The Blades’ tremendous FA Cup run continued as they saw off Championship side Charlton to book a place at Wembley against Hull City in the semi finals. United made it 9 wins on the bounce as second half goals from Ryan Flynn and John Brayford ensured the incredible run continued. After a cagey first half with few chances, Charlton had the best chance of the game but Callum Harriott poked wide with the goal at his mercy and after this United regrouped and scored two quick fire goals. After this they could have added more and ran out relatively comfortable winners in the end.
With barely an empty seat in the ground; United made several changes from the side that beat Peterborough in the week as back in came Harris, Maguire, Murphy, Flynn, Baxter, Scougall and also more surprisingly Brayford who was deemed fit enough to play after his recent calf injury. United also featured a strong bench with cup hero Porter joined by the fit McGinn, newcomer Freeman and also Miller, Davies, Hill and Long.
Charlton fielded former Owls Richard Wood and Marcus Tudgay. Centre back Michael Morrison was declared fit to take his place in the centre of the defence as Charlton began with Wednesday slayer Simon Church up top.
The game began amidst a back drop of balmy sunshine as two giant flags moved around the ground. The kick off saw a lusty rendition of the Greasy Chip Butty song as the Blades were turned round by the Addicks and made to kick towards the Kop.
The game began with little goal mouth action early on although United won a corner that Collins headed over. Flynn was booked for a pull back after United had overplayed down the right a
Church had a weak shot easily saved and then Harriott also had a deflected effort grasped by Howard. For Charlton Poyet was often getting on the ball as Charlton saw a lot of the ball but were not having much of it in the vital last third. For United Baxter was struggling to get involved as United played too many high balls. However he had a good chance as he fired over as Murphy was finally got into the game and provided the opportunity.
Neither keeper had been properly tested but Howard had to palm away a Tudgay shot and then hold the cross that came in. Jackson was then cautioned for a very rash tackle on Flynn as some in the crowd called for a red.
United had struggled to create clear chances but after a scramble they had one. Brayford was involved but as the ball fell to Coady who fired in at the near post it was adjudged to have been offside as many in the ground thought United had scored.
Right on the break Harris moved forward and had a great dipping shot that just went over before the final whistle came after Charlton had won a corner that came to nothing.
The second half saw no chances despite Baxter limping in the lead up the break but the visitors came out the stronger. However despite them having much of the ball, Scougall fired over and then Maguire turned and prodded just wide after the Scougall’s shot fell to him.
The game was opening up and Jackson’s set play nearly led to a chance but Collins did well to clear but soon after they had a great chance. Coady then was nearly in from a through ball from Baxter but the best chance of the game came for the visitors soon after.
Harris was harshly penalised as he tried to get at a ball that seemed to have been trapped by the Charlton winger and from the quick set play that Jackson took it nearly led to disaster for the home side. Tudgay lobbed it into the box and over Howard as he came out and Harriott seemed for all the world like he would score but poked just past the post as most of the crowd held their breath. It was a real let off and the United Kop tried to inject some life by upping the volume to try and help the side.
Baxter received the ball deep by the touchline some 35 yards from goal but hit a stunning whipped cross which bounced in and behind the Charlton backline. FLYNN beat the offside trap and managed to control a half volley on the stretch which looped in and over Hamer to signal a huge eruption from 3 sides of the Lane. It was a difficult finish and Flynn did well to apply the final touch to a great ball.
Charlton brought off the poor Church for Ajdarevic but it was 2-0 only a minute after the first. United were instantly back on the attack and Murphy was away skipping past Morrison who tried to bring him down but he kept going and then slid the ball across the box. BRAYFORD moved onto the ball and hit a speculative long range shot which clipped the heel of a defender and completely wrong footed Hamer before nestling into the goal. Brayford ran to the corner to celebrate leaping for joy as the crowd could not belief it. After many years of ill fortune and similarly bad luck in so many games; it was United’s turn to have the ‘run of the ball’ for once.
Ghoochanneijhad and Green came on for Wilson and Poyet as Charlton tried to salvage something but were now really on the back foot as United poured forward.
United were flying and soon after Flynn was away and played in Brayford who pulled back and it seemed like Baxter would make it three but his shot was blocked. Murphy was now having a great spell and giving Charlton the run around. He got away from Morrison again leaving him on the deck before having his shot blocked. Flynn then fired over as United threatened to run riot. Flynn fed Scougall whose shot hit the post after a deflection but Coady was adjudged offside as he put in the rebound from close range.
Charlton had offered little in response and the game was nearly being played exclusively in their half as further gaps opened up.
Davies came on for Baxter who had just been booked for a wild tackle and soon after
Porter replaced the tiring Scougall and was nearly in but ran offside. United had looked in control and the visitors were offering little as chants of ‘Wembley! Wembley!’ rang around the ground.
The game saw an additional four minutes of stoppage time to be played as the crowd gave a final surge of noise to see them over the finishing line.
McGinn came on right at the death for Flynn as Charlton tried to salvage something. From a long throw the ball dropped to Reza but Howard made a superb save to tip over. Soon after the whistle went and United’s player and fans celebrated alike as the amazing run went on and the Blades were at Wembley!
United – Well, well, well. We did it again. After a low key first half where both teams were a little a little cautious, we perhaps were guilty of being too cautious and slow in possession. They had worked out often our best chance is breaking and picking them off and then attacking so made sure they got plenty of men behind the ball. It meant we moved it about side to side and were a little pedestrian and had few chances (Baxter one effort aside). They did not do much with it but maybe had it a bit more and also a bit higher up the pitch. Very little happened first half and the game was struggling to get going. We had done ok but nothing spectacular and looked devoid of a goal threat with too many high balls to Baxter and not enough balls going wide. Charlton did little with it the other way but seemed a little more controlled than us.
Second half we actually did not start well and they missed a good chance and had a few other chances too. We seemed like we were struggling to show the same pace and movement when we attacked as they kept a solid shape. However after they missed we started to move up the field as the crowd got behind the players and Murphy started to go at men. Flynn also got on the ball more and both full backs came further up field. Baxter put in a great cross for the goal that Flynn did remarkably well to finish. After this the confidence soared and players wanted to get on the ball and we became a different side. We got the second and suddenly it was all us and we could have had more goals. We moved it around, the quick/impish players started to get involved and they suddenly looked slow and cumbersome. They started to bring us down and get frustrated and we looked the far better side. We ended up running out fairly comfortable winners and whilst it is always nervous when you are on the verge of Wembley, Charlton in truth were just lumping it forward and only had one real chance.
Now I do believe the playoffs are still a long shot but we need to keep thinking about them as if we just settle for mid table and rotate players we won’t be ready and sharp for the semi which is still a month away. We need to rest a few in the next week but mostly play the same nucleus. Of course we may still have a glimmer of the playoffs but the reality is Peterborough win Tuesday and it is 14 points and almost impossible. More important is we keep the good, solid performances going and keep the momentum going. 10 in a row Tuesday would be some achievement.
I do have to say what a tremendous run and turn around this season has been. After the wretched start to make the semi finals of the FA Cup and be mid table and pushing upwards is remarkable really.
Today it was great to see the Lane full and eventually very noisy after an anxious and quiet-ish first half the noise upped and it was superb to see the Lane jumping at full time as the players celebrated. We definitely need more days/nights like this and the potential for the new owners/directors is for all to see.
Charlton – First half they did ok and kind of played like us. They kept a solid defensive line and also kept it tight in the middle. They had a lot of the ball but again did not do that much with it and cannot recall many chances. Still they had restricted us so in that sense they would have been fairy content. They kept the ball well and limited our more dangerous players. They would not have been totally unhappy even with a replay so they would have been happy with how it had gone. After the break they had a good spell for 10 minutes and then missed the best chance to score and I felt they got on top around this. The miss seemed to really affect them and United suddenly as Clough implored them to do; came out more and the deep defensive line was moved forward.
After the quick fire goals (first was poor from the back line as the centre half let it bounce – although great ball and the full back was sleeping; the second was really unfortunate of course) they kind of went. We could have had more goals and the heads dropped. They started going long and until the late chance Howard saved never looked like scoring and seemed well beaten.
It was odd as they had relative control of the game for an away side (and had limited us more than other sides in the cup) but had done little the other way. If they scored the big chance it of course would have completely different but you felt whoever scored first it would be hard for the other side due to the way they were both set up with solid banks of four/five and emphasis on not to concede. I felt we had better forward players and played the better football and after we scored the goals, we relaxed and played some good stuff and got the big centre backs turned time after time.
As for players, the keeper will feel he only had a few saves to make and the rest of the game he saw a few other efforts over the bar/wide but had little chance on the goals. The two big centre backs (both former Wednesday) were poor when turned and ran at and Murphy had a field day when he got it down and ran. In front of them the lad Poyet played well first half but then we got tighter on him and his influence lessened. He was their most impressive player for me. The full backs had a comfortable first half but less so second half as Murphy and Flynn started attacking them more. The two wide lads looked quick but after a few decent runs early they were not in the game as much. I thought Jackson’s main involvement was clubbing our players and his set plays did not lead to any clear chances. Church was never in the game at all and Tudgay barely got a sniff. They did not have much up front (same as us for the most part).
You could see the confidence visibly drain when we scored the goals and they kind of went after this. I thought they looked a side who is struggling against relegation. They now have a tough ask to stay up (despite games in hand) and if they come down as we can attest it is hard to bounce right back. Fair play to Chris Powell who shook very United’s players hand as they came off. Good sportsmanship after such a disappointing defeat.
Howard 7.5/10 – His handling was exceptional and although I have remarked on this in the run, he caught cross after cross and saved things that came at him. Maybe a little quick to dash from his goal for the one when they nearly scored and lobbed it over him and also the save first half he should have held but he then caught the subsequent cross. His kicking was better today (flatter) but not always in touch. He has been commanding from high balls and this has been a major improvement on Long. He looked solid when he came in last season but nothing special but after a few poor games (Cup etc) he has come in and seized his chance and is worth another contract.
Brayford 7.5/10 – Another solid game where I cannot recall his man going past him or him getting beat. He did not get forward as much as he has (against some pace it was hard for him to be so swashbuckling really) but then had one good cross first half and then of course the shot which sealed the win. It may have been lucky but if you don’t shoot. A really solid player who seems to play within himself and makes the game look easy. Be a real coup if we could get him in the summer but sadly doubt it. He is too good.
Harris 7.5/10 – Maybe his best game for the club. He defended well all game with some snapping tackles, won headers (under some provocation) and got forward well. Maybe a bit hasty in diving in when it led to the free kick and the chance they had but that is being picky. He was determined and quicker to the ball against a tough opponent.
Maguire 8/10 – Thought he was superb. He defended well barely giving Church a kick (who was taken off). He had one slip where he lost it coming out and one miskick with his wrong foot but other than that he got forward really well, moving with the ball to get them under pressure and showed he is a good ball player. Defensively he made a number of tackles, blocks and interceptions. Think we may struggle to keep him this summer. I look at the two Charlton centre backs (and many more from better positioned teams in the cup run we have had) and I am sure he could comfortably play in the league above at least and maybe even lower Prem with some pace alongside him.
Collins 8/10 – As the above. He was a tower of strength again today. Barely lost a header and made some excellent interceptions. Only once when they took the quick free kick did he nearly get caught out as Tudgay got away and Howard came out. For the rest of game he defended admirably. He even kicked some clearances away from our goal and not at right angles straight out! He has been very good in recent weeks.
Coady 7.5/10 – Thought he was our best player first half as he kept the ball well, showed some neat control and tried where he could to spring attacks and drive it forward. Second half he continued to help us move the ball on and continued to always look for the ball. He is a player that has improved immeasurably since earlier in the season and now is doing a number of things well.
Doyle 7.5/10 – First half he was too slow to move it on and often he was a bit sloppy in possession but he did the defensive stuff/ugly things quite well. Second half he was excellent and made many interceptions as well as moving ball quicker. Lost count of the number of times he stretched a foot out to keep it or stop them getting forward. Much maligned player but been very effective in the run we have had.
Murphy 8/10 – First half he looked most likely. That was when we got it to him but too often he was not give the ball and meant the threat was negated. When he had it he caused a few problems. Second half it was a different story as he had more space and drifted in between the central area and the left hand side.
Flynn 7.5/10- Another impressive game where he worked up and down. At times first half it got a bit cramped down the right and led to us losing it (one incident saw them get away and he pulled his man back and was rightly booked). Still had one run where he used his strength (yes found that as well as pace!!!) to get away and nearly led to a chance. Second half scored a very good goal and had a few other good runs, pull backs and was often involved in out better things. Shown some incredible energy and tenacity in many games in this run (as others have) and becoming a real crowd (and Deadbat) favourite! Glad to hear Clough says we have an option on his contract as he definitely needs to stay.
Baxter 6/10 – Had a tough game overall as he was asked to lead the line and we did not keep it as well as we have done in the first half. He had a lot of high balls to try and get which was hard against two giants but he kept plugging away. However, felt he was a bit slow at times even when it came on the floor to do things and often got crowded out or looked for a free kick. Was limping end of the half and was surprised he came back after the break. Second half he drifted to the left more and started to show his ability more. One ball nearly found Coady and then of course he played a delightful ball for Flynn on the goal.
Scougall 6.5/10 – Thought he was relatively quiet for much of the first hour and did not get on the ball and he seemed to be merely chasing round as the impressive Poyet did a nice job in front of the back four for Charlton. He got more into the game in the second half and got fouled a few times and linked well with others showing some neat and tidy touches. Maybe needs a few games rest despite his impressive games as don’t want him to burn out. Come into a side and played almost every game when he was seen as one for the future but clearly is very much a player for now and the future.
Subs-
Davies – Baxter had just been booked and Davies came on and played wide left (seems to have played in several different positions since he came showing his versatility). Ran after some balls down the channel and helped us keep it.
Porter – Actually got in some good positions when he came on and linked he ok a few times but also ran offside on a couple of occasions too. Think he may come back in for the game in the week.
McGinn – Brought on for Flynn right at the end as we looked to see out time.
Manager rating –
Clough 8/10 – Went with the same formation and tactics as we have been employing keeping a solid bank of 4 and then 5 with players supporting the lone striker Baxter when they could. We did not have as much of the ball as we have been doing and at times the build up was too slow as Charlton often restricted back and did the same to us. It was very cagey first half and we struggled to move it quick enough to cause problems. They had few chances too and it was very cat and mouse. Second half it suddenly became more open and they had the good chance and then it clicked as we got Murphy on the ball more (he was brought inside to try and get more of the ball) and we suddenly seemed to up the tempo. We got the 2 goals and of course we were a different side then. We started fighting harder, showing for the ball and moving it quicker. We could have had more goals. Clough rightly killed the game when he made chances when he could to try and slow it down but in truth we looked more like scoring than them as they really looked well beaten at 2-0.
Massive credit to Nigel Clough. Turned around a train wreck of a season. We sat at home to the Lane and saw us lose 1-0 in one of the worst performances I have seen from United to Hartlepool in the JPT. The turnaround was slow at first but suddenly we have clicked and after slow shoots of recovery; the introduction of two excellent full backs, the recall of Howard and the solid, hard to beat shape allied with small, nippy players going at opponents has seen an incredible run of wins and performances. In a short space of time he has given us hope, pride and belief that United can win games and can beat better teams and that they are on the right track. It may take 5 or 6 years to even be a respectable Champ side again but you feel we have the right managerial team to get us there.
Officials – Lee Mason. Is a referee I have always quite liked and recall him having some decent games. Today was no different. He booked a few on either side and whilst some cried out for red for the Jackson foul and from the other side for the Baxter dive in but as poor as they were; yellow was right. The other yellows were also correct for a pull back from Flynn for us and a similar standard yellow for Harriott. The rest of the game I felt he tried to let it flow. Some were calling out for fouls on Baxter but felt he was lucking for it. Felt Maguire was being fouled by Church all game that just kept jumping into him. The offside for the two disallowed goals seemed right but not seen the replay back to see yet. The first one for Coady seemed closer than the one in the second which did seem off. The two linemen were a bit slow at times but overall felt the officials did a decent job.
Crowd – Impressive effort all around to get a pretty much sell out. Charlton did well to bring a full sell out away following considering the kick off time and made a lot of noise. They kept behind their team right until the two goals killed it. As for the United fans; I thought it was really noisy in the build up and at the start. The GCB song was as deafening as it has been in the all time it has been sang pre kick off. However it went quiet for spells and from where I was in the South Stand the game and atmosphere was a bit flat for much of the first half. It needed something to spark it and maybe the miss they had in the second half seemed to rouse everyone and the noise levels rose after that. United then upped their game and of course got the two goals and then the decibel level went up considerably and the final stages saw a mixture of chants (around Wembley) with the urging on to see the game out and good positive encouragement from the stands.
The end was great and other than a few idiots; that noone came on (one credit to Police here as they realised they needed a presence around the pitch and then in front of the away end) and you could properly clap off the team. It was good to be able to applaud them all off and salute the efforts with the chants of ‘We love United!’ and ‘We are Blades’ etc going around as they came off. Each player was beaming and saluted the fans everywhere. Never seen as much emotion from like of Doyle (seemed close to tears) and Murphy who was punching the air as he went to the tunnel. Coady also was jubilant and Maguire had a grin so wide. Great to see and why players play football to have moments like that.
Now we have the usual scramble for tickets but hopefully we should all get a ticket no problems (guessing it be 2 per season ticket holder I reckon to start with and then rest to members etc – we get around 35,000 I believe?). May even take my 6 year old for his first game if I can. Be great for him to see us at Wembley. Hoping it is a Saturday not the Sunday all being well.
After praising the police above have to offer a lot of criticism sadly. It was total overkill. From cutting off 1,500-2,000 seats for no reason (why do other big grounds/games just have a row of stewards/police and a few rows at most in one stand to segregate but we have a whole 2-3 blocks in both tiers and that with it being a different stand). Completely ridiculous.
Outside the ground it was even worse. To have road blocks and barricades for a game where there is no rivalry (local or otherwise). There was no trouble and no potential of any for me. Yet the Forest game there was nothing like that in terms of similar policing. Many United fans had to walk right around the ground to get out of the area at the end (Bramall Lane and then parts leading down shut to allow Charlton fans to get away I guess) but it was not needed and a complete waste of resources/time. Thank god we don’t get 50,000 crowds or South Yorks police are not involved at Wembley! Not sure what they would do?!