Big Lads Have Been In The Tuck Shop

Birmingham City U21 3 v Sheffield United U21 1

Professional Development League

Monday 27 November 2023

Played at Solihull Moors

SUFC 2023/24 Game #26

Sheffield United 1 v Bournemouth 3

Premier League

Saturday 25 November 2023

SUFC 2023/24 Game #25

Apologies. There has been some Bloggage Blockage of late. Had a few life things going on, nothing to worry about, just had to plough through.

The U21s were second best in that game at Birmingham I'm afraid to say. As I write, United remain top of the North Group. Played 13, won 8, drew 3, 27 points. But, Birmingham are tight in second, just two points behind off the same games. Sheffield Wednesday remain in touch. They're three points behind Birmingham with a game in hand. A reminder that City beat the Young Blades in the 2020/21 National Final.

Birmingham were big lads, and looked physically stronger than our lot.

Callum Yam had the gloves. Back three - Sasnauskas, Evan Easton and Nix Gomis. Femi Seriki wide right. Jili Buyabu wide left. Ryan Oné and Hackford up top. Peck, Hampson and the ever roving Brooks in midfield.

I'm going to say it. I find Oné and Hackford up top quite frustrating. Today, neither seemed able to grab the game and be constantly involved. Neither shows “flashes of brilliance”. When Ryan does get involved, a few things happen. He got a great snap shot off on 38, after a great run and cross by Buyabu. Unfortunately, straight at the keeper.

Ryan also had a great break chasing a long ball. He did all the stay strong and keep the ball moving stuff very well. But, it was a very poor and tame finish at the end. Ryan equalised on 59. That's Ryan, not too involved, but when he was, a bit of stuff happened. But, Hackford, I'm not currently feeling it at all. Looks to have a long way to go for me.

The BlueNoses had opened on 41. Fair do, United came out a lot stronger in the early stages of the second half. I think they'd just had a shake up and decided to match Birmingham physically. More willing to run at them with the ball. And, push Femi & Jili up and get them on the ball.

Despite the score line, I felt the back three were calm & solid throughout. There's a lot to like about Evan Easton as he breaks through at this level.

A worked short corner pushed Sydie into the box and his was it a shot was it a cross was turned in by Oné. But, City goals on 71 and 82 left us no way back. Charlie Staniland replaced (the largely anonymous) Hampson on 88. He lasted two fucking minutes before a straight red for one of those modern things. He went in hard & horizontal, feet off the floor, 50/50. But, you go for those nowadays.

Anyone who has read my Social Media recently will have seen the BILE poured on Sheffield United for increasingly playing Academy games fucking behind fucking closed fucking doors at fucking Shirecliffe. I know this one was at a local non league ground (like when we use Chesterfield), but Solihull and Birmingham showed us how it can/should be done.

Two O’clock. On a Monday. They've not only got the doors open, but the bar as well, in The Moor Arms. OK. OK. There's no Cask. There's no Craft. There's just industrial. But, it's cold outside. And warm inside.

Later on, in a different location, I was able to enjoy;

The Goodness Brewing Co (Harringay), Nova, Cold IPA from a Tin at 6%

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