Sheffield United remain unbeaten after they finally saw off plucky Bournemouth at Bramall Lane in an eight goal thriller. Despite going behind after sloppy defending led to a free header from Tommy Elphick; United moved into a 3-1 lead at half time courtesy of a quick fire Ryan Flynn double and sublime individual goal from John Cofie. Indeed United could have had further goals as Kevin McDonald and Cofie had hit the frame of the goal before the interval. More poor defending saw a further free header from Lee Barnard reduce the arrears but the returning Richard Cresswell headed home soon after his introduction after more good work from Flynn. That seemed to be it but another goal late on from the visitors courtesy of a strike from Marc Pugh threatened the verdict again. However in stoppage time Nick Blackman won and converted a spot kick to finally ensure the three points remained in Sheffield.
United made one change with the departing Stephen Quinn replaced by Flynn. Cresswell was back in the squad; beginning on the bench that was largely filled by youngster again. There was no place yet for newcomer Dave Kitson who was sat in the directors’ box amongst some of the new supposed Nigerian ‘investors.’ The Cherries had brought in a number of new faces in the summer and had experienced performers such as Barnard, Richard Hughes, Miles Addison and former Blade Simon Francis in their ranks. They also had former Rotherham man Lewis Grabban in their attack and for a league one side had lavished a fair amount of funds out in anticipation of a season where they would be expected to contend for the playoff places at least.
After Jessica Ennis’ Mum and Sister were introduced as part of the unveiling of the newly named stand at the Bramall Lane end; the game kicked off with the Blades making the early running. Cofie looked dangerous early on with his enthusiastic running and showed some neat touches but he was crowded out from an early chance. United had a diamond formation with Doyle at the base and Flynn and McDonald inside and McAllister more advanced but it caused problems when we lost the ball.
United’s marking was poor as a cross came in and a free header from Grabban was glanced wide. McMahon and Maguire remonstrated with each other but soon after another half chance came and went as United looked less than secure at the back. Despite this the home side were enjoying most of the ball and from a neat move they won a corner which saw Collins fire over when he really ought to have done better.
It had been an even game so far but after United’s promising start, Bournemouth had come back into things and after Grabban shot wide it was not a huge surprise when they scored. It seemed like United were trying to get back to a more natural 4-4-2 but as they tried to reorganise, Hill was given little chance as a two on one overlap came about after a corner and the cross from O’Kane was unopposed as was the header in the middle as ELPHICK got between Collins and Maguire to finish with a powerful header.
It was poor defending and United were behind despite playing the better football. Still undeterred they came again and after neat move they nearly got level immediately. McDonald eventually advanced and cracked a low drive that hit the inside of the post and bounced out. It was a great effort and had deserved a goal but United retrieved the rebound and were able to move down the left with Hill helping the ball back in and McAllister nodded back across goal for FLYNN to finish from close range from Jalal.
United now seemed more determined and after the scare of the goal they were now looking the more likely and it was not long after when they went in front and it came from the same source as their first goal. The ball from McMahon looped up off Addison and over to the left wing position and with the right back nowhere; FLYNN picked up the ball, moved forward in the inside left position and then using the defender as a shield curled in a clever finish inside the keeper’s left hand post. It had been two opportunistic finishes from the Scottish winger that had helped turn the game around.
United were now suddenly in the ascendancy with McDonald controlling the game and Bournemouth unable to get close to him. Cofie had looked lively and earn a couple of free kicks with his pace and strong running. After hesitancy in the middle of the field, McDonald and COFIE stole possession and the Man Utd loanee ran from just inside half way towards the Bournemouth goal. He kept running and then from around 25 yards he hit a tremendous powerful shot that seared into the top corner of the goal with Jalal nowhere near it. It was a superb individual goal and one that would not have looked out of place in the Premier League.
Cofie had been a real nuisance and the Cherries seemed unsure whether to back off due to his pace or close him down with his shooting ability and this dilemma came to the fore again just before the break. He got the ball ran at them and then hit another powerful shot from a long way around that cracked off the bar and away to safety. He was on fire and seemed like something would happen whenever the ball went towards him.
At the break Bournemouth made a change and MacDonald came off to be replaced by the former Pompey man Hughes who had clearly been charged with the responsibility of picking up Kevin McDonald who had been the architect of much of United’s best play.
Some incredibly sloppy defending though saw the away side back into the game not long after the break. United had several opportunities to clear as Maguire’s low clearance lacked authority and then Doyle could have cleared. McMahon also maybe should have hacked the ball clear but eventually a corner resulted when Doyle bundled the ball out. From the delivery, United’s dreadful marking from the first half continued as BARNARD was able to find space and lose his marker Collins and headed into the net giving Howard no chance.
It was an odd game that United seemed in control in terms of general play but the score line and the awful defending meant that in actual fact they were never actually in any kind of control. It was reminiscent of the Exeter game at the Lane last season when you felt like both teams might score whenever they went forward with neither defence covering themselves in glory.
Cofie seemed to have picked up a knock and had looked at the bench a few times before he finally was brought off with the new player coach Cresswell coming on in his place. It surely must have been an injury as Cofie had been the far more impressive of the two frontmen and had caused the visitors all sorts of problems. McQuoid also came on for Partington for the South Coast side.
Cresswell’s first header from a long ball saw him head it out of play but this initial piece of rustiness was followed by a classic piece of centre forward play as his next contribution led to a goal just before the hour mark. Flynn had impressed with his running, touch and link play all day and again he picked up the ball and went at the defender before coming inside, crossing to the far post. CRESSWELL managed to gain a yard on his man and used his strength to hold him off and head expertly into the top corner as the ball looped away from the despairing dive of. There may have been a slight suspicion of a foul as the defender remained prone on the deck as the Blades celebrated but there were few appeals from many of the other players and perhaps it was just a case of the veteran using his experience to ensure he won the header. It was a goal reminiscent of the one he scored at the back end of last season against Stevenage.
Fogden came on for O’Kane but United now finally seemed to have some sort of semblance of control and a few neat moves led to chances for McAllister and Cresswell with Blackman having his best spell of the game laying on both chances. McDonald was now controlling matter with the change of Hughes who had been detailed to mark him; not really working. McDonald had a shot deflected wide as United looked for more goals and were playing some nice football in the bright sunshine.
The game seemed to be petering towards the final whistle but suddenly out of nowhere more sloppiness saw the verdict back in the balance. They had been given a warning when Doyle lost the ball and Grabban miskicked at the back post but soon after another mistake saw the ball in the net. Once again the home side gave the ball away and it eventually fell to PUGH, who was given too much time and lined up a shot from the edge of the box. His low drive had too much power for Howard and nestled into the net. It was very much a case of game on again as the groans from the home side confirmed yet another sloppy goal had been given away. There were still three minutes of normal time left and any stoppage time; which was signalled to be four additional minutes for United to hang on.
The crowd became anxious and from a Hill mistake a cross came over and McMahon almost put the ball in his own net but somehow got it over his own bar as it looked all the world like a leveller would result. The corner was scrambled clear and after a spell of keep ball in the corner, BLACKMAN then motored into the box and was clearly pulled down. The linesman put his flag to his chest and after some token appeals from the defenders, Blackman got the ball and after a stutter at the end of his run up cooly rolled the ball into the right hand corner of Jilal’s goal and finally saw that three points were sealed. It was not long after before referee Miller signalled the end of a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of football that would have been more positive for the supporters than perhaps either manager whom will need to a great deal of work with their defenders in the weeks to come.
United – Strange performance. It was much, much better than Shrewsbury from an attacking sense and the football we played was quicker, more fluid and created more chances. We scored 5 and could have had 8 or 9. We had some stand out players such as Cofie, McDonald and Flynn and few of the goals were excellent. We passed it well at times and there were some neat moves reminiscent of last season. I thought Blackman and McAllister were quiet and Doyle was sloppy but all three still contributed towards the attacking elements of our play. We moved it from side to side, linked well and were patient. We made chances with simple but neat play and it was at much higher tempo than the Shrews game. We lacked wingers but have two neat and tidy footballers in McAllister and Flynn to compensate and the interchange at times between all the players was good. We looked like getting chances and scoring goals despite not really having what I would call an out and out scorer.
However, the other side of our game; defensively (not just the defence but the whole side) we were really, really poor and as bad as anything last season (remember Oldham and Exeter at home?!). Blackman and Cofie gave the ball away at times and did not chase back; we had a formation that started the game where no one seemed to know where they were playing and led to two on one’s for both full backs and wingers for Bournemouth as we in affect had no wingers with Flynn and McDonald inside, McAllister advanced centrally and Doyle at the base of a diamond. It was ok when we attacked but when we lost it, we were all over the place.
What was worrying was how many free openings they had with players constantly unmarked in the middle. It was not the defence I remember from last season and it was more the middle than the full backs that were not really great but not to blame as much. You could not really blame the keeper for the goal either. We gave the ball away and at times gave them chances when the ball should have been cleared from hesitancy or overplay. Overall there were so many worrying things in this side and the away fans/team probably could not believe we were nearly as bad as them at times.
Still it was three points and the crowd were entertained despite the amateurish defending and the game at times resembled a basketball game. We were the better side for the most part and for long periods seemed in control, once we got level, but then chucked a daft goal away. It should have been comfortable but it never was. We need to try and get back to solid play of last season defensively and if we can get some performances from the attacking players like that today then maybe we might be ok despite all the departures (fair to say we have lost 4 of best 6/7 players last season).
Just a word on the developments yesterday. It was no surprise that Quinn went as he can clearly play at a higher level. I think he could have got a better move (no offence to Hull – every offence to Steve Bruce). He seemed genuinely choked when he was interviewed which was good to hear that he has such feelings for the club. Also Nick Montgomery who has divided opinion but is another has been a great servant to the club and good luck to him and his family. Both players have been loyal to the club and been part of the furniture but due to finances it was time for them to move on. I would have liked Quinn to stay but it was not be and it was inevitable really. He will be missed from a playing side as despite his critics; he was a clever play who was central to many of our better performances. I do not think Montgomery will be.
Hopefully we can get in a wide man next week and maybe another midfielder in the central area. We certainly need some pace down the flanks and some more creativity. Be interesting to see where Kitson fits in as with the strikers we already have, we seem now to be overflowing in this area but is it a case of quantity over quality? From Wilson’s comments it seems that it was a move initiated by the McCabe family (his son knows Kitson apparently) so not sure how it sits with him despite Wilson’s welcoming comments yesterday on the signing.
At least now we can say no one really should be on ridiculous wages really as all the so called high earners have now gone. We in affect should have bottomed out at least in terms of playing squad wages and can in affect now start again with sensible budgeting/wages but one that still should be in excess of most at this level and thus ‘should’ mean we can attack the top 6 again this season if we can get a few more in. The division is a poor one and despite all my concerns the results so far suggest even despite our weaknesses we will still be stronger than a good many of the league.
As for the Nigerian link; well after reading everything; looking at his background and listening to McCabe; I do not think there is anything to be excited by. We are not suddenly going to have funds for the football club. It is all a bit of a non-story to me.
Bournemouth – They spent quite a bit of money towards the end of last season and this summer and have a smattering of talented players (such as Pugh who I do like) and some experienced performers too. They maybe lack a real out and out scorer as talents like McQuoid, Thomas and Tubbs have maybe not quite done it at the higher level after promise lower down the leagues. They are a fairly big side and competed well from set plays. I can see them being strong at home but like a lot of teams at this level may struggle away. They scored a few well-made and taken goals and looked decent when they did go forward although United made some poor mistakes that contributed to some of their opportunities.
In terms of football at times they did play some decent stuff but at others they tossed away the ball under little to no pressure. At the back they were dire. We scored a few decent goals but easily could have had 2 or 3 more and some of the mistakes they made were stuff you would not expect to see at Graves Park on a Sunday morning. Every time Cofie went at them they panicked and the centre backs looked slow and cumbersome. Simon Francis was worse than I remember as Flynn gave him a torrid time. Indeed Francis is the first defender I have seen Flynn beat for speed and skill (more than once too).
Unsure where they will finish. Shrewsbury actually looked a better side but could not finish where Bournemouth do have more goals in them. My prediction would probably be similar to last season and they will be around the middle of the division. I expect to see better sides than them but they will probably be a lot worse without their attacking threats (scored 3 away at one of favourites after all) but they simply have to defend better than that.
Howard 6/10 – I felt both headers were things he could do little with; they were far enough away from his goal that he could not come. He caught a few crosses in the first half and then missed a few (flapped) a few in the second half. Maybe he could have done a touch better with the third as it did go under him but was well struck. To be honest he got little protection today but felt both centre backs had off days and seemed unsure who they were marking. The communication between then all seemed off and he and the defence need to improve in this aspect. His distribution was impressive again; with long kicks and some good throw outs.
Hill 6.5/10 – He was steady enough and maybe the best of the defenders. He was given an impossible task at the start as our formation meant he often had the winger and full back running at him. He did alright today and the only mistake he made was at the end when he sliced it and they nearly levelled (when McMahon cleared) Despite all the criticism he gets, he mostly is quite steady and at this level is probably better than most. Look at the two full backs for them today who were quite poor; especially Simon Francis who showed why he never made it at the Lane (the top level) originally with a shambolic display.
McMahon 6/10 – He is steady defensively and much like Hill he does not offer much going forward but stays relatively close to his man and does tackle well. He lost his marker on the far post twice though as his fellow defenders and he did not communicate. Also a few pieces of overplay or sloppy touches led to half chances in the second half. He got forward a few times but never saw him put any real crosses of danger in and once when he finally got deep into the Bournemouth half; McAllister played a poor ball and over hit it.
Maguire 6/10 – He was another that in general play was ok with solid headers and tackles/blocks. He passed the ball well and kept it nice and simple. However, along with Collins, their communication and marking was awful. They lost men time after time and we did not win the headers we should win. They had one big guy in Barnard and then Grabban who is not known for his heading but they seemed to win an awful lot of headers. Two goals from crosses saw unopposed finishes and they had been a few more aside from these. Need to tighten up as a pair as they looked nowhere like last years standards.
Collins 5/10 – In the two games so far this season at home I do not feel he has got to the standards of last season and sadly looks a bit more like the Collins of a few years ago. Maybe that is harsh but his touch, control, marking and general defending has been off for me and we looked so susceptible down the middle today (from high balls too!) and it looked a world away from last season. Maybe it is due to a new keeper or a new right back but we should have shut up shop a few times today and we lacked the solidity of last season.
Doyle 4.5/10 – As with Collins I do not think he has got to the good standards he set last year. He did some neat and tidy things and won a few tackles early on and showed his usual niggly, but effective side of his play. However I lost count of the number of times he gave the ball away or overplayed or tried to do too much. They scored one because of it and maybe could have had a few more. He did not really act a shield and there was too much space between the defence and midfield; an area where we were strong last year. We were basically way too open and Doyle did not do the job he was in the side to do. His actual attacking play at times was ok with some decent passes but he needs to get back to what he is good at and give it to those that can play rather than trying to be too clever.
McDonald 8/10 – The best midfielder on the pitch and at times he ran the game. Everything good we did came through him. His touch, balance, vision and the way he switches play so effortlessly was a joy to watch. He still flits out of the game a bit too much and could do even more but that is being ultra-critical. They tried to get tight to him but he continually found space. Central to any chances we have of success this year and in my opinion way too good for this division.
Flynn 8/10 – Thought that was his best ever all round game in a red and white shirt. Scored two and assisted on another. I may have not been his biggest fan as those who read my reports will testify but today he did all the good things he did but did more. There was the hard work, cover full back (after he was switched to the left – after initial formation did not work) and get up and down and linked well with teammates. There were also things we have not seen much of. Two impressive finishes (the second a gem), a number of crosses coming in and also some trickery, pace and some strength as he beat his man a few times and caused problems down the flank all game. If he plays like that every game then he will be a big asset at this level but needs to show this consistency; he has set his standard now. Excellent today.
McAllister 5.5/10 – Not sure about him still; at least in this position. He put a shift in and made a few neat and tidy passes (assisted on the first goal too) but I felt much of the game just passed him by. He never really got involved enough and does not look like he knows where to stand or move to playing in the unnatural wide position. He is doing a job for us but ultimately I feel he will probably give way or play more in the centre when a more orthodox wide man comes in (hopefully on loan next week).
Blackman 6/10 – Felt he was ordinary for 70-75 minutes of the game and was overshadowed by his strike partner, Cofie and then Cresswell. He did not get that involved and seemed to lack the hunger of the first game. His touch was not the best and nothing stuck up to him. He seemed to get frustrated and then got a knock and came off and limped back on. However, to be fair to him he played a few neat passes towards the end and then made and won a penalty with an individual run. His penalty was also calm and sealed the win. Both he and Cofie do seem inconsistent at the moment with often one playing well and the other out of sorts. I suppose that is what it is like with young players.
Cofie 7.5/10 –Very good for the hour he played. He ran at the defenders, he showed a good touch, he held it up when he could and linked with others. He looked more like the player I saw at Rotherham (admittedly not been to the two league away games) and his pace and rawness frightened the defenders. His goal was superb and he really does pack a powerful shot; he nearly scored another soon after when he hit the bar. Defenders were unsure whether to back off (due to pace) or get tight (due to shooting) and were probably relieved when he came off. Still got a lot to learn; such as where to run and when to release the ball etc and needs to work harder off the ball but there is some real talent in the boy that is for sure and with proper coaching and a good work ethic he has a chance to be very good. I am sure he will be up and down for us but with Cresswell, Miller, Porter and Kitson we do have some options up top now. Hopefully we can get some wingers in to create now.
Subs
Cresswell – His first header ballooned out of play and another touch came off his shin. Between this he scored a great strikers goal. This was a typical Cresswell goal as he held his position, pinned down his man and headed superbly home. It was the sort of goal, that with no offence. Blackman and Cofie would probably not score. He nearly scored again after a run from Flynn and showed the nous we will need despite some of Cressy’s critics (including myself- but in a way if he has restructured his contract and is coaching then we have two assets so is a sensible move).
Officials – Nigel Miller. Thought for once I actually thought we had a bit of a ‘homer.’ I rarely say that and feel for a big club (at least this level) we never seem to get the kind of decisions others get at higher levels respectively (Man Utd etc). Today I felt we got more decisions although there was never anything massively controversial just quite a few of the niggly ones went out way. There were a couple of appeals for pens for pushes on Maguire and Cresswell with the latter maybe being a better appeal but after he had let pushing and shoving go for the Cresswell goal I felt it was a fair enough. He booked three visitors and only one I felt was a yellow card with the other two fairly innocuous.
Crowd/Atmosphere – Crowd as over 18,000 again but was probably due in part to the cheap tickets on offer. Bournemouth brought only a couple of hundred and generally the atmosphere was flat despite so many goals. It was an odd atmosphere and like the first game all seemed a bit ‘practice match’ in its feeling. The game lacked any really bad tackles or controversy but had some very good goals and I felt the crowd were a tad quiet despite such quality play; even if the defending was not the best at either end.
As an aside; my personal feeling on the Jessica Ennis stand is that whilst it is a nice tribute and I am as proud of her as any other Sheffielder (great girl, very humble, tremendous athlete and proud of her roots); she perhaps should have left it the Council to make their decision. She is not really anything to do with the club and despite her family/boyfriend being Blades and her admitting she is a Blade; I think even she would admit she is not a rabid fan or someone who has any real ties with club. Maybe I am a killjoy and it was a good sign that 5 of the 8 goals came at that end! Still be good to see her at a game at some point in the future (maybe they could let all School Kids in for free or very cheap and actually fill it as a one off!).