There is no where colder than a football terrace in winter. Science may say otherwise, but it is indisputable. Sitting on John Street today whilst rain lashed down on the turf was very cold indeed. Anyway, enough about the cold. Let's talk about what we're here for (or, rather, you are dear reader). United ran out narrow losers to a well backed Durham team in a frustrating contest for the home team.
United were unchanged for a third game in a row as we went searching for a response after last week's narrow loss away at Southampton. After the Remembrance Day formalities. The game kicked off with United knocking the ball around, looking for an opening in a stout Durham block. After a few passes however, the ball would either frustratingly bounce out of play, go awry, or find the feet of a Durham player. Through this passing, our visitors would get the opener. United gave the ball away deep inside our own half with Eleanor Ryan-Doyle pouncing and slotting home past Stenson to give the visitors a lead. Cue furious drumming and the bloke behind me excitedly blowing on what sounded like a kazoo. (Before we continue, would just like to state that Durham did bring a vocal and mass support to The Lane today. Despite the mickey taking, they did provide a good atmosphere for the game and is something that United perhaps need to look into). United responded by doing some nice passing manoeuvres, but just couldn't quite make anything stick. Izzy Goodwin nearly got us equal after she rounded Saunders in goal but went too wide. Her effort well wide from a very acute angle. The pressure would continue and Jess Sigsworth probably saw our best effort of the half well saved by Saunders after some good work around the box. The ex-Man United striker took aim with a quick snapshot that Saunders did very well to turn around the post for a corner. From the few corners we had in the first period. United players got on the end of them, but sent efforts flying over the bar rather than on target. As the first half came to an end. It just felt a little bit flat as the rain continued to fall on the Bramall Lane turf. The second half was pretty similar to the first half. Insofar as United had the possession, but just couldn't get anything to stick to get an equaliser. As the game wore on, Durham began to start catching United on the counter a little bit. Despite not managing to get much as far as shots, they still looked the more dangerous. United kept probing and saw chances come our way. Bex Rayner went close a couple of times alongside a shot that saw Saunders make another good snap save. It was pressure, but no real end product. The best opportunity we probably had in the second period fell to Sigsworth again. After a sustained attack, the ball was worked to Jess about 10 yards from goal. Perhaps anticipating more pressure. Jess snatched at her opportunity and sent the ball cascading over the bar when an effort on goal looked more likely. United continued to press for an equaliser and were nearly undone in the closing stages as Stenson was forced into a point blank save from a pull back with minutes left. The whistle went and it was a tough one to take for United in a frustrating afternoon for everyone of a red and white persuasion. The overarching theme of this review has been that one underlying word. Frustration. United did play some good stuff this afternoon, there's no denying that. We had passages of play where we were playing some very good one touch stuff with good movement around the pitch, then we just wouldn't be able to reward our own good play. It's just frustrating that we play well in these games and dominate the play, but we just can't kill teams off. It needs addressing and is something to work on as the season continues. Just a bit flat really. Bit meh, very cold. Until next time, UTB.
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AuthorHi my name is John and i will be giving my thoughts on the blades matches and all blades related news in this section Archives
November 2022
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