The Blades 100% home record came to an end when they were surprisingly held by a determined Bury side. After getting an early goal thanks to Nick Blackman it looked as if United would go on to win at a canter but an immediate response by Peter Sweeney from a free kick at the Kop end saw parity restored. After this United huffed and puffed but other than a few shots from the scorer, Blackman, that were well saved they never looked totally convincing all afternoon in a really poor performance. They looked disjointed, lethargic and sloppy in possession. It was all too slow and lacked penetration, width and real guile. Bury coped fairly comfortably with most things United threw at them and indeed had a great shout for a penalty towards the end before missing an absolute sitter from under the cross bar that really should have seen them taking all three points.
Before the game Nick Montgomery was introduced to the crowd and was given a fond farewell before he heads off to Australia to start a new chapter in his career. As for the game, missing the suspended Ryan Flynn and Michael Doyle; United surprisingly gave a start in central midfield to Daryl Westlake and gave a debut to loanee Paul Gallacher on the left. Bury were without the experienced frontman David Healy and were managed by ex Owl; Peter Shirtliff who maintained his caretaker role despite their poor start.
McMahon dithered early on and Maguire had to make a smart tackle to deny Marshall before neat work from Cofie and Gallagher nearly led to an opportunity. The Blades though scored with virtually their first real attack of note. Gallagher played the ball inside towards BLACKMAN who took the ball on his chest and as the ball dropped he acrobatically hooked high into the net. There may have been a suspicion of offside but it was telling that the Bury players did not really appeal as the United players celebrated. Soon after the goalscorer had another chance but could not quite react quickly enough and only toe poked at Carson.
McMahon had been really sloppy in the opening spell to the game and this continued as he gave away the ball and this led to McAllister giving away a stupid free kick right on the edge of the area. SWEENEY took the kick and curled it over the wall and past Howard’s right hand even though the keeper seemed to get a hand to the ball. It was a well-executed finish but the keeper maybe ought to have done better. The advantage had been instantly nullified and the game was back level.
The game then had a scrappy spell with neither side getting on top. United were slow to get it forward and their control and passing was extremely sloppy. Bury were growing in confidence but had a let off when Maguire ought to have scored but his header was tame when well-placed from a corner. Blackman then had a shot wide of the post before Howard somehow fumbled a Jones header round the post when he ought to have gathered.
The second half began with Westlake starting on the right and McAllister coming inside but the Blades could not make much headway in the game. United opted to bring on the experienced Cresswell for Cofie who seemed a little frustrated to be taken off yet again. Cresswell won a few early headers and also used his experience to get a free kick that sadly came to nothing. There were few chances of note and United could not show any period of pressure or fluidity to their passing.
McDonald was booked for a cynical pull back but then showed his class with a slide rule ball to Blackman whose low shot was deflected wide. At the other end a lovely piece of skill from Cullen saw him flick the ball up and volley inches wide with Howard well beaten. John Lewis came on for Hooper as Bury tried to show more adventure up top.
The dangerous Blackman again had another effort but his powerful shot was saved from Carson at his near post. McDonald was fortunate to escape a red card when after he committed another foul soon after. The referee chose to caution Sodje for trying to ask for the second yellow card for McDonald. Bizarrely, Sodje then probably committed a clear yellow card for a clumsy foul on Cresswell soon after but the referee probably had no choice to be lenient again after he had set a precedent moments earlier. Sodje was taken off not long after; probably as much for his own protection as Hughes came on to replace him.
United continued to be the dominant side but still were hardly convincing and were relying on Blackman too much. The striker played a few one twos and both efforts were saved from Carson; with the keeper then punching away the resultant corner.
With just over 5 minutes left Kitson came on for Westlake as United threw caution to the wind and had 3 strikers up the top of the field. However, as United tried to win the game there were gaps opening up at the other end.
Cullen got behind the defence and as he shaped to shoot there was a last ditch challenge from McMahon who got something on the ball but also got some of the man. There were loud appeals for a spot kick from the visitors but the referee indicated that the defender had won the ball much to the relief of much of the crowd who many probably feared the worse with the tackle coming from behind.
The ball came over from the right and it seemed as if it was a goal for all the world as Cullen met the cross but he somehow header over with the goal at his mercy. The Bury coaching staff held their heads in their hands and knew the chance of a famous victory had been denied.
United tried to take advantage of the additional four minutes of stoppage time and Blackman again got behind the defence but his shot flashed the wrong side of the post. Bury actually won another corner late on that came to nothing as United did not know whether to stick or bust before the referee finally ended proceedings with boos greeting the full time whistle to signify a desperately, disappointing afternoon for the Blades.
United – We were pretty awful today. It was one of the poorer performances in recent years against a side that will do well not to go down. Wilson can dress it up all he wants but performances and results like that will see us stuck in this division for a long, long time. I felt we were slow all game and the players were all to a man about 20-30% off being even average yet alone decent. They should have had a rollicking at half time but got no better after the break and it was a one paced, go through the motions type of performance that merited exactly what we got; a 1-1 draw with Bury.
We got a decent goal and had another chance just after but we looked so lackadaisical throughout. The passing and play was painfully slow with the build-up laborious and then the predictable hoof forward. Defenders were slow to react and the midfield lacked bite and desire. The game seemed to just bypass most of the United players and no one took responsibility. I was frustrated at times with Blackman for his greedy play and penchant for the shot but if he had not had a go then I doubt no one would have had a shot! McDonald was off his game and his fellow three midfielders did not really do enough at all. The defence looked hesitant and it always looked like Bury could get chances even though they were on the back foot most of the game. They were probably surprised at how bad we were and now regret not going at us more.
We lacked cohesion, creativity and had no width whatsoever the whole game. The ball was often just passed across from side to side slowly and then eventually one of the defenders (usually Hill) which just finally punt it forward when he realised no one from midfield could take the ball. There were huge gaps between the three areas and there seemed no communication whatsoever. No one wanted any responsibility and the likes of Westlake and McAllister looked very, very ordinary and that is being kind. The front two tried hard but they have no kind of understanding whatsoever. Blackman continued to try and single handily score but then he was the only one who looked a threat despite his selfishness.
The set plays/corners were utterly dire with barely a cross beating the first man all game and no variation at all. We never seem to look like scoring (granted we did last week before someone states the obvious) from such situations. At throws we just stand there and we never get players out of their natural positions (eg midfielders ahead of attack or defence coming out and trying to initiate play). It was head shakingly bad today in all aspects.
United thought they were going to walk the game but sadly we don’t have the same players as last year and without the forward threats like Williamson, Evans, Lowton and Quinn; we really do much on McDonald and when he has a poor game, we look lost. Today I never felt like we looked like scoring aside from when Blackman had a shot. We will have to improve massively on that performance and indeed in general despite being unbeaten so far; I have not been convinced by our performances. We could easily have lost to Shrewsbury and even today they probably had the best chances if not the most. These two are sides who will be near the bottom. If you look at the table most of the sides we have played are round the bottom which is worrying. We have not really played anyone. I feel in the next few weeks when we play sides like Doncaster and Notts County we may have a better impression of where we are at. However without the individuals mentioned gone, adding in the suspensions and us lacking any kind of winger in the entire squad it means we are not going to blow teams away. Also with a very shaky defence we are susceptible at the other end. We probably are about where we will be at the end of the season; lower play offs to middle if we do not address some of the above issues.
I still think despite the above we can do much better and the build play is so slow at times and teams just get men behind the ball and wait for the inevitable straight ball forward as they know we don’t have any pace or natural width so have to go right through the centre and if McDonald does not get on the ball we have to go long.
Bury – Fair play to them. They got soundly beaten at the Lane last year and at Gigg Lane. They went behind and probably feared the worst but scored an excellent goal and then defended well. The keeper made some good saves but you would expect him to have saved most of them. There were never any world class saves or glaring misses we had. I felt for the most part they coped with us well and played some ok stuff. They are a poor side though and I will be surprised if they finish out of the bottom four. However, as poor as they were in possession of the ball they managed to control a big area in the middle of the field, breaking up play and stopped us getting any balls into dangerous areas and bottled it up.
They looked lively at times going forward and the forward Cullen caused some real problems with his strong running and pace. He could have had a goal with a great shot and then right at the end he missed a sitter, heading over when it looked easier to score right under our bar. They would have been fortunate to get all three points but would point to the penalty aswell I suppose. In general play they conceded a lot of possession and did time waste and try and spoil but their resources and wage bill is still probably about 1/20th of ours and they will be delighted with a point. We did not really do enough to beat them so fair play to them. They lack real quality and I am sure will lose a good portion of the games they play this season and will probably go down. Fair play to them but I a more concerned about the United performance rather than thinking Bury really played tremendous and stifled us. That in no means is patronising but if I said Bury are no better than the side that lost 4-0 at the Lane last year then they says a lot about how much United have dropped off in terms of overall quality of individuals and the team.
Howard 5/10 – Thought he was poor on the goal. It was a decent free kick but he seemed so slow getting across and then got a hand on it but only helped it in. Felt it was a goal that most keepers would expect to save. He then palmed another harmless shot around the post when it should have been a comfortable catch. He continued to look quite hesitant throughout. He has not totally convinced me at all so far and have rarely seen him make many saves. Most shots sadly seem to beat him.
Hill 4/10 –. Thought he was wretched for the most part. Kicked two balls out when he was playing a simple ball down the line. Hesitated defensively at times and often was slow to react to danger. He just seemed to do one thing all game; receive the ball take a touch and then fire an aimless diagonal ball to no one in particular. He must have done this at least a dozen times and never found a red and white shirt. A very ordinary player and that is being kind.
McMahon 4/10 – I thought he had a shocker. He was as bad as Hill and that is saying something! He started the game by giving the ball away and then did it three times in the first 15 minutes. He gave a few free kicks away in silly areas leading to problems. He did not pass the ball well and generally looked totally off his game. Lucky not to get sent off for the challenge at the end. Hope this was a one off.
Maguire 6/10 – Like the rest of the defence felt he was quite sloppy at times. He also lost 4 or 5 headers against a smaller man. Seemed to coast through the game and at times is guilty of thinking he is better than he is. The blond haired lad up front, Cullen, at times led him a merry dance. Did make one or two good tackles in the game but overall feel he had a substandard game.
Collins 6/10 – Probably the best of the defence and he was only ordinary at best. He too looked slow and generally not sharp enough to react to dander. As Captain there seemed to be no communication in the side and at times our defence and midfield and attack had huge gaps in between them. He at least won most of his headers and attacked the ball more than the others rather than waiting for it to bounce.
Gallacher 5.5/10 – Started the game well and assisted on the goal and had a few other decent moments showing good touch and link up play but faded badly and I cannot recall him doing anything of any note after the break. Thought he could have been taken off but then you could have said that about half a dozen!
McDonald 5/10 – An off day for him. He still played some of our best passes; such as the through ball to Blackman in the second half and a few other decent moments but overall his touch and passing was off. He got booked for a cynical foul and was very lucky not to go off for a second offence. He may have only made two bad challenges all game but by the letter of the law; dragging back the man and no play on the ball he should have been sent off really. Very fortunate.
McAllister 4/10 – I can only recall him touching the ball twice all game. Seriously. I am sure he did touch it more than that but he really was a complete non-factor. Started wide right and was barely involved. He was moved inside and was still barely involved. He has played every game this season but despite him being a decent finisher and neat and tidy sort of player; I sadly do not think he is quite good enough. He does not affect games and lacks the physical presence or mentality to get into games and make himself part of games.
Westlake 4.5/10 – Started in the centre which was odd (as he ever played there?) which shows how bereft of options we are how little Wilson rates McAllister in such an area. He showed a few neat and touches early but the game seemed to just pass him by and he seemed woefully short of fitness. We never got a grip of the central area at all. He was moved wide right but had no more of an influence there. I thought he was supposed to be an attacking player even as a full back but he did not show any real pace or trickery at all. The likes of Chappel, Tonne and McFadzean must wonder if they will ever get a game if ordinary looking players like him are preferred to them? Not saying they are the answer but you would think he may have played one of the more natural wide men instead.
Blackman 7/10 – Our best player but even then I think he made some poor decisions and showed a real frustrating side to his game. He did get lots of shots away and made the keeper work. He scored a good goal and did link well at times. He looked our only real outlet and method of penetrating their defence. Still despite this he frustrates with his body language at times (throwing his arms up) as he seems to also think he is better than he is (not someone who had played for about 6 or 7 teams already and is completely unproved). Think there is a good prospect in there but he needs to play in the team concept too. At times he seems to just have his head down and be intent on shooting no matter what and is very selfish.
Cofie 5.5/10 –.He did ok in spells but really lacks physical strength and gets knocked off the ball way too easily for me. He showed some neat and tidy touches but has no concept of where to go when the ball comes forward and all too often he is miles off his centre forward partner. Thought it was a bit harsh for him to come off as I would have took off Westlake or McAllister instead but he is going to be one of those players that plays bit parts here and there..
Subs
Cresswell 5.5/10 – He at last gave us a physical threat and we won a few more headers and linked a bit more. He had a few half chances and at least gave us an outlet with height/hold up play. He did miss a header after Blackman’s shot which he really ought to have done much better with and then tried to win a free kick which was a little shameful really.
Kitson – Came on right at the end but cannot recall him doing much but was given too little time to impress really and should have come on 10 minutes prior to his 84/85th minute introduction. Won one free kick with his experience but needs more game time.
Officials – Mr Hooper had a fairly easy game to referee but there were still a few moments of contention and despite some tweets I saw on the game he actually did us quite a few favours especially at the end. Despite some desperate appeals for penalties for us we never really had a convincing shout in my opinion. Also I felt McDonald was a tad fortunate to stay on. Straight after he had no choice but to keep Sodje on (when that may have been a second yellow too) and in affect he evened things up. At the end the big call was the penalty and whilst McMahon did get some of the ball it was a tackle from behind and looked a regulation penalty kick to me. I was surprised he did not give it. I am sure if it had been at the other end most United fans would have been furious at a non-award.
Crowd/Atmosphere – Really quiet and a mood of frustration most of the game as misplaced passes, poor pieces of control and slow build up led to few real moments of exciting. The crowd was still 16,000 which was surprising as Bury only brought a couple of hundred but it was very flat most of the game as the Blades players failed to rouse the supporters.