The Three Kit Ref

Sheffield United 2 v Southampton 2 

Southampton win 4-2 on Penalties 

EFL Cup Third Round 

Tuesday 21 September 2021 

SUFC 2021/22 Game #11 

Sheffield United Community Foundation U19 2 v Everton 1 

National Football Youth League 

North East Premier 

Wednesday 22 September 2021 

Played at Handsworth 

SUFC 2021/22 Game #12 

The Beer...

Two Thirds Beer Co, 434-436 Abbeydale Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1FQ

are throwing Oktoberfest until October 3. And, you really should go. I won't pretend I know how Oktoberfest works. Never been. Damning it, isn't it as simple as a load of big industrial, international, conglomerate breweries in Bavaria brew some beers to an ever so slightly different recipe. Call 'em Festival Beers. And serve them in a load of circus tents. While presumably banging on about that fucking Reinheitsgebot all the time.

One off Beers you say, in tents. A lot to love there.

I should add that Two Thirds have German Street Food from Get Wurst all year around. (Get Wurst, I mean it's not Ball Sup, but as puns go, Hat Tip).

They've sourced six exclusive Oktoberfest Beers from different breweries. Got some appropriate bunting up. And the Big Drinking Glasses. Nice touch, but for Southampton at home, I'd better have Pints.

Now, I'm an Abbeydale Lad. Used to deliver The Star & Sunday Papers all round here. Sold The Green 'Un outside The Broadfield in a brief marketing experiment. Went to Heeley Baths. Went to the Abbeydale Picture House. Drank in The Temperance Bar. Before I un-saw the light I was in a Paramilitary wing of the Church Of England at St Peter's just up the hill from Two Thirds.

I mention all that just as testament to how things change over the years. Often for the better. Usually for the better. For the better. Look. This Is England. At this time of year, I'd be happy enough with a Green Hop Beer Festival. But, Stomping Ground Oktoberfest will do very nicely.

One of the beers was 4.9%, one 5.7% and the rest 6%+. As an ignoramus, I don't know what you're supposed to do. Drink 'em in a particular order. Pick one & stick to it in a show of brand loyalty. Anyway, we're the Carrier Bag Firm, we're going through the card (idc) & ticking them. 

For the time being, I steered clear of the Weiss & the Hell. I ended up with two yellow 'uns & a vaguely brown 'un.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier 2021 at 6%

Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München, Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier at 6.3%

Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfestbier at 6%

They were all nice. None tasted to those abvs. Fucking dangerous if you're drinking the Big Glasses. My favourite was the Hacker-Pschorr. More amber & malty and more what I'm used to in a Märzen. It was nice & floaty & dreamy & soft. Easy drinking. But I suppose that's the point.

The Southampton game…

Enjoyable enough. Usual situation. Eleven changes. I'll again bang on about Academy Blocking. Lopata, Gordon & Brunt started v Carlisle & Derby in previous rounds. Today, Gordon played for the U23s in Cardiff. Brunt was on the bench at that one. Lopata was an unused Sub at The Lane. Now, I'm not saying it's deliberate. I'm not even saying there's anything wrong with it. But, I'm just pointing out the numbers. Davies & Hourihane & Gibbs-White & Guédioura have come in since then. To give us a bigger, full squad of experienced, Championship Ready players. And that means the Pathway that your Gordons, Brunts & Lopatas can see to the First Team is more crowded, more congested, blocked. 

They've gone from - oh I see, I'm behind him, who is behind him, then it's the other one, then it's ME. To - oh shit, and him now & another one & some old guy who couldn't get a contract anywhere else. (Again, I recognise the inevitability of this at my, and most other, clubs, that's the game). And don't give me any of that shit about - if they're good enough, they'll break through. Why bother with an Academy then? We'll just let kids come down from Graves Park on Monday mornings, have a kick about & if any of them are good enough we'll put them in the First Team on the Saturday.

Pathways get blocked.

That said, our "Midweek XI" performed well against a nominal Premier League team. Organised. Kept the number of mistakes low. Probing & inventive. And, they were able to create chances & put some away. No criticism of Ndiaye from me. He had the screaming ab dab Cramps again. But, that's just where he is as a player & his fitness & his game time. Needs miles in those bow legs. I do wonder how we're going to use him longer term. The more withdrawn and wider role he played tonight kept him out of the game for spells. Only sparking him into life occasionally. I'm not fussed. But, I'm hoping they can find a very attacking role for him as one of a two. Or immediately behind a two.

The Everton game…

A good win for the Community Foundation U19s, in the "Get Phil Out Of The House" League. They'd been hammered 9-1 away at Newcastle last week. So hopefully they'll feel back on track after a deserved win against Everton. 

Previously, I've portrayed the Community Foundation team as Pre Academy. I've since realised that's wrong. Pre Academy better describes the 12/13/14 year olds training at Shirecliffe. With a view to signing into the Academy. The Community Foundation team is more a Shadow Academy, a Parallel Academy. Kids continuing their education, under Sheffield United branding, with a proper training & game program.

I've also called it United's D Team. Behind the First Team, Under 23s and Under 18s. 

I felt today's game was a bit lower quality than games I've seen in previous seasons. A bit more punt it upfield. I presume it's difficult at the beginning of the season. Completely new squad as term time starts. Precious little time for working on systems & plans. Maybe a lot of learning on the job.

Everton took the lead on 12. But the Class Room Blades were level on 14 & ahead on 21. 

In typical Carrier Bag Firm fashion, we were more interested in the poor old Ref. He started the game in Black. Complete colour clash with Everton's mainly black away kit. He pulled an orange bib on. Helping a bit. But, the bit of Everton's kit which was not mainly black, was orange. So, now both Everton & the Ref were in Black & Orange. (Giggling here). He emerged in the second half with a bright yellow shirt. Got a lot of laundry to do this week the fella.

Twitter @ball_sup 

www.twitter.com/ball_sup 

Untappd ball_sup 

Stats

I have now Blogged from 1,004 games in 2,591 days 

Get to Scoring School

Sheffield United 0 v Southampton 1
Premier League
Saturday 14 September 2019

SUFC 2019/20 Game 21

Twitter @ball_sup
www.twitter.com/ball_sup
Untappd ball_sup

There’s a new Ale House in town.
 

Lost Industry Brewing are about to open a Taproom on Sylvester Street, just as it becomes Sydney Street. On the site of the old Niche Nightclub. You can see it from The Lord Nelson (Fanny’s) across the wasteland masquerading as Car Parks. Lost Industry’s Social Media is adamant the Taproom opens on Saturday 21 September. I’m equally adamant I was in there before the Southampton game. It’s up to you who you believe. By chance, it was a sort of trial opening. Trying to ramp up & make sure everything works OK. Everyone seemed to know each other. As if, all of the owners, partners, brewers, friends & family were there. A great way of doing it. It’s a little unfair to do a full on Carrier Bag Firm Ball Supping review of the Gaff. They’re still getting it all ready and in the shape of a ship. But, I know you’ll want my views - so, ask away.

Phil - Did they have the lunchtime kick off on all the Big Screens?
No Mate, they most certainly did not. It’s a bright & open corner site, a few seats littered outside, perching seats around the side, and some great big slabs of communal table. There was a screen above the bar, I’m hoping to Hell that is for the Beer List, not for Burnley v Brighton.

Phil - Is it just Burgers, or have they got some sad twist on a Chip Butty with a quirky name?
No Mate, it’s a Bar, you’re thinking of a Cafe. The extensive menu was, correctly, Crisps (£1), Nuts (Pounds, One) & Scratchings (at an inexplicably price structure complicating £1.25). Although, I have to admit, maybe they do intend to start doing food once they’ve officially opened.

Phil - Is it a Proper Home Pub? Do you think they’ll let us sing all the latest songs nicked from other clubs while we bang on the ceiling?
No Mate, I fucking hope not. Although I must admit that I caused a few raised eyebrows. A big party of SUITS were making their way towards the Lane. Maybe that’s the latest set of Club Stealing Bastards snorting around now the Big Prinz v McCabe Court Case is dying on its arse. Anyway, as is required by the Carrier Bag Firm Code of Practice, I gave them the full - Stop Thief, give us the game back you robbing Bastards - volley from my very comfortable seat in the Bar.

Phil - Have they got any Normal Lager? Carling maybe? On offer at two Eighty?
Well. I suppose I’ll have to concede. Partly. Yes. The sign on the window has been saying 21 Keg Lines for weeks. I didn’t count them myself. But, from the keg & tap wall behind the jump, that looked plausible. But, remember, ramp up opening. Just a (still impressive) eight actually beered up. Four of those were actually from Triple Point Brewing (formerly Sentinel Brewing) around the corner on Shoreham Street. And three of those were Lagers or Pilsners. Triple Point Czech Style Pilsner at 4.6%. Triple Point Helles Session Lager at 4.1%. Triple Point Kop Lager at 4.1%. Make no mistake, those last two are the same, with a different name. Two of the eight were Abbeydale, and one of those was Heresy Lager at 4.5%. So - four (of 8) kegs turned over to (effectively) three different Lagers/Pilsners. The cheapest was Triple Point Helles/Kop at £3.30 a Pint. Maybe things will change once they get up n running. But, today. No Big Brand “Normal” Lager. I saw some Mugs drinking some sort of Cider from bottles.

FFS Phil, you’re not selling it to us - no footy on the Big Screens, no Chip Butty’s, no Chanting, no Normal Lager & Dark Fruits, nothing under £3.30. Why would any Blade ever go in?
Well. Because, it is a lovely simple welcoming place. The owners/brewers/staff were friendly & helpful. But, you know. Main pulling power for this place will be Beer. The range. The quality. Obvs, their aim will be to stock that keg wall with a variety of their own beers. Whacking on the customary interesting Guests. And, maybe, the quirky ones you’ve barely heard of. They had a two door Can Fridge. I wish I’d made notes. Lots of lovely stuff in there. Maybe a glimpse as to how they’ll run their Guest Lines. Somewhat bafflingly, the two Lost Industry beers which were on were priced at a fiver a pint. I’m not sure what’s gone on there. And, please note, CARD ONLY.

Lost Industry, Pale Rakau on keg at 4.1%. That was a nice beer. A bit of citrus, which quickly shifted to hay and dried on the palate.
 

Lost Industry, Smokey Joe, Coffee Rauchbier on keg at 6%. That was very well balanced. A bit of Ham Hock, some Coffee, closer to a smokey Stout than a full on German Rauch. A lot to love in that beer.

Look. I ain’t pulling punches. My nouse says that’s a tough ask for Lost Industry. I’m sure/hope they’ll have an ambitious start. Lots of kegs. Open in the afts. Midweek. Etcetera. But, it’s in a quiet area. Sure, there are a few other Artisan Outlets growing up in that area. But, you’ve got to wonder whether they’ll have the footfall & passing trade to keep them open all hours. No entreprenarial bones in my old body. But, they’ll have to get their costs right to make all that work. If the Lost Industry Mob are reading this. I’d like to give a little word of warning. You’re sort of on the route that Sheffield Plod lead the away fans through from the station to the ground. You might have a hectic security five minute problem every other “Saturday” (... Sky Tv Grrrrrr …). In those circumstances, I’m afraid the Carrier Bag Firm will NOT be in a position to offer you our “you don’t want any mither, do you?” protection racket. Good Luck with your new venture, I hope it all works out.
 

Of course it’s disappointing to lose. At home. By the only goal. Against one of the Other 13. But, don’t lose your Shit. That is what is down for us. Get a chance (Didzy) in this league. Take it. Don’t make mistakes & give the ball away. Don’t lose your head & see Red. Start managing the game a bit. Get it done. We’re learning.  We had a lot going on. A somewhat disorganised constant threat. We didn’t take our chances. Southampton did. I wouldn’t know how to work on it in training. But, Knill Will. McGoldrick and Baldock (if Norwood keeps finding him with those Cross Fielders) need a spell at Scoring School. Five games in. Five points on. Fourteenth. Keep going.

Stats
I have now Blogged from 851 games in 1,852 days

The Koeman Spat

Sheffield United 1 v Southampton 0

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Twitter @ball_sup

Another superb Cup Night at The Lane.

The Spat.  Football continues to invent things which create points of tension. We never used to have all this shit. Just after United’s goal went in, there was a kerfuffle on the touchline.  By eye, the referee came over and spoke to Clough, Morgan & some of the others on our bench.  I thought he started to walk away, but then came back to point Morgan to the stands.

The forensics from the tele have it that Southampton Manager Ronald Koeman refused the customary handshake from Clough at the end. Under cross examination he claimed a lack of respect shown to the Southampton bench & fourth official.  Well, we never used to have a fourth official to disrespect. And, Managers may or may not have shaken hands at the end, depending on whether their paths crossed. It was not a REQUIREMENT like it is today.  Invented stuff.

I will go to my grave not fathoming the new RULES for what you’re supposed to do at a Bounce Up. Invented stuff.

But, I will say, I am astounded at some of the stuff that goes on around our bench.  You’ll see pictures of Clough waving, gesticulating, eyes popping out of his head. Passion. Well. He’ll be contesting a Linesman’s decision to give a throw in to the other side near the halfway line. he loves his throw ins does our Nige. I’ve remarked on it a few times this season. Add the Morgan Factor & some kerfuffle was inevitable sooner or later.

Koeman lost it didn’t he. October 13 1993, De Kuip, Rotterdam. The Dutch firm threw a tennis ball blast bomb at the pub I was in. Dutch plod corralled us on some “base” outside the city. I escaped, but realised there was nowhere to go, so had to offer myself for recapture. David Platt was clear on goal, Koeman brought him down. The real villain (the Ref) gave it outside the box & only a yellow card. Within minutes Koeman scored a free-kick at the other end. England lost 2-0 & we didn’t go to USA 1994.  Koeman can have the defeat tonight & the lack of respect on me.

But, Clough could wind in the pack dogs on the bench as well.

Superb support from Southampton. Great shift by all The Blades players. Two legged Semi - who invented that shit.

I didn’t do a bad shift myself. Two new pubs/bars for me. Tracked down that Thornbridge peanut butter beer at last, and even found a second peanut butter beer.  The new new place was The Tap & Tankard on Cambridge Street. A Kelham Island Brewery project, revamp of The Sportsman.  I like what they’ve done, which is sort of very little. The interior is soft & subdued - but recognisable as a pub.  They’ve smartened it up, but changed very little else.  A good range of Kelham Island & Guest casks - no craft keg. And “upmarket” lagers rather than High St brands.  The (young) barman was enthusiastic, if slightly hard sell. He gave me good advice about Kelham Island Fairytale Of New York (at 4.2%). He described the taste from the Belgian Yeast well.

I’ll say straight away that The Tap & Tankard seems a great addition to the Sheffield City Centre set of pubs.

After the game, I was in Anchorage. I know it’s been open a bit - but I’ve never quite made it in. I’ll say, it was an odd time. Miserable Tuesday in December about 2215. But, the place seems OK. A nice small range of craft keg, some cask. The main show described well on the black boards. Very pleasant staff. They let me have tastings and told me about the other stuff that was on.  A bit dark inside, but clean and functional.  It’ll be the beer range that drags me back in here.

All told….across all venues;

Siren Liquid Mistress on Keg at 5.8% in The Rutland
Kelham Island Fairytale Of New York on Cask at 4,2% in The Tap & Tankard
Anchor Porter on Keg at 5.6% in The Brew House behind Henrys (too sweet - by a mile)
Hand Drawn Monkey Shadwell IPA on Keg at 4.7% in BrewDog
Wild Beer Co. Yankee Sandwich on Keg at 4.7% in Anchorage
Thornbridge Charlie Brown on Keg at 6.2% in The Bath Hotel
RedWillow Directionless IPA on Keg at 4.5% in The Bath Hotel

Standout beer of the day was the Siren Liquid Mistress on keg at 5.8%. Initial taste is nutty & toasty. It softens somewhat before a short salad leaves bittering. It's complex in the sense that the flavours linger & mingle. The sweetness is only in the background & a red berry fruit develops from it. Very nice beer.

(Tue 22/7 61/147)