Despite a 16 match unbeaten run and coming into the game full of confidence, the Millers were sent home defeated after a late Ben Davies penalty won the game in front of over 21,529 at Bramall Lane. United’s young and much changed side were cheered from the field as they effectively ended Rotherham’s automatic promotion hopes with what could be termed a surprising success.
United changed much of the side from Saturday’s draw with Orient and as expected Clough rested numerous first team players. Only 3 players started from that game, namely Maguire, Freeman and McGinn with starts for 19 year old Terry Kennedy and 18 year old Connor Dimaio who made his debut. On the bench were 18 year old Otis Khan and 16 year old Louis Reed. 20 year old Maguire captained the side.
Rotherham began with a big following and were expectant that they could continue their surge towards a potential automatic promotion place. The Blades began with a back three with Maguire in between Kennedy and Hill and wing backs in Freeman on the right and Harris on the left. Dimaio began just in front of the back four; with Davies and McGinn in the centre and Baxter just behind Paynter as United played effectively without wingers.
Rotherham began the better side and won a few key loose balls early on but did not create anything of note and as the game settled down it was United who were playing the better possession football. McGinn and Baxter fired well off target as youngster Dimaio looked to use the ball with common sense and assuredness.
Little had happened in terms of goal mouth action so far with both defences on top but the dangerous Agard had one run getting away from Harris but his cross was wayward.
The first chance finally came and it was the Millers who had it. Tavernier drilled a shot that Long had to push away. Soon after Maguire used his power to see off Revell before Pringle was crowded out. The Millers were now in the ascendancy and Long had to be quick off his line to save with his feet from Hitchcock before the keeper saw his clearance strike the same man but fortunately bounce wide of the goal.
The half time whistle came soon after. It had been fairly even but Rotherham had enjoyed the only two efforts on goal so far,
After the break Rotherham had a good spell and had two appeals for a penalty with one possible decent shout for hand ball but not clear and one forlorn hope for a trip. After this United finally came out and started to keep it better. They won a few corners and Maguire made Collin make a save from a looping header. Khan came on for Harris and was immediately in the action with one surging run before being upended. The same man then won a corner.
United were now the better side and Baxter fired over with a powerful shot before McGinn shot over from a similar distance. Baxter came off for Reed as United now had a very young side on the field but it was the home side that seemed to have more belief with the crowd appreciating the efforts of such an inexperienced yet willing group. Coady came on for Dimaio who got a standing ovation and a hug from Clough as he came off.
Still the game seemed set to end honours even until a late corner was won at the Kop end. Before the kick came in Morgan has clearly grabbed hold of Maguire and then did it again before Dean had a word. The defence stupidly decided to make contact for the third time and Maguire fell to ground. It was not a surprise when dean blew his whistle and emphatically pointed to the spot. Rotherham players appealed and of course manager Evans went apoplectic in the technical area! After the commotion had died down; DAVIES took the kick and confidently despatched it into the bottom corner sending keeper Collin the wrong way.
There was four minutes of stoppage time and Rotherham put on more size to their already statuesque side and threw more long balls into the box but United stood firm and the Millers could not muster a chance. The final whistle was met with cheers from three sides of the Lane with ‘Always look on the Bright side of life’ played to the Rotherham contingent before a final rendition of ‘Que Sera, Sera!’ as thoughts turned to Wembley.
United – A really battling and determined performance. We played a side that was full of confidence and on a great run and I felt matched them all game. We were not great on the ball and at times were sloppy in this regard but kept a good solid shape and restricted them to a couple of chances all game. We played a different shape again with 3 centre backs and then played with a more compact 3 in the middle with Baxter just in front of Dimaio and McGinn. The two centre backs Kennedy and Maguire were very good, particularly Maguire. Long had a much improved game after his break too. I felt the lad Dimaio gave a decent performance in his debut and the other lads in midfield whilst not great in creating things covered a lot of ground and restricted those players from getting forward. Paynter worked much harder and held the ball up better. We were well in the game from the start to the end and then threw on more young lads with the lively Khan going down the left and the incredibly diminutive Reed (looks about 10!) coming on in the middle. He is barely 5’4’’ I would say and really is tiny.
The crowd really helped to inspire the team with such a young side (certainly the side that finished the game) and really willed them over the line. It was great when we got the penalty and won the game as not many fans could have imagined it possible with the run they were on and the side we put out. It showed the belief Clough has got throughout the side and the club and the fans seem to share this belief. Also really pleasing he is playing the youngsters. Many managers in the past has given the academy lip service but never given many chances really (not as many as perhaps they should) but you feel he will and that there is a pathway and he is watching everyone right down the ranks. Hopefully we will see a bit more of them before the end of the season (maybe De Girolamo and Calvert-Lewin too and a few others).
With Peterborough winning; it is over really with the games left despite the win tonight. However we have gone unbeaten against 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the league and held our own in all the games and have rotated things and still do not have a proper or decent striker in the squad in my opinion. With tweaks here and there; we can hopefully be amongst these places next year but still there is a lot of work to do in the summer (keeping Maguire and Murphy and trying to bring back Brayford and Coady regardless of any other newcomers).
So onto Sunday. I would be surprised it the side does not pick itself with a side of Howard, Brayford, Harris, Maguire, Collins, Doyle, Coady, Scougall, Baxter, Murphy and Flynn. It is the side that has got us there more or less so those players deserve the chance to try and go for further glory. Harris and Baxter still need to sharpen up after tonight where they were a little off the pace but Sunday will be different with the adrenaline and occasion.
Do we have a chance? We are huge underdogs and Hull should win but they are not a side full of players I feel that can tear us apart. They have two key men suspended and whilst still have some real threats we need to keep our shape and discipline and ensure we break well and take any chances we have. Key for me is not to concede early as too often in such games we have not started and made it hard (Weds, Burnley, Wolves). If we can stay in the game then you never know. Whatever happens as long as they give it their all and do not freeze like they have in previous big games then I will accept whatever happens. Whatever the result it should be a good weekend/day and always great to see so many Blades go down there and be on Wembley Way etc.
Rotherham – Thought they were very disappointing. I had heard they were fast and flowing and obviously run they had been on meant they were a team to be concerned about. However whilst they shaded the chances first half and had a few efforts Long saved I felt for the most part against a 2nd choice side, they looked clueless and a far cry from the purposeful, mobile and slick Brentford and Wolves sides we have seen down at the Lane. They looked a team full of plodders. Maybe the players who have done so well recently; such as Agard and Pringle had off night (know Frecklington was injured too to be fair) but noone really stood out. They did not have an effort of note I can recall second half and actually if any team finished stronger it was us. They barely got any balls in and behind with the midfield staying in static positions with few runners. Most of their attacks seemed to be from long balls up to the lad Revell who Maguire had in his pocket all night. They just kept chucking on more and more giants at the end and putting more long balls and throws into the box but never really looked like scoring. Granted we did little at the other end but I felt we kept the ball better; especially second half. I was surprised how direct and physical they were. The lad Revell stuck his elbow into Maguire first minute and then did the same on Kennedy second half. They seemed to just play for knock downs. I genuinely thought they may split us open and control much weaker United side but it never happened and the game was quite even with few chances but they were not exactly causing us many problems despite Evans comment they had put us through the ringer. They had a decent spell at the start of the second half and the decent 5 minute spell with the two chances in the first half but that was it.
Evans has done a great job to get them up to this league and now competing for the Championship. Deserves massive praise for what he has achieved at a still relatively small club and to have them considerably better (on points) than sides such as us, Bristol City and Coventry etc is a real achievement. They have had a great recent run and probably really worried Brentford who now probably will see them off for second. However, his comments in the media really undermines a lot of this good work. He is very Warnock-esque in this siege mentality that everyone is against him and his team and always making digs against others. He has stupidly tried to play mind games with Clough all week and was ranting and raving pre match about how they would roar into us and saying Weir has laid the foundations etc. He was totally disrespectful to Clough and got what he deserved tonight. He always comes across as hard done by though and forgets he has a sizeable squad and probably one of biggest budgets in the league.
Watching him during the game was mind blowing. He appealed and demanded every foul even when they were the most blatant in our favour. He ranted and raved and waived his arms around with his assistant Raynor not much better. He asked for a trip on the penalty when even the player allegedly tripped just carried on and did not even appeal and then decided he had the best view on the ground on the penalty when the referee was a few yards away.
His comments at the end of the game were laughable and just came across as a really sore loser. Forgets he played a virtual second string side that featured two 18 year olds (Dimaio, Khan), a 19 year old (Kennedy), a 16 year old player (Reed) and two 20 year olds (Long and Maguire). Gave no credit to United and just banged on about the penalty which he says was a joke but says nothing of the 2 or 3 times the lad grabbed him before the award. He also forgets we had one cast iron spot kick at the New York Stadium (hand ball after free kick came off the bar). He said he was delighted that Mike Dean got the game pre match as he was a top referee but then said he was shocking after the game. He has not shut up all week pre and post game but him and his team did not back up all the talk. Just came across as a spoilt idiot.
Made some dig at the end as well about if we change the team we won’t pretend it is all reserves and then play 4 or 5 first teamers. What is he on about? We may play 2, 3 at a push of the side who started tonight. A thoroughly horrible man in how he comes across both before and after games. You can see why he is so hated in the lower leagues. Very much a Warnock type but at least Warnock has achieved some things of note in the game in terms of higher up the leagues.
Think they will have a chance in the playoffs as Orient and Peterborough are quite ordinary. Maybe Preston may be the team that are a bit stronger but would not be totally surprised if they did go up. If they do they have massive strengthening to do or they would fly back down. Having a team full mostly of physical, big players and relying a lot on power football and knock downs will not work at a higher level. Wednesday proved that when they nearly came back down. If they do not go up, they may struggle as many teams will have worked them out and they won’t be the surprise option they have been. Also they have spent a fair bit of money (number of loans and signings over last year or so) and not sure they can keep bank rolling it on such small crowds and an owner (Tony Stewart) that is not exactly rich really. They have done really well and I wish them no ill feeling. If they go up fair play to them for work they have done on and off the pitch. Just a shame they have such an odious idiot managing them.
Long 7.5/10 – Made two smart but expected saves first half. One tip over that was hit well and moved away but you would be disappointed if he got beat and then maybe as not as spectacular but a close range one he stopped as he came out with his legs. Cannot recall too many other saves he made but he commanded ok and was right to edge of box to collect the ball on a few occasions. He also seemed to talk to the defence more. Knows he now has real competition so has to up his game in these aspects. His kicking was mixed and got lucky with one kick out that was maybe his only mistake of the game in an improved display.
Freeman 7/10 – Did ok. Like many in the first half maybe gave his man too much time and often was a lit sloppy in possession but got better as the match went on and became stronger and did a nice job on the disappointing Pringle who often drifted out wide. He started to get onto the front foot and turn them the other way.
Harris 6.5/10 – Like Saturday I felt he looked very rusty. Got beat once by Agard that nearly led to a clear chance and at times looked a yard off his man. Maybe lack of games is a factor but he was not quite the sharp and determined defender he had been before his injury absence. Still would start him Saturday and good he got an hour under his belt.
Hill 6/10 – Thought he did some poor things and was really sloppy in possession. He played as a centre back (but wide of Maguire on the left) but often was slow to react or just punted it into aimless areas, particularly in the first half. He did improve second half but still was slow to react at times and often hit wild slices into the air. Made a few key headers/blocks near end but overall looked one of our weak links and probably showed why he will be released at the end of the season as we look for quicker, younger and hopefully more technical players. He has been a steady eddy for us but with likes of Kennedy pressing and other youngsters coming through unsure he should get another year at age he is.
Maguire 9/10 – Thought he was immense tonight. He completely dominated Revell; himself a big strong lad, from start to finish. Won almost every header, tackle and block and completely imposed himself; to the extent Revell looked a beaten man by the end. He played a few short passes first half but after this he became more sure in everything he did but away from anything attacking wise, it was his defensive show that was so outstanding. On the penalty he has been held twice and the defender was asking for it really.
Kennedy 8/10 – Like against Peterborough he did well and did not let us down. Cannot recall many mistakes and he kept it nice and simple from a defensive point of view; heading and kicking the ball away and ensuring he left nothing to chance. At times he takes man and ball but I like that in him and makes sure there is no indecision. Good to see him, Harry and Long start a first team game when it seems so long ago now they were the backbone of the Youth Cup run. He is worth another year at least (out of contract I believe but he is still only 19 – remember Lowton who was around for a while before coming though) and a useful cover player. Needs to stay fit and take his chance when he plays but done alright covering well and playing percentages.
Dimaio 7.5/10 – Quietly impressive and for a first ever game looked really assured. He may not have tried anything too adventurous but kept it well and moved it on to a shirt. He did receive some horrible balls and at times did well to get it out of his feet and shift it well. He looked very calm and did not panic. Not the quickest but not a bad physique for an 18 year old and got around pitch well. Played in front of the back four.
McGinn 7/10 – Mixed bag. Strangely better off the ball than with it. I have to be honest and say I thought he was poor again tonight with the ball. The young lad Dimaio behind him was more sure with his passing and touch. Often just plays blind balls and for someone who is meant to be a so called decent technical player he gives it away a hell of a lot. Too weak in the challenge but he did cover a lot more ground and kept going tonight showing better stamina levels. At least lasted the full game which was a rarity and worked much harder tonight. Second half his effort was very good and he went from a 5 or a 6 to a 7.
Davies 7/10 – Played in central midfield but struggled with pace of game at times as often his lack of pace in this area showed. He kept going and helped us keep a solid shape without affecting much offensively. Then kept his nerve to take a cool penalty. A steady game but nothing really spectacular but helped keep a lid on some of their attacking players.
Baxter 5.5/10 – Thought he looked quite disinterested for much of the game. He drifted around without really getting on the ball much and when he had it he gave it away or was quite sloppy. Seemed more bothered about not getting fouled! Second half had a few better passages and some cross field balls and some better moments including a powerful shot from range not far off.
Paynter 7/10 – I have not been his biggest fan but he did quite well tonight with little service or much of the ball. He put much more effort in, held it up well and worked across the line. Showed some good touches and strength and whilst never a goal threat it was a much improved performance in terms of commitment and contribution to the team and its shape. Doubt we will see him much now as surely we will blood more youngsters?
Subs-
Khan – Played wide left and looked a real live wire. He showed some lovely neat touches and ran at his man winning a few free kicks and corners. Definitely want to see more of him as he looked full of confidence which you can understand from his goals and performances for the u21’s recently.
Reed – So small in stature and genuinely looked like a kid but after a few nervy touches he settled down and played a few nice balls including one lovely drilled ball to the right wing. Obviously got something to be thrown in at such an age when his physique means it could be tough for him at only 16 but Clough clearly has confidence in him and as Scougall has proved it is not about size but heart and ability.
Coady – Came on and instantly showed a good touch as he ensured we kept it
down the right. He then did the same again as we ran the clock down.
Manager rating –
Clough 8/10 – Perfect for him. He rested most of the team, but still got some match practice in for the 3 who have not played much in Harris, Baxter and Maguire and then rested a few of those same players too. He blooded youngsters who all did well and also played a new shape and system and kept another clean sheet. We got no injuries that I know of and no daft red cards. We won the game; the crowd were buzzing at the end and added to the momentum and belief for the weekend. Overall, it could not have gone better in the build up for Sunday.
Officials – Mike Dean. Many fans groaned I am sure when they saw he had been given the game due to his previous games with United and with such a big game coming up. I feared a red card or something daft may happen. In the end he had a good game despite what that idiot Evans says. He was very close to the play all game and right on top of everything. He saw Maguire was winning everything by good, strong demanding play despite Evans screaming for non fouls. The handball Evans said everyone in the ground thought was a penalty (did he ask everyone?) was actually a tough one as Davies has his hand close to his body and still not even sure it actually hit his hand. The one he also said was a penalty, the guy tripped got up and carried on and none of his players appealed. Most of yellows were straight forward decisions. Felt that Harris committed a bad foul and was rightly booked and their two lads Milson and Morgan also were correctly booked too.
The big award was the penalty. I have to say that it may have been soft on the final one (don’t know without seeing again) but what stupidity from the lad Morgan. He had grabbed him twice before and Dean had stopped and warned him and whilst the final contact may have been less than the first two; he had been warned and was stupid to go and make contact again with the referee there and it being right under his nose. He then raised his hands to Maguire and was lucky to stay on after Dean had given it. Evans should be more concerned with his defender than Dean. As I say he forgets the stone wall penalty we should have had at the New York but that is Evans all over for you.
Crowd – Decent crowd especially considering that it was the third game in a week and with Wembley on the horizon. Of course it was swelled by a big Rotherham following of course. They made a fair bit of racket going down to the ground (why they all decided to queue for one turnstile was beyond me though?) and the noise continued early on but the subpar performance saw even them subdued.
The main shouts were for phantom hand balls which of course was reciprocated sarcastically by the United players after this.
In the second half they were much quieter and it was the Kop that ended the game in full voice. Game ended ‘with chants from the Blades fans of: ’How S**t must you be? We’re playing our kids!’ and the inevitable, ‘Sit down fatty, sit down fatty’ and ‘Fatty, fatty what’s the score!’
Not sure why the Police seal off Bramall Lane with barricades. Know they told us before the game but it has never happened before until this season? Would there seriously have been that much trouble? Also surely many fans live in both towns so trying to stop the trouble on one street is not really going to affect anything if anyone wanted to have a go at each other? All a bit odd and a little demeaning that they make you go where you do not want to go (in terms of getting away from the ground). Seems total overkill from the Police to me.