New Old Lads Come Back
and one on trial...
Crewe Alexandra U21 1 v Sheffield United U21 2
Professional Development League
Monday 10 February 2025
Played at Alexandra Park Training Ground
SUFC 2024/25 Game #46
NBDR
No Beer Don't Read
Despite The GangMaster reminding us at frequent intervals;
“There's a good MicroPub in Congleton.”
Incidentally, one of Crewe Baggers called The GangMaster “A Clown” during the second half. So that cheered us up. No Teamsheets neither. So The GangMaster has had a difficult day all ‘round. (Giggling here).
A much better performance from the Young Blades compared to the recent 3-2 cup defeat at Huddersfield. United are top of the North Group. 39 points from 17 games. Only Hull City (36 points) and Burnley (35 points) in touch. They've both played a game more than us. We've only lost twice in the league this season, and this was our twelfth win.
I felt United were much the better team. But we didn't create loads of clear cut chances. And we reverted to just getting it over the line later on in the second half.
The step up in performance, and quality, from the Huddersfield game came, in part, from a number of players returning to the fold.
Jack Waldron was here at conventional right back. His loan to Scarborough Athletic allows him to play with our Academy when it suits. We watch from ground level, pitchside, here in Reaseheath. So maybe it's an optical illusion. But Jack looks bigger to me. Both taller, and filling in physically. Jack was hooked on 80 for Seth Okyere.
Jay Tinsdale was here. Returning from injury I believe. Jay came on, like for like, left midfield, replacing Ethan Cummings on 67.
Jamal Baptiste was here. Dropping down from the first team bench now we've signed cover in the window. Right centre back in a four. Alongside Zain Tahir.
Evan Easton was here. Returning from injury I believe. Evan was planned hooked at half time. Aaron Reid filling in like for like.
Evan had a great game/half. He started his United career as a more or less straightforward centre back. But he is now used as an influential midfielder. Essentially anchoring, with Billy Blacker pushed up five yards in front. But, Evan is very comfortable carrying the ball, picking quick accurate passes out, and getting forward to help attacks progress.
Jamal Baptiste also stood out for me. He's calm and organised. He's got that skill of reading the ball and game perfectly. You feel if he steps in towards the ball, he's going to win it. Calmly and comfortably. You never see him lunge in hopefully.
Experienced hand Harry Boyes at left back. Alfie Atherton began right midfield, Ethan Cummings left. But those two were very fluid. Swapping wings. And getting forward and inside at times.
Jevan Beattie up top. Aided by Marshall Francis, who was slightly more withdrawn in the hole.
The goalkeeper, listed as trialist, was Charlie Warren from Tottenham’s system. Charlie was playing on loan at Barton Rovers recently (Southern League Division One Central, Step 4). Born November 2006 according to Sources. It looks like United are having a slow burn, long look at Charlie. He started for the U18s last Saturday. He may have come on as Sub Keeper for the 18s in a Shirecliffe game in August 2024. And he was definitely on the bench for the U21s away at Charlton in April 2024 (Jordan Amissah kept goal that day.)
That's a somewhat odd, multi look, trial. Crewe didn't create a deal. So Charlie didn't have a lot to deal with. Switched on. Organised and organising. Vocal. And knew all the players names (giggling).
Jevan Beattie started the game as a bull in a china shop Centre Forward. Putting his shoulder in. Knocking kids over. Chasing the keeper down, successfully at times.
High tempo first thirty from United. Moving it quickly and accurately. But not really creating chances. And not really under threat.
A great opening goal on 32. Lovely work, as described, by Baptiste, to win the ball and take it forward. Some neat interplay. Ends with Easton feeding Beattie. A clean shot off. One Nil.
A great spell from United up to the 45. A few better chances.
Billy Blacker had one cleared off the line on 51 after great work down our right. From the resulting corner (by Boyes), Jevan got a great glancing header in. Which was also cleared off the line.
Shit. Alex equalised on 55. The first time they'd really had a chance. The Young Blades will be disappointed with that. Not a bad goal, as Crewe worked it left to right, and a good curling shot beat Warren.
United back ahead on 59 though. Boyes moves it down the left. Links up with Atherton. He dinks it across. And Marshall Francis knocks it in (maybe the keeper gets something on it).
Good performance. Good win. Dominated. But few chances. Off home in the Clown Car for us.
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