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.