Evans Steers Blades to Victory

Last updated : 01 April 2012 By deadbat_db

Buoyed by their Johnstone Paint success at the weekend, the Spireites were able to hold United in the first half and even drew level after going behind thanks to Lee Williamsons’ strike. However, a much improved performance from the Blades after the break saw them run out comfortable winners thanks to a superb Ched Evans hat trick.

United had to make one change from the game at Notts County with Maguire out with a virus and Williams replacing him with Hill switching inside to centre back. New loan signing O’Halloran joined Beattie and Hoskins in an attack minded bench.

The game began with Evans hitting a half volley over but a series of misplaced passes early on meant United struggled to build any momentum. Chesterfield had competed well and had begun with two up front and did not seem to want to settle for a draw such as their perilous position in the table.

The Spireites had a few balls across the box before at the other end Williamson’s excellent free kick just eluded Cresswell. United had their first real chance when a ball forward from Williamson saw Lowton clear inside the right channel but his shot was beaten down by Lee with Quinn slicing horribly over with his less favoured right foot from the follow up.

Chesterfield then had two chances in quick succession with Bowery’s curling effort not far off with Simonsen scrambling across his goal. Then from a corner, the United keeper had to be alert to push out an effort from Thompson at his near post. United’s passing had continued to be poor and they were not able to keep the ball when they entered the visitors half.

Whilst United had not been convincing so far, they suddenly produced a moment of quality had them in the lead. Quinn and Williams were involved down the left and as the ball came in Evans breasted it into the path of WILLIAMSON who smashed an emphatic finish into the top corner of Lee’s goal.

United had not been dominant in the first half despite now leading and their sloppy play was punished when the visitors got level just two minutes before the break. A hopeful punt was nodded down by Bowery and MOUSSA got on the loose ball and hit a long range curling effort beyond Simonsen’s right hand to stun the home crowd and send the travelling Spireites wild at the Bramall Lane end.

Just before the half time whistle United did have one final chance as Evans was brought down but his low and fierce free kick was excellent saved and held by Lee low down to his left.

The second half was only four minutes old when United got back into the lead. A ball from McDonald was played into the path of EVANS but he was clipped and taken to the deck by Mendy just inside the box. It was somewhat of a surprise when the referee pointed to the spot and it was a soft award but a silly challenge all the same. Evans grabbed the ball instantly despite his miss recently against Preston but this time confidently despatched the kick hitting it low and firm to the right of the goal.

Cresswell took a knock to his head and had to go off for treatment but eventually came back on after it was looking like he may have to go off. United now looked much sharper and were moving the ball more efficiently with players getting on the ball and turning opponents. A good spell of possession nearly led to another opening for Evans before Quinn and Lowton nearly produced an opening.

It was not long before the third goal came to give United crucial breathing space. Willamson was taken down cynically after he outpaced and outthought Smith and it seemed as if the foul was possibly inside the box but this time was given just outside the area. From the resultant kick Williamson played an intelligent low pass into the path of EVANS who came off his man and was able to sidefoot home. It was a clever goal that was simple in its execution but still was pleasing to see something quite different from a set play.

Cresswell then eventually came off with Hoskins replacing him. The substitution had been ready for a while but was delayed whilst United scored! Evans then robbed Trotman and hit a ferocious shot that cannoned off Lee’s right hand post with the keeper well beaten. It was another great effort that was earned by hard work in winning the ball back initially and then a superb striker.

It was not long though before EVANS was on target again and completed his hat trick inside a 14 minute spell. McDonald’s through ball saw the frontman get the better of Trotman again and he drove at goal before smashing an unstoppable drive high past Lee’s near post. The Blades striker hopped onto the advertising boards and celebrated arms aloft in front of the jubilant Kop. It had been a tremendous spell by a striker bang in form.

Chesterfield made a triple substitution in an effort to stem the tide but Untied were now looking very confident and it was just a case of whether they would get more goals. They were now knocking the ball about well and Chesterfield looked well beaten after a spirited first half.

Beattie came on for Evans who got a richly deserved standing ovation with just over 10 minutes to go before soon after Quinn was replaced by new loan signing O’Halloran. Chesterfield had a rare chance right at the end but Moussa’s shot went into the side netting. O’Halloran then stretched his legs but his shot was deflected wide before a final chance came for United when Williamson showed some impish footwork to knock the ball over his man and his cross cut shot ballooned up but Beattie sliced the chance and United could not convert the scramble. The additional 5 minutes of stoppage time passed with little of note happening as United saw out the game to claim the crucial three points.


United – It was not that great in the first half with careless passing and anxious moments. We seemed to rush things too much and went forward too quickly often knocking it long. I also felt we actually lose quite a few challenges and often they got in front of us and competed better. We still had more of the ball but were a bit wasteful to say the least with even our better footballers like Quinn, Williamson and McDonald sloppy giving the ball away often. Chesterfield had a few decent chances and we only had one real effort; Lowton shot beat out by Lee and then Quinn blazing the rebound over. We never looked convincing but then a nice chest off by Evans gave no more than a half chance to Williamson but he took it superbly. After this I expected us to get control and take the game over but we were sloppy again and the goal we conceded was poor in so many aspects. We lost the header (Hill) and then Doyle was slow to react to the second ball. The strike was good but it was avoidable. The score line was fair at half time and they had to be pleased with how they had competed and the chances they had made. They had restricted us to only a few chances and started to frustrate us; both the team and the players.

After the break the penalty kind of changed things as if the game has gone on longer then maybe the crowds’ frustrations would have continued and it would have got a lot harder. It looked a soft award to me but after the 2nd goal we upped it and the confidence seemed to flow and we looked much better. We kept the ball well, began to pass it quicker and sharper and got through them the whole of the second half. We scored a clever third and then a well taken fourth. We actually looked like scoring every time we attacked and Evans in particular looked unplayable. You kind of saw why we were near the top and they were at the bottom in the second half as their confidence drained from them and we started knocking it about with real confidence. Why it took us so long to get going is anyone’s guess? It is strange as in recent weeks we have tended to do well in the first half and fade away and drop points in the second half but today was the opposite.

We have now scored 9 goals in 2 games and won comfortably but until the second half today looked like being another game of frustration. United had to be patient and keep calm but seemed rushed? The goal in the early stages of the second half came at the right time and claimed the team and fans. After this we could have won by a lot more and it was comfortable in the end.

We now have 7 games left and have a pretty much fully fit squad (Maguire had a virus I believe so nothing serious?) aside from Morgan/Francois. We have to go into every game looking for a win as a point is neither here nor there really. We play another home game and then go to another struggler at Rochdale after that and then another at home. Hartlepool is probably the hardest of the next four on paper (never turns out like that of course!) but if we can win there we have 3 games we really ought to win. Trouble is Wednesday play about 3 or 4 of the last 7 before us due to scheduling (play Saturday lunchtime, then play Easter Monday – we play Tuesday, we then play Stevenage as the late game). This could work both ways but if they fail to win Saturday we have a great chance to get some momentum. I can see them winning and then we need to get something at Hartlepool. They then go to Huddersfield when we play a home game so it a crucial next few weeks. I still feel we will just miss out but as I have said if we can reel off 4 straight wins to set us up for a tough last 3 games then who knows?

Chesterfield – The Spireites won the third division last year and I felt they would do ok this year. I certainly did not expect them to be bottom or even go down but they lost a few players (Davies in particular) and have not really improved the team/squad at all. Jack Lester is still an asset, even at this level but they have relied on him too much in reasons seasons and often he is a sub now away from home. They have struggled for goals and have conceded them all too easily at the other end.

However despite them not quite doing it this year, I would actually commend Dave Allen and the board at the B2Net as although they have struggled they have stuck with their manager. Those Chesterfield fans ringing in week in, week out on Radio Sheffield and asking for Sheridan to be sacked is very harsh considering where they were when he came in. He took them up and deserves the chance to get them back up if they do go down as looks a near certainty. Maybe his transfer dealings and some things he has done have not come off but the most Chesterfield could expect is middle of League One and maybe they have to bounce back and forth a few times before they can establish themselves even at this level. I have never known them be even competing for promotion from the third tier (league one) in my lifetime and the best they have done is middle of this league.

They did well today and fought hard, showing more resolve than what I saw earlier in the season. Maybe the cup win buoyed them. They actually looked hungrier than us at times in the first half and were well in the game. They will have been delighted with how the opening half went. The second half was a different story as United upped the tempo and they could not respond.

Overall they are a side that lacks quality with the keeper Lee a good shot stopper but not big enough in my opinion. At the back they have pedestrian centre backs that are easy to turn. Trotman in particular was led a merry dance by Ched. They lack experience and leadership in the centre of the park and indeed through the whole team. They have one or two sizeable lads and a bit of pace in the front areas but lack someone to get on the ball and make them tick. When they went behind in the second half you felt the belief just ebbed away from them and they looked very brittle. I think the left back Smith is a decent player even though he had a touch second half and the right back Hirst is a promising player too. The rest of the team is a mish-mash of players who are either not good enough or journeyman lower league players.


Simonsen 6/10 – Made one good save in the first half at his near post which you would expect him to save. He made a few other standard saves. The goal he seemed to have little chance but it did seem go in fairly centrally and was not right in the corner? It was well hit though. The rest of his game was poor again as he did not come off his line on a number of occasions on set plays (throw ins/corners) and through balls. He seems rooted to his line. He also threw it out twice putting us under real pressure as full backs had a man right next to them! He knew as he apologised twice by acknowledging his mistake.

Lowton 6.5/10 – He did not get forward much at all first half and actually was given a difficult game by the winger who made a few decent runs that led to corners being conceded. Did have our best effort with a shot saved by Lee. Got on top of him second half and began to get forward well and linked well with Williamson, McDonald and Quinn as he gave us that outlet he often has all season down the right. Got beat for pace twice by their man both in attacking and defensive situations which is unusual as Lowton is fairly rapid.

Williams 6/10 – Not convincing again even though he actually had a few good runs going forward and tried to support us attacking wise. He was slow at times defensively and dithered too much on the ball. He also does not always get tight enough to his man. He did get better in the second half and won a few tackles and made his man turn and go the other way. Not sure he is the long term answer at left back. I am not Taylor’s biggest fan but he did well against Tranmere and surprised he has not played much since.

Hill 6/10 – He lost 4 or 5 headers to the big striker he was up against (Bowery) and crucially lost a header that dropped to Moussa for the goal. Collins went berserk with him. He lost another few early in the second half but then started to impose himself and was stronger and more resolute. I accept he is not that tall and won’t dominate aerially but at times he needed to do more to put his man off. He does not convince me though and he has been partly responsible for a number of goals (Walsall, Colchester, today) we have conceded and should only be used as a fill in for the run in. As my friend remarked he is like Williams stuntman body double! He looks like him and plays like him!

Collins 7/10 – Actually had a few misplaced clearances/wild hacks that went straight to a Blue shirt in the first half but as game went on he got stronger and began to dominate in the air. He got to the ball quicker and restricted them by taking charge of any through balls or set plays in the air.

Doyle 6.5/10 – Mixed bag. He like many others was sloppy in his work in the first half with a few misplaced passes or balls played behind men. He also had a shot that went out for a throw in. He was slow to react on the goal when his man got on the loose ball and was not close enough even though it was a good strike. He got better after the break and did the simple things helping turn over possession back to us and getting us moving by giving it one of the other midfielders that could move us forward.

McDonald 7/10 – Great to have him back. It was not his best game but still looked outstanding midfielder on the park. First half a few passes went astray and he was not as influential as he can be but he still showed his class by making an extra yard and trying to find a shirt. His passing improved as the game went on and he began to get on the ball and start to control our moves forward with some nice passes, both short and long. He was not superb but he just gives us that ball player we don’t have in the middle of the field and he will hopefully be massively influential for the run in.

Williamson 8/10 – A very good performance. Still despite this the moments of sheer quality were interspersed with moments of poor play and sloppiness. He scored a tremendous goal that was superbly taken on the volley. He also put over a few other good crosses. After the break he again showed flashes of class with a sublime touch and interplay at times such as the skill near the end where he lobbed it over the man and sent a cross over was typical of this. However he also did some sloppy and lethargic things on other occasions. His set plays were mixed with some good ones and a few never beating the first man (did 3 in a row at one point!). Still scored one and set up another and was involved in most of the good things we did.

Quinn 5/10 – Thought he was utter garbage first half. His first 5 passes/touches went to a blue shirt and he seemingly could not wait to get rid of the ball instead of taking care of his passing. He got sarcastic cheers from a few when one pass went to a red and white shirt! He just was so sloppy and the ball was like a hot potato. He improved a lot after the break and began to want the ball and his passing and link play was much better as he came inside more and got closer to our players. The whole of the midfield began to get closer and in turn make it easier with shorter passes and then moving off into space. He made a few decent runs and looked the player we know he can do. Not everything came off but he started to make things happen rather than waiting or giving responsibility to others.

Evans 9.5/10 – A tremendous performance. Even in the first half he looked our main threat running the channels, looking to hold the ball up and looking dangerous and his touch and link play was good. In the second half he confidently took the penalty (after missing one not so long ago v Preston) and then scored two beautiful finishes. He could have had a few more and hit the post with a great shot. The Chesterfield defence could not handle him. He was unplayable for the second half. In this form you would not bet against him scoring every game and getting near to 40 goals! He really is the key to us going up as with him in the team we can score every week. I know it a lower league but he is a mile away from last season’s struggles and the confidence / work rate in him is clear and it is like watching a different player. If we go up we may keep him but if we don’t he is gone as he is way too good for this level.

Cresswell 6/10 – Once again he worked hard, tried to work the channels and hold the ball up but other than a few flicked headers the ball never really stuck and he was not able to link with Evans that much. He often seemed at full stretch lunging for the ball or stretching for balls he maybe could have got if he had read it or reacted a bit quicker. He suffered a head injury and whilst he came back on after treatment he was replaced by Hoskins not long after.

Subs

Hoskins – Came on but did not do much really. He seemed to be ready to come on for a while but it got delayed as Evans scored his third. When he was brought on he never really got involve and I still feel he has not quite done enough in the games I have seen. Maybe he needs a full 90 minutes up front and not down the wing.

Beattie – Still looks hopefully short of match fitness and I know that is harsh when he only gets 10 minutes here and there. However he is not really making any kind of impact and his main tactic when he comes on is to barge into his man and concede a free kick. He did this three times. He had a half chance when Williamson got down the line with the clever piece of skill but sliced it off target. Maybe before the end of the season he will score that crucial goal to win us a game but he does not look the answer at the moment.

O’ Halloran – Played wide right when he came on with Williamson switching to the left and only had a few minutes to make an impact. Showed good pace on one run where he darted inside and had a shot deflected wide. He wore ridiculously bright yellow boots.

Officials – Simon Hooper is not a name I have come across before and he has only been on the league list since 2008. He was a little fussy at times wanting free kicks from the exact right place and also did not seem to know when to stop the game for head injuries; playing on in the first half and then stopping it for one of theirs (that was clearly milking it – Westcarr) and then in the second half leaving one of ours down and not stopping it at all! I felt one or two other free kicks both ways were strange decisions and whilst I liked he wanted to play on he did this often when we had no advantage and were going back towards our own goal. The free kick where Williamson was brought down outside the box seemed the most blatant booking ever but he barely even spoke to him. Good to see a referee not get his cards out at every opportunity but sometimes you have to book someone! I did feel the penalty was a little harsh. He did clip him and it was a daft challenge (going away from goal) but the contact was minimal. If it had been given against us I would have been furious but then it maybe was a free kick anywhere else on the pitch. Still think it was a little fortunate and gave us a lift just after half time. Nice to get a decision as quite a few seem to have gone against us this year.

Crowd/Atmosphere – Decent crowd swelled by a few thousand from Chesterfield who filled three quarters of the lower tier. It was nice to go to a game where the sun was shining and have a few beers outside in a beer garden pre game. The unseasonably warm weather and the fact we are now at the business end helped increase numbers. Hopefully we can get over 20,000+ for the last 3 home games of the season. The first half did see a few grumbles with Quinny in particular getting a hard time. Maybe some fans do criticise too quickly and have scapegoats/favourites but some of the mistakes would get criticism at any club up and down the league. A lot of people around me were saying the crowd were not helping United but I felt they were patient and it was basic mistake that drew the ire. We were playing the bottom of the league and ought to have done better really regardless of a few groans from the crowd. It is too easy to blame the fans when for the most part they have been patient this year in my opinion. Of course when we get the goals the crowd starts getting behind the team but that happens county wide. By the end it was a positive atmosphere but United need to start better and help get the crowd on their side and not the other way round for me.