November 2013

Leyton Orient 1 Sheffield United 1 ( Attendance: 6,586)

Blades Line-up : Long, McMahon, Hill, Collins, Maguire, Doyle, McGinn, White (Lappin, 73), Coady, Baxter (Murphy, 85), Porter (Taylor, 79)..

Unused: Howard, Cuvelier, Miller, King.

Man Of The Match: George Long.

Leyton Orient: Jones, Cuthbert (Simpson, 73), Baudry, Clarke, Omozusi, Odubajo, James (Wright, 69), Vincelot (Bartley, 88), Cox, Batt, Mooney.

Unused: Larkins, Sawyer, Lasimant, Gorman.

Referee: Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire).

A stunning volley from Dean Cox cancelled out a Conor Coady strike to earn Leyton Orient a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.

Blades boss Nigel Clough brought back centre-back Harry Maguire and attacking midfielder Jose Baxter in for Shaun Miller and Simon Lappin. United lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Baxter in the slot behind striker Chris Porter. The O's were forced into making one change with Shaun Batt replacing the injured Kevin Lisbie.

It was a lively start to the game and an early chance fell to Mathieu Baudry on four minutes when Nathan Clarke launched a long throw-in into the mix causing problems for Matt Hill and Neill Collins, but Frenchman Baudry could not control his close-range shot which went high and wide of the target.. Clarke himself came close shortly after when he was denied by Blades goalkeeper George Long after a quickly taken corner from Lloyd James had caught United off guard.

The O's were on top in the opening exchanges with Batt and Moses Odubajo's pace allowing them to get in behind the Blades defence on several occasions, forcing a number of corners in the process.

But the first clear-cut chance of the game fell to David Mooney in the 21st minute. His clever run was picked out by Cox's threaded pass, but the striker dragged his shot well wide of the far post.

At the other end, Aidy White was close to connecting on a Coady cross after making the most of a slip from Elliott Omozusi near the corner flag. Mooney was handed an even better opportunity than his first on the half-hour mark for Orient. This time the Irish striker took his shot first time but it lacked the power needed to beat Long who managed to get across in enough time to make a comfortable save.

Both teams took a while to settle in after the restart, making it a much more balanced affair. Baxter was looking more influential for the Blades as the game progressed, taking on a couple of snap shots, while Batt was the main threat for the O's.

But it was United who stunned the hosts when they grabbed lead on 67 minutes when Orient's defence failed to deal with a situation on the edge of their area. The ball rebounded into the path of Porter who calmly slid a pass to teammate Coady who was in acres of space inside the area, and the Blades wide man slotted a low finish past goalkeeper Jamie Jones at the near post.

Unitedites might have thought they were about to take the three points, but Orient are not the top of the league for nothing. And with eight minutes remaining. the ball dropped to Cox who was 25 yards out from goal. The winger unleashing an unstoppable volley into the top left corner of the net, allowing Long no chance whatsoever.

It was always going to have to be something special to beat the Blades goalkeeper who had been on top form all afternoon, and he was called into action again before the final whistle when he made a stunning one-handed save low to his left to deny Robbie Simpson who had sent a glancing header goalwards in stoppage time.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Leyton Orient: Long 8 , McMahon 7 , Hill 6 , Collins 6 , Maguire 6 , Doyle 6 , McGinn 7 , White 6 , Lappin 6 , Coady 7 , Baxter 7 , Porter 6 , Taylor 6 .

Sheffield United 1 Walsall 1 ( Attendance: 14,796)

Blades Line-up : Long, McMahon, White, Hill, Collins, Doyle, McGinn, Coady,

Lappin (Murphy 78), Porter (L. Taylor 81), Miller (Baxter 61).

Unused: Howard, Cuvelier, King, McGinty.

Man Of The Match: Chris Porter.

Walsall: O'Donnell, A. Taylor, Butler, Featherstone (Hewitt 86), A. Chambers, Mantom, Lalkovic (Hemmings 64), Westcarr, Downing, J. Chambers, Baxendale (Sawyers 76).

Unused: Purkiss, Lewis, Benning, Gray.

Referee: Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire).

Craig Westcarr cancelled out Chris Porter's penalty to earn Walsall a draw at Bramall Lane.

Matt Hill returned to the starting eleven for the suspended Harry Maguire and partnered Neill Collins in central defence. Shaun Miller replaced Lyle Taylor and partnered Porter in a 4-4-2 formation. Walsall, lined up with ex-Blades left-back Andy Taylor in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

It was a quiet start with United looking nervous in their play and it was not until the 16th minute they had a chance of note. A corner from Conor Coady sent the ball goalwards only for Walsall captain Andy Butler to clear off the line.

The Blades looked a threat from set-pieces as Stephen McGinn delivered the ball dangerously into the 18 yard box, but it evaded everyone on its way wide. After a free-kick from Walsall’s Andy Taylor was easily cleared, James Baxendale tried his luck for the visitors with a low strike from distance that went well wide.

With half-time approaching, Milan Lalkovic was involved in the action at both ends of the field as firstly a flick on by Westcarr almost saw him capitalise upon a weak back-pass and then his challenge on Aidy White brought loud appeals for a penalty, but the referee was unimpressed. Porter and Miller had combined well before sending the United left-back on his way only to be hacked down in the box. The decision was brought howls of derision from the home fans.

But, in stoppage time at the end of the half, United got a penalty for a handball by James Chambers after a cross from Tony McMahon from the right. The penalty was duly converted by Porter. It seemed slightly odd that the earlier incident had been waived away, as it was a clear penalty shout, yet the second incident perhaps not so much so. Perhaps the referee had realised his earlier error and used the second incident make amends.

Amazingly straight from the kick-off in the second half Walsall levelled with a superb piece of football. Baxendale did well out wide on the right in front of the John Street Stand and his cross was perfect for striker Westcarr to head home the equaliser.

There were a couple of penalty appeals in quick succession for the Blades as Walsall had to defend in numbers. The Saddlers were patient in getting their chances on the counter as United plied forward in pursuit of a second goal.

A strike from substitute Ashley Hemmings was pushed out by the goalkeeper George Long and the loose ball was cleared. A deft header from United substitute Jamie Murphy crept just wide as the clock ticked down. In the end neither side were able to add to the scoring as honours ended even at 1-1.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Walsall: Long 6 , McMahon 6 , White 6 , Hill 7 , Collins 6 , Doyle 6 , McGinn 7 , Coady 7 , Lappin 6 , Murphy 6 , Porter 8 , L. Taylor 7 , Miller 7 , Baxter 6 .

Bristol City 0 Sheffield United 1 ( Attendance: 13,220)

Blades Line-up : Long, McMahon, White, Maguire, Collins, Doyle, Lappin (Hill 85), McGinn, Coady, Porter, L. Taylor (Baxter 62).

Unused: Howard, Cuvelier, Flynn, Miller, King.

Man Of The Match: Harry Maguire.

Bristol City: Parish, Moloney (Harewood 82), Flint, Baldock, Emmanuel-Thomas, Wagstaff, Cunningham (McLaughlin 78), Pack, Shorey (Williams 66), Elliott, Osborne.

Unused: Fielding, R. Taylor, Brundle, Gillett.

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

A 78th-minute own goal from Aden Flint presented Sheffield United with a 1-0 victory at Bristol City.

Nigel Clough made several changes which saw Conor Coady and Stephen McGinn in midfield. Lyle Taylor partnered Chris Porter in attack with Shaun Miller given a rest for this match. United lined up in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation.

The opening quarter of the match was littered with wasteful long balls from both sides with little end product. Simon Lappin delivered a free-kick towards goalkeeper Elliott Parish’s' far post but neither Harry Maguire or Neill Collins could connect.

Maguire was cautioned after 19 minutes when he lunging into a virulent challenge on Greg Cunningham. That booking meant he would miss the next match at home to Walsall.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas fired the free-kick wide to the right from the set piece. The hosts were having the better of a poor half of football, Marlon Pack and Emmanuel-Thomas looked to be the main threat for City.

After a foul by Collins on Sam Baldock, Nicky Shoreys’ left footed free-kick from outside the box went over the Blades wall, but was easily saved in the top right corner by goalkeeper George Long.

With 30 minutes on the clock, United had a chance when Tony McMahon's curling right footed effort from outside the box was stopped by Parish.

Nine minutes later the best chance of the half when Baldock burst clear of the United offside trap and his right footed shot from the centre of the box was thwarted by long who had positioned himself perfectly to make the save. Scott Wagstaff was less that amused by Baldocks’ greediness when he could have easily have squared the ball for the midfielder to tap in.

Two minutes into the second half and Maguire headed just over from the centre of the box after a Lappin free-kick. Then, Coady stormed forward through the middle and fired a right-footed shot high and wide. Taylor fired off target from long-range after he found some open space, a minute later he was replaced by Jose Baxter.

Elliott's shot from the centre of the box was headed away by Collins who was still wearing a head bandage. Just when it looked like the hosts were getting the upper hand especially with some generous referring decisions - United grabbed the lead.

Coady and Cunningham collided and while the Robins appealed to the referee, McMahon rushed down the right flank and squared a ball from the by-line straight into the six yard box. Flint somehow found himself facing his own goal and turned the ball into his own net.

Late on, the hosts had a goal disallowed after Karleigh Osborne was adjudged to have fouled Long in the six yard box from a Wagstaff corner. City were duly booed off by their supporters at the end, having seen their carful passing approach play hit a brick wall in the shape of Maguire and Collins.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Bristol City: Long 7 , McMahon 7 , White 6 , Maguire 8 , Collins 8 , Doyle 6 , Lappin 6 , McGinn 7 , Coady 6 , Porter 7 , L. Taylor 6 , Baxter 6 .

Sheffield United 1 Gillingham 2 ( Attendance: 16,560)

Blades Line-up : Long, McMahon, Hill (McGinn 72), Maguire, Collins, Doyle, White, Lappin (Baxter 64), Flynn (Taylor 79), Porter, Miller.

Unused: Howard, Cuvelier, Coady, King.

Man Of The Match: Simon Lappin.

Gillingham: Nelson, Martin, Legge, Whelpdale, Kedwell (McDonald 18), Gregory (Dack 14), Hollands, Barrett, Fagan (Weston 79), Hewitt, Mousinho

Unused: Davies, Akinfenwa, Howard, Hessenthaler.

Referee: Geoff Eltringham (County Durham).

Gillingham won their second away game of the season with Danny Kedwell and Cody McDonald scoring in a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane.

The Blades made two changes with Ryan Flynn and Aidy White recalled, with White in a left-wing position and Flynn on the right-wing.

Only seven minutes had elapsed when disaster struck for United when Harry Maguire miss-judged his pack pass and goalkeeper George Long under pressure from Danny Kedwell, attempted to clear but the ball re-bounded off the Gills striker and into the net, in front of a disbelieving Shoreham Kop.

The goal brought an attacking response from the Blades, Maguire almost made amends for his earlier error when his header from a Lappin corner was cleared off the line by Hewitt.

And Lappin was busy again seconds later when he crossed and Chris Porter got there before goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, but his header from the centre of the box was just a bit too high. and then a few minutes later, Lappin's right footed shot from outside the box was saved.

United continued to dominate possession and an equaliser looked on the cards. Neill Collins headed from the right of the six yard box, but his attempt was thwarted. But the pressure paid off when Lappin delivered a corner and from close range Porter headed into the top left corner.

The Gills were forced to make a second substitution when Kedwell went down in the centre circle, the result of a earlier collision with Long during the scoring of the opening goal. The visitors replacement was striker McDonald.

United continued in the ascendency against what looked a one dimensional Gillingham side, only interested in defending a lead and the quick counter attack from the long ball forward.

Shaun Miller had left footed shot from the right side of the box, but narrowly missed to the right, and then a second opportunity from the centre of the box was saved. At the other end, Chris Whelpdale's header was saved by Long.

Just before the interval, McDonald burst free of the United defence but Neill Collins made an excellent tackle in the 18 yard box.

The Blades were knocked back again at the start of the second half when after a foul by Flynn, Nelson delivered a long ball which saw John Mousinho's header rebound off the crossbar and the ball dropped for McDonald to head home from centre of the box.

United tried to find a response and pushed forward pinning the visitors back, Lappin delivered several corners and a free-kick but with no end product. With 65 minutes on the clock, Jose Baxter replaced Lappin in midfield.

A Miller left footed shot from the left side of the box went close, but missed to the right of goal, and Porter's right footed shot from about 20 yards out went flying over. United continued the pressure with Porter heading just wide after good work from a Michael Doyle cross. Porter was being tugged and fouled at every opportunity by the big Gillingham defenders all under the gaze of the officials’ but not acted up on.

The visitors were now just defending en masse. In the final minutes there was mayhem in the Gillingham defence after a Shaun McGinn free-kick ,and some clear time wasting from the Gill's goalkeeper pretending to be hurt after a challenge where there was no contact.

But time ran out for the Blades and this defeat leaves them second from bottom in league one. It’s not all doom though, Porter and Miller linked up well today, Porters ability to hold the ball up well and Millers pace bodes well for the coming fixtures. But that is as long as the midfield and wide players can supply some quality balls for the front two.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Gillingham: Long 5 , McMahon 6 , Hill 6 , McGinn 6 , Maguire 5 , Collins 7 , Doyle 6 , White 6 , Lappin 7 , Baxter 6 , Flynn 7 , Taylor 6 , Porter 7 , Miller 7 .

Colchester United 2 Sheffield United 3 ( Attendance: 2,509)

Blades Line-up : Long, McMahon, Hill, Maguire, Collins, Doyle, Lappin, McGinn (Flynn 68), Coady, Miller (Baxter 75), Porter (Taylor 90).

Unused: Howard, Cuvelier, Murphy, King.

Man Of The Match: Harry Maguire.

Colchester: Walker, Okuonghae, Eastmond (Vose 79), Morrison, Bond (Dickson 45), Bean, Eastman, Wilson, Gilbey, Garbutt, Bonne (Szmodics 87).

Unused: Cousins, Sanderson, Olufemi, Spence.

Referee: Phil Gibbs (West Midlands).

Chris Porter's late penalty settled an all-League One clash in the FA Cup first round as Sheffield United defeated plucky Colchester.

Nigel Clough made several changes to his side from last weekend. Stephen McGinn and Conor Coady returned into midfield. And it was good to see Chris Porter back in the side partnering Shaun Miller in a attack. The Blades lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.

The Blades started on the front foot with a good early chance from Tony McMahon who forced a save from Sam Walker at his near post. It was not long before the Blades had something to show for their efforts when McGinn’s free kick met the head of Harry Maguire whose header opened the scoring after nine minutes.

After Magnus Okuonghae's back pass was blocked, the Blades soon had a second in as many minutes as it set up Chris Porter. The forward’s ball deflected at the feet of Tom Eastman whose intervention sent the ball spiralling past wrong-footed goalkeeper Sam Walker.

The U’s tried to get back into game and made good use of loanee Luke Garbutt who saw a decent cross headed over by Macauley Bonne. This was followed by a drive from Blades left-back Matt Hill who saw his long ranged effort rebound off the crossbar.

Colchester finally settled down after 20 minutes and made a few half chances. Marcus Bean, Andy Bond and Garbutt all saw shots go wide of the goal with the latter effort coming close from a free kick, and just before the break, Eastmond's shot went just wide of the post.

The hosts made a re-shuffle at the break and Garbutt was pushed further forward, this move proved to be key as his cross two minutes into the half created a goal for Colchester. The ball was knocked on by Clinton Morrison to Bonne who headed the ball past Blades goalkeeper George Long to give the hosts some hope,

Then, Coady supplied McMahon and the right-back squared the ball into the box from the byline, but Porter two yards was unsighted and scuffed the ball out when it seemed easier to score.

The more goal followed as Colchester found an equaliser after 65 minutes. A throw-in into the Blades18 yard box was headed clear by Hill and taken down by Garbutt just outside of the box, and he took one touch to control the ball and a second to power the ball into the far corner.

But late-on, the Blades grabbed the winner when the referee awarded a penalty, penalising Okuonghae for a clear handball inside the area. Porter stepped up and placed the penalty down the centre to send Clough's men into the second round.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Colchester: Long 6 , McMahon 7 , Hill 6 , Maguire 7 , Collins 7 , Doyle 7 , Lappin 6 , McGinn 6 , Flynn 6 , Coady 7 , Miller 7 , Baxter 6 , Porter 7 .

Shrewsbury Town 2 Sheffield United 0 ( Attendance: 6,226)

Blades Line-up : Long, White, Maguire, Hill, Flynn (McGinn 78), Doyle, Taylor, Collins (Brandy 45), King (Miller 63), Lappin, McMahon.

Unused: Howard, Baxter, Cuvelier, Coady.

Sent-Off: Brandy 57.

Man Of The Match: Simon Lappin.

Shrewsbury: Weale, Jacobson (Goldson 45), Winfield, Bradshaw (Summerfield 87), Wroe, Taylor, Wildig, Mkandawire, Woods, Reach, Lopez (McAlinden 73).

Unused: Jones, McAllister, Parry, Anyon.

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

Nigel Clough tasted defeat for the first time as United manager as the Blades lost to Shrewsbury at the New Meadow.

New signing Aidy White started with Stephen McGinn dropping to the bench. Simon Lappin moved into midfield with White on the left-wing and Matt Hill at left-back in a 4-4-2 formation.

The first chance came after just three minutes when Shrewsbury goalkeeper Chris Weale sent a long ball over the United defence and Cristian Lopez headed beyond United goalkeeper George Long, but saw the ball bounce just inches wide of the left hand post.

The 30 minutes seemed to pass with much incident with goal scoring opportunities few and far between. with neither keeper yet to see any action since that superb chance for Lopez half an hour earlier. Lyle Taylor did put a speculative effort wide from a Marlon King cross.

But after 39 minutes, Shrewsbury opened the scoring when Jacobson volleyed the ball from all of 35 yards with such ferocity that it almost burst the net.

Clough made a change at the break with Fabien Brandy replacing Neil Collins, the defender had received an eye injury in the first half. Hill moved in to central defence, White to left-back and Brandy went to left-wing.

With the wind getting more blustery, Tony McMahon tested Weale for the first time in the opening minute with a wind-assisted drive from 25 yards but the Shrewsbury goalkeeper made a routine save.

Then White’s cross flew across the six yard line evading everyone as United continued to set the pace. The sustained spell of pressure brought the 1200 travelling contingent after a dour first half.

But the Blades task became more difficult on 57 minutes. Shaun Miller was ready to come on from the bench but fellow sub Brandy was to end his 12 minutes of action with a moment of stupidity. Brandy childishly lashed out at right-back Connor Goldson and left the referee with no option but to produce the red card. Not only had Brandy let his fellow team mates down he had let the travelling fans down with his unprofessionalism.

Clough waited six more minutes before finally pitching Miller in for the barely seen King. Minutes later, McGinn replaced Ryan Flynn but it made no difference, the hosts went straight up the other end in a classic breakaway to make it two-nil with 11 minutes remaining. Goldson ran into acres before intelligently laying the ball off for striker Liam McAlinden, and he took one touch before finding the top corner with his left foot.

Weale denied Miller a goal which might have made the last few minutes a little more tense. Shrewsbury made more substitutions, shoring up their defence and easy saw out the remaining minutes for victory by which time most Unitedites were already making their way home in the wind and rain.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Shrewsbury: Long 6 , White 7 , Maguire 6 , Collins 6 , Hill 7 , Lappin 7 , McMahon 6 . Flynn 6 , McGinn 6 , Doyle 7 , Taylor 6 , Brandy 4 , King 5 , Miller 7 .