at Sandy Lane, Worksop

Derby County 2 v Sheffield United 1
The Championship
Saturday 20 October 2018

Burnley U23 6 v Sheffield United U23 0
U23 Professional Development League
Monday 22 October 2018
Played at Curzon Ashton

SUFC 2018/19 Games 29, 30 & 31

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Under 23s at Burnley

Hell. That was a tonking. Robbie Brady has 39 caps for the Republic of Ireland. Ben Gibson signed for Burnley for £15m in the Summer and has been in a full England squad. Both started today for Burnley. I'm not looking for excuses. I'm looking for context. Burnley played really well. At a good pace & tempo. Their link up play was excellent. And, some clinical finishing. It'll seem an obvious thing to say. But, there was also some poor defending from the Young Blades.

We started with a back three. Essentially, only George Cantrill of those is a “proper” Centre Back. George Broadbent & Jordan Doherty were “filling in”. Cantrill was caught out horrendously on just 5 minutes. A ball over him, his man was free, & George slipped on his arse anyway. One. Nil.

Binnion & Dungworth tried to change it. Cantrill was subbed as early as 16 minutes. By battering ram Centre Forward David Parkhouse. They went four at the back. Oli Greaves got a knock. Needed icing. Harrison Neal on for him to shore the midfield up.

A couple of goals seemed to come from simple crosses/dead balls dropped in behind the Centre Backs, between them & the Keeper (Dewhurst). No one dealing with those properly. Good headers. You're going to get punished.

I'll credit Utd. They did stick at it. Nothing petulant. Always looking to stop their man - just, they rarely could. Always looking to take their man on - just they rarely could. Never got in the game. Second best. Learn. Move on. Still third. Just a point behind Bolton. And three behind leaders Leeds.

Derby County Away

Each person sees it differently don't they? But, man, there's a lot of analysing goes on nowadays. As I've said before, I've got two degrees in Applied Statistics. So, I'm not Number Blind. But, I prefer my football as Art not Science. I see pictures, not details. I was riveted by that picture. I'm seeing, two good teams, playing different styles, going for it & putting the lot in.

United are/were mesmerising when they overload down the flanks. That inevitably creates holes, gaps, spaces when it breaks down. And, Derby were superb at trying to expose those gaps with pacy counter attacks. Here's my analysis. You ain't got men all over the fucking pitch. You've got to find a strength, exploit it.

What a Goal. Strong surging run from Fleck into small gap after small gap. He doesn't know exactly where the overload on the right is. He certainly doesn't know who's overloading. But, he fucking knows. Someone. Somewhere. Basham….

I'm not sure what happened after half time. Did we change summat? Did they? Did we start running out of gas? I'm not fussed, I'm riveted.

The Beer

And….
It's BrewDog Collabfest time again.
Excellent….

You remember the format right? Every BrewDog bar (including some of those overseas) pair up with an independent Brewery local to them. Brew a one off beer. Those beers come on across all BrewDog bars across a long weekend. BrewDog on Division Street in Sheffield had eight on. With a LOT of rotation across the two days I was able to chuck myself in. Sampled 14 in total.

To fully explain the concept & just how mad the beers get, it's always worth a ThrowBack. Always….

So, ThrowBack to 2014. Alechemy & BrewDog Dundee. A Smoked Porter. The Barley/Malt is smoked over an open flame. To give a toasty, smoky flavour to what will be a black beer. Yes. Yes. Yes Phil, we all know what a Smoked Porter is. What's the point of mentioning this particular one?

Well. The wood used on the fire to smoke the Barley/Malt. That came from Scott's Antarctic Ship RSS Discovery. No. It really did….

Anyway. 2019. A fair few sours turned up on the Sheffield Fonts. A very honourable mention to that Fallen Brewing Co. Stirlinger Weisse at 3.6%. “Nominally” Berliner Weisse style. But, in a sense better than that. There's gonna be a theme here. That. I like. Because it's one dimensional. Takes you on a simple, sour trip. Full of flavour and then some.

Similarly, a did what it says on the Clip beer, was Orebro Brygghus, Black Oyster Stout at 5.3%. A lovely, modern, straight ahead Stout with bags of flavour.

I'm also going to mention Three Hills Brewing, Brut-berry Crumble at 5.5%. I quote - Triple hopped brut IPA infused with blackberries & lightly dosed with cinnamon, aged on dark & medium French Oak. Of itself, it tasted alright. Sweet but balanced. But, if I'd blind tasted that, would I have even said “it's beer”. Doubt it. Cocktail. Smoothie. Alcopop. Wine & fruit spritzer. All contenders.

Two stand outers. Two Tribes, Dry Your Eyes Mate at 4.7%. Superb. Red berry off some dried currants (or similar). Deep & rich. The hop hit is gentle, but distinct, and not overpowered.

Up Front Brewing, The Obvious Choice at 8%. Because it's “a DIPA”, the New England business seems less gloopy, less of a distraction. Great beer. At that abv, the sugar & the hoppiness overcomes my feelings of "oh no, not another jug of gloop". Rich & tongue tingling.

733/1525

I Like Like v Like

Hendon 1 v Harlow Town 1
FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 8 September

England 1 v Spain 2
UEFA Nations League A, Group 4
Saturday 8 September 2018
Played at Wembley

England 1 v Switzerland 0
Friendly International
Tuesday 11 September 2018
Played at Leicester City

Swallownest Miners Welfare U19 0 v Sheffield United Futures U19 8
North Midlands Development Football League U19s
Thursday 13 September 2018

SUFC 2018/19 Game 22

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The UEFA Nations League, a homage

Right. We start here. Lots of “noise & traffic”. Glorified friendly. Too complicated. Waste of time. I’m hearing.
It seems like everybody has a statistics or analytics Blog nowadays. As I have two degrees in Statistics, I’d better start. Since I started going to England away games in late 1982, England have played Spain JUST ONCE in a FIFA or UEFA Qualifier or Finals competitive fixture. In EURO 96. In that same period, in England have played San Marino SIX times, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Andorra & Moldova FOUR times each. That has just got to be wrong. I know about England’s inflated status in world football. I’m not one of the divine right, entitled England fans. But, the seedings for World Cups & EUROs means we play a lot of smaller nations & only meet the big boys infrequently. And, It’s not just us. There are not enough games involving the best v the best. Too many mismatches. Park the bus to keep the score down. The UEFA Nations League is far from perfect. But. it’s a start. Like v like.
Cut out all the frippery. The choccy topping, 100s n 1000s, raspberry sauce & a flake. Stick to the main event.

Sep/Oct/Nov (2018) - three team groups, four games, play for a place in the four team finals, or for promotion & to avoid relegation.

June (2019) - the final four, three games, two semis & a final, done & dusted in a week, proper football, for the fans, fuck the neutrals, leave the facepaint at home.

March (2020) - last chance saloon play-offs for the 2020 EUROs. Four spots available. Sixteen teams. Two games. Or you’re gone buddy.

Sep 2020 - start all over again, after promotion and relegation.

EURO 2020 qualification is still basically the same. March 2019 through November 2019. You’re drawn into a seeded group of 5 or 6 teams. Ten groups. Top two qualify. Twenty teams. (But, if you don’t qualify, you might have a last chance saloon play-off if you’re Nations League performance was good enough).

England are in a group with Spain & Croatia. Staying in League A could see us up against the likes of France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal in September 2020. Relegation to League B could see us up against Albania, Finland, Bulgaria & Montenegro. Now, we are where we are, if that’s our level, fine, the League Table can’t lie. But, that’s why the UEFA Nations League matters. If you want to stay at the Top Table, you have to get points, you have to stay in the League, you have to avoid relegation. In time, the number of games will increase. The number of friendlies will decrease. In time, FIFA will get on this model as well. There’ll be a league which includes (on merit) Spain, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, France - and who knows, England will be somewhere in that FIFA World League mix. We’re all witnessing the start of something BIG. Early days. Slowly, slowly. I’m embracing it. I’ve just seen England play their second competitive fixture against Spain since late 1982.

The Beer

I was able to do a Double Header on the Saturday. Hendon v Harlow in the FA Cup in the afternoon. Before England v Spain in the evening. It’s a big Thumbs Down to the FA Regs. Which don’t allow you to drink a beer while watching the game. Matched by a big Thumbs Up to Hendon. Therefore automatically serving in Glass in the clubhouse. From a (presumably) bright beer cask of Portobello, Start at 4.3% perched on the end of the bar.

However, Outstanding Beer Of The Mini Break goes to The West End Brewery in Leicester, ahead of the friendly v Switzerland. We had to bide our time a little. As it was 5pm opening. The geezer let me do the now obligatory selfies with the brewing kit behind me to harvest ticks for the Brewery Hopper Geek Awards. I had the West Coast IPA v2 on cask at 5.1%. An outstanding beer. Everything in balance. Always, always, always - I’ll go back to simple Plan A beers. Brew ‘em. Put ‘em on. I’ll buy ‘em. Promise. Very well balanced, The hop bitterness was not overpowering. But, filled the beer with flavour. Superb.

716/1486

Who is the Genius?

Nottinghamshire 332 for 7
v Yorkshire
close on Day One
County Championship Division One
Tuesday 3 September 2018
Played at Trent Bridge

Sheffield United Futures U19 6 v Hallam U19 0
North Midlands Development Football League U19s
Wednesday 4 September 2018
Played at SUFC Academy, Shirecliffe

Harworth Colliery U21 2 v Sheffield United Futures U21 2
North Midlands Development Football League U21s, North
Thursday 5 September 2018

SUFC 2018/19 Games 20 & 21

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Three days of County Cricket, SUFC Futures & Brewery Hopping. The County Cricket has ended in a fairly tame 450ish plays 500ish draw.

Those were the first Futures games of the 2018/19 league season. Bluntly, the set up looks similar to last season. The complicating factor could well be when the Academic College year starts and who is available. The U19 side seems to me to be very much the Midweek Shirecliffe Academy XI. Derek Geary, lead coach for the Academy U18s takes the Futures U19s. Five of the starting XI on Wednesday had also started last Saturday v Coventry City. Two of the starting XI had been subs at Coventry. And three of the subs v Hallam, started at Coventry. Look, analysis aside, it's the same squad is what I'm saying. Academy Lite. I'll be honest, that makes the Futures U19 very interesting to me. It's a good chance to have a look at the Academy Lads. Except, they're not playing other League Club Academies, they're playing youngsters from local Non-League clubs.

Downside. They're likely to be shoulders, if not head and, above the Non-League kids. They had a goal difference of 50 across 16 games last season.

Anyway. Back to Del Geary. Lazy. Good for nothing. He's basically tossed it off at that game v Hallam. Stealing a wage, the fella. He thinks he can get away with it. Because it's a small game, small crowd, no one will know what he is up to. Mate, the Carrier Bag Firm have Eyes On. We. Know. Stuff.

Alright, he hasn't put the cones out before the game. One of his assistants does that. Fair enough. Alright, he hasn't lead the run there, wave this in the air, put your right leg in, shake it all about routine in the warm up. One of his assistants does that. Fair enough. But, mate, they're “your” players. At least show willing & lead the half time team talk. The geography of the floodlit pitch & the dressing rooms at Shirecliffe mean that teams sometimes just do their half time talk on the pitch. In full view of The Baggers. That is what United chose to do. Maybe the dressing rooms were too far for Geary to walk. The lazy get. He never got out of his chair.

Instead. A non-cape wearing hero, SUFC Tracksuit, clipboard, notes, the lot, gathered the team around and calmly delivered his debrief on the first half & his plans for the second. Ladies & Gentlemen. Say hello to Harrison Neal. Harrison captained the U18s at Coventry on Saturday. I've named him as One To Watch in previous Blogs. Poor fella. Beery breath kiss of death that. I rewound slightly and recalled that Harrison had been belting out some of the Physical Japes instructions in the warm up.

Hang on. I don't want to upset anyone. Maybe. Just maybe (winks). It was a plan. Maybe Del Geary was in on it all along. Maybe this Wonderful Fucking Club deliberately give their youngsters responsibility. Asks them to step out of their comfort zone. Says “go on learn the game”. Think. Yes you, 17 years old, with the boots on. Think. What you got?

It couldn't have been a Cunning Geary Plan all along could it? Ask one of the Academy Players. To stay off FIFA on the X-Box (do they still make those?) for a night. And THINK about the real game & how his mates are playing. Stand up. Be counted. That says everything about the values of our Academy. What a Club. What A Club. Where do I sign?

Del set 'em up in the first half. Two Nil. Harrison set 'em up for the second. Four goals. Six Nil on the whistle. The little Genius. Oh. Go on then. Del Geary & his staff deserve credit as well.

Brewery Hopping

Having been “commended” in Brewdog’s Brewery Hopper 2018 Beer Geek Awards, I'm giving it my all this year. (Harrison mate, thanks for the offer, but I really don't need your help on this, particularly considering you're not even fucking old enough to drink). I rattled up to number 29 in Nottingham. Ticking both Navigation Brewery & Castle Rock Brewery. I'm still a Keg Beer Whore though. Absolutely loved the Castle Rock, IPA V1, Citra Mosaic on keg at an enticing 6%.

Lovely. Very rich. Thick n chewy. The bitterness came quick. Stayed long. Grew a bit. Just the right side of throat gripping.

712/1479

Ball Wrestling

Dronfield Town U19 0 v Sheffield United Futures U19 3

North Midlands Development Football League, U19 North

Tuesday 8 May 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Game 92

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Dronfield did well in the first half. Matched a “strong” Utd XI. But, in the end, the Young Blades ran out fairly easy winners. Repeating myself …. Futures U19 is very much Aacdemy U18 lite. Del Geary runs the line. Mick Wadsworth is there. Many of the players feature in Saturday morning games v Championship Club Academies. Indeed, George Broadbent & Reon Potts were out there in Dronfield tonight. And, they have featured for SUFC Academy U23s.  Because of that “experience”, I was a little disappointed in Utd in the first half. A bit disjointed & they couldn’t really get anything going. Things changed a bit with a disputed penalty after 60 minutes. Sammy Ompreon was brought down in the box - which was not the view of the Dronny players and staff. Ompreon went down again a bit later - looked a better shout to me - the ref booked him for simulation - evening it up a bit methinks.

AnyRoadUp, there then followed a bit of Ball Wrestling between Ompreon & Reon Potts as to who should take the penalty. Sammy won & converted. A goal from Angelo Capello on 66 settled it all down a bit. SUFC added a third in the last minute.

The pre match drink was in The Dronfield Arms. I went there for HopJacker. I got HopJacker. I tasted other HopJacker. It’s a great & welcoming pub.

HopJacker, Ryed Like The Wind on cask at 4%
I thought I might get red fruit off the rye. But didn't. Absolutely bursts with flavour though. Very fresh, gets to all your taste buds.

657/1358

Silverware 2018

Sheffield United Futures U19 1 v Sheffield U19 0

North Midlands Development Football League, U19 League Cup
Played at Bramall Lane

Tuesday 1 May 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Game 88

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On balance. That's a big salute to all concerned. I had been critical of The Mighty Blades for the lack of advance publicity about this game. But, on the night, it was well organised. I'm sure the NMDFL will have had a lot to do with that.

Rudimentary teamsheet to entice the Carrier Bag Firm. Information on the scoreboard. Very clear and audible in ground announcements. Everything moved along at a pace. The table with the cup & medals on it seemed to be on the pitch while he was still blowing his whistle. The evening was only marred by two of the ballboys practising cartwheels & handstands over on the far side.

The crowd was announced as 284. Pretty decent, that.

That's Silverware at The Lane three seasons running. United won this very same cup in 2016. In 2017 we won the U18 Professional Development League, National Title. I have to say. That was not much of a game tonight. OK, a lot of effort. But, not too much composure. Sheffield must come out of the game with a lot of credit. On, paper, that looked a very strong Young Blades side. George Broadbent & Reon Potts have played in PDL U23 games this season. A lot of the others have featured against Championship Sides Academies on Saturday mornings. Harrison Neal, Angelo Capello, Jake & Sam Kelly & Kyron Gordon were all paraded at The Lane on Saturday v PNE as new Academy Scholars. All started here tonight.

I'll admit. I was disappointed that Utd couldn't put on more of a show. Although a great headed goal on 65 minutes by centre back Tom Weaver won it.

SUFC Futures U19 are currently top of the league table as well. 32 points from 14 games with just two to play. It's a very, very messy league at the moment. A few teams could still catch Utd, one of them still has five games to play. AnyRoadUp, the League & Cup Double is still very much on.

I took the opportunity of nipping into the very reliable Railway Hotel before the game. That's far too busy for me on a First Team matchday.

Kelham Island, Kelham Islander, Blonde Ale on cask at 4%. A nice & bright Blonde Ale, which was in Tip Top condition. A pleasure to drink that one.

(Previously on Ball-Sup)
Abbeydale, Voyager IPA #8, Nelson Sauvin Galaxy Simcoe on keg at 5.6%
Lots of flavour, if a little underhopped. Thick and Chewy.
Wylam, What The Water Wanted, IPA on keg at 6%.
I thought that was a touch subdued upfront. But, an awful lot of juice gets there in the end.

651/1351

Nil One Eight Two

Sheffield United U23 0 v Aston Villa U23 1
Premier League Cup, Group Stage
Played at Stocksbridge

Sheffield United Futures U19 8 v Espial U19 2
North Midlands Development Football League U19 North
Played at Shirecliffe

Wednesday 14 March 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Games 75 & 76

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Double Header. Second in two days. Stocksbridge & Shirecliffe this time. Sheffield Beer Week.

The Wellington have got some Sheffield vs Norwich thing going on. But, I didn’t really dip into that. Due to availability of HOPS. And, it's confession time. The Wellington. I must walk within 50 yards of the door every time I go to the Academy at Shirecliffe. It's Kelham Island fringes, if not central. It's Tap for Neepsend Brewing. Etc. First time I've ever been in. Ridic.

Wiper & True, Kaleidipa on keg at 8.6%. Smells fresh & zesty. Very thick & chewy. The bitterness grows very slowly. Tongue tingling & then numbing. You can just about get the abv burn underneath. It's a lingerer. You know you've had that one.

Neepsend Brew Co, Simcoe IPA, Single Hopped on keg at 5.5%.  Very appealing to look at. Opaque. Foaming head. Maybe just a bit short on flavour & bitterness. The verging on lime bitterness just about gets there. The balance is spot on. Just needs some ooommmppphhh.

Neepsend Brew Co & City Of Ale, Blossom, Honey Milk Stout on cask at 4.5%. I really liked that one. Again. Very appealing in the glass. Impossible to see through black. Lovely caramel coloured head. Smooth. I'd worried it might be varnish cloyingly sweet. It ain't. Full of flavour. Bit of everything. Toffee dominates if anything. Just singed. Great.

I hate “Cups” with Group Stages. Here we go. That defeat has put us through to the last sixteen, knockout stage, of the Premier League Cup. We've finished level with Ipswich on 9 points. But, we have a better goal difference. Because of postponements, we're a bit behind some of the other teams. Villa play their knockout on Friday. SUFC U23 v Derby County in the next round.

Putting that to one side. That was a poor display. Villa were facing games Monday, Wednesday, Friday this week. Today's was a Dead Rubber. All the chatter is that they fielded a young, inexperienced team today. Yet, they were well worth that win.

United started with Freeman, who is trying to find a way back after injury. Evans C, who is trying to find form & a way back. And, proper signing Ben Heneghan. Also, Luca Colville, presumed trialist. Heneghan took a knock and was struggling. And, didn't reappear for the second half. Freeman & Evans were both subbed at 60. Neither of them appeared to be injured. Naturally, Freeman & Evans both had a couple of moments. But, I'm in a mood. Simply, neither really contributed anything. Ched had a half decent 15 just before half time. But, for long periods either side - barely had a kick. At one stage of the second half, Evans set himself on the edge of the final third. To win a targetman's header. Set. Jostled. Rose. Got a perfect shoulder on it. Thus summing up his timing all afts.

The U Two Threes really perked up once the Big Lads had done the off. Sub George Broadbent hit the post with a great shot after 70. Utd were much more lively, and created a fair few chances in that late period. I'm not singling Freeman and Evans out. Collectively, United were constantly giving the ball away. We were behind after just 8 minutes. It looked awful. Gave the ball away. Heneghan trying to get to his man, who had the ball. Looked like he was running through treacle. Left for dead. The ball got shifted right. And a nice finish. After 15 minutes, The Vile had a great chance to make it two after a flowing move down our left.

The afternoon started out badly. Some Villa fan produced an email claiming they had been promised 60 (sixty) colour teamsheets. The teamsheets are printed at Bramall Lane. And, thenceforth, delivered to Stocksbridge by a specially trained Carrier Bag Firm battalion in reinforced bags. There's a finite supply. Sixty is going to make a big dent in that. Fuck Me. eBay will be flooded with 'em next week.

The second leg of the double header was shifted to the floodlit plastic pitch up at Shirecliffe. That is the first time I’ve ever seen a game on that pitch. It kicked off late, because the ref reckoned he’d found a hole in the goalnet at the far end. I have to say, I don’t know why the Futures don’t play more games at Shirecliffe on plastic. Games sometimes come too thick & fast for Stocksbridge - particularly in the snow, rain & cold. I know these lads will have to play on grass once their careers get up & running. But, surely it’ll do them no harm to play on a true surface in early March every now & again. Some of them, who I’ve seen before, looked much better ball players on this surface that they can trust.

Anyway. United ran out easy winners. Espial finished with 10 men & an outfield player wearing an orange bib in the nets. They’d used all their subs & the keeper took a knock to his wrist/arm. He couldn’t even get the shirt off to give it to his mucker - hence the bib.

626/1303

Sneaky Cheeky Flicky

Sheffield United Futures U19 6 v Sheffield U19 0

North Midlands Development Football League, Under 19 Level North

Played at Stocksbridge

Wednesday 21 February 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Game 65

Sentinel, CP, Chocolate & Cherry Porter on cask at 5.5%

Damn. We're suggestible aren't we? I asked for a taste. The BarLady asked me if it really tasted of chocolate & cherry. It's in your head now isn't it? If it'd said coffee & raspberry, maybe I'd have got those flavours. Anyway. It's lovely & balanced as in no overpowering flavour. Whatever is in there is nice & gentle. It does get fruitier the further down it you get. But, it never gets too sweet nor cloying. There is a lot going on. Loved it.

A comprehensive win for the U19 Futures. We're falling between stools here. The Academy U18s are struggling. Rock bottom of their Professional Development League table. But, when the nucleus of those lads turn out in this U19 League, they've proved too good for a lively Sheffield side. I don't exactly know what they're trying to do. I'm guessing they want these lads to play together a lot, get some understanding & confidence and stay together as a cohort. Hence, that was very much an Academy Lite XI. Sheffield had their moments. Kept at it. Were a credit. But, I'm afraid Utd ran away with it. Let's hope that builds a bit of confidence that they can take into the Professional League games.

It got even harder for Club after 60 minutes. One of the strikers got clattered, carried on a bit, but had to limp off. Unfortunately, there were no more available Subs, so they had to finish with ten men.

In the absence of team sheets & in ground announcements, it's all “by eye”. I've got that as a Hat Trick for Reon Potts & a Double for Sam Ackroyd. Sorry if that's Bollocks. Reon knocked home United's second after 42. A good finish after being played in by Sam Ackroyd. Five minutes after half time, Simeon Oure was brought down in the box. Reon sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. (That was 4-0). Finally, on 80 minutes, the Hat Trick was a sneaky cheeky flicky back heel as he attacked the cross.

616/1282

Draw Drink Win

Sheffield United U23 1 v Crewe Alexandra U23 1
U23 Professional Development League 2
Played at Stocksbridge

Dunkirk U19 0 v Sheffield United Futures U19 2
North Midlands Development Football League U19 League Cup

Thursday 1 February 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Games 52 & 53

Dunkirk was the 203rd different ground I have watched an SUFC XI play on. All ages, all compos, all surfaces. That was the second leg of a very hectic double header. 2pm kick off for the U two threes at Stocksbridge. Half time in The Old Crown Inn (Handsworth). Then a 7:45pm kick off at Dunkirk, by The Trent in Nottingham. Thanks are due to tonight’s Carrier Bag Firm driver - who even got me back well before my last bus home.

Quick Under 23 Round Up

That result leaves Utd in third in the table. 28 points from 18 games. We’re three points behind Sheffield Wednesday, from the same games. They come to Bramall Lane on Monday, 5 February. Basically, if we beat them, we’ll go above them into a play-off spot. Bolton are out in front with 34 points from 18 games. The table is a little “false” - as Nottingham Forest, a point behind us in fourth, have only played 15 games. Incidentally, the Golden Boot is reasonably interesting. Young Blade Tyler Smith is in second place - 13 goals from 14 starts. But, currently top of the pile is Shirecliffe Graduate Connor Hall, released by us & signed for Bolton Wanderers. Sixteen goals from 15 starts.

Charlie Scott, from Manchester United’s Academy system, trialled recently for us v Aston Villa and Bolton U23s. I see he’s now signed for Hamilton Academical on loan for the rest of the season.

Today’s U23 Game

I was quite, bordering on very, disappointed the U23s didn’t win that. I did think we were the better team. I did think Crewe were barely in it for long swathes. But, we didn’t capitalise on possession & chances. And, we made a defensive error which cost us. See, the First Team Reports…..

We set up with Graham in the middle of a back three, Doherty on his right and Norrington-Davies on the left. I’ll be honest, that works, but does seem a bit makeshift. Doherty has “starred” as an attacking midfielder. Rhys has “starred” as an marauding left wing back. Slater & Gilmour (both great today, as per) in front of them. George Broadbent wide right (again somewhat makeshift). Stephen Mallon wide left. Jordan Hallam in the hole & coming at you at pace. Jake Wright & Ty Smith up top - target man & pace, for eg.

Bang at it from the off. A great flowing move down the right - Broadbent to Hallam to Smith - quick look up, slipped it inside to Hallam again, and a composed finish. One Nil. All after three minutes. You’ll understand why I was disappointed to only draw after that buzzing start.

A lot of very tenacious work by Slater throughout. Breaking up play. Chasing them down. Making them make mistakes. And. When he’s spoilt all that. Good, quick feet, accurate link up passes. Not afraid to take it on, start again & build. After 20 minutes, the Young Blades had another great move down the right. Broadbent & Smith involved. Having dragged the Crewe defence that way, Slater carried the ball all the way across field to build it on the left. Stephen Mallon fed an overlapping Norrington-Davies. Came to nothing. But, a great flowing move in possession, at pace, down both wings. Within five minutes, maybe with different personnel, they’d done it again. That ended with a cross cum shot by Mallon. In the Blog after the win at Ipswich, I “called Stephen Mallon out”. In a good way, I might add. Congratulating him on his return from injury, but feeling that, in future games, he needed to get more in it & make a positive contribution.

I really enjoyed his performance today. He got better & better as the game went on. Before his injury, I was beginning to feel that left wing back role suited him more (than conventional wide left). Just more involved & more able to use his skills. He’s got the flicks & tricks. Good eye for the ball. The defender lunges. Booof. He’s gone. Today, he coupled that with signs of good strength on the ball. And, good at his defensive duties. He made a last ditch tackle deep in the penalty area to rob the Creweite. Effectively keeping Utd in it at that stage.

As well as possession, we had a smattering of clearish chances. Slater loves a long killer pass. Maybe tries it a little too often - nitpicking. He banged a free kick from deep in his half right into Jake Wright’s stride. He got a good shot off, but the keeper saved well.

Naming names. Bang on half time. Sam Graham missed his tackle & man on the edge of the box. That left the fella able to push it onto the edge of the six yard box & his mate has done the cool finish. One each.

After half time, we got the nearly a year out return of Callum Semple. He actually replaced Jordan Hallam - with a reshuffle. Callum went straight to the centre of three. Graham switched right. I’m yet to be convinced of him out there - previously and today. Semple looked solid & assured. Looked on the pace & switched on to me. He got a good few solid defensive headers in early on. That will have settled him. Later, he popped up in the area for one of our corners & got a good header in, only narrowly over.

The reshuffle freed up Jordan Doherty. He’d done little wrong in the back three. But, for me, he shone more, and is better suited to midfield. We were treated to The Jake Wright Show in the Jamie Vardy stand. He tended to creep over to our left in the second half. As target man for our goal kicks, etc. He is a better player, when he concentrates on his own game. Wins it. Lays it off. Runs with it. Gets a shot off. Once he’s tangling with defenders. Verbally & physically. No. He loses 10% (made up) effectiveness. That said. He had a reasonable game. He was on the end of some good chances.

Overall. A good performance. Not rounded off by the right result.

The midway drink

To make the logistics work, that was in The Old Crown, Handsworth. Way, way off my patch. But, well known as “the meet” for the Handsworth Blades AwayDay coach. Deffo a first time in for me. Nice simple three handpump setup.
Kelham Island, Easy Rider on cask at 4.3%
Chantrey, New York Pale on cask at 3.9%
for me.

Today’s U19 Futures

The Carrier Baggers were not to only ones to make the mad dash from Stocksbridge to Dunkirk. Sammy Ompreon & Kyron Gordon were unused subs for the U23s. And, they both turned up in the starting XI at Dunkirk. Sorry if I miss anybody. Along with Connor Cutts & Angelo Capello - being the only others I recognised. Indeed, Capello scored the first for United after 14 minutes. With a pacy run & neat dink over the keeper. It was a ding dong cup tie. The young Dunkirkers put up a great display. Chances at both ends. Lots of commitment. A few handbags. A bit of swearing. What else are you going to do on a Thursday….?

United held it together well. The Dunkirk keeper made save after save. Really kept them in it. Although it was far from one way traffic. The Futures put it to bed in the 75th minute. Our fella has shrugged off two challenges, shoulder to shoulder. Kept the ball at his feet. Then was (my opinion) scythed down in the box. Not the opinion of the two Dunkirk fans behind the goal. No. No. No. Not their opinion at all. Given the language they used to the Ref. Anyway. The Penalty is banged home. No Extra Time will be necessary. No last buses will be missed. These U19 & U21 League Cups that the Futures are in are messy affairs. There is a fair deal of scratching, walkovers, cancelled & postponed. But, I can bring you the news that our U19 Futures are now in the last 8, Quarter Final. Drawn to play Dronfield Town at Home - date tbc.

604/1262

My Poison Is

Alfreton Town U19 1 v Sheffield United Futures  U19 3

North Midlands Development Football League, U19 North

Thursday 12 October 2017

SUFC 2017/18 Game 33

My 200th Ground watching a Sheffield United XI. All ages. All competitions. All surfaces. Helmet off. Kiss the badge. Wave to the dressing room. Knuckle down. Go big or go home.

And, otherwise, I'd be unlikely to get to superb MicroPubs like What's Your Poison Ale House, 33 High Street, Alfreton. Six on cask. Three keg. My “criticism” would be that some of those are from the bigger boys. But, you know me, nitpick owt. No fannying around that is a lovely, bright, welcoming place.

The Marlpool Brewing Co. Frank on cask at 4.5%. Brewed in honour of Frank Gallagher. Ireland's first elected Socialist Councillor outside Dublin. Salute Comrade. Here's to you….

Well balanced. A little bit “tinny”. But, overall, nice n malty. A dryness coming after the initial sweetness.

Castle Rock, Most Haunted, Pumpkin Spiced Porter on cask at 4.4%. I'll own up. I'm not too sure what Pumpkin tastes like. That one all feels a bit underpowered tastewise. But, pleasant enough. Just needs beefing up.

Enjoyable game against a strong & willing Alfreton side. Marcus Dewhurst has kept United in that one. More than once an’ all. That win puts the U19 Futures top of the table. With 10 points from five games. Worksop Town lead the chasing pack with three wins from three. A bit different at U21 Futures. Where the College Blades are 5th (second bottom). Just three draws in five games.

A great surface at Alfreton. Full on PA announcements. Teams read out. Scorers & substitutes announced. Great little football experience. They even announced the crowd as 83.

United left back, Jake Stevens catches the eye. Sorry pal, because he could do with a growth spurt. Fair play. He won a LOT of his headers. Very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Donae Lawrence scored our first. Will Portman broke down the right. Squared it accurately & Lawrence knocked it home. Lawrence impressed at other times as well. On 55 minutes, he got out the full range of turns & flicks & shimmies. Piss poor finishing let him down, or it'd have been a belter. He was strong & lively throughout. Although the bench had a go at him for not holding the ball up enough.

To be fair, a lot of the Young Blades had good games. But, Alfreton were bang at it as well. For that reason, Marcus Dewhurst can have the fizzy Vimto for Man Of The Match.

550/1150

Director of 'Spoons QA

Swallownest Miners Welfare U19 0 v Sheffield United Futures U19 3

North Midlands Development Football League, U19 Level North

Thursday 28 September 2017

SUFC 2017/18 Game 29

That is the 199th ground I've watched a Sheffield United XI play on. All ages. All surfaces. All competitions. I will guarantee that all have had goalposts. Corner flags. Now that's an entirely different matter.

Futures - My Take

Sheffield United field two Futures teams. You know, that’s Red n White Stripes, Crossed Swords & a White Rose, says “Sheffield United” on the FA Website, Del Geary over there on the touchline, Sheffield United. One at U19. One at U21. Both play in the North Midlands Development Football League. I think of the Futures as Odds & Sods. It’s both a route in & a route out of the full blown Academy. Some lads have had their (first chance). They’ll make it somewhere in the non-league pyramid. And, they’ll need some qualifications to make their way outside of football. The Futures gives them a way of attending college, etc. And playing football at the same time. United won’t just cast you out. You’ve put your shift in. The Club will help you out, put your foot on a different ladder. Proper Football Club that. Salute.

And, some of the Futures lads have still to have their day. Some are already at the Academy. Some on trial for the Academy. Getting some game time. Being looked at. Being nurtured. Very occasionally, there is an experienced Academy lad out there for the Futures. Maybe coming back from injury. Maybe coming back from suspension. Maybe just blocked out in the Academy U16 or U18 teams.

Bizarrely, but intriguingly, it’s both a funnel INTO the Academy. And a funnel OUT of the Academy. Futures - in or out of the game. Or….. It’s designed for the Carrier Bag Firm to tick off yet more “obscure” grounds & grab bits of paper for their ticket & programme & teamsheet collections. You decide……

Futures - 2017/18 So Far

That win tonight puts our U19s top after 3 games. Won two. Drawn one. Seven points. Two points clear of Retford United who have 5 points from 3. Next up is a home game (Stocksbridge) on Wednesday 4 October.

Our U21 Futures are not doing so well. Played three. Drawn Two. Two Points. Fifth (next to bottom) in the table. Handsworth Parramore lead the table. Played two. Won two.

Tonight

Information is thin. United have a vast pool of players to pick from. There are rarely tannoy announcements. Nor accurate teamsheets. Spectators have to get their information where they can. So, apologies to any of the lads involved if I’ve misidentified. I think that was SAMMY OMPREON out there at 8. He’s the lad we’ve sucked in from Chelsea’s Academy. He had a quiet game if I’m honest. He got free down the left & squared the ball. Our striker rifled it in for the second goal. MARCUS DEWHURST was in goal. He’s been on Academy U23 duty for much of the season. What with Eastwood having to step up while Moore was injured. There was a great passage of play near the end. Swallownest hit the bar twice in the same attack. One of those was a great push up point blank save from Dewhurst. I think that was ANGELO CAPELLO out there at 11. An attacking threat earlier on, he was withdrawn to a (more-or-less) left wing back role in a reshuffle. His positioning was good & he stood out a bit. I’m less sure, but I think Academy lads Sam McLellen, Ben Harriott & Tom Weaver were also out there.

Three good first half goals. But, fair play to Swallownest. They got it together. Became more of an attacking threat. And “kept the score down”. A deft glancing header from a free kick after just one minute. The Ompreon square ball & strong finish after 29 minutes. And a similar left wing break, ball squared by Capello this time - 33 minutes.

The Beer

I will ask the questions….

Classic deflection tactic by a 'Spoons Manager tonight. I ordered;
Townshend Brewery, Cathcarts Xtra Pale Ale on cask at 4.2%. They are in Motueka, Nelson, New Zealand. They're part of the International Craft Brewers Showcase. So, this 'un was brewed at Hook Norton. I'd asked for a taste. So, that's me guilty. The pint pulled up Hazy. No danger. See recent Blogs & a preponderance of Unfined. But. I'll ask.

“Is this one supposed to be Hazy?”
“Does it taste alright?”
“Well, yes, you saw me taste it”

Satisfied, he minces off. Me, in pursuit….
“But, I asked, is it supposed to be Hazy?”
“No… But, if it tastes alright ….”

Ladies & Gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. I'm Ball Sup. Director of Quality Assurance for 'Spoons. FFS.

Anyway. It was alright. But, we'll die wondering. I stayed Themed.

Gage Road Brewing, Sleeping Giant IPA on cask at 5%. They're in Western Australia. This one was brewed at Banks’s. It is now time to SHOW OFF. My Australian beer tick list stands at 334. This Winter as one regiment tries to win The Ashes. The Carrier Bag Firm will be trying to take that to 500. Six of those 334 ticks are Gage Road. Including the real, true, original Sleeping Giant.

544/1136

Ladies & Budgies

Chesterfield U19 1 v Sheffield United Futures U19 4

Tuesday 10 January 2017

North Midlands Development Football League U19 Level North

Played at Eastwood FC

Twitter @ball_sup

Although it was three nil when I left after 65 minutes. What? I hear you ask. Why the hell didn't you stay until full time? Well, it was always going to be a tight call. To catch the last train to Sheffield back from Langley Mill. But to fully understand, I need to take you through a walk in the Carrier Bag Firm shoes. The problem was much compounded by a delayed kick off. They've got a great looking synthetic pitch at Eastwood. Which is very much billed as Eastwood COMMUNITY Football Club. There's some tie in with a US Soccer Academy. I'm setting the scene that the pitch is used often, and by a range of clubs & groups.

When The Baggers arrived, there were two groups of girls playing/training on the pitch. Portable goals had been rolled out. One group in one half, one in the other. Coaches tracksuits, etc gave them away as Notts County Ladies FC. No sign of the Futures, nor Chozzers. Clearly, the pitch was double booked. Half seven came & went. I'm guessing NCLFC had the pitches until eight. Because suddenly, everything sprang into action. Warm ups. Cones. Corner flags. Ref. Linos. We got underway “eventually”.

There was a nice Clubhouse in which to keep warm. But, no real ale in there. Indeed, in a first for the Carrier Bag Firm, there was an unusual event in the adjoining Function Room. A Budgerigar Auction. I'm guessing fifteen spectators at the game. Dwarfed by the hundred or so Budgie Fanciers.

I missed a tourist trick. It turns out that Eastwood is the birthplace of D H Lawrence. Lots of signposts to points of interest. Much of the town was Lawrence Branded. Including the 'spoons - The Lady Chatterley. In there, I had a pint of Lincoln Green Brewing Co, Mellors on cask at 4.4%.

My 186th ground watching a Sheffield United XI.

430/882
53

Beer Guide Cusp

Yorkshire 145 all out
lost to Somerset 390 all out
Yorkshire 286 all out
Somerset 44-0
by 10 wickets

County Championship Division 1

Played at Headingley

Retford United U19 0 v Sheffield United U19 12 (Twelve)

North Midlands Development Football League U19 North

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Twitter @ball_sup

The maths never stacked up. At Tea with Lehmann & Plunkett at it. By the close, Yorkshire might have been 120 ahead. That might have spiced things up a bit. But, it's the maths.

Wickets tumbled straight after Tea. Ugly of the day award goes to a brainless shot by Rashid. Danced down to the spinner. But wasn't looking to play an aggressive shot. Danced down to defend. Yes, that's right. Didn't get there. Didn't get anything on it. Walked past a straight 'un. Stumped by Miles.

Cor Blimey. Then we needed the maths at Retford. To count the racked up 12 goals. Partly, where’s the enjoyment in that. I understand this was Retford’s first go at an Under 19 team. And, SUFC had some proper scholar professionals out there. Sam Graham had been on the bench for the U23s v Coventry the day before. Now, he turns up at Centre Back here. No proper teamsheet. Was that Nat Crofts & Stephen Mallon out there as well?

Anyway. Scored at will. Fair play to the Retford lads who stuck at it. It’s a Development league.

I got caught on the cusp of the CAMRA Good Pub Guide. My Android App is the 2016 version. Sent me the way of BeerHeadZ in Town Hall Yard. Problem being I stumbled across walked past the Idle Valley Brewery Tap to get there. Very tempted. Very intrigued. No. Concentrate. BeerHeadZ. On Thursday, my Android App updated itself to 2107. Which has the IVBT in it. Cusped.

Anyway. BeerHeadZ is a great place. One room. Small bar frontage. Four on cask. Nothing on keg. I went Elephant School, Aussie Blonde at 4%.

180th ground watching an SUFC XI. Using the bit of grass & marked touchlines method.

373/785
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