"Three Touch" Hat Trick

Sheffield United U21 5 v West Bromwich Albion U21 2

Premier League Cup, Group B

Monday 11 December 2023

Played at Chesterfield

SUFC 2023/24 Game #30

A great win for the Young Blades. That puts us top of the four team group. Moving above today's opponents, West Brom, on goal difference. Of course, the mantra will always be that I know so little about the opposition, that I have no idea whether that's there normal, preferred XI, or a weakened team “because it's only the cup”.

A reminder. This is the Cup Competition for U21 teams where Cat 2 Academies (us) can mix it with the big boys from Cat 1 (WBA), and even some up n comers from Cat 3. We're in a group with three Cat 1s - WBA, Reading and Blackburn Rovers. A bit of an illustration there that some teams were willing and able to invest in a Cat 1 Academy when they had a chance.

Luke Faxon No. 1. Evan Easton, Sasnauskas and Nix Gomis across a three. All comfortable and competent and unfussed all night. Buyabu and Seriki on wing back duty. Both live wires throughout. Looking for space. Looking for the ball. Looking to get forward. Femi, in particular was at his drive, drive, drive forward best. Owen Hampson, recent first team debutant Sydie Peck and relatively new lad Jay Tinsdale in midfield.

Jay was brought in after the last transfer window closed. Part of the group that included Jevan Beattie, Evan Easton and Ryan Oné. Jay has been in Bradford City's system.

And, finally, we must move to Tonight Up Top. Keen readers may have discerned me “slagging off” Hackford and Oné in previous Blogs. Particularly as a pair. But, also Hackford individually. Brothers. Sisters. I'm just not feeling it.

Anyone got the Stats? Anyone? No? Good? I can therefore claim - Antwoine had three touches in the game - his Heat Map was Ice - Antwoine got a hat trick - FFS. Indeed, it might have been four - a defender turned in the OG off ‘twoine’s toe to put us 2-1 up.

I've stewed on it. Bit of a 180. Man. Hackford has got to find a way to get in, and stay in, games a LOT more. But, tonight, we've come for the Cask Ales, the Carrier Bag Firm bollocks and the win. Hackford has scored three. We've scored five. Look. He's no fucking Keith Edwards. But, he's clearly got something in front of goal. Good. File that. He needs more up and down the rest of the pitch.

Nil Nil at The Half. The Blades upped the tempo and the intensity from 46 on. Driving wide. A little bit through the lines when they could.

The ball was helped through to Ryan on 54. Both strikers facing, and running towards, the opponents goal. A dinked ball into the box to Antwoine. Mate, it's far from a clean strike, but it bounced home. Equaliser on 62. Oné hauled off on 66, maybe they'll need him for the bench at The Bridge. Macedo on.

On 68, Hampson plays Seriki in on the corner of the penalty area. He's taken it into his stride and played it perfectly so that Hackford can get his second touch ( … I'm joking …). The Baggie defender tries to knock it away. And it's a go ahead Own Goal.

Sai Sachdev, back from injury, replaced Tinsdale on 69. Equaliser from the spot on 75. Two Two. Fifteen left. All United from there.

On 81, United worked it up and down the right. The deep cross came in. Lovely from Peck, he's deep in the box, but back to goal. He gets a wrap around shot off which bounces down off the bar. Rebound? Who you gonna call? Hackford. Three Two.

Five minutes later. Five minutes left. Surging run from Jili. His ball in is behind Antwoine. But also cuts out the defender. Hampson. Arriiiiiiiiiving. That's the fourth. Deep into time, Fernando Macedo is strong. Wins the loose ball. Drives on. Plays Antwoine in the inside left channel. Oooofffftttt. That is a great striker's finish for the chapeau.

Antwoine. You will read criticism of your performances in these Blogs. Antwoine. But, we'll always have your back. He's (currently) my guy!!!

To add to the adventure, we warmed up in;

The Chesterfield Arms

Newbold Rd, Chesterfield S41 7PH

What a Pub. Twelve on Cask. Magnificent. Maybe the Bass, Landlord and Tiger are core. Maybe. Then a lovely mix of fairly local breweries and a few wildcards. I felt in a straw pale mood.

Ashover, Galaxy Pale Ale on Cask at 5%

Resting Devil (Chesterfield), Twisted Pale on Cask at 4%. Brewed for, and exclusive to, this pub.

Ashover, Christmas Light, Pale Ale on Cask at 3.7%

Whisper it, but those were the Hat Trick of the night.

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