After a less than convincing performance at the weekend had seen a narrow win over Port Vale; the Blades were able to put together their best performance for some time as they comprehensively saw off the Iron. The visitors had been somewhat of a nemesis in recent years but were never in the game tonight as Jason Holt’s long range shot and a pair of Jose Baxter goals sandwiched a clever Jamie Murphy finish. In truth it was a fair reflection of a comprehensive win.
United were again forced into changes as Mark Howard’s injury problems continued meaning Iain Turner was back between the sticks and striker Matty Done was not seemed fit enough to start with Ryan Flynn on the bench. Steven Davies spearheaded the line supplanted by Holt, Jose Baxter and Coutts in midfield. John Brayford skippered the side with Michael Doyle again left out of the starting line-up. Visiting Scunthorpe featured the dangerous Paddy Madden, former Owl Miguel Llera and had ex Blade Marcus Williams on the bench.
United were back in the more familiar red and white stripes but began the game slowly and the visitors were the quicker to settle without really troubling keeper Turner. A sloppy piece of play saw Freeman go in the book for a silly foul but the free kick came to nothing. United slowly came into the game and a neat move featuring Coutts, Harris and Murphy nearly led to a chance but Daniels gathered well.
However United forced a corner soon after and from it came the opening goal. The ball was played short and Coutts fed HOLT who was around 30 yards from goal but hit a low shot that went through a body of players and past Daniels into the bottom corner. It was a great strike and fairly arrowed home but it was still a surprise that it managed to evade so many bodies.
Buoyed by this United were now able to show greater confidence. Baxter had a shot over and then Harris had a free kick blocked. Townsend was struggling to cope with Flynn who was having an excellent first half and he drew two quick fouls on the defender.
Scunthorpe had offered little but a long ranger from Llera from a free kick was deflected over in a rare opening. United were back on the attack and some nice one tough stuff almost saw Davies in but then another neat move saw a penalty awarded. The ball was transferred across the box and Flynn found himself on the left before he took a touch and was felled clumsily by Canavan. It was an obvious award and little appeals resulted from the Scunthorpe defenders. As on Saturday Jose BAXTER took the kick and again hit it firm, this time going more centrally as the keeper dived to his right.
United had the rare cushion of a two goal lead and it showed as confidence started to filter through the side with Baxter probing, Holt looking lively and both wingers causing problems and Davies an excellent foil. United were playing with a high tempo and were forward thinking; a far cry from some of the lacklustre slow build-up of recent games.
The half time whistle saw generous applause for the much improved performance from the Blades.
The second half carried on as the first half had ended with United confidently knocking the ball about. Some neat football again involving a number of players nearly led to another chance with Murphy and Flynn often swapping wings and causing problems. Coutts was now more involved on the ball and with Baxter continuing to dictate, it seemed a matter of time before another goal came. Murphy had a lovely run and effort saved as it seemed set for the far corner before Flynn somehow had his cross turned away from right on the line.
Scunthorpe had not really been in the game but a silly foul from Basham saw a free kick but substitute Van Veen’s shot was narrowly wide in their best effort so far. United were back on the attack soon after but again good work down the right saw the ball cleared just before Murphy seemed set to pounce. McNulty and Done came on for Davies and Coutts with around 15 minutes to play.
The third goal came when Freeman chipped the ball over the defence and MURPHY sprang the offside trap and was in on goal. Reminiscent of many of his goal this season, he kept his goal ran in on goal and cleverly dinked the ball over the advancing keeper. It was a cool finish and showed his class when in such positions.
Ben Davies came on for the excellent Flynn soon after but the goals did not stop.
Llera cynically hacked down McNulty on the by-line and got booked and then he was soon walking down the tunnel in the build up to the fourth goal
As with the first it came from a United corner (a weakness much discussed amongst many fans this season) as the ball came over; Llera manhandled McNulty right in front of the referee and the award although seemed to be delayed; seemed another obvious one. The second yellow followed and there were cheerios again for an opponent; for the second successive game.
BAXTER took the kick again and hit is hard and high again but this time went to the right but although Daniels went the right way he was given no chance. United were now playing getting the cheers from the crowd as they pinged it about and cries of; ‘We want five!’ went up from the Kop. United could not add another goal but kept possession and saw out the final three minutes of stoppage time to win another home game and keep another clean sheet.
United – It was so much better. An excellent performance. We played the whole game at a better tempo. We actually started the game slowly but after first 10 minutes we gradually got into the game and after Holt scored we never looked back and I actually never thought they would get anything. A few silly free kick give aways apart I cannot recall Turner having a real save to make and his poor punches/kicking was the only thing that concerned us (other than one free kick that went not far wide). There were no poor players tonight and everyone had decent to good games. The midfield were busy and looked to get forward. Davies led the line well (and is unfortunate his hard work has not seen him get a goal) and the two wide men were a threat all night. Flynn was excellent and was driving at the defence and caused all manner of problems. I also felt Brayford had his best game since coming back. There were the odd mistake and at times maybe we still could have made better decisions in the last third but overall it was so much better. We played with a pomp and arrogance but in a good way and we dictated the game.
I just felt we looked to attack and try and make things happen. We got them turned and got them going the wrong way. We used the full pitch and made them work. We showed what we should be doing most weeks in that we have better footballers and technical players than many at this level. That is not saying much but likes of Murphy and Baxter really should be dominating at this level. Tonight they did. Baxter has been excellent last two games and I felt he controlled the game. Holt had a good first half and worked really hard too. I also thought Coutts had a better second half.
Overall it was the sort of performance and result we have been looking for in many months and whilst it was great to see, made you feel so frustrated how we have tossed away so many points and played so negatively when we can play like we did tonight. I have been critical of the side but tonight they were good and showed what they can do. It was the nearest I have seen them to the Southampton game and in some of the end of games earlier in season (Gillingham for example) when we have pressed teams, won the ball and then moved it forward at pace. We have committed extra men forward and made the other team think about us rather than the other way around.
We need to carry on like this in weeks to come. With likes of Scougall, Kennedy, Wallace and maybe even Campbell Ryce (+ Done and Doyle who did not start tonight) to come back; then hopefully we can push on now and at least secure the playoff place and then of course despite our awful record, it is a new season. Still frustrating to be so far behind the top 4 and particularly Bristol City when I do not think we are much worse (squad wise) but sadly our (managers) approach and our inconsistency means we are resigned to the playoffs now. Tonight though was a big move in the right direction. We need to follow it up and not get sloppy and make it three home wins in a week before the two South Yorkshire derbies. If we could win those two then we would not be caught by either Barnsley or Doncaster with so few games left.
Scunthorpe – They were really poor but have to credit United too for pressing them and making them make mistakes. They were sloppy in possession, gave away silly fouls and penalties but too often were stretched down the flanks and were really struggling every time we attacked. They actually started the game ok but after we scored they regressed badly and after the second they sort of fell apart. They had a brief 5 minutes in the second half and if the free kick had gone in then maybe they may have had a sniff but cannot recall Turner having a save of note to make all night? The third goal killed it and their head dropped after this and they just wanted to get off and it was just a case of how many United could get. They lost their discipline a bit and Llera was idiotic to pick up two obvious bookings.
They have done ok since Robins took over and seemed set to survive comfortably but a poor run has seen them sucked back into things and they are now only a point off the bottom. They could do down but they do have goals in Madden who I like and also some experience in the likes of McSheffrey too but they will rely on getting some wins at home which has always been a big ally for them.
Turner 5/10 – His mark may seem harsh for a clean sheet but I felt he was not convincing. He threw one straight to the winger, then missed a punch 9punching it waist height instead of highest point) and then miskicked one when he hit a back pass. He did not have many (any?) saves to make but be glad when Howard is back in the side
Freeman 7/10 – Steady game and this was after he picked up a stupid booking. He got forward well and showed decent touches on the ball linking well with Flynn and Murphy. Must admit he has surprised me after he got in the side after coming back as I did not rate him but he has done well; showing athleticism and also giving us some energy/legs defensively and going forward.
Brayford 8/10 – Thought he played well tonight. Made some impressive blocks and tackles and was more determined to get to the ball first. He is not really a centre back but tonight he was good and Madden did not get a sniff really. Good to see him captain and talking/cajoling players more tonight
Basham 7.5/10 – Also a good performance. Sound enough under little pressure. Gave away a silly free kick which they could have profited from but other than that did the basics and covered well. One moment where he ran back and won three tackles in a row summed up United’s more determined attitude tonight.
Harris 7/10 – Better than he has been. One mistake apart when he gave it away and they nearly got in; he was solid and won a number of tackles and interceptions. He also got forward well and linked with others. Needs to keep those standards not as he has been in some of recent games.
Coutts 7/10 – Thought he was sloppy first half as he made a few carless giveaways that nearly put us in trouble. He did play some decent balls too and after half time I thought he was much improved being more involved and more careful on the ball. He played it simple but was able to sit just in front of the back four and help dictate play more.
Baxter 8/10 – Another really good performance and he did it for 90 minutes tonight. Of course not everything came off but overall his commitment, energy and passing was all of a high quality. He has put a real shift in last two games and not hid at all. He has played some lovely balls and a real mixture of short, long, forwards and sideways. Involved in most of the good stuff we did and showed some lovely touches. Took two excellent penalties (the best sort – high and powerful). Needs to keep these standards. Maybe him playing with two other midfielders with mobility (no criticism of Doyle) has helped. A lot of the times he has been deeper though and got on the ball more and has been more effective than maybe when he has been just behind a striker/strikers.
Holt 7.5/10 – An energetic showing where he covered a lot of ground, got around the front positions and looked a threat with his running. Scored a good long range shot and had a few other shots on goal too. He kept going and although not quite as influential after the break still was running the channels even in the closing stages. Similar sort of player to Scougall but looks more of a goal threat.
Murphy 7.5/10- In and out of the game but always a threat. His running with the ball and ability to commit defenders and get wide always saw him drawing men out and once again they tried to double up on him. He was involved in a lot of out better moves and the goal he scored was taken with really composure. Nearly got another when he cut in at the start of the second half.
Flynn 8.5/10 – Best performance of the season. All game he was in constant motion; he ran across the line, down both flanks and was determined and aggressive in everything he did. He created a few chances before winning the penalty and then he continued in the same vein and they could not handle his strong running and direct play. When he plays like that allied to Murphy on the other side (whichever side, know they keep swapping) then we are a completely different proposition.
Davies 8/10 – Played really well again. Nothing flash and yes he has not scored or had many chances but he holds the ball up very well. It sticks to him, he brings others into play and is physical enough to just worry defences. He is good at killing the all and bringing others into it and he links play nicely. Sure goals will come. Been a pleasant surprise so far.
Subs-
McNulty – Came on and drew two bookings and a sending off. Know now with Davies and Done, he has to really put a shift in when he does play. To be fair he did look lively today when he came on and won a penalty.
Doyle – Maybe smart to give him a rest as he has played all season and to be fair we had more energy and legs in midfield. Saw Clough saw he was concerned about him being close to a ban (on 9 bookings – another and he gets a 2 game ban – when does this expire?). Sure he will still play a big part as the season ends.
Davies – A useful lad to have around when you need a player to come on and do a job in a number of positions. Showed his decent passing and crossing in the brief time had had on.
Manager rating – Clough 8/10
Cannot fault him tonight. Even with more changes to the side (maybe enforced) he got a much improved performance tonight and an emphatic win. We scored 4 goals, kept a clean sheet and played at a high tempo, creating chances and playing some lovely football. No criticism at all. Just that it shows what we can do if we actually set about teams and not worry about them or trying to scrape 1-0 wins. Shows if we go for the jugular what we can do.
Officials – Mark Heywood. Booked a few early (rightly so for either side) with a few cynical chop downs both in respective right back positions. He then booked Lundstram for a cynical trip too. After the break he did not have much to referee; a few obvious fouls and then two stupid bookings that saw Llera walk. Cannot really disagree with the penalties. The first was a stonewaller with a trip on Flynn and the second McNulty was wrestled to the floor. He had warned Llera twice before this on corners! The officials overall were fine but the game was one sided and they did not have any effect on the outcome.
Crowd – A hugely impressive crowd to get 19,442 on a cold Tuesday night. Scunny brought maybe 4 or 500 fans and they were a noisy bunch early on until the game went out of reach. Felt despite the big crowd, the United fans were quiet but gradually warmed up and were a bit more vocal (in a good way) second half as they showed their appreciation for some good football played. Think everybody went away feeling much better than they had on Saturday and other recent home games with the performance as much as the result.