Ams' Blades v Blackburn match report
Monday, September 11, 2006
As far as 0-0 draws are concerned, this was a very entertaining one.
The game began with both teams looking quite nervous and both constantly giving possesion away.
After it settled down the Blades produced the best chance, with a wonderful through ball from Armstrong out on the left wing, putting Hulse away with a high bouncing ball.
Unfortunately, Hulse shot over the bar when he should have at least tested the keeper. He even had time to steady himself and take another touch, but chose to shoot first time and on another day would probably have scored.
One sour note of the first half was Webber picking up a hamstring injury as he pulled up quickly when running for the ball.
The second half saw the Blades pushing forward well and creating the most chances, but then, out of the blue, the referee awarded a penalty to Blackburn for a supposed push on Benni McCarthy by Unsworth.
The decision looked harsh but Paddy, yet again, saved the day for us by pushing away Lucas Neil's poorly placed shot.
The Blades continued to push forward for the winner and were rewarded with a penalty of their own in the 77th minute for constant shirt tugging by Zurab Khizanishvili.
Unsy stepped up and hit it well, but too close to Friedel and not close enough to the corner. Had Friedel gone the other way, Unsy would have scored, but he didn't and Friedel made a good save.
Just when we all thought the game was drifting towards 0-0, even with all the Blades'pressure, the linesman on the right suddenly gave us another penalty for a very dubious hand ball by Lucas Neil. It looked like the ball bounced of his chest, with no other players around him, but the assistant referee pointed to the spot.
So, with 4 minutes to go, we had another chance to wrap up the game.
Hulse stepped up confidently and placed a good shot hard and low to the right hand corner, but amazingly, Friedel was there again making a wonderful save. Even then the ball came out to Quinn, but he could only tamely knock it back to Friedel.
There was still time for Hulse to have another chance saved from 6 yards out, but the game finished with everyone wondering how the ball hadn't managed to find the net that day.
The Blades did just about enough to deserve the 3 points, but it wasn't to be.
Trying to be objective. none off the penalties were really deserved. The only one with any merit was the first one for the Blades. it was good to see a referee finally punishing a player for constant shirt pulling in the area.
Anyway, with injuries clearing up and players back for the Reading game, we should be feeling quite positive about getting that first win next saturday.
Player ratings:
Paddy - 8/10 : Looked secure and made a good penalty save.
Sommeil - 7/10 : Defended well and never looked in too much trouble.
Jags - 8.5/10 : Excellent game at centre half! He was everywhere! Gives Neil a selection headache for next week.
Morgan - 7.5/10 : Also did very well. Can't pass out of defence with any conviction, but did the simple things well.
Unsworth - 6.5/10 : Defended well, but wasn't faced with anyone with any real pace. Get's marked dowm for a poor penalty.
Ifill - 6.5/10 : Started well with some good runs, but needed to take on his defender more often and then gradually faded and was subbed.
Leigterwood - 8/10 : His best game so far. Harried opponents well and his passing was composed.
Tonge - 6/10 : A poor game for him. Gave the ball away too often and the only thing of note was a shot on target too close to the keeper.
Armstrong - 7/10 : He was in and out of the game. Made one wonderful pass to Hulse and worked hard for the team.
Hulse - 7/10 : Didn't have his finishing boots on in this game. If he had put away 1 or 2 of his chances, he would have got a 9/10 . Still, he looks a good player.
Webber - 6/10 : Only played 17 mins before injured. Shame, as I think his pace could have hurt Blackburn.
Subs:
Nade - 7/10 : An enigmatic performance from him. One moment he looks like he will tear the opposition apart with his pace and skill, then he gives the ball away easily. Still rough round the edges, but potentially good for the future.
Kazim-Richards - 7/10 : Looked lively when he came on and looks like he will have something to offer from the bench this season.
Quinn - Not on long enough to get a mark. Should have scored from Hulse's pen rebound though.
Ams.
posted by Blades Bees @ 08:52,
