Hopefulled To The Front Two

Sheffield United U21 0 v Cardiff City U21 3

U21 Professional Development League

Tuesday 23 August 2022

Played at York City

SUFC 2022/23 Game #8

And so, we are back again at our U21 home at York City. With, natch, yet another entry regime. As I presented myself at the gate we've used for every previous game, last season and this, a steward had been employed to direct everyone to;

"Gates 7, 8 and 9, through the leisure centre, follow that guy in the blue."

Of course, on closer inspection, the guy in blue had less idea of where the new gate was than me. (Sidebar - he was the Ref's Dad). I will point out that they've had to employ one more steward than they needed. The said steward on the obvious gate (closed) to direct people to the hidden through the leisure centre secret squirrel gate. The steward on that gate had not a clue. She had a printed, presumed guest list - scouts, agents, etc. Mr Ref Senior wasn't on it. She radioed it in. And then asked and wrote his name of the list. Mr Sheffield United Supporter Come To Watch The Match (me) wasn't on the list. So, she radioed it in, asked my name, and wrote it on the list. (I could see the name of one Carrier Bag Firm luminary already biroed in).

And so, we are back again at our U21 home at York City.

Incidentally, the Professional Development League Handbook 2022/23 has now been published. The old - U21 home venue must be within 45 minutes drive of the club's main home stadium rule - has gone. Presumably to allow us to use York!!!

So, the second York trialist is;

Fossgate Tap

54-56 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF

Right in the heart of medieval tourist York. Grade II dating back to 1796. Long bar front overlooking pavement tables (thing of the devil) and one big downstairs room off the side. I assume more seating upstairs. I chose this gaff as they're in partnership with Turning Point Brew Co. in Knaresborough. One of my favourite modern, independent British breweries. I visited Turning Point during one bit of the Lockdown when I couldn't have a drink there, but could buy cans to take home. And then earlier this season, I couldn't get to Knaresborough Town v Hallam because of the RMT Strike. One day, one day, I'll visit Turning Point and pile in.

But, for today, Fossgate Tap is more than good enough. Seven Turning Point on Keg (and four guests). Three Turning Point on Cask (and three guests). I went;

Turning Point Brew Co, Too Much Too Soon, Tallus Hopped Pale on Keg at 4%

Despite the clip headlining Talus Hopped Pale, recipe research suggests that is underpinned by Amarillo and Mosaic Hops. Some coconut in the smell. I don't think that survives. Very flower floral at first. But, some richness develops. Bit of anaesthetic on the bitterness. Nice beer.

A poor, second best all round performance from the U21s. I hear on the vine growing grapes that The Bluebirds put out a strong XI, with some first teamers. I hear it was Gavin Whyte, a Northern Ireland international, out on loan at Hull City and then Oxford United who scored the Hat Trick all three. And I was mightily impressed by #7, Kion Etete.

United had first team sub keeper Jordan Amissah getting some game time. He needed some "oh fuck that doesn't look good" treatment on his left knee/thigh on 30 minutes.

First team fringer Ky Gordon, also getting more game time. He needed some "oh fuck that doesn't look good" treatment on his left ankle right at the end of the first half.

And, erstwhile first team starter Dan Jebbison needed some "oh fuck that doesn't look good treatment" on his left ankle minutes into the second half.

Jordan & Kyron recovered to play their full part. But, Jebbo walked off gingerly (as opposed to full on limp) on 60 minutes.

Gordon lined up in the middle of a three. But, moved to Right Centre Back when Connor Barratt replaced Bash on 65. Basham himself was Right Centre Back and Nicksoen Gomis on the left. Tom Angell at left wingback and Sai Sachdev on the right. Osula and Jebbison up top. Fairly fluid in midfield, with Arblaster anchoring & Broadbent & Doyle doing other bits.

Overall, but particularly in the first half, the Young Blades didn't present much of an attacking threat. Wingbacks rarely getting up & rarely being brought into play. The back three never getting forward at all. Barely broke through the line if I'm honest. Endeavour from Jebbo & Will. But, long balls aimed somewhere near them. Poor first touches and monstored most of the time by an organised & strong Cardiff defence.

Stuart McCall, Jack Lester, Matt Dukes, Chris Morgan and the Ref's Dad were all in the stands to either concur with my detailed analysis or wildly disagree.

Very sloppy at times. Giving the ball away and not tracking. Doyle (worryingly) as guilty as any of 'em. He mistimed a pass on just two minutes. Gordon looked nowhere near tight enough on his fella, who hit the post with a stinging shot. After failing to clear, Cardiff hit the other post in the next phase. And we weren't even three minutes gone.

It wasn't completely gloom & doom. Doyle and the best of the bunch Sachdev combining in triangles down the right. Doyle cleverly switched the play over to the left. That ended in a free kick. Which Doyle proceeded to fuck up completely by trying to be too clever.

Basham was the zone man on defensive corners. But, him & the rest failed to clear their lines on 16. And the Cardiff lad walloped it high in the net from close in.

One of the things to love about SmallBall Academy football is you can sit close to the action and hear what is going on. This, and subsequent quotes, attributable to U21 coach Michael Collins;

" 'blaster, organise your midfield, NOW"

George Broadbent had one of his better games since returning from loan. On 18, a clever chest down from Doyle, the ball helped into the box, Jebbo held it up well and George was on the end of a nice ball to bring a save out of the keeper.

But, still, mainly, goal kicks and clearances were being hopefulled to the front two. Who were either not competing or just losing out physically. It really needed someone in red n white to just grab the game by the scruff of the neck. But, no one looked close. Collins was getting frustrated;

"Nicksoen, you've got all the space over that side and I can't hear you - should be screaming"

A hectic end to the lower 45. A Cardiff striker just ghosted past Basham and only a great save from Jordan kept it out. But then a great piece of play by Jebbison with a cushioned header played Osula in to drag his shot across goal. Mate, Osula does that a lot.

Maybe a bit more urgency at the start of the second. Gomis broke through the line with ball at feet. I let out a little cheer inside. Tom Angell out on the left was getting forward and into the game a little more.

On 57, a great move - Arblaster to Sachdev down the right. Followed by a fucking horrendous cross. Almost straight away, great work by Angell to win it, he fed Jebbo, nice control to work it across the box, Doyle fed Sai, but (FFS) he couldn't make anything of it. Best spell. Only spell. Still sloppy and out muscled in the main.

As mentioned earlier, Jebbison gingered off on 60 to be replaced by Theo Williams. You'll not be surprised to learn he made no discernible difference. First touch of all three strikers used was woeful at times. Doyle and Broadbent were rarely getting back into the defensive set up. It was all a bit falling apart to me.

Presumably as planned, Basham and Doyle were canned at 65 for Connor Barratt & Matt le Trialist. (No other clues, set up as the pushed on midfielder, comfortable with both feet, busy, but as he faced the Sun, he cast no shadow).

Connor Barratt brought both a sense of calm AND a sense of urgency - what a skill. (He took over Zone Man on corners). Me, I'm liking him more and more if you're asking.

But, on 68, Arblaster left a clumsy leg out as matey ran the inside left channel. Jordan got a bit on the resulting penalty to his right. But, that was it - 2-0. Collins wasn't with the program;

"Ref, you owe us one, never been, ever"

Cardiff's third on 83 said it all. Gordon, for once marauded forward with the ball. Loses it. Gets argument involved with the guy who robbed him. A swift counter attack and an accurate shot from the edge of the box. While Gordon is far more interested in continuing the shoving and in-yer-grill war.

Sai Sachdev decent. Connor Barratt looking good. Broadbent at least improving. No one injured badly. Only positives.

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