In a game that saw a sending off give the home side a numerical advantage for almost an hour, the Blades profited when Kevin McDonald side footed home in the first half. However, they were pegged back when substitute Enoch Showumni hit a low drive from range to stun the hosts. The advantage was soon restored when Harry Maguire nodded home from Stephen McGinn’s cross. After this United bossed proceedings and really ought to have scored further goals to confirm their superiority. Never the less the home side held on comfortably in the end to take the deserved three points.
In the opening to the new season United began with new boys Brandy and McGinn starting as Weir continued with the formation he had employed in pre season. Porter was up top, McDonald in the hole just behind, Murphy and Brandy out supplanting Porter and Doyle and McGinn just in front of the back four. Mostly out of favour last season Marcus Williams and Daryl Westlake began at full back with George Long getting the nod in goal.
County gave debuts to Mark Fotheringham, Mustapha Dumbaya and Danny Haynes as Chris Kiwomya began his first full season in charge.
Weir was given a lusty round of applause as he was welcome to the Lane before United kicked off towards the Kop end with a period of sustained possession. They won a free kick early on when Murphy was shoved off the ball and the former Motherwell man took the free kick but floated it into the keeper’s arms. The same man then curled wide of the far post as United continued their good start. County were firmly on the back foot but from a counter attack they forced Long into an instinctive save from Haynes flick at the near post. 15 minutes into the game McDonald advanced onto Porter’s flick and was scythed down by Liddle. It seemed late and high but many were aghast when Stroud brandished a red card almost instantly after the United man was felled. However, after last season when the same man had dismissed three players in one game at the Brentford it probably came as less of a surprise. County protested but Liddle trooped off disconsolately as manager Kiwomya tried to reorganise.
United made their man advantage count as they moved it from side to side. A few moments of trickery from Brandy nearly led to a chance before Westlake’s cross just evaded Porter as the striker was felled. It seemed a decent shout for a spot kick but referee Stroud waved play on. Soon after Brandy fired just over after Porter breasted down. It was not long before United took advantage though as a sweeping move saw Brandy cleverly play in Westlake whose cross was met first time by MCDONALD whose side foot finish found the corner at the Kop end. It was the first goal of the new football season and a cleverly worked goal that saw McDonald profit from his new more advanced role.
County had a rare chance when Labadie nodded wide but it was all United with Brandy once again to the fore. McGinn was also quietly showing his ability on the ball as he received and moved the ball on at pace to kick start many of the offensive plays for the home side. Then Doyle shot wide with another effort as United sought the second goal. Murphy found McDonald who shot wide and the half time whistle was probably more of a relief to the visitors who were getting a real working over.
The second half began with more chances with Doyle off target and then Williams playing in McDonald who could not test the keeper. Brandy turned smartly and seemed to be held back but amazingly referee Stroud opted to give a free kick to County and book Brandy. It was hard to see how he gave such a decision. United really should have scored twice soon after. Brandy’s pace and running gave a golden chance to Porter but he fired over when right in front of goal and then after Murphy’s cross had been hit across goal from Collins he somehow missed again right in front of goal. Showumni and Tempest came on for Arquin and Labadie and t was not long after that County surprisingly levelled right against the run of play.
It was the substitute SHOWUMNI who held off Maguire and whilst there was a touch of shirt pulling from the tall striker he did show good strength and then skill as he fired a long range shot right into the corner away from the despairing dive from Long. County’s players and fans celebrated wildly this unexpected leveller.
United went straight back at County and replaced Murphy with McFadzean before they regained the lead. McGinn’s deep free kick was met by an unmarked MAGUIRE
who firmly nodded home away from Bialkowski into the corner. United fans were relieved to be back ahead in a game they had dominated for such long spells had somehow been level. Taylor came on for Porter soon after and Doyle then also had to limp off with cramp with another debutant Coady coming on. The new man won a free kick which Taylor hit firmly forcing the keeper to parry away before McDonald nearly found the net with a curling effort. United were passing it around well now and making County chase them but whilst it was always one goal in it, they could never rest easily.
United had been in control but another long ranger; this time from Fotheringham was not far wide. United did create a number of chances in the final moments as Coady toe poked just wide, Brandy nearly got the goal his performance deserved after some lovely play in the build up and then Coady himself was wide when running through. Taylor was then blocked after more nice interchange in the build up. The additional five minutes passed without much of a scare as United took the deserved three points and gave Weir and the Blades fans the start they wanted.
United – It was a good performance tonight and a deserved three points. We were of course aided by the red card but even before this we were well on top. It is difficult to tell if the sending off would have changed the flow of the game and of course United were helped by this but they made excellent use of the football throughout. They knocked it about from side to side, made County work and played it well both short and long. They kept it sensibly and with McGinn and Doyle sensible in the area they patrolled and then McDonald and Brandy prompting further forward it seemed as if United had nearly all of the possession throughout the game and a 71% possession value proves this the case. I felt we were sharp and quicker than last season and moved it around with pace and from side to side moving the side around they faced (albeit only 10 which helped!). The full backs got forward more and players moved around and were not stuck by one position and outside of Porter; the other front three, McDonald, Brandy and Murphy moved around and could roam which meant we were unpredictable to play against.
The defence were relatively untested with both centre backs playing little until the muscular and journeyman Showumni came and put himself about and got a decent goal. I felt there was much more mobility in the side throughout and whilst the obvious weakness is still up top (sadly Porter I do not think is good enough – certainly mobile enough to lead a line up top on his own) and we must finish teams off when we have them down (we had so many chances to finish County off). The play up the last third was good and Brandy was inventive and McDonald creative but at times the final ball or finish was once again lacking. Still the play was sound with crisper passing that got the ball forward with more purpose. Also when we lost the ball or County had it we pressed them higher up the pitch and did not allow them to come out as easier as sides last season. Of course it remains to be seen if we can do it as well 11 v 11 but it was a positive start in this sense. Too often last season it was too easy for opponents as they strolled out of the back and set up play. We were never in teams faces and never made it really difficult. At least today we made the opposition surrender possession and then got back on the ball. It was much higher tempo and it was done with more conviction. I felt the defence moved it out quicker and the midfield protection worked well and we also got it to the front third well but at times when we got here it was a little stilted too with only Brandy giving us the chance of unpredictability. I felt that some of the others Porter and Murphy did not quite give us the same attacking threat and this is an area we can improve.
However some real positives and I enjoyed it tonight. We passed it well with purpose. Full backs got forward, we showed a better appetite and work rate with and without the ball and had some pace up top and unpredictability with Brandy. The new formation also seemed to suit us better (albeit early stages of season)
Next week we have a tough contest at Brentford and of course this will be a much sterner test and of course we may not get the ‘assistance’ from an official that we maybe had today. However we need to play with same attacking vigour as tonight home or away regardless of whom we play against and not worry about the opposition like we did so much last season. I do feel strongly we may need to strengthen further in the attacking area though to compliment new formation and the players we have brought in.
Notts County – It is hard to properly analyse County in a game that they played for 75 minutes with ten men but even up to this they were right on the back foot and seemingly struggling. After the red card they went one up top and tried to keep it tight but United still had numerous chances and had the ball nearly the whole game. Notts never seemed to cope with the movement from United’s front players and McDonald and Brandy were too much for them most of the night. They looked quite slow and pedestrian all over the field and only looked a threat when Showumni came on and put himself about. They were chasing us around most of the game and never really got a foothold all night. They resorted to fouling and kicking us and I felt they were quite cynical. Of course all the criticism is tempered by the numerical factor in the game and it is unfair to write them off on one game. I still did not see enough in the side to see them as genuine promotion contenders and feel they may be around the middle of the league. Haynes never got going tonight being forced to play up front on his own but I do feel he will get goals due to his pace.
Opposition star man – Enoch Showumni. Came on and bolstered a lacklustre attack with some physical presence and movement. Scored a good goal after holding off Maguire and was involved in most of the other decent County attacks.
Opposition weak link – Gary Liddle. It may have been a bit harsh but it was still high and late and unnecessary and put his team right up against it when they were already struggling. Without the red card they had a chance, with it they put themselves in with little chance even after the shock leveller.
Long 7/10 – Made a smart save at 0-0 with a good instinctive reaction to a close range finish. After this he had little to do and on the goal he probably had little chance with a well driven long range shot. I doubt he would have saved it even with a few quicker steps to his right. After this he scampered across to another low shot that went just wide but was mostly a spectator.
Westlake 7/10 – Felt he did ok tonight and used the ball well, moved up and and down the flank and probably gave us much more going forward than we saw with McMahon last year. His touch and movement was good and he showed good pace. Of course tougher tests will come against a full compliment and next week at Brentford we will see how he does as a defender which of course I feel is his weak link in terms of positional sense and basic cross/man stopping.
Williams 7/10 – Another that has been much maligned but like Westlake he did ok tonight and got up and down well, moved it on with pace and was decisive with the ball. Did have a ropey 5 minutes second half when they had a series of attacks down the flanks but overall did well. He has lost quite a bit of weight and seemed much slighter and quicker than he has before. Like Westlake will temper any real positivity until we see him face better opponents/wingers but tonight was a big plus.
Maguire 7/10 – Outside of the goal he scored, he was maybe our weakest defender as he was sloppy at times faced with little pressure. He used it ok when on the ball but at times did not win headers/balls when he ought to have done and then conceded the goal by being outmuscled and then let his man have too much time to shoot. Made amends of course by getting away from his own man to nod home and seal the win.
Collins 7/10 – Solid enough without being spectacular but he faced little out and out competition in terms of players against him as Haynes had to come back into midfield and then they played one up top and it was only when Showumni came on that he and Maguire had any real completion.
McGinn 7.5/10 – Thought he was really impressive in a quiet and unassuming kind of way. He runs like Montgomery but that is where the comparison ends as he can actually pass. Always made himself available. He did not move much from between the centre backs and half way but he did not need to as he just got himself in an area where the ball always came to him. He moved it quickly but efficiently and was a real link man from defence to midfield. Rarely wasted a ball all night and allowed others in front to run at men and cause problems. Also made the goal with a delightful cross
Doyle 7/10 – Solid. Whilst McGinn and McDonald may have caught the eye with more impressive performances, Doyle did not do a lot wrong. He kept it simple and moved ball on and broke ball on when he could. A few over ambitious balls where he tried to be too clever apart, it was a functional display from Doyle and a far cry from some of games last year where he often was poor but mostly I felt as he tried to do too much (over ambitious shooting and passing). Limped off with cramp near end but nothing too serious I don’t think.
Brandy 8.5/10 – I felt he was the best player on the pitch. He was always involved; showing some lovely quick touches and was tough to handle for the County defenders all night. He ran at players, used good body control and was direct. He drew countless fouls all evening and was involved in most of United’s best attacks. He was unfortunate not to win a penalty and also nearly scored at the death. Worked hard too and gave United something they have not had for a while, unpredictability, pace and movement up top. An excellent debut.
Murphy 6/10 – Thought he started well and showed some decent link up but then faded quite a bit and I thought he was not that much of a threat and sort of drifted out of the game. Had an ideal chance to really stamp his mark against ten men but never really did it for me. Needs to up his game if he wants to be a real influence and be more assertive. I think there is some talent there but games often pass him by and he waits for the game to come to him.
McDonald 8/10 – After Brandy I felt he was the next best player on the pitch. Showed some lovely touches, body control and passes and at times oozed class. He scored a decent goal, could have had a few more and seemed more at home in a more advanced position where he did not have to chase back and had more protection. Needs to ensure he plays at this level consistency and not just now and again which has happened too often in the past. I think with more speed and movement in front of him (Taylor or Miller?) he could be even more effective.
Porter 6/10 – He was average tonight at best. He worked hard at times to chase balls and win flick ons but all too often balls played into good positions evaded him and he missed two golden chances to make it 2 or 3-0 that could have cost us. He needs to be more aggressive, get in front of his man when balls come across and ultimately far more clinical. The two chances he missed were as easy to score as miss and he really needs to finish such chances.
Subs
Taylor – Held the ball up ok and had a low shot and a few other moments when we had the late chances as a result of ball possession. Hopefully he may get a start v Burton to give him a longer spell to impress.
McFadzean – Came on for Murphy. It was hard to see where he was playing (not always a bad thing) as he moved across the line. Did not get into the game fully in the time he was on but not sure he naturally fits into this new formation as he is more of an out and out winger which we do not really play with.
Coady – Showed some neat and tidy touches, played some good balls out wide and then nearly scored and maybe should have with a flicked finish with the outside of his left foot when he ran through. Again like Taylor hopefully gets a start in the League Cup in the week so he has more game time.
Weir rating 8/10 – The formation worked and he got three points from an impressive performance in which we ought to have scored 4 or 5 goals. We passed it well, were patient and took advantage of played ten men as we moved it intelligently and with purpose. Newcomer McGinn and Brandy played well and McDonald also impressed in new role. Also the full backs who have been much maligned actually worked well in a more attacking formation. Questions still remain over our finishing and ability to score goals and take full advantage in the last third but hopefully he knows this and may bring in one more player in this area if current players continue to waste good play from behind them.
For the most part Weir stood fairly composed in his suit and looked on watchfully as messrs Carsley and Owen were the more remonstrative ones in the technical area. He saluted the Kop at the final whistle and seemed content but not over the top in his post match interview.
Officials – Referee: Keith Stroud I did fear for both sides and the fans when I saw his name before the game and so it proved. An odd referee that seems to want to be the star of the show most games he referees. He genuinely seems to love a card and it was not a real surprise when he brandished a red card to Liddle. I felt it was a tad harsh at the time but have watched back on Sky and feel now it was more red than yellow (although felt at the game it reminded me of Kilgallon one v Weds; of course it was much worsse). I was concerned he would even things up (as he did v Brentford) and was urging our players not to do anything daft. After this things did clam down but even then I thought County were quite cynical (their fans may have booed and moaned but they committed foul after foul all night – how many times was Brandy pulled back/down?). They had three booked and it could have been more. I felt we had a clear penalty when Brandy was pulled back but somehow the free kick went the other way. There were a few odd decisions both ways but actually for the most part he did ok before then confusing most with another bizarre decision such as an odd foul throw against Williams when he missed at least three from them (including one he allowed them to retake!). Of course the red card was the big decision and affected the game massively as no one knows if United would have continued their early dominance (11 v 11) with the further assistance of the man advantage. It was a pivotal moment but the County man has to wonder what on earth he was doing and cost his team any real chance.
Crowd/Atmosphere – It was a better crowd than I expected with just fewer than 18,000 in the Lane for a game on a Friday night that was on TV (and summer holidays). The atmosphere was ok. It was not quite rocking and more of a conservative appreciation for the passing and patient approach of Weir’s new regime. The second goal was greeted with more of a relief after we had dominated for such long spells but had then been pegged back. County brought maybe 700-800 and they were in good voice despite the red card rocking them early on. They celebrated their goal with the usual fervour you would expect for ten men but of course this did not last long.