Michael Doyle’s ricocheted effort and Dave Kitson’s long range strike were enough despite a sloppy late goal conceded after Stephen McGinn’s free kick was somehow allowed to drift in. The Blades were full value for the win in their first ever visit to the Greenhous Meadow. The away side shaded the first half and then completely dominated the second against a poor Shrews side who were missing target man Marvin Morgan and then lost influential winger Jon Taylor at the break.
United began with loanee Jonathan Forte alongside Kitson but opted to keep Barry Robson on the bench alongside a number of young players with no places in the matchday squad for experienced players Cresswell, Porter or Williams. Shrewsbury had been in good recent form and included former Blade McAllister in their midfield.
The game began in scrappy fashion with neither slide getting hold of the ball. United survived a scare when the offside flag prevented a chance. For United, Forte had the first effort that went over the bar. The game was mired in midfield with neither side getting the ball into any kind of dangerous area of the field. However on 20 minutes United did have an effort on goal and it came from a surprising source as McDonald hit a low shot that Weale parried away for a corner. Maguire hit wide from the corner as United started to take some measure of control.
Parry looked neat and tidy for the home side and Collins had to be alert to see off a far post cross but United were looking the more likely. Flynn went on a good run and nearly toed the ball past Weale before Forte appealed for a penalty after latching onto Kitson’s flick. Kitson was then upended and this led to McMahon’s free kick being saved by Weale. The free kick had direction but probably lacked power. United were now creating plenty of chances and soon after this Kitson headed straight at the keeper from a corner when he really should have done better. Shrewsbury had offered little as an attacking threat but former Blade McAllister had a shot blocked and then was off target on the rebound not long before the break.
The second half saw Taylor taken off for Summerfield but United started well on top and another opportunity for McMahon came with a free kick but he was wide on this effort. Forte had an effort and then from a corner Kitson’s header was cleared off the line. Murphy pulled his shot wide before Doyle had an effort blocked. United were dominating but could not get the break though despite being virtually camped in the home side’s half.
Finally just after the hour the deserved goal came. Murphy went past the full back and put in a cross that Forte seemed set to score but his effort came back off Weale and then the clearance hit DOYLE at point blank range and rebounded into the net. There was a slight appeal for handball but even it had hit his arm it had been smashed into him from close range and there was no way he could have got out of the way! Doyle ran away to celebrate with the United fans massed behind Weale’s goal and was booked for ‘overdoing it’ somewhat. It was a fortunate goal but one United definitely deserved as they had been in complete control.
Shrewsbury had a brief spell after this and brought on Bradshaw for Doble for but did not really create anything but at least they had some play in the United half for maybe the first time since the break. As they looked to somehow get a foothold back in the game, United scored the second goal.
After some neat build up and patient football, McDonald played the ball into KITSON who took a touch and then hit a long range effort that had the necessary power to beat Weale who was perhaps a little flat footed but it was a great strike none the less. Kitson saluted the Blades fans and also had time to signal what the goal meant to the home fans who had been exchanging barbs with him for much of the game.
United were keeping the ball well and it was their best performance for some time against a lacklustre and rather uninspiring home side. Robson came on for the tiring Murphy who had performed much better and was given warm applause when he came off. Robson immediately used his experience to win two free kicks as United looked to keep the ball. Collins got in two blocks and then Robson and Forte linked before the ball was cleared before a shot could be got away.
The game was petering out and United were in cruise control. They nearly added a third 5 minutes from the end. The ball forward down the inside right channel found Forte and he opened up his body before curling a left footed effort just wide of the far post with Weale beaten. Suddenly there was a goal out of nothing for the home side after a foul was conceded around 35 yards from goal but a long way to the left of the goal. MCGINN took the free kick and it drifted towards the far post and seemed to just float in. He certainly was not going for goal. Long should have maybe done better as the defence did their job in terms of preventing anyone getting in a header. Shrewsbury suddenly had hope and a game that seemed dead was back on. The Shrews were now knocking the ball forward and United looked nervy for the first time all afternoon.
The game went into the additional 4 minutes of stoppage time as Kitson came off for Ironside. United tried to see out time and despite conceding a free kick, Maguire headed away strongly and Shrewsbury could not fashion another chance before the final whistle signalled United were back to winning ways.
United – A much better performance. Today we bossed the game and although the opposition were poor, we deserved to win and 2-1 flattered them. We had around 7 or 8 good chances and their keeper made 3 or 4 good (not outstanding) saves. First half we were slightly better in a poor game and still could have been in front but after the break we absolutely dominated and were in their third for long spells. We missed some chances and made some poor decisions in the final third and it was ironic when the goal came it was lucky but it was deserved. The second was a great individual goal and gave the game a truer picture in terms of the score line. We could have had more but then the late goal and it was nervy for a few moments.
We kept the ball better than we have done and were more patient. The front two held the ball up and the wingers actually went at their full backs. The defence was solid against a poor strike force but most importantly for me was McDonald and Doyle who controlled midfield. We won loose balls, got more possession and pressed the home side into giving it away. It was not a scintillating performance but a solid one and a much deserve away win. I am not getting carried away as it was first decent performance for some time and we now have 2 more games where we have to replicate this level of attitude and application. It was about the effort and work rate which was much improved. We used our superior physical size (Shrews really small side) and imposed ourselves on them and allowed some smattering of decent football to be played.
We need to kick on and go for 6 from 6 points this week as that would put us right in the mix for top two. Two poor results and we could be out of the top 6 (only in it on goal difference). That is how close it is. Blackwell will have Bury really fired up for Tuesday and it will be a much tougher game against a side that needs a win as much as us (as would be quite adrift if they lost) and then we play another side in decent form in Colchester. We must and I stress must match the other side’s workrates. Today proved if we do that then we will be better than most in this division.
Shrewsbury – Thought they were really poor and one of the worst sides I have seen this year. They looked much better at the Lane and actually had a threat up top. Of course Morgan was out and the young lad Taylor who has been getting rave reviews went off injured. They looked powder puff up front and never really had any real chances all day. They got swarmed all over in midfield and did not press us or close us down. They did not seem to have seen what other teams had done well to us in winning midfield and out working us and often sat too far off our players all over the field (shown on the second goal and indeed the first when Murphy was given too much space). Oddly they have been winning games and in good form but today they never really looked like winning. If United had taken their chances it could have been embarrassing.
In terms of personnel, I felt they looked really weak all over the pitch and never really won individual battles. Richards the former Ipswich man showed a few neat touches down the left as did Parry the ex Preston player and the keeper made some good saves. Their defence looked leaden footed and up front they had no real pace or power missing Morgan. McAllister played in central midfield and had a few shots blocked (the one thing he could do was shoot/score now and again) but generally looked the same anonymous player I saw at the Lane for a few years as he proved despite their poor form, our midfield duo are still considerably better than him. He is very weak physically and does not get involved in games nearly enough for such a key area of the field.
They may struggle to stay up on that performance and maybe today was just an off day but I think they may get sucked back into things with some of the bottom teams seemingly picking up in recent weeks.
Long 6/10 – He did not have that much to do and cannot really remember a save he had to make all game. His kicking was not the best and a few slices/misplaced clearances. I also felt he should have done better on the goal as he was very slow to react to the free kick which was not exactly whipped in. Why he did not dive is beyond me as it lacked pace and whilst in the corner he had time to react after no one touched it and should have followed the ball (if it gets headed and goes in the other side then it is not his fault). It was similar to the Notts County goal (granted that was headed) as it meekly bounced once and then into the net.
McMahon 6.5/10 – It was a so so performance from both full backs. McMahon was mixed in his touch and passing. At times he was sloppy in possession and also committed some daft and unnecessary fouls. He at times seems to get involved in unnecessary altercations too and got booked for a poor challenge. It happened last week v Coventry and also today. Defensively he got better as the game went on and Shrewsbury’s attacking threat evaporated.
Higginbotham 6.5/10 – Like McMahon on a few occasions he gave away free kicks and his passing and touch was up and down. He shinned a few balls into touch and then played a few clever balls down the line. He did get stronger as the game went on and actual got forward a bit; maybe more than McMahon and linked well a few times with Murphy. Still think he looks better at centre back when he has played there than full back and I expect Hill to come back in shortly. Decent player to have around though and can cover a number of positions.
Maguire 7.5/10 – Solid game and best he has been for a while in my opinion. He did nothing flashy but won tackles, made clearances and used the ball well. He was strong in challenges and I cannot any of their attacking players getting in beyond us or even having a chance. That must mean your centre backs have done their job.
Collins 7.5/10 – Thought he was very good today albeit against a very weak front line that barely had any pace or power. However he and Maguire headed lots of balls away; were solid and made no real mistakes all game. They also both came out of defence a few times and tried to ensure we kept the ball rather than just lumping it.
Flynn 7/10 – Thought he did alright today and showed some good skill, determination and got up and down the flank. Actual won a few physical tackles and nearly scored when he got in at the back post in the first half.
Doyle 7.5/10 – A much better performance. He got stuck in, won tackles and used it simply when he had it. He seemed to be on the ball a lot in the second half and always seemed to be the one breaking up the play. He was fortunate on the goal but at least he got into the box.
McDonald 7/10 – First half he was ok but did not stamp his authority on the game and too many times went sideways or backwards. Saying that he did have a good shot that was saved and it was rare to see him get something on target. After the break he was much better and we completely controlled the midfield and he was at the heart of many of our better things. He needs to be more consistent and dictate for full games rather than just for spells but he was much better today. He is still quite slow to get back (booking when he hauled someone down proved this) and cover though and at times you can see why teams are overrunning us in this area as both lack mobility and pace.
Forte 6.5 /10 – Quietish for a lot of the game in terms of chances or really running at the defence but he did some good things with his back to goal such as the lay off in the lead up to the first goal. He of course ought to have scored when Murphy put the ball across and somehow missed with the goal at his mercy. He had a curled effort just wide on the angle towards the end. He does offer us pace and hopefully the likes of McDonald can utilise this with his passing.
Kitson 7/10 – Strange game as he showed some nice touches and link up play but also was distinctly lazy for long spells and not chasing back or getting into the right areas. That may seem harsh but I watched him closely. He is woefully unfit and a little overweight but for all that criticism he does have that touch of class about him and the goal was a great strike. It was only half a chance but he buried it and this virtually sealed the game. He does seem to enjoy playing the pantomime villain role though and at times needs to just get on with the game. You can see why other side’s fans do not seem to like him as he riles them somewhat by indicating the score or by running towards them after he scored. I don’t think it helped that they alleged he was making a meal out of the head injury in the first half.
Murphy 7/10 – He made the first goal with a good run where he did what I was imploring him to do all game. He does look decent when he runs at men but today same as previous matches did not really do it as often as I would like. He was neat and tidy but really want him to take more responsibility and he had maybe 2 or 3 runs all game and when he did things happened. He seems to lack confidence at the moment so hopefully making the goal will allow him to push on. He also needs to get fitter as seems tired long before the end of games and that explains why Wilson has taken him off a few times. It was better today but hopefully there is more to come.
Subs
Robson – Brought on for Murphy but did not stay on the wing and seemed to drift about. Bought two free kicks with his experience and getting his body in the right positions. Showed a few neat and tidy touches although not sure why he crossed it at the end when he needed to keep the ball in the corner.
Ironside – Came on right at the death for Kitson as we tried to see out time.
Officials – Thought he was a bit fussy really and there were not that many bad tackles or indiscretions all game but he booked 5 players (3 for us). A few of them were bookings but the one for the lad Jones was harsh really and not sure what Doyle did to get booked (did he go in the crowd?). Thought he did us a favour right at the end when it seemed McMahon clattered one of their players that could have led to a free kick but he blew for time right on the challenge. We all feared one more chance was coming so it was a bit of a relief. We had an appeal for a penalty in the first half when Forte went down but it would have been soft.
Crowd / Day Out - I saw that they were expecting one of their biggest crowds of the season but the end opposite us was almost empty. Granted the two side stands were fairly full but it still did not have much of an atmosphere. As a new ground it was very lego/identikit and was much like Chesterfield and some of the other new grounds. Four stands of the same size, not filled in on the corners and so any atmosphere escaped. United filled the away end despite them seeing fit to put netting on the first few rows meaning a few more hundred Blades could have come and they would have made more money? It was not like the netting was between two sets of fans. The United fans made a fair noise and got behind the team. Of course it often seems much more positive away from home and today was a classic example. It was a decent performance and the fans were pleased to finally see a win after what seemed like an eternity without one. The ground was in the middle of nowhere with a series of roundabouts nearby (much like Crawley) and was a fair hike from the town centre.
As for the rest of the day out; we went via Stockport and had breakfast there before arriving in Shrewsbury around lunchtime. Never been to the town before and it seemed a nice place with a Castle, a lot of Tudor buildings and some cobbled streets/little pedestrianised side streets/steps that led to some pleasant pubs. Seemed an old fashioned market town and felt a bit like York. Nice place and surprised me how pretty it was. Before the game we went in the Yorkshire Arms, the Three Fishes and the Hop and Friar around the centre and then in the Belle Vue Tavern and another on the way to the ground (via a Chippy). After the game we ended up in the Salopian Bar and a quick one in the Bulls Head (awful pub near the station that had a few Wolves fans coming in after their game with Leeds) before going via Stockport (curry and a few more beers there on way back) and ending up back in Sheffield for a few more beers before last orders. A good day out.
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