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27th February Middlesbrough 1 Sheffield United 0 (aet) (Attendance: 28,108) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Stead (Martin 59), Quinn, Speed, Tonge, Beattie, Sharp (Hulse 73), Martin (Shelton 91). Booked: Naysmith, Morgan, Geary, Quinn. Man of The Match: Matt Kilgallon.
Middlesbrough Line-up: Schwarzer, Young, Hines, Pogatetz, Grounds, Boateng, Arca (O'Neil 77), Rochemback (Johnson 104), Downing, Alves (Sanli 73), Mido. Booked: Hines, Pogatetz, Downing. Goals: Kenny 114 og.
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
United went out of the FA Cup after losing 0-1 at Middlesbrough in a battling performance. An unlucky own goal by Paddy Kenny was all that separated the two teams after extra-time had been played. The Blades showed just one change from the first meeting 10 days ago as Gary Speed replaced Lee Martin, who dropped to the bench. Speed joined Stephen Quinn in the centre of midfield with Michael Tonge on the left. Afonso Alves started his first game for Boro replacing the suspended Jeremie Aliadiere. George Boateng stared in place of Gary O'Neil and Seb Hines replaced the suspended David Wheater. There was an excellent atmosphere inside an almost full stadium at kick-off. The first chance of the match went to Boro on six minutes. A left-wing delivery from Fabio Rochemback was headed over the bar by Hines after he beat Kenny to the ball. Shortly after, Rochemback crossed for Alves who headed just wide, and then Stuart Downing cut in from the right-hand edge of the United area and fired wide. Then, James Beattie went down in the Boro 18 yard box under pressure from Emanuel Pogatetz. Beattie was incensed and appealed for a penalty but the referee dismissed his claims. Boro were not far away from taking the lead with 24 minutes played with a flowing move started by Julio Arca inside the centre-circle. Downing went on a run straight at centre of the Blades defence and played a one-two with Rochemback before pulling a shot across the face of goal from just inside the box. Gary Naysmith picked up a booking for a trip 10 minutes before the break and gave Boro a free-kick on edge of the United penalty area. Alves fired the kick with power through the wall and Kenny punched clear. A couple of minutes later Rochemback shot for goal from 25 yards and Kenny gathered at the second attempt. In the final few minutes of the half, Alves got the better of Matt Kilgallon and found Luke Young inside the United penalty area, but his effort was poor and was saved by Kenny's right foot. The final chance of the half went to United. Tonge crossed and Stead shot on the turn without any success. Although, the Blades had created little upfront, they had showed great resilience and concentration by thwarting Boro throughout the half. The start of the second half, a similar pattern developed with United frustrating the home side. Chris Morgan picked up a head injury after a crunching challenge and needed treatment before returning. Billy Sharp won the first corner of the second half from Hines but Boateng headed clear. Next, Derek Geary stole into the penalty area, but left-back Jonathan Grounds did well for Boro and any danger was averted. Middlesbrough then got a succession of corners, and a free-kick from Rochemback which forced Beattie to clear under pressure. After 65 minutes, Arca ran a distance with the ball and found Alves whose low shot from just inside the penalty area was saved at full stretch by Kenny. The ball was spending much of the time in the air; both teams were cancelling each other out, which really suited United as Boro became ever more frustrated. It did not have to be pretty, just as long as we won. Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer flapped at a free-kick, and Quinn and Martin attempting to hook the ball back towards goal, whilst at the other end there were desperate appeals for a spot-kick when Kilgallon challenged Alves. A flurry of substitutions saw Rob Hulse replacing Sharp for United, and for Boro, Alves and Arca making way for O'Neil and the temperamental Sanli Tuncay. In the final 10 minutes, Boateng attempted to get on the end of a Downing cross but he was put under pressure by Naysmith. With time running out for the home side, Boro created a flurry of chances with Quinn, Lee Martin and Geary all blocking for the Blades. United’s best chance of the ninety minutes came when following good work from Gary Speed and Martin, and a chance fell to Beattie but he stabbed his effort just wide. At the start of extra-time, Martin who had earlier replaced Jon Stead was injured, and substituted by Luton Shelton. Downing went close when just in from the right-hand edge of the box, while Tuncay brought a decent save at his near post from Kenny. It was Middlesbrough, who continued to look the more constructive, but still they could not find a way through United’s stubborn defending, but suddenly disaster struck after 112 minutes had passed. A deep cross was struck back across goal from Mido, and unfortunately deflected off Morgan. The ball hit the post and bounced back down at Kenny who was centrally positioned about two yards from the goal line. The Blades keeper instinctively tried to collect the ball, but it struck his arm trickled over the line. It was agony for united who had deserved a crack at penalties after their stubborn resistance tonight. Somehow the Blades seem to get more than their fair share of these unlucky moments. United tried to push forward for the equaliser and even Kenny went forward for a free-kick, in doing so, they were exposing themselves at the back, but at this stage it was a risk worth taking. Gaps appeared as players piled forward, and Boro created another chance as Adam Johnson cut in from the right and curled a shot just wide across Kenny's goal. Then, United had claims for a penalty turned away when the ball struck the top of Pogatetz’s arm in the 18 yard box. Again we never get any of these types decisions in our favour, but had it been a top premiership team it would have probably been a penalty! In added time, Tuncay broke clear midway inside the United half with a clear run on goal, and with Kenny still stranded up-field, the Turkish striker elected to take the ball into the penalty area and was dispossessed by a truly superb tackle from Beattie. So, we are out of the cup for another season, but we can all feel proud of the performance from the blades, they battled until the end, and deserved something tonight.
Kenny 7, Geary 6, Morgan 8, Kilgallon 8, Naysmith 6, Stead 6, Martin 6, Quinn 6, Speed 6, Tonge 6, Beattie 7, Sharp 6, Hulse 6, Martin 6, Shelton 5
26th February Striker Jon Stead claims "there has been a lift" since Bryan Robson's exit just under a fortnight ago, with Kevin Blackwell adopting a forthright, positive attitude upon his arrival. He commented: "The new gaffer is completely different to the old gaffer, It's been sharp, high-tempo stuff, and he is very animated with the way he puts his ideas across. "He is always talking to you. I've already been into his office four times, although I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing! "But he communicates well, which helps because you know exactly what he wants from you, and what needs putting right when you do the wrong things. "There are a lot of discussions which take place now, which didn't really happen before. "Sometimes when I felt I had done the wrong thing but nothing was said, it left me thinking, 'was it right or not'? There was a bit of confusion. "Now when you do something wrong you know about it, and you don't do it again, although to be honest I don't mind being told off. "In my career, I've never minded somebody having a real go because it brings the best out of me. "I've already had a few telling-offs from the gaffer so far, and I'm sure it will continue." Although Blackwell has only been in charge for two matches, Stead feels he is getting the team playing to their strengths, unlike former Boro boss Robson. "With the previous gaffer, he knew we could play, but we struggled to do it at certain places and in the way he wanted us," added the 24-year-old.
23rd February Queens Park Rangers 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 15,383) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Stead (Shelton 77), Tonge, Armstrong, Quinn, Sharp (Cotterill 70), Beattie (Hulse 77). Booked: Morgan 64, Geary 88. Scorer: Morgan 78. Man of The Match: Michael Tonge.
Q.P.R. Line-up:Camp, Mancienne, Connolly (Stewart 73), Hall, Delaney, Ephraim, Rowlands, Leigertwood, Balanta (Blackstock 73), Vine, Agyemang. Scorer: Balanta 19.
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent).
United extended their unbeaten run to six matches after a Chris Morgan’s late equaliser salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road. The Blades made one change from the side which drew with Middlesbrough last weekend, with Chris Armstrong replacing the injured Lee Martin. Jon Stead partnered Billy Sharp and James Beattie upfront, with Stead in a wide right position. With Gavin Mahon still injured, it meant Mikele Leigertwood returned to the Q.P.R. side. Defenders Michael Mancienne and Fitz Hall came back into in the starting line-up, while Zeshan Rehman dropped to the bench. Akos Buzsaky was unavailable due to suspension, so young striker Angelo Balanta got a rare start. The first shot went to United when Michael Tonge blasted the ball over from 25 yards out, the ball taking an unfortunate bounce just has he connected with it. On eight minutes, Rangers had a corner and Leigertwood headed over from six yards, after a Martin Rowlands had delivered. In the opening stages, the R’s were more combative on the ball, and nearly rewarded with a goal on 15 minutes. A passing move involving Mancienne, Patrick Agyemang and Hogan Ephraim on the right, ended with the latter feeding Rowan Vine, who flashed a 20-yard left footed drive over the bar. Four minutes later, United went behind. Rowlands sent the ball out wide right to Ephraim, who dropped a shoulder and completely lost Gary Naysmith, before playing a perfect cross into the heart of the Blades six-yard box. Drifting in from the left flank, an unmarked Balanta applied the slightest of touches to direct the ball beyond goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. It was not until after 25 minutes that the Blades really threatened, when Beattie's fierce drive was blocked by R’s goalkeeper Lee Camp diving low to his left, and the keeper punching clear the follow-up. Before the break, Sharp was thwarted after Beattie’s flick on, and at the other end, Rowlands curling a left footed shot went a yard wide. Q.P.R. had been by far the better of the sides in a scrappy first half, with Rowlands and the pacey Ephraim the main threats, while Tonge had performed particularly well for the Blades. At the start of the second half, Rangers frontman Vine powered long distance shot well wide, and Balanta forced Kenny to save. Six minutes into the half, and Stead beat Delaney and crossed for Beattie who deflecting the ball out, and straight after, Tonge dragged a shot wide from a distance. United were direct in their play and now having the better of the pressure, with crosses and corners peppering the R’s 18 yard area. And Rangers had a scare when Armstrong volleyed across the box, but Matthew Connolly cleared with Beattie close at hand. After 70 minutes, David Cotterill replaced Sharp who had put in another workmanlike shift with no reward. The change meant Stead would move in to a central attacking role, with Cotterill on the right wing. Rangers manager Luigi De Canio responded by making a double substitution, with Balanta and Connolly replaced by Dexter Blackstock and Damion Stewart. Moments after, Matt Kilgallon blocked Vine after good work from midfielder Rowlands, and for United, Stead was stopped by Hall. The Rangers defender had been the linchpin in their defence all afternoon, with numerous headed clearances. Sensing United could still get something from the match, manager Kevin Blackwell sent on Luton Shelton and Rob Hulse at the expense of Stead and Beattie. And within one minute of the substitutions, it was defender Morgan who got United back into the match. Kenny punted downfield, and Morgan got a head to the ball, Rangers were unable to clear, and the Blades captain fired a 18 yard shot which found its way though several players, and low to the right of Camp and into the net sending the Unitedites into celebration. Late on, United severely tested the Rangers defence with two corners in injury time but to no avail. Overall a draw was probably a fair result.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.: Kenny 6, Geary 6, Naysmith 5, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 6, Armstrong 7, Quinn 7, Tonge 8, Cotterill 6, Stead 6, Sharp 6, Beattie 5, Hulse 6, Shelton 6.
21st February Striker Billy Sharp admits that life under new manager Kevin Blackwell looks bright. The life-long Blades fan, who joined United in the summer from Scunthorpe, has been praising the influence of the new manager on the team. Commenting he said : "Every manager has different methods and Kevin likes to play at a high tempo which suits my game. "I needed a boost personally and the squad probably did too. "He has put his arm around all the lads to give them that extra encouragement and belief, everybody knows exactly what he expects which is good for everyone."
17th February Sheffield United 0 Middlesbrough 0 (Attendance: 22,210) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Stead (Carney 75), Tonge, Quinn, Martin (Armstrong 68), Beattie (Hulse 80), Sharp. Booked: Morgan 21. Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.
Middlesbrough Line-up: Schwarzer, Young, Wheater, Pogatetz, Grounds, O'Neil, Rochemback, Arca (Boateng 68), Downing, Aliadiere, Mido (Alves 75). Booked: Wheater 45, Rochemback 66, Pogatetz 74, Aliadiere 83.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
Kevin Blackwell's first game as manager of United ended in a stalemate as the Blades drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane in the fifth round of the F.A. Cup. United showed several changes from the team which drew with West Brom in midweek. Michael Tonge, Jon Stead and Billy Sharp retuned, while Luton Shelton was on the substitutes bench. With Robert Huth missing the tie for Middlesbrough, it meant Jonathan Grounds started at left-back, with Emanuel Pogatetz moving to central defence. Up front Mido was in the side for the first time this year in place of Dong Gook Lee. Blackwell was given a standing ovation as he emerged from the tunnel for his return to the Lane. The match started with the Lane faithful in good voice singing The Chip Butty Song, and Boro fans chanting ‘there’s only one bryan robson’. United started in lively fashion, and made the first chance when from a set-piece, Matt Kilgallon's half-volley was pushed away by Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. A beach ball appeared on the pitch and held up play for a few seconds in front of the Boro goal, greeted with cheers from the Lane faithfull, before United swung over a right-wing corner which Boro scramble clear. After 10 minutes, Stephen Quinn's shot hit the head of defender David Wheater with Schwarzer off his line, and then there were appeals for a penalty when Sharp's effort struck the body of Fabio Rochemback. At the other end, Stewart Downing volleyed at Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny on the edge of the penalty area. But in the main, the game was scrappy with the ball difficult to control on the Lane pitch. Although, Quinn and Derek Geary were their usual busy selves for United. Sharp was working hard up front, and he almost got the end of a Geary cross but Middlesbrough began to hit back when a ball down the left touchline from Mido sent Jeremie Aliadiere away. A quick cross through the penalty area would have picked out Gary O'Neil, but with Kilgallon present, the Frenchman ran out of options. With 28 minutes played United won a corner on their left, Lee Martin delivered onto the head of Stead who headed wide from the edge of the six-yard box, and then Boro had a chance when Aliadiere got the better of Geary and Kilgallon, but shot directly at Kenny. In the closing stages of the half Boro had the better chances, but a controversial moment arrived on 44 minutes when Wheater tugged back Sharp on the edge of the Boro penalty area as the Blades striker moved through on goal. It should have been a clear red card, but the referee pulled a yellow out and Boro escaped punishment. The referee indicated one minute of injury time, but somehow four minutes were played out. In the last of the four minutes United got a free-kick on the edge of the Boro 18 yard box. In a move hopefully rehearsed on the training ground, Tonge and James Beattie pretended to run into each other before the latter curled a low shot which beat Schwarzer, but went off the keeper's left-hand post and out. The first chance of the second half went to United as Stead cut inside and saw his shot smothered at the second attempt by Schwarzer, and then Kilgallon headed into the side-netting from Martin's long free-kick. After 57 minutes, Julio Arca and Luke Young combined for Middlesbrough on the right and Mido’s overhead kick on the edge of the box brought a fine save from Kenny, with the Blades keeper pushing the ball over the bar. And seconds later, Wheater brought another good save from Kenny with a header from Downing’s corner. United were under some pressure now, and Mido shot well over when unmarked inside the penalty area just after the hour mark, before setting up Downing who volleyed wide, and Rochemback shot past Kenny's right post from the edge of the box. Then, Beattie gave away possession in midfield, and Kilgallon blocked from O'Neil. Both managers made changes midway through the second half as the pace slowed down, Martin who had a rib injury was replaced by Chris Armstrong, and for Boro, Arca was replaced by George Boateng. United had another free-kick on the edge of the Boro area on 74 minutes. Again two Blades players stood in front of the ball, it was eventually played to Armstrong who fired over from the edge of the 18 yard box in a central position. After 75 minutes, two more substitutions were made as Stead was replaced by David Carney for United, and Afonso Alves replaced Mido for Middlesbrough. Two minutes from time, Boateng appeared to handle the ball in front of the Kop, after Geary had crossed for Chris Morgan to head. The Dutch midfielder kicking the ball up and on to his raised hand. And in the third minute of injury time Boro thought they had won it when Pogatetz rose highest to meet a corner at the Bramall Lane end, but the Austrian defenders' header hit Gary Naysmith on the line, and was scramble clear. In the end a draw was a fair result, and more encouraging was the performance which was like the Blades of old, and we all certainly want those days back at the Lane after what we have had to suffer over the last seven months. Up the Blades!
Kenny 8, Geary 8, Morgan 8, Kilgallon 8, Naysmith 6, Stead 6, Carney 6, Tonge 7, Quinn 8, Martin 7, Armstrong 7, Beattie 7, Hulse 6, Sharp 7.
15th February Kevin Blackwell declared himself pleased with his first game in charge of United as they drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, he said: "I'm really pleased with them today, Mark Schwarzer's pulled off two great saves, one from Beatts (James Beattie) just before half-time. I don't know whether he got a touch to it or not but that would have been a great time to score. "We've got to believe in ourselves. There's a decent set of players here, it's a terrific stadium, a great crowd, there's plenty to build on." Beattie's free-kick on the stroke of half-time, which struck a post, was the closest either side came to a goal. The routine fooled Boro, with Beattie and Michael Tonge running into each other before the striker powered his effort towards goal. Blackwell said: "We said we wanted to do something a bit different and the cameras are here, let everyone see how clever the players can be and it worked absolutely to a 'T'. "We only spent half an hour on it yesterday morning but those little things can win you games and it was just unfortunate it didn't win the game today." "Tomorrow we'll know who we've got in the hat so it's a great incentive for Boro and for ourselves but with all due respect, they're a top Premier League side and they're on a good run of form," he said. "We knew it was going to be a good test and I'm delighted the players stood up to it." "They've got to believe in themselves," said Blackwell. "I think they're a good set of lads and some of the stuff they did today will give them that encouragement. The league position is something we've got to address and that's what we'll start doing tomorrow."
15th February United boss Kevin Blackwell has revealed he was so eager to return to Bramall Lane he does not even know what he is being paid. After such has been the rapid turnaround at Bramall Lane, and ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Middlesbrough, Blackwell has not even considered his own personal well-being. "I've not sat down with Terry Robinson or Kevin McCabe and discussed how long my tenure at the football club will be," stated Blackwell. "I just wanted to get up here and deal with the players. I've not even bothered talking about wages or where I'm going to live or anything like that. "I was initially called on Monday and asked whether I would work in a coaching structure with 'Robbo', and I have to admit I was surprised when I received that phone call. "It was a quick message, but something that intrigued me, and I left it at that. "Then all of a sudden I received a call at 5.50pm on Thursday asking me to come up to Bramall Lane and talk about a different type of structure. "When I arrived I discovered it was about me becoming manager." "Once I sit down and have a longer chat about what we are doing and where we are going, then I'll be very happy," added Blackwell. "Right now I have a job to do. The team is absolutely paramount, so I'll deal with that first. "But I'm more than happy here, and I'm sure they'll look after me in some respect somewhere down the line. "This is a club that's going places and without a doubt it could easily return to the Premier League. "It has the infrastructure, and can be anything in the Premier League it wants it to be."
14th February Bryan Robson has left the club after turning down an offer to become director of football. Kevin Blackwell has been drafted in as Robson's replacement until the end of the season. The former Leeds and Luton manager is already well acquainted with the club having been assistant manager there during Neil Warnock's stint as boss. Robson had come under intense pressure of late over the club's faltering campaign, with some sections of the Bramall Lane faithful having vociferously called for his head. Earlier on Thursday reports suggested Robson was to be 'moved upstairs' following a meeting with United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe and club supremo Terry Robinson in Brussels on Wednesday. However, Robson has rejected the opportunity to take a director of football role and instead, parted company altogether. United have endured a poor Championship campaign thus far and currently sit a disappointing 16th and are well off the promotion pace.
12th February West Bromwich Albion 0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 22,643) Kenny, Geary, Kilgallon, Morgan, Naysmith, Cotterill, Speed (Armstrong 38), Quinn, Martin, Shelton (Gillespie 77), Beattie (Hulse 86). Man of The Match: Chris Morgan.
West Brom Line-up: Kiely, Hoefkens, Barnett, Albrechtsen, Robinson, Morrison, Greening, Filipe Teixeira, Brunt, Miller (Beattie 70), Phillips. Booked: Miller 54.
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
United picked up a well deserved point at promotion favourites West Brom in a hard fought 0-0 draw. Bryan Robson made three changes from last weekend, with Matt Kilgallon, Stephen Quinn and Luton Shelton returning to the line-up. Rob Hulse was on the substitute’s bench. The Baggies were boosted by the return of Ishmael Miller, while Leon Barnett was restored to their central defence. Just four minutes had passed when a point-blank block from West Brom defender Martin Albrechtsen saved the home side after Chris Morgan had stabbed Lee Martin's centre goal-wards. The rebound fell invitingly for David Cotterill but he fired wide from a tight angle. A minute later, Chris Brunt's cross was headed on to the post by Filipe Teixeira for the Baggies, and then Kevin Phillips was blocked by Gary Naysmith. Portuguese midfielder Teixeira had United on the back foot again moments later, when he raced onto Phillips lay-off and fired wide of the near post. Albrechtsen was the next to threaten when he saw a towering near-post header from Teixeira's corner go just over. United had a chance wasted when Lee Martin’s long-range effort went well wide after a free-kick on the left. Fifteen minutes had passed when Phillips tested goalkeeper Paddy Kenny with a swerving 25 yards shot, the Blades keeper gathered it at the second attempt. Just after the 30 minutes mark, Quinn found Shelton and the Blades striker attempted a 25-yard curler which Albion goalkeeper Dean Kiely gathered. And following Jonathan Greening's foul on Shelton, James Beattie fired a free-kick into the Baggies wall. Six minutes before the break Gary Speed was forced off with a injury and was replaced by Chris Armstrong. And in injury-time, Kilgallon rose at the far post to head Martin's corner wide from six yards out. A lively start to the second half saw Albion have a chance after 52 minutes, when Greening fired from 20 yards out, before Kenny just managed to prevent the ball crossing the line with his legs. From the second of two corners, Brunt swung the ball in, and only Quinn's brave block to prevent Albrechtsen's goal-bound volley. After 61 minutes, a good link up between Martin and Shelton found Naysmith. The Blades full-back laid the ball off for Quinn but the youngster fired over from about 17 yards out. There was a nervy moment soon after, when Naysmith's header back to Kenny fell short was short and with Phillips lurking, the Blades keeper was quickest to respond to a lucky bounce. After 71 minutes, the Baggies wasted a chance, Brunt’s free-kick found Phillips and he incredibly headed over form about six yards out. And then Brunt saw a 20-yard free-kick deflect off the United wall and go straight to Kenny. Six minutes later Luton Shelton was withdrawn and replaced by Keith Gillespie. In the 82nd minute, West Brom substitute Craig Beattie linked up well with Phillips, before the ex-England international saw his volley saved by Kenny. There were several late flurries from both sides, with the most notable being when Brunt's square ball into the box was met by a stretching James Morrison, but the Baggies midfielder could only put the ball wide. In the end a draw was a fair result, and United deserve a lot of credit for this battling performance.
Kenny 7, Geary 7, Kilgallon 7, Morgan 8, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 7, Speed 6, Armstrong 6, Quinn 8, Martin 7, Shelton 6, Gillespie 6, Beattie 6, Hulse -.
9th February Sheffield United 0 Scunthorpe United 0 (Attendance: 25,668) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Ehiogu (Kilgallon 30), Naysmith, Cotterill, Speed, Tonge, Martin (Shelton 82), Beattie (Sharp 60), Hulse. Man of The Match: Billy Sharp.
Scunthorpe Line-up: Murphy, Byrne (Sparrow 46), Crosby, Hobbs, Williams, Cork, Goodwin, McCann, Morris, Hayes, Forte (May 76). Sent Off: McCann 10 (straight red for serious foul play).
Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire).
United failed to find a breakthrough against a ten man Scunthorpe side in a 0-0 bore draw at Bramall Lane. Rob Hulse and James Beattie were partners in attack for the first time for United, and Michael Tonge was recalled to midfield. New loan signing David Cotterill made his debut on the right wing. Billy Sharp was on the bench against his former club, while most surprisingly Mat Kilgallon was again left out in favour of Ugo Ehiogu The Iron went into the game making three changes with Jack Hobbs, Ian Morris and Jonathan Forte coming into the team in place of Andy Butler, Kevan Hurst and Geoff Horsfield respectively. Forte partnered fellow striker Paul Hayes up front. The Blades had the first shot of the game on four minutes when Gary Speed drilled an effort wide after good work by Cotterill. Hulse then drew a save out of goalkeeper Joe Murphy moments later with a low shot from the edge of the area. Scunthorpe registered their first shot on goal on six minutes when United failed to clear their lines, and the ball came as far as Jim Goodwin, who struck a low 25 yard effort wide of Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. The Iron received a blow on nine minutes when Grant McCann was shown a straight red card for what referee Rob Styles judged to be serious foul play. He was judged to have felled Cotterill and Styles shocked the entire stadium by sending off the former Barnsley midfielder. It seemed a harsh decision when a yellow card would have been better for the game, but with Scunthorpe reduced to ten men we all envisaged an avalanche of goals would follow. A reshuffle of the Scunthorpe team was instantly visible, with Hayes dropping back to the right-wing, and Jack Cork moving into midfield in the absence of McCann. Forte led the line alone and it was expected, at that point, to be backs-to-the-wall for the Iron for the remainder of the game as the Blades used the extra man to their advantage. Cotterill then fired over following a Lee Martin corner and, a half-volley from 30 yards from Tonge did not trouble the Scunthorpe goal. Ehiogu picked up an early injury and on the half-hour mark, was instantly replaced by Kilgallon. Two minutes later, an in-swinging free-kick by Speed was headed wide of the Scunthorpe post by Chis Morgan. The Blades faithful were getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of cohesion and attack opportunities, and some on the Kop were inevitably starting the counter-productive ‘robson out’ chant, and slowly it was gathering momentum. The Iron had their best chance of the game so far on 38 minutes, when Morris weaved his way into space on the left and curled in a low shot which drifted just wide of Kenny's bottom left-hand post. United failed to trouble Scunthorpe again in the final five minutes of the half and were booed off at the interval. Scunthorpe were forced into a change at the interval with Matt Sparrow replacing Cliff Byrne, which meant Cork would move to right-back in the absence of the Irish defender. The tough-tackling Goodwin had the first chance of the second half, when he was allowed space 30 yards from goal to drill fierce shot just wide of Kenny's left-hand post. The second half continued in much the same vein with the Iron stifling a toothless Blades attack, and winning every loose ball. The ten men of Scunthorpe seemed more up for the fight and were counteracting everything thrown at them. Some on the Kop started chanting ‘boring’ and ‘youll be sacked in the morning’, and while their frustrations were understandable. The chanting which was aimed at Bryan Robson, was unsettling the Blades players, and not affecting the manager. They would have been better advised getting behind the team and, saving the booing for after the final whistle. The Blades were forced into their second change of the afternoon on 59 minutes, with Sharp replacing a disappointing Beattie. United had their first chance of the second half two minutes later, when Tonge struck his half-volleyed effort wide from 25 yards. The introduction of Sharp added life the Blades and they almost took the lead after Geary had been fouled. Speed delivered the free-kick and Sharp flashed a header against Murphy's left-hand post in front of the Kop. Another chance came the Blades way moments later, when Hulse's drilled left-footed strike from the left-hand side of the 18-yard box was tipped out for a corner by Irons goalkeeper. On 72 minutes Gary Naysmith found Hulse, but after a neat turn his shot pushed over by Murphy. Sharp then came close again two minutes later, when he got on the end of a cross from Cotterill, and had his acrobatic effort from 12 yards deflected wide. It was noticeable that groups of individuals on the Kop had spent the whole of the match chanting for Robson’s head and trying to get others involved, instead of watching the game and getting behind their team. It makes you wonder why these individuals bother attending the Lane, perhaps they should visit S6 on Saturday afternoons, and they would see what misery and depression is all about. The constant hounding of the manager was starting to upset the confidence of the players and their heads began to drop. Scunthorpe made their second alteration of the afternoon when striker Ben May replaced Forte, who received applauses from both sets of supporters after putting in a tireless display up front on his own. The introduction of May added some pace to the Irons attack, and in the final stages Hayes combined well with May before having his strike from the edge of the area well saved by Kenny. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Cotterill found Sharp and he struck a hooked shot over the crossbar with an effort which epitomised the bad luck he has had this season. At the full-time whistle and with half the Lane faithful having already left, those who remained booed, jeered and started chanting for Robson to be sacked. There is a lot of unrest at the Lane and some of the crowd have a lack of confidence in the current manager, so something needs to happen in the foreseeable future, otherwise attendances will drop next season. Hopefully we will not have to endure this situation for the rest of the season.
Kenny 6, Geary 5, Morgan 6, Ehiogu 5, Kilgallon 6, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 6, Speed 5, Tonge 6, Martin 5, Beattie 5, Hulse 5, Sharp 6. Shelton -.
8th February United have signed Wales international forward David Cotterill on loan from Wigan Athletic until the end of the season. The 20-year-old will go straight into the squad for Saturday's home clash against Scunthorpe in the Championship. Cotterill is the fifth player signed by Robson since the turn of the year following the arrivals of Gary Speed, Ugo Ehiogu, Lee Martin and Goran Slavkovski. 7th February Nick Montgomery could be out of action for the rest of the season after having surgery to resolve a foot injury. Montgomery, who has been sidelined for the last three matches, had a pin inserted into a broken metatarsal this week. Blades manager Bryan Robson said: "It's really bad luck for Nick who has had a dreadful time with injury this season. "The theory is that he will be out for 8 to 12 weeks which effectively means we could be without him until next season. "But he's a quick healer and very determined, so don't rule him out totally at this stage."
2nd February Bryan Robson insists he is not feeling the heat despite only managing a 2-2 draw at bottom club Colchester. David Carney's goal earned the Blades a point at Layer Road after they had fallen behind to second-half strikes from Kevin Lisbie and a deflected Johnnie Jackson free-kick, following Luton Shelton's opener. Robson said: "Things didn't go for us but there were a few good performances and I can't ask any more from my players. "The players are right behind me and I don't feel under any pressure. We're not winning games that we deserve to win and we're not killing teams off when we have the chances to. "It's a forward-thinking club and I'm sure that we can keep on getting better and better." Colchester were dealt a body blow in first-half stoppage time. After a Colchester corner had been cleared, Shelton muscled his way past Kem Izzet on the left and advanced on goal. The Jamaica international went on to curl a precise shot past goalkeeper Dean Gerken to give his side the lead. It was harsh on Colchester, who had looked the brighter and more inventive. Both sides had efforts cleared off the line in the first half. Stephen Quinn had to be alert in order to nod Chris Coyne's goal-bound header away from danger, while Phil Ifil did the same for Colchester to deny Gary Speed. Colchester needed just 24 seconds of the second half to get back on level terms. Izzet's pass from midfield dissected the Blades defence and Lisbie finished emphatically into the top right-hand corner, leaving Paddy Kenny with no chance. The Us were ahead in the 61st minute when substitute Scott Vernon was fouled by Chris Morgan on the edge of the area and Jackson's free-kick took a huge deflection off Jon Stead and went in. However, their lead lasted barely two minutes, after Carney finished neatly on the turn after a free-kick had not been sufficiently cleared.
2nd February Colchester United 2 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 5,695) Kenny, Geary, Ehiogu, Morgan, Naysmith, Carney (Beattie 72), Speed (Armstrong 46), Quinn, Martin (Tonge 81), Stead, Shelton. Booked: Carney 47, Kenny 68. Scorers: Shelton 45, Carney 66. Man of The Match: Stephen Quinn.
Colchester Line-up: Gerken, White, Coyne, Virgo, Ifil, Duguid, Jackson, Izzet, Yeates (Vernon 56), Platt, Lisbie. Booked: Lisbie 68, Ifil 87. Scorers: Lisbie 46, Armstrong 64 (og).
Referee: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire).
The Blades were held to a 2-2 draw at bottom of the table Colchester in another unconvincing performance from Bryan Robson's men. Luton Shelton and Jon Stead lined up in attack for United, with James Beattie back on the bench after injury. David Carney returned to the starting eleven, while Rob Hulse was missing for personal reasons. Colchester gave debuts to Chris Coyne and Phil Ifil, whilst Scott Vernon was on the bench. Johhnie Jackson started in midfield, with Mark Yeates and Karl Duguid on the wing. In the opening moments Blades defender Egu Ehiogu blocked a shot from Yeates with chances at a premium in the early exchanges. Colchester who play a direct style were having the better of the early possession. Stead had a half chance for United when a free kick was not cleared, only for the striker to lift his effort well over the crossbar. With both teams engaged in scrappy match short of quality and chances, Jackson had a rush of blood and smashed in a shot from distance that had Paddy Kenny scrambling across to collect. The U's as Colchester are nicknamed, thought they had a penalty claim after 20 minutes, when a ball fed into the right hand channel by Ifil ended with Lisbie and defender Ehiogu going for the ball in the box, inevitably the U's man went to ground, and the referee showed no interest and waived play-on. The first clear cut chance for United came a minute later as Coyne lost a header, this allowed Lee Martin to escape and the Blades winger drive in a low shot that U’s goalkeeper Dean Gerken collected comfortably. The Blades were then nearly caught out when Jamaican striker Lisbie drilled in a low shot that was deflected wide for a corner. It in the main it was a poor spectacle to watch in a ground which belonged in League Two. Colchester look certain for relegation and were lacking in ideas, but United were just as bad, short of the composure and drive you would expect from a pre-season promotion favourites. A corner from Jackson saw Coyne power in a header which appeared to be destined for the net before Stephen Quinn intervened on the line to head clear. Straight after, Chris Morgan fouled on the edge of the box, and Yeates stepped up and hit in a free kick which swerved forcing Kenny had to stick out a hand going the wrong way to block it. United’s first clear cut chance came on 63 minutes, a Stead shot was blocked by John White and, from the resulting Carney corner, Gary Speed’s header lost Gerkin, and Ifil was able to clear off the line with a diving header. The U's followed up with a free kick from wide left position that Kenny had to punch clear under pressure as the ball again showed unpredictability as it swerved in the air. And United attempted to hit back when Ehiogu almost connected with a Martin free-kick. In the final minute of the half, United garbed the lead. Most of the U’s defence were still returning from a corner when Quinn gained possession and found Shelton inside the Colchester half. The Blades striker turned inside Kemal Izzet, and curled the ball beyond the left hand of Gerken to give United the lead at the break. United made one substitution at half-time with Chris Armstrong replacing Speed who must have been injured. Colchester might have felt hard done by at the half-time interval. But they soon hit back after just 30 seconds of the re-start. U’s defender White threaded the ball to Lisbie and the striker struck a rising 20 yard shot into the top corner to level the scores. Lisbie was almost in again for Colchester four minutes later, as the ball bobbled around the box, Kenny hacking clear from danger. The ball was instantly returned again, and striker Clive Platt headed just wide. The U's were briefly down to ten men with Yeates went off to receive treatment for an injured shoulder, and they had a nervous moment as the ball was punted forward for Shelton to chase. Adam Virgo tried to stop the pacey Blades striker, but sensing the danger; Gerken decided to rush 30 yards out of his goal. The U’s keeper was fortunate that he was able to collect the ball with his feet and deny Shelton an open route to goal. The inevitable happened on 64 minutes. Colchester won a free kick after Morgan had fouled Vernon on the edge of the box, Jackson stepped up to take the set piece. His effort lacked any power, but caught Armstrong in the wall and deflected past a wrong-footed Kenny into the net. Shelton was still a threat for United, and he went close after with a toe poked effort that Gerken did well to save low to his right, and minutes later, United drew level. Carney received the ball on the left and in plenty of space turned and struck it low shot beyond Gerken’s left side into the corner. Kenny and Lisbie both picked up yellow cards shortly after, the Blades keeper taking the bait and losing his temper with U’s striker for stopping him clearing quickly from a free kick. Fortunately for United it was just a yellow, because Bryan Robson had no reserve keeper on the bench! Beattie made a welcome return to the field on 72 minutes after replacing Carney who had done well again for the Blades. Four minutes later, Kenny made a fine save from Scott Vernon's shot, and shortly after, Armstrong's corner was met by Ehiogu, and under pressure he fired wide. After 81 minutes, Michael Tonge replaced Martin, and with the game still wide open, Lisbie raced to the other end escaping the attentions of Derek Geary, but Kenny was alert and saved well. In the final stages United were content with their point and countered when necessary. Colchester backed by their tiny crowd, still fancied their chances, and Jackson went within inches with a header at the far post. This has to go down as two points dropped and, regardless of the now weekly excuses after the match, United were disappointing again, and barring a miracle up-turn in form are heading for a mid-table finish this season.
Kenny 6, Geary 6, Ehiogu 6, Morgan 6, Naysmith 6, Carney 7, Speed 6, Armstrong 6, Quinn 7, Martin 6, Stead 6, Shelton 6, Beattie 6.
1st February The Blades have confirmed the loan signing of Internazionale striker Goran Slavkovski, who had been linked with a move to Middlesbrough.The Macedonia Under-21 international, who was born in Sweden, had been training with the Premier League club this week before Boro opted against signing the teenager. Bryan Robson has now stepped in to take the 18-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season. United have an ongoing relationship with Inter and Robson has used this to good effect to add Slavkovski to his squad. |
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