United 1 Hull 1 (Hull win on pens) - report

It is now three defeats from four and two defeats from two at Bramall Lane as United went out on penalties in the league cup at the first stage to Hull City. It was an exciting game that saw the Blades behind for a long period after a well-made and taken goal from Jon Toral and easily could have been further goals behind but kept in the game and missed chances of their own. They got level thanks to a superb Billy Sharp volley and after this the home side had several clear opportunities but the woodwork, goalkeeper and clearances off the line denied them and sent the game to penalties. The excellent Oliver Norwood sent the first kick of the shoot out into the Kop and every other penalty was scored meaning Hull won through 5-4. It was a triumphant return for returning boss Nigel Adkins who departed to boos and loud chants telling him where to go as he walked off the pitch on full time.

United made a number of changes bringing in Simon Moore in goal, starting Ryan Leonard at centre back and also bringing back John Lundstram in midfield. There were full debuts for new signings Ben Woodburn and Oliver Norwood. Young players Norrington Davies and Parkhouse were on the bench. Hull had former Blade George Long on the bench for a Hull side that made 9 chances and had a far less experienced side out than the home side.

United began well with Norwood instrumental and showing his range of passing to impress his new fans. Freeman had one cross saved from Marshall before Stewart hit a dipping volley over at the other end. The game had been quite entertaining with both teams getting it down and trying to pass but United were often taking too long to move it on where as Hull were quicker in their approach. This led to the opening goal as TORAL played a ball to Dicko and then went on to receive the cross that saw him score easily at the far post. United’s defence had been ripped apart by one ball over the top, a strong forward run and an easy finish after the ball. It was reminiscent of the way Swansea had got through the Blades on opening day with pace and runners off the ball.

United tried to respond but Clarke took too long and Burke tackled him. Woodburn also was guilty of over playing before Hull really should have scored again on another breakaway. Irvine ran past two defenders and chipped over Moore but it fell just the wrong side of the post. It was a lucky escape but showed the ease with which United could be breached. Once again, United continued to have all the ball with Norwood continuing to impress but it was taking way too long to get into the final third. Duffy and Woodburn were struggling to make much of an impact.

However, one good move saw the ball played into Clarke on the angle and he attempted a chip but got it horribly wrong and it went at a right angle from his boot and across the goal. Soon after from a quick free kick Woodburn had a shot that was well saved. Duffy then took a quick free kick, Stevens cross and it seemed Clarke must score but somehow, he missed hitting the legs of Marshall from a few yards.

United had other half chances but the final ball was poor where as Dickon nearly got in right on half time for Hull.

Sharp came on for Duffy at the break and was involved instantly linking up with Woodburn and then Norwood. Lundstram shot over from the penalty spot when well placed. At the other end Toral shot narrowly wide with a great curling effort with Moore beaten to the wide. It was a very open game but Hull were causing problems on the break and one such move similar to the goal saw quick feet and interplay get Irvine in and as he shaped to shoot; Leonard seemed to clearly bring him down. The ball was eventually scrambled clear with Hull’s players and management staff aghast at the non award. It did seem an incredible decision.

Soon after Hull had another chance as the ball came across from the left and a flicked header from Keane hit the inside of the post and rolled across the line before being cleared. They won a corner and missed another great opportunity and a scramble saw the ball pin pall around before somehow being cleared. United had survived 3 big let offs in this spell and somehow remained in a game they had controlled for large parts in terms of ball retention but were conceding chances too easily at one end and not creating enough at the other end. Woodburn had a free kick opportunity but hit the wall after a foul right on the edge of the box.

United awoke and started to have a go themselves. Sharp had a chance blocked out and then Clarke fired over on the angle. Then Egan hit the underside of the bar with a chance that was as unfortunate for the home side as it was for the visitors when they hit the woodwork earlier. Basham and Fleck had entered the fray and United started to pin Hull back. Stevens had a cross shot that was ruled out for offside.

As the game entered the final quarter of an hour; the leveller came. Fleck hit a diagonal through ball and SHARP on the angle hit a great first-time volley that Marshall could not keep out despite getting a hand to it.

It was all United now and Clarke fired over after Basham pulled back and then Fleck fired over after the Blades broke away and Sharp had pulled the ball back amidst appeals for a penalty. Hull were now defending for their lives and United won a number of corners. In stoppage time; Basham somehow had an effort cleared off the line with the ref looking at his watch to signal no goal (was not even aware we had this technology at this level?) and then right on time Stevens had a shot that Marshall somehow tipped over. The game was to be decided by penalties with no extra time being used anymore for this competition. Clarke did something right and won the toss sending them to be taken to the empty Kop end rather than in front of the Hull fans and so it went like this….

United miss – Norwood: blazed horribly over
Hull score – Total. Chipped it on nonchalantly. Moore was on the floor already.
United score – Sharp. Blasted it top corner sending the keeper the wrong way
Hull score – Keane. Put it into the corner easily.
United score – Woodburn. Good penalty – sent the keeper the wrong way.
Hull score – Grosicki – this one was another one where Moore went way too early.
United score – O’Connell – confidently dispatched
Hull score – Milikovic – went in off the post. Thought he had missed at first but as precise as you can be.

United score – Basham. Sent the keeper the wrong way.

Hull score – Stewart. Rolled it in as Moore once again had already dived.

Hull win 5-4 on pens.

The celebrations were quite muted really. It did not seem that big of a deal to win for Hull. They barely rushed to the scorer or anything like that and United just kind of slumped off to signal another defeat. Winning is a habit though and Hull will be delighted to get their first one of the season where as United are still looking for theirs at home.

United – It was an odd performance. First half we were poor but still had some chances abut went behind and then second half we came alive finally although the game was very open. We did some really good things but some really poor things too even in the improved second half. Over the whole game, we had so much of the ball and controlled a lot of the play but for the most part did sod all with it until the last 20 minutes or so. First half from our attack, Hull broke and scored. They did it again and nearly scored. Still, Clarke missed a few clear chances but up to the point when they had 3 clear chances in the second half; we had not really done that much. Lundstram had blazed over and Clarke missed one really good chance but for all the ball we had we did not make the keeper work (one save) and took too long to move it on. Duffy and Woodburn did not really make much happen and we looked like we did not have much up top at all in terms of movement. Shame as I felt Freeman and Stevens looked good going forward and Norwood was excellent on debut. As I say Hull then had a clear penalty denied (we have had a lot of luck last two games in this regard), hit the post and had 2 off the line in a scramble.

After this we had a go and slowly started to create. We had more chances (Clarke again) and hit the underside of the bar – Egan should have scored. Sharp then did score – a great goal and after this they looked only one winner. Clarke missed another chance, we had one off the line, the keeper made a worldie of a save and they somehow got to pens. If it had gone extra time ironically, I am sure we would have won as we were pegging them back. They could say of course if the ref does his job; it’s 2-0 and possibly v 10 men if Leonard is sent off. They also could have taken one of the other chances in that mad few minutes. Defensively we got cut apart again on the goal and they nearly scored two more from runners from deep and pace breaking. We look slow and square when ran at. At the other end, yes, we play neat stuff but we need 30 passes to do the same as some teams need to get in with 3 or 4 passes (Swansea and Hull at the Lane showing this). It has to be really precise and we almost have to score the perfect goal. We lack pace to get in behind teams. If Stevens and Freeman do not get behind and attack; then we look a bit clueless with the down trodden Clarke and then the likes of Duffy/Woodburn just getting crowded out. The subs made a difference and we look better when Sharp plays but Bash and Fleck made a difference too.

The game should have been won despite the let offs and probably in general play we shaded it and by the end even had more big chances if you look at the course of the piece, but we did not and it went to penalties where they took 5 very cool spot kicks to win. It is worrying we now have lost 3 out of 4 to start the season. I think Hull will be nearer the bottom than top and overall, we had more 1st teamers playing than them (they fielded a few younger players) so disappointing that we did not put them to the sword.

We have to do much better at both ends and some players tonight did not do themselves any favours. Norwood was excellent and I felt Freeman and Stevens attacking wise did well. The 3 subs made a big difference also with Sharp a constant threat and Fleck more like his old self. The defence is still getting done with little balls through and ball watching and not sure newcomer Egan or O’Connell are quite up to speed with things. Clarke is the big concern. He is missing chances but he is not even contributing much in general play. We desperately need another option up there as he is a passenger at the moment. The fact he did not take a penalty sums up how he is at the moment.

Hull – They had some decent players. Dicko was lively and Keane very good in the air and a willing runner. Liked the lad Irvine at Burton and he got forward well and you can see why he has scored goals from this position. At the back I felt it took us too long to test them. They will be delighted to field a few younger players and still come out with the win. They made 9 chances yet we on the other hand did not really rest anyone (Stearman only one not to play) and ended the game with almost our strongest team and lost. That will be a big confidence booster for them. Football wide is was not like the Adkins we remembered and they actually broke and attacked well then they could. I felt they ceded possession to United a lot but kept a good shape and it was only late in the game when they got properly stretched. Adkins got a verbal going over a few times from the crowd and drew the boos from the home fans when the Hull fans asked him to give them a wave. He was given quite a lusty chant as he departed at the end but did not react.

Opponent Man of the Match – Felt Irvine caused problems all game with his strong running and ability to get ahead of the strikers. We don’t have many players who do that and are a bit rigid at the moment making it hard to break teams down.

Opponent Weak link – I felt McDonald at the back was clumsy and easy to turn but we did not make him work enough. Towards the end even Sharp outpaced him a few times.

Moore 6.5/10 – Had little chance with the goal and saw another chipped effort just go wide and then a header hit the inside of the post. Cannot recall him making a save all night but they did have chances – maybe he got his foot/body to the scramble not long after the effort hit the post? On the penalties he reminded me of Peter Shilton in Italia 90’ as he just lay on the floor committing himself for every penalty. A few of them were right in the corner but two went right down the centre as he committed himself way too early. Probably a bit critical for penalties but way I saw it.

Freeman 7/10 – Thought he played ok and gives us much more going forward than Baldock in terms of final ball although this was up and down a bit tonight. He did keep getting up and down and was able to support the attack but he took too long to knock it over at times. I think Wilder will keep him in the team even when Baldock returns to fitness. We look like we may get more decent balls into the box or chances when he plays.

Stevens 7/10 – He gets a lot of criticism but tin hat on time…thought he did well tonight. Had a few slow moments defensively first half but the goal they scored was more dissecting the centre backs. Second half a lot of our attacks came through him surging down that side and reminded me of the Stevens from last season. Had one cross shot that went in and ruled offside and finally put some good crosses in. He was very unlucky with an effort that was denied by a brilliant save. Not sure he is the problem at the moment but I may be on my own on that argument. The middle of the defence, lack of creativity in the middle and the striking options are all more of a concern for me.

Egan 6/10 – He had a better game tonight and I felt came onto the ball more and showed more domination at times but he also was sloppy with it yet again and showed his lack of reading of the game where they went through us a few times. Not sure he has quite adapted to the 3 at the back formation we play and needs more time for me but it was a bit more positive tonight.

O’Connell 6/10 – Not started the season great for me. Seems to be carrying a bit of weight and seems slow to react to things. Worryingly he is losing a lot more in the air than he used to. Keane for instance tonight beat him quite a bit and even Dicko won a few headers. He was ok on the ball and second half was more like the O’Connell we know as he got forward and supplanted the attack more.

Leonard 6/10 – Played right centre back but not sure that is his position as he positionally seemed a bit unsure. Steady-ish when on the ball but like the other two defenders got caught ball watching a few times and they had chances when runners came from deep. They scored one and could have had a few more and/or a penalty. Very lucky not to be given a penalty against him when he hacked his man down and could have been a red card. Wild and clumsy. Wilder seemed unhappy with him at one point and was taken off soon after. Do wonder if he will be here long term with another midfielder coming in, Coutts coming back and Millwall supposedly interested in him.

Norwood 8/10 – Excellent performance. Ran the show at times. Touch, passing and movement. He is a lovely footballer who wants to get on it. Reminded me very much of Coutts as he comes deep, gets it and then finds a shirt but moves it quickly. Was the only one doing this at times. Played short and long passes with some tremendous pinged crossfield balls. Just a lovely player to watch. He is technically good but can get in and win tackles. More mobile than Evans (and Lundstram) and a player that should be a very good signing. Only disappointment was his horrific penalty as he smashed over but a brilliant debut despite this.

Duffy 5/10 – Given a chance tonight again and did not take it. His control was poor and his passing off. The game seemed to pass him by. He had players like Woodburn and also Norwood around him who can pass the ball and are skilful players but tonight Duffy did not get on it and make anything happen at all. We all cry out for him to play but tonight he will not have done these claims any favours and was not surprisingly pulled at half time.

Lundstram 5/10 – Like the above; given a chance but was not great. Did a few neat things and in some of our better moves was part of these but flitted in and out. He lacks the pace both in terms of his getting to the ball but also in his head. He seems to realise things too late. Needs 4 or 5 touches to move it even sideways and then when opponents break he is a passenger as he showed when a few of their lads broke off him in the chances and goal they scored. He is not a bad footballer and at times shows neat touches/passes but lacks the dynamism for this level. For me, he is a League One player. We have had him 12 months and he is not improving. He is not a kid either really and not sure he will get any better. With Norwood in and Coutts coming back; and even Bash ahead of him in midfield, not sure he will play much moving forward.

Clarke 4.5/10 – Just having a really poor start to the season. His confidence is now rock bottom. He missed a number of clear chances again tonight. He tried one dink and chipped it sideways, hit the keeper from point blank range, blazed another over and then missed another decent chance. Nothing is going for him but not sure he is working hard enough. A few times he did sprint tonight but other times he ambled about. He did try a bit harder 2nd half. The fact he did not take a penalty says it all. Sharp looks far sharper and hungrier at the moment.

Woodburn 5/10 – Only seen flashes of him before tonight and he got 90 minutes but have to say; he was not very good. Like Clarke another who tried things that did not come off really. Showed a few neat touches but often got out muscled or crowded out and his decision making was not the best. He did put a few nice balls though and like the fact he does try things but overall there was little in the way of end product and often he took too long to do things. Needs to be more alert and get up to speed quicker.

Subs :

Sharp 7.5/10 – Excellent when he came on. Full of running, got on the ball, played on the shoulder and scored a great goal. He could have had a few more and was always right in the mix as we attacked. Got caught offside a few too many times but he has done enough of the last few games to be starting. Our most effective striker currently and only one who looks a proper goal threat.

Basham – Gave us some energy and we seemed to up things after he came on; played further forward and we seemed to have 4 at the back for the closing stages as he was spending lots of times inside right position or supporting Freeman. Got into some superb positions but his touch and final ball was poor. He takes forever to do things which is frustrating as he does make good runs. Had an effort cleared off the line at the death when he really should have scored and again took too long.

Fleck – Thought he looked more like the Fleck of old. Him and Norwood buzzed about and we attacked at will the last 15 minutes and stoppage time and created half a dozen good chances. His ball made the goal for Sharp and he also put in several other great balls. Showed his running with the ball but it was his passing and his passing forward that helped give us something different.

Wilder 6/10 – Blooded a few players we have not seen but overall it is a loss and as he says he likes winning games of football. Woodburn and Duffy did not make much of an impact but his 3 subs did when they came on. We need to be quicker with the football when we have it and more aware to runners and players breaking at speed when we don’t. Out shape is all over the place when teams run at us at the moment. Lot to work on all over the side but will be pleased with Norwood. The thought of him, Coutts and Fleck say in a months’ time being our midfield is an exciting prospect. He needs that striker in though and worrying he says it will probably be a loan meaning we have to go through the process again in January. We knew we needed a striker all summer regardless of the Brooks situation or what else happened and it is poor that 3 months later we have still not got one.

Ref – He was poor in that he missed a blatant penalty. If I was a Hull fan I would have been furious and he is lucky it did not affect the outcome. That is taking off my United bias. It was an appalling decision and not sure what he was looking at. The rest of the game he was ok I suppose outside of that one big one; a few decisions were odd though– one where Clarke was penalised first half and the ball also seemed to go out a lot (assistants) but the officials kept playing on.

Crowd – Only 6,327 and Hull brought maybe 1,000 or just under. It was a quiet atmosphere which you can understand with so few there but was good entertainment for those that went and was end to end at times.

One or two seem to be carrying a bit of weight including CW
Like us when we get a few pounds on it soon comes off
If only
UTB