Blades Season Review: 2015/16 - July Part 2

Last updated : 02 June 2016 By @blades_mad1889

Adkins added to the list of new players with the arrival of striking duo Blade Billy Sharp (pictured), who returned to the club for a third spell from Leeds United for an unreported £500,000, and Conor Sammon (Derby County) on a season's long loan.

Newcastle United were invited to Bramall Lane as part of Chris Morgan's Testimonial, giving the players the first opportunity to play on the brand new pitch. In what was a splendid performance by United earned a 2-2 draw against a Magpies side whom would eventually suffer relegation from the Premier League come May. The visitors had taken the lead through some disastrous defending and allowed new Dutch signing Wijanldum to take the lead.

United levelled through some neat play which allowed McNulty to finish and De Jong restored their lead after being unmarked at the far post from a corner. The goal of the day and perhaps as far as the Blades were concerned the goal of the season from Kieron Freeman's half-volley. Three days later they wrapped up July's month of fixtures with a convincing 4-0 win at National League side Macclesfield Town.

Whilst Adkins had been busy in the transfer market, his plans to forge a deadly attack were hampered when forward Matt Done broke his collarbone in a 4-1 win at Matlock Town.

Sheffield United 2-2 Newcastle United - Chris Morgan Testimonial/Friendly
Sunday, 26 July 2015

Kieran Freeman scored a scorcher of a goal as the Blades and Newcastle United drew two goals apiece in the Chris Morgan Testimonial match. New Magpies signing Georgino Wijnaldum had opened the scoring, capitalising on a defensive error before the break before United levelled through Marc McNulty. Siem De Jong restored the visitors lead but Freeman was to have the last say with his thunder bolt effort beating Dutch International Tim Krul in front of the Kop.

Nigel Adkins named a side which didn't include new signing Billy Sharp with Martyn Woolford starting and Conor Sammon being introduced in the second half. John Brayford, Mark Howard and Bob Harris were all notable absentees as they suffered from injuries. It was fair to suggest that Newcastle, the more experienced side started the game the better side and within 90 seconds had threatened United's goal. Cisse unleashed a left foot effort which curled past George Long before rattling the post, soon afterwards Wijnaldum fired wide as the Magpies looked set to dominate the proceedings.

But the Blades found themselves back into the game and within the opening 20 minutes had carved out chances for themselves. Woolford was off target and Che Adams found himself crowded out by Janmaat after McNulty played him through. McNulty hit wide himself after Jose Baxter's free-kick ricocheted off the wall. It was the visitors who took the lead at Bramall Lane and came about after a defensive error, a poor back-pass to Long put him under pressure, he was able to prevent Cisse from finding the net but the ball broke lose to WIJNALDUM who made no mistake.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce was introduced at the break, replacing Woolford and it wasn't long after the second half begun that the Blades levelled the scores. Brilliant play in the middle of the park saw United break the offside trap with Adams slipping through to MCNULTY who one-one-one with the keeper pushed the ball through his legs and into the back of the net. With an hour of play gone Sammon and Done was introduced for Adams and McNulty. Within moments Done looked to score when he lifted the ball over Krul but Taylor was on hand to head clear. United looked to be controlling the Premier League side until the 78th minute when they won a corner. Colbeck's delivery was flicked on by Cisse with an unmarked DE JONG to tap home at the far post.

With three minutes of the game remaining Chris Morgan was looking to make his anticipated move onto the field but not before FREEMAN half-volleyed his effort 25 yards from goal, his stunning strike was unstoppable for Krul in what was a well-deserved equaliser for the Blades. Morgan duly took the captains armband with just minutes remaining. But there was still plenty of action to be had, they was a late shout for a penalty to the visitors and at the other end - had it been a cup competition then Williamson would have surely been handed his marching orders. He was the last defender when he dragged down Sammon and the resulting free-kick from Morgan was blasted against the wall before the referee drew a close to the game.

Pictured: Newcastle United's Yoan Gouffran (left)and Sheffield United's Connor Sammon during the pre-season friendly.

Macclesfield Town 0-4 Sheffield United - Friendly
Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Sheffield United kept up their unbeaten record of 4 wins and a draw as they dominated Macclesfield Town last night. United had taken the lead via an own goal before Billy Sharp, making his debut scored his first goal in his third spell at the club and Che Adams added a brace in what was a comfortable victory for the S2 club. Sharp was partnered upfront by Sammon as eight of the starting XI played a full 90 minutes. Murphy and McNulty were rested but Howard returned in goal from a thigh injury whilst some development players were also included in the squad.

United had already carved out chances in the first opening 15 minutes with Campbell-Ryce involved in both which saw the visitors take a two-goal lead in the process. Firstly, the winger supplied a free-kick into the box and DIAGNE headed into his own net and two minutes later a ball through to SHARP was duly despatched! Moments later Sharp headed wide and at the other end Howard was barely issued with a warning. But there was cause for concern when Campbell-Ryce limped off injured and replaced by the impressive Adams. Teh last action of the first half saw Macc create their first of the game but Lewis headed straight at Howard following pressure from McEverley.

Baxter fired over the crossbar and Rowe, from a corner hit wide as both sides was provided with chances early in the second half. Just after the hour mark the Blades tripled their lead, Howard found McFadzean before making exchanges with Baxter, Basham and Woolford before ADAMS struck - sending the keeper the wrong way to score. In what were pre-game implemented moves the SAS partnership of Sammon and Sharp were replaced with Michael Higdon and youngster Otis Khan.

With 15 minutes remaining Freeman worked well and broke the offside trap to tee up Adams who flashed wide but his efforts were rewarded in the final minute. Defender Collins passed down the right hand side for ADAMS to hold off his marker before hitting home; 4-0.