Vertigo

Colchester United 0
Sheffield United 1
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Attendance 3,088
Away Blades 438

The Blades climbed the table to the twelfth place after claiming all three pints at Colchester, a late Chris Porter penalty gave Blades fans vertigo and nose bleeds as we fired ourselves into the top half for the first time since the opening day. Six wins (in all competitions) shows that we are finally turning a corner. As Clough tried to make it nine points out of nine and look for a third clean sheet he tinkered slightly with the team, Ben Davies was handed his first start for the club, in as a replacement for the on fire but surely fatigued Ryan Flynn. The opening twenty minutes of the encounter should be classed as a write off, no real action was present or notable enough speak about. The Blades began to get adventurous however with efforts from Baxter and Murphy, Baxters blocked and touched wide by Eastmond, Murphys chance went clean over the bar. Brayford met a Davies corner with his head but again United were denied, Walker comfortably catching the ball. Colchester's narrow tactics gave our wingers plenty of chances to get on the ball and exploit Colchester's frailty's, but we couldn't seem to do anything dangerous in the final third. Colchester had one of their only four shots of the game go wide of Howard's goal, Sears managed to get in behind our back four and hook a shot, but its direction left a lot to be desired. Aside from two corners that never really tested us the first half ended without incident.

The second half started a shade more positively, Harry Maguire went on one of his rampaging runs, he then gifted the ball to Scougall who tried to get a shot away, as was the case before the Colchester defense got in a last ditch desperation block. The Colchester keeper, young Sam Walker kept his team in the competition making a miraculous save from a Davies chance, it was Brayford cross that met the loanee from Derby but he could not convert his effort. United now slowed down the pace and began to frustrate the home side, shifting up the tempo on occasion to get the ball wide and torment the opposition full backs, but still the goal remained elusive. Flynn  came on for Murphy in United's first change and he immediately caused problems with his pace. It was towards the end of the game that Baxter was replaced by the newly recognized super sub, Chris Porter a pivotal moment which would decide the fate of the game. Porter began to show his

poaching nature and frustrated the home defense by using his fresh legs to his advantage, and with the

defenders covering him Davies got into the box unmarked, he was brought down by Sears and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Super sub steps up, Colchester become the latest team to be Porterized. Five minutes added time made no impact as Colchester had no real tenacity about them, they fizzled out and we claimed our three points comfortably. We continue to move Onwards and Upwards. 

-Jonathan Gascoigne

The Pieces Begin To Fit

Sheffield United 3

Bristol City 0
Bramall lane
Attendance 19,271

Nigel Clough and the players deserve a big pat on the back after this performance. two teams at the bottom of League One clashed, both finally finding their form, The Blades having won their last four games in all competitions, Bristol undefeated in three league games. With both teams struggling to put distance between themselves and the bottom four it was clear today was going to be about more than just three points. Momentum, confidence and space to breath were all on offer for the victor on the day. In a stark contrast from Gillingham's line up Clough opted to put faith back into his regular system, Brayford, Murphy, Baxter and Scougall all returned to the first team giving us more creativity going forward. Instead of Baxter being the lone forward and Scougall sitting behind in an attacking midfield position the gaffer opted for a front two.

Kicking towards the Kop in the first half always leaves me with a sense of anxiety and a slightly sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, its not usually a good omen in any way shape or form, and as Annies Song shook the rafters around the ground the feeling gripped me, giving me a sense of we could be in trouble today. But thankfully I needn't have worried, United started bright and completely took control of the game. Bristol managed to steal possession early on, but Elliott's ambitious long range effort was a long way off target. United again took control and didn't allow Bristol to really get any further opportunities, long or close range. We could have taken an early lead after Murphy challenged the City keeper mid air, but he couldn't not get the ball goal-wards and it was cleared by a rather shaky and panicked defender. United then bombarded Bristol with corner after corner, we never got the delivery quite right but you could tell that all

this pressure was really affecting Bristol, they made every effort to get the ball clear but it was as if it was stuck in some kind of gravitational pull being radiated from the Bristol penalty area. Harry Maguire tested the sturdiness of Bristol's midfield and defense by going on a rampaging run from the middle of the park all the way into the danger zone in City's box, his shot on target was blocked away by two opposition players. United were running the show and more importantly frustrating their opponents by completely shutting them out of the game, it was a confident and professional start, easily the best start to a league game in over a year and a half. The pressure from corners applied by The Blades paid off as we took a deserved lead, Baxter looped it in and after a faint nod on from Maguire the ball bobbled to the back post, in waiting was John Brayford who swung his leg hard to punt the ball into the open goal, one nil to The Blades and the Bearded full back on loan from Cardiff celebrated his first goal for the club by having an overload of emotion and punching the air in front of a jubilated Kop. Half Time sounded and United had a vital hold on the game and a lead to take into the dressing room, leaving the fans wanting more of the same. 

United continued to dominate the game as the second half got underway, they dictated the tempo to suit them and built up pressure, Bristol had no real answer or contingency to come back at us and looked a lost cause, almost swallowed up by the importance of the occasion and unable to deal with the task at hand. Harris tried his look with a free kick but it was saved by City's goalkeeper. United found their second fifty eight minutes in, Murphy runs which had caused Bristol problems all afternoon again troubled the opponents, he used his control and pace to easily go round Osbourne before playing a ball across the face of goal to the man on fire Ryan Flynn who continued his good run of form by hitting his strike past the keeper and into the bottom corner. With a deserved two goal cushion The Blades had truly made their domination count and left a lack luster Bristol side with no real chance of a fightback. Bristol were further tested as Coady tried to add to his goal tally for the season but the third goal remained elusive, that is until Ryan Flynn was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge after avoiding one just seconds prior.

Penalty awarded, whilst Baxter prepared for his spot kick Hill replaced Harris, Baxters low drive from the spot gave united three goals, three points and the breathing room they desperately needed in the league table. The in form Flynn was then substituted and replaced by new boy Ben Davies, Flynn left the field to a standing ovation, a sign of appreciation and a nod that all his hard work has not gone unnoticed. Paynter also replaced Murphy who left the field to similar treatment. In all fairness Davies and Paynter didn't have much to do as it was late on in the day and the game was won, but their were disappointing moments where you would want more from them as players. Bristol nearly grabbed a consolation goal from out of no where when Baldock's long range effort took a last minute swerve in direction forcing Howard to parry the ball straight to the feet of Elliott, but Howard recovered heroically to make it a double save and protect his clean sheet. The full time whistle echoed for a brief few seconds before celebrations kicked in and in fine voice the Blades sounded their approval of possibly the best overall ninety minutes of football seen by the Blades in the league this season. As always we look onward and upwards.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

Pushing On Part Three: Gillingham Down

Gillingham 0

Sheffield United 1
Priestfield Stadium
Attendance 5,766

Away Blades 351


It has been nearly ten years since The Blades last visited Priestfield, and a lot has changed, no longer are we one of the big boys looking for an easy three points, we are stragglers in the division looking to grab a win and run. Like many fans I was anxious about the game after seeing the starting eleven, but in football there is no better reassurance than three points. Playing three at the back and dropping the likes of Brayford, Baxter, Scougall and Murphy was a big gamble in my eyes, but this time we had a winning bet. As a miniature sub plot to this game Ben Davies the new loanee from Derby, signed only just over an hour before kick off was meant to start the game, but heavy traffic meant he was dropped to the bench and did not even arrive at the game until late on. Gillingham undefeated at home in 2014 were looking to keep their run going but we had other ideas.

Gillingham did start the brighter team and in the opening exchanges tested Mark Howard via a Connor Smith hit low and hard towards to bottom corner. Despite a few scrambles and weak efforts from The Gills United didn't really look like conceding and chances were far and few between. Bob Harris had a chance to apply some pressure to the home team but his free kick went straight to the keeper. The goal came as Chris Porter fired a hard shot towards goal from point blank range, after bouncing off the crossbar the ball ended up at the feet of Flynn, he calmly rolled the ball into the path of Coady who slotted it underneath the opposition defenders and keeper to give United the lead. As Half Time sounded half the job was done.

The second period required United to be disciplined, to keep working hard, but we knew we could not just sit back and soak up pressure that would be disastrous. Another half with minimal chances saw United control the game. The lead was nearly doubled as Harry Maguire found himself in space to get on the end of a corner, but his effort on goal could not penetrate the wall of Gills defenders in front of the goal. Another chance was denied again cleared of the line following a corner, Harris put the ball in and Paynter unleashed at goal, but The Gillingham defense managed to hack it away. Ben Davies made his debut coming on as a substitute but by then all The Blades needed to do is continue the dictation of tempo. Gillingham could have grabbed a last gasp equalizer but Legges header was straight at Howard. The final whistle gave United only their second league away win of the season and three priceless points towards survival. Today had to be seen as a huge success, a makeshift team had done the business, Harry and Neil were rocks at the back and definitely generals when it came to keeping the game in United control. Flynn continued to be dangerous and as an added bonus Davies looks like he could be a good player given the chance to make a proper impact next time out. We have ticked box number on on our quest to push on.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

Incoming From Derby

Sheffield United have signed Ben Davies on loan until the end of the season. Another former player of Clough from his Derby days. Nigel Clough has made no secret of his desire to lure players from Pride Park to Bramall Lane and the trend continues. The attacking midfielder was supposed to go straight into the team this evening but arrived late to Gillingham. The five foot seven Walsall born player has scored six goals in seventy three appearances for Derby. At thirty two years old he brings some experience to a young midfield. Davies has played his trade at Chester City, Shrewsbury Town and Notts County previously. Welcome to Bramall Lane Ben.

Pushing On Part Two

To read part one please follow the link below-
Pushing On Part One

One of the biggest factors we will need for any future success will be in the dug out, we need Nigel and his staff to make tough decisions, we need them to utilize the talent we have properly, no one player in the team as a right to be on the team sheet regardless of performance, one instance of this is George Long, he wasn't performing to a high enough standard and rightfully so he was dropped. Unfortunately this isn't something that is consistent throughout and players giving sub par performances have been picked despite this. What we also need to do is avoid knee jerk reactions, to many times have we seen the team take a one or two goal lead and suddenly change emphasis from attack to defend. One thing we desperately need is to absolutely thump another team, beat them by a large margin of goals, it will boost confidence and help momentum shift in our favour. But this can not be achieved when we suddenly decide we should sit back and grind out a one goal lead at home.

Unsung Heroes

Neil Collins

Neil often takes criticism for not being good enough, I would like to examine this claim. Neil isn't a quick
player, technically he isn't the best footballer in the team, does he make mistakes, yes but who in the team doesn't. But does he make as many mistakes as certain other players, no, no where near. He is a strong battling player who gives everything he has each game, yes other players under scrutiny do the same but they are not centre half's. Neil has the job of cleaning up and dealing with quick pacey forwards, tall stocky target men, poaching strikers and he dies this week in week out, will he win every battle of course not no one person can win every battle, he has to be that last line and he does not get enough praise for this. Aside from playing ability and effort Neil has had to wear the captains armband recently, and as soon as he did I noticed a huge difference. He raised his game, he lead by example and got the players into the right frame of mind, his attitude helped the team, his willingness to come out of his comfort zone and join in attacks suddenly came into focus and this is something we don't usually see from him, and when he did he played a huge part in one of our recent goals. Neil deserves a lot more praise than he gets, especially lately, and in my view should still be wearing the captains armband.

Stephen McGinn

Stephen McGinn is another player who people sometimes don't value, sometimes seen as a fringe player. But McGinn did more in the middle of the park over three games than the man he replaced has in two seasons. He is comfortable on the ball and is capable of making some sublime passes and crosses. He is not afraid to get stuck into challenges and put himself in harms way to win back possession. He is another player who also knows how to slow down the tempo of the game, assess the situation and pick out the best option, something a majority of our players sometimes struggle with. McGinn in my view should have done enough to cement his place in the team alongside loanee Conor Coady. If McGinn in correctly utilized peoples opinions will change, he will be recognized as more than a fringe player, people will realise he is an important part of this team. 

X FACTORS

Chris Porter Super Sub

Chris Porter has many faults, he will never be the first choice goal scorer we so desperately need. But one thing we can rely on is one hundred percent effort the moment he walks on the pitch, so it makes sense. Instead of giving it all for ninety minutes, being exhausted and sussed out by the opposition after fifty minutes, utilise him as an impact substitution. The rest of the team will have tired legs, they will not have had a tall man to deal with. Porters fresh legs and effort will cause problems, his weaknesses will be hidden by the opposition fatigue, his strengths will be more noticeable because of the same reason and he will get vital goals because of this. Chris has gotten vital goals this season no one can deny this, but not enough from game starts. There is no shame of being Mr Super Sub, some high profile players have made a career out of it, and in my view Chris will win serve the team better coming on from the bench.

One For Next Season?? Stefan Scougall

When Nigel Clough stated that new signing Stefan Scougall was one for next season one can only believe he underestimated just how good this lad is. Like a pit bull Scougall is tenacious, he just wants to take that ball away from the opposition and never looks like giving in. He never leaves the position with more than half a yard of space, in their face and kicking at feet Scougall is never put off by the strength or build of any player. This added to the sharp bursts of pace, a confidence to beat players and find space out of nowhere leaves defenders scratching their heads and wondering what they can do to stop him. A player with his ability and obvious passion for the game is a rare find, and young Stefan Scougall will become one of our most valued key players, but I don't think we will have to wait for next season before this happens.  

Is It Finally Diego Time??

We have yet to see any ware near the amount of Diego DeGirolamo that we want to. Linked to every big club going week in week out despite a low amount of first team performances everyone wants this lad to come in and do well. After suffering a knee injury whilst on (youth) International duty he has spent the better part of nine months sidelined on crutches. But now he is back, he is on the bench and ready to go, but so far we haven't seen him on that pitch, and that is where we all want him to be. Technically gifted, sharp, agile and with a deadly strike of the ball not only do we want him on the pitch, but are we getting to the stage where we need him on the pitch? Diego needs game time and we need goals, with the likes of Gillingham, Colchester, Carlisle, Oldham, Stevenage, Tranmere and Port Vale left to play these are games that are made for him to get that game time. We have tougher games where it may not be worth taking the risk, but even in those if its time its time, and I think with the dog fight we are in, with everything at stake it is finally time to let Diego loose.

The Cup Run

Cup runs can kick start a turnaround, with the exception of Wigan who won the cup last year not many teams go down after a good cup run, the momentum the victories build can inject confidence, they can rejuvenate moral and boost a team. But within this cup run also holds a danger. Because of match congestion our season is going to be an uphill struggle, and with the proposition of a chance to visit Wembley only one game away we risk distraction. Also we risk complete moral destruction if you know who meet us in the next round and we have a disastrous game. But in circumstances like these it pays off to look in a positive light, the longer we can keep this cup run going more players will believe we can beat anyone, and as long as we stick to what we are good at the confidence of a cup run could see us over the line to survival. 

Loud And Proud

One giant factor we can not overlook is us, the fans, the ones singing our hearts out. And whilst some plastic fans only turn up to big games and sit on their hands the ones travelling the country, at The Lane every week, ripping their vocal chords to shreds to encourage their team, well it doesn't go unnoticed. Scougall has stated he has never seen anything like it when we are in full voice, he states it drives him on. Jose Baxter says when we sing the hairs on his neck stand up and he wants to give everything he has. Opposition players get caught up in the noise and switch off, we make a difference. Whilst I am not one of these fans that thinks we should never boo, and only ever say nice things and happily clap along even when we are subjected to tripe (you all know who you are) on this occasion I agree with one of their fundamental beliefs, and I have always agreed with them in regards to this, when the team is struggling they need us. This does not mean we have to be mindless and just ignore everything that goes wrong but we do need to be there week in week out, there to blow the roof off the ground with noise, to show what everything they do means to us, to drive them forward and push them on, they need us to show them exactly what this club means to us, and as long as we can do this things will improve. 

Next up is Gillingham, and like every game from now until the season draws to an end it is must win, so get ready for a hectic few weeks and twists and turns, and lets hope the team just remember "it's in our hands". 

-Jonathan Gascoigne

Pushing On Part One

Tonight The Blades travel to Gillingham, and after the jubilation of Sunday one thing we can not afford is a cup hangover, we need to build on momentum, we need to make sure our best foot is forward, because this bottom four business is really starting to get serious now. Yes we have games in hand but look how that worked out last time, game congestion is an understatement, and Arsene Wenger should now and forever stop moaning until he has the schedule we are going to have over the next few weeks. Cup games, postponements, rain and mud these are the factors that have lead us to this point, this moment, and it is a moment where we can just fall down and die, claim its to hard and give in, or we can take a lesson from Sunday, we can give it everything, we can do everything to turn it around, but to do this we need everything to go right.

First of all the players, we need to avoid changing a winning squad, and the last one to win in League competition did not have Michael Doyle in it, and this is a trend I would like us to continue, the man has no god given right to march straight back into the team, he offers nothing with the exception of blunders, and his actions warrant further punishment if previous policy and fairness is to be observed.  This being said I also

believe that George Long Should remain down the pecking order. Mark Howard was criticized by myself after his performance against Rotherham early in the season, but since forcing his way into the squad he has looked safe, confident and is genuinely playing out of his skin, I feel a lot more comfortable with the ex Arsenal shot stopper between the sticks. He has given us what George has failed to this season, he has caught crosses, bossed around the back four, showed strength and composure, and yes I understand George is still young but with the season we are having we can not expect mistakes to be ignored due to age. Mark Howard wears number one, and this in my book is where he should stay for the rest of the season.

Now lets look at some of the other essential players, these are members of the team if in all honestly we will struggle without.

Harry Maguire

The young centre half has been instrumental for us not just this season but at least the last three, he has shown despite his age he is an integral part of the set up within the squad, surely in years to come a future club captain. Without him we will struggle at the back, no disrespect to other defenders but Harry has made so many match saving challenges, marked opposition threats out of the game, he is possibly the most important piece of the puzzle. And just in case I forgot to mention the lad isn't a bad footballer, he isn't a hoof ball leave you in a heap centre half, he can dribble, he plays useful balls up field, he can contribute to an attack, all these factors and more mean if we have any chance of going on a winning run we need him.

John Brayford

The loan signing from Cardiff has made an immediate impact, he is everything we were not getting from McMahon, confident and not without pace going forward, composed on the ball, good with the ball at his feet. He is hard to get past, he is always looking to win back a ball from the opposition and that is refreshing, usually this side of the pitch is exposed due a stand off attitude, but with Brayford this is not the case. When he does win back the ball its not just hit it hard and high up the pitch, he looks round, he uses intelligence to turn defense into attack, something we have missed since Matt Lowton was sold to Aston Villa. Unfortunately for us Brayford will not be here forever, more is the pitty when you consider who would play there without him, but whilst he is here he is going to be playing a big part, and rightly so as without him we could be doomed. 

Ryan Flynn & Jamie Murphy

These two players are the definition of in form, both have received heavy criticism over the last few seasons, but look at them since Nigel Clough has arrived, each and every game they are involved in they make the attack tick. Neither is scared to run at their opponents, the are using the newly acquired confidence to threaten any player who dares try and stand in their way, and if they don't get past the first time they just keep going and going. Jamie Murphy a player who was regarded at first as a striker is now making the wing his own. Spotting others in good positions whether he is cutting inside and having a go himself or spotting a teammate lying in wait he knows how to get the ball from his feet to the back of the net. This brings us to Flynn, criticized heavily for being to weak, to defensive, to slow he has finally silenced his doubters, how by playing a blinder, by being a man on fire. Whether it is a defender from League One or a Premiership full back this lad is determined that his is getting past them, and he is. If they can keep this form going and if they can both stay fit they will be the focal point of our attacks and they will leave every defender they come across frustrated.

Jose Baxter

This lad just looks dangerous, he wants to attack, he wants to push forward and he wants to score. Whilst he is not an out an out striker he is a goal scorer, and with his technical ability and drive he is a player we rely on to make magic happen, and with him in the team we can cause problems to any team. One thing we need to do is keep Baxter fit, if we can do this we can rely on him to do damage to teams, frustrate them, cause them real problems. With Baxter making his runs and always looking for that chance, for that moment where a game can be tipped on its head he is an integral part of any future success we will be a part of. It is af vital importance that Baxter is kept fit, whether that means he becomes a forty five minute player for more winnable games and relied on for the full ninety in tougher tests is the real dilemma. But one we will have to find the solution to sooner rather than later.

In Part Two we will look at some of teh unsung hero's and x factors we need to Push On.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

If Porter Scores We're On The Pitch

Sheffield United 3
Nottingham Forest 1
Bramall Lane
Attendance 25,118

If anyone needed proof that the magic of the FA Cup is still alive all they had to do was look at this game. Over twenty five thousand fans packed into Bramall Lane to witness a game surrounded in sub-plots unfold into a yet another dramatic finale. Before the game like many I believed the run was over and Forest would do what neither Villa or Fulham could and knock us out of the competition, they looked strong, composed and were in the middle of a phenomenal unbeaten run. over five thousand confident Forest supporters made their way to The Steel City hoping to witness their team book a place in the quarter finals. But The Cup has an uncanny way of showing that anyone can beat any one over ninety minutes.

United made one change from the weekends winning team, club captain Michael Doyle returning to replace McGinn. Now unless McGinn had a genuine fitness doubt if I were this young man I would not be pleased. With Doyle doing nothing to warrant an immediate return and McGinn being part of a winning side, McGinn has shown enough in my view to have comfortably beaten Doyle onto the team sheet. Collins was having a blinder as captain and leading the team well, it also made him step up his own game in recent weeks, Doyle walking back into the side, wearing the armband was the wrong decision, not only in my eyes but an opinion shared by most Blades, and despite the result today Doyle aside from a few mistakes was the invisible man. Nottingham Forest fielded a strong team, one that included the three ex United players mentioned in a previous post, stocky frontman Darius Henderson, the versatile utility player Greg Halford and of course play maker and talisman Andy Reid. A show of respect was observed in unison as silence fell on Bramall Lane for one minute in honor of Sir Tom Finney, one of the games true legends, but as soon as the referees whistle sounded a deafening roar followed as over twenty thousand Blades bellowed out Annies Song, an impressive and intimidating sight for the away fans and players.

The opening quarter of the game was tense as no side looked to really take the game and make it their own, both teams wanted to get forward but then looked almost anxious when getting to the final third. Majewski managed to get into a decent position for the visitors but Conor Coady was able to make a vital block to ensure The Forest break away was not fruitful. Forest had a weak appeal for a penalty turned down, Reids high ball met the head of Henderson who played it into the path of Cox, Harry Maguire remained strong not letting the Forest striker get in on goal, Cox then fell to the floor appealing for a penalty claiming to have been pushed, but the referee waved play on.  Brayford did test the opponents defense but hit his shot weakly for de Vries to collect without really being troubled. The Blades looked more likely to score through the efforts of Jose Baxter, his first a long range effort that failed to reach his high standards. The second came as he stole possession from Andy Reid who lay on the floor appealing for the foul, non given and Baxter was away, with two defenders tracking him and Scougall finding acres of space Baxter perhaps mad the wrong decision to try and get a shot away himself, this was confirmed when his tame effort rolled straight to de Vries, Scougall left annoyed not to receive the pass. Forest had a chance when ex Blade Greg Halford skillfully flicked the ball over Brayford before hitting a speculative half volley which veered high and wide. A strong spell of possession for Forest and some clever link up play found Andy Reid in space just wide of the box, his chipped cross to the front post found Patterson, he calmly nodded the ball over Howard to rustle into the Blades net, one nil to the favorites and a lot of hard work for the home side to do, the five thousand plus Forest fans now finally making a noise to celebrate their team taking the lead. The Blades tried hard to hit straight back, Murphy was brought down cynically but after playing a clever advantage the referee allowed play to continue resulting in Baxter sprinting towards the Forrest goal, this time he played the ball to

Scougall in space, but the young Scotts effort was saved well by the Forest keeper de Vries getting down low quickly to deny an equalizer. Like many on the kop we were frantically trying to get confirmation on the draw for the next round, searching smart phones, calling loved ones at home, and I imagine the following conversation was quite common around the ground. "we've got a home tie if we pull it back", "who against?" "hold on they are just drawing it now,,, WEDNESDAY OR CHARLTON!",,, "fu*k off don't be daft", "no I'm serious", probably like many it took second confirmation to finally believe the news, and once it had set in the crowd voulume went up several decibels, the chants of "WE HATE WEDNESDAY" echoed, almost as if the crowd were trying to indicate to the players what could possibly await them, spurring the boys on knowing we have to get back into this. As the second half drew to a close the Scottish connection of Flynn, Murphey and Scougall continued to try and run through the Forest defense but we just couldn't make it count in the final third.

As we found out after the game Cloughy and his staff reminded the players what was at stake, who we could potentially meet in the next round, what it means to the fans who are out in the stands backing the team through thick and thin, if this wasn't enough of an incentive to try and turn things around one would have to wonder what it would take. The Second half began and the never say die attitude of seasons long passed seemed to resurrect itself. Forest were put on the back foot and Murphy almost pulled United level but failed to make proper contact with Brayford's cross. Forest also showed their ambition, Howard had to make a fine save and push the ball wide after Patterson unleashed a hard curling shot from distance. Howard was called on again shortly after, saving a hard blast at goal from

close range denying Cox that looked destined to double the lead. As United pushed forward with a sense of urgency Brayford hit a poor low cross into the box, but de Vries who should have taken the ball comfortably spilled it, Conor Coady was there to pounce and after rounding the keeper and preventing a challenge he calmly poked it home from point blank range, the ground erupted into scenes of hysteria, Coady who celebrates every goal like it is a world cup winner ran straight to the front of the kop to enjoy the noise from thousands of happy blades, and at the back of the kop it felt every bit as good as the last minute winner against Fulham.

Forest were not going to lay down and die however and pressed forward to try and regain their lead, a free kick from Andy Reid met the head of Halford, but his looping header landed on the roof of the net rather than in the back of it. Reid also hit an effort wide as frustration set in. Scougall almost put in Flynn to grab a late lead, but his effort was saved. Clough made a change in the final seven minutes, Baxter who had put in a

very hard shift was replaced by Chris Porter as the Blades showed their intent to push on. Drama has its way of showing up in fixtures between these two clubs, and this game was to be no exception, Murphy beat his man on the wing before attempting tp play the ball back into the box, but Halford who had slid to make the block struck the ball with his hand, it seemed an eternity before we got the decision, but rightfully Michael Oliver pointed to the spot, and in the last minute of the game up stepped Chris Porter. Porter has taken his fair share of criticism this season, and will continue to do so as in my view and many he is not a first choice striker, but you can take nothing away from him on this day, all of the pressure on his shoulders, but he calmly stepped up and put his confident penalty into the back of the net sending de Vries the wrong way, pandemonium and noise ensued, emotions

ran high as a small contingency of Blades ran onto the pitch to celebrate with Porter. Just to put the game to bed Murphy did brilliantly again getting past his marker, his cross nutmegged de Vries and found Porter, the poacher knocking the ball home another eruption and the game was won. And as the final whistle sounded celebrations fell into full swing, and Annies Song was again blasted out, we had upset the odds yet again, and set up what could be a very famous quarter final.

-Jonathan Gascoigne
Please also see the attached video
a brief glimpse into what it was like at the back of the kop

The Stage Is Set

The FA Cup, a competition rich is history and prestige, the greatest domestic knock out tournament in the world, elusive to some of the greatest managers and players football has ever known. And on Sunday the sixteenth of February, the fifth round will see more than just cup history as a combination of factors set the stage for a very interesting game. Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have their own history, from a dislike of each other stemming all the way back to the miners strikes to the infamous play off semi final in 2003. But it is not as black and white as a football and fan rivalry, this fixture will see personal history come into the lime light. Nigel Clough will face off against rival Billy Davies, against the club his legendary father lead to glory, the club that worships his fathers memory.

The Rivalry

In 1990 after successive promotions Sheffield United struggled to adapt to life in the old First Division, and did not win a league game until December the twenty second, the opponents, Nottingham Forest. This win revived our season and we survived, despite Forest getting their revenge in a two nil win at The City ground. This was not the start of the two clubs footballing rivalry but a catalyst to a number of very explosive and heated games between the two. The rivalry itself is not just between the two specific clubs, but stems from an animosity between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. The two counties were almost at war during the miners strikes of yesteryear, as those miners from Yorkshire picketed and were targets of not only the police and government but also the media those in Nottinghamshire continued to work. One would think that after nearly forty years this wouldn't be a focal point of a rivalry, but the hatred became deep seeded as many lost their livelihoods and communities to this day still struggle to recover. The chant of "SCABS" can often be heard from Yorkshire teams towards Nottingham Forest, but non seem to reach the intensity of when our

two clubs meet. August eleventh 2001, I like many others made the trip to the city ground where a crowd of 25,513 (6,000 Blades) saw the game end 1-1, Paul Devlin grabbed a last gasp equaliser to cancel out Marlon Harewoods opener, it didn't feel like just a normal point, we were jubilant, it felt like a derby game. No one will forget what was arguably the greatest play off game of all time at Bramall Lane when the two clubs met. The first leg had ended 1-1 thanks to a Michael Brown equaliser from the penalty spot, it was an electric atmosphere again comparable to a Derby game. David Johnson gave Forest the lead after a defensive error and Forest looked like they were in control and heading to Cardiff, Forest continued to bear down on us and came close to a second on a few occasions, they eventually got it, Andy Reid (who has represented both clubs) slotted home in front of the visiting supporters who went wild, many believed it was game over and Forest had won the day. What no one expected was one of the greatest comebacks in history, it started with

a Michael Brown free kick somehow bobbling over the line, then with twenty minutes to go Steve Kabba skilfully flicked the ball over his marker before volleying over the keeper into the back of the net, level terms and game on, the end of regulation time meant the two would have to continue their dual into extra time, the drama would not stop and an iconic moment would soon take centre stage. A big kick forwards from Paddy Kenny bounced next to Canadian Paul Peschisolido, he has two defenders glued to him, he brings it down, he dribbles central on the outside of the box, cuts round one player, holds up another, he hits a daisy cutter towards goal,,,,, "OH MY GOD!!" you don't have to be a lip reader to know what Pesch is saying, his shirt is whipped off and he sprints round the pitch like a mad man puffing out his pale chest. Kabba's cross lead to an own goal securing The Blades victory, what made it doubly sweet was the scorer, ex Wednesday player Des Walker, despite a consolation goal for the visitors United had put Forest to the sword in a victory that would go down in folk law. The rivalry had another famous game, one that involved our mangers fathers last home game, one that saw Nottingham Forests relegated from The Premiership.

The Clough's

In 1993 Nottingham Forest hosted rivals Sheffield United at the city ground for their last home game of the season, one they had to win to have any chance of Premiership survival, 26,752 fans packed into the ground (3,500 Blades selling out their allocation) to see Forest humbled by goals from Glyn Hodges and Brian Gayle. The Blades following lauded Clough mercilessly, but then showed respect by chanting "Cloughy for England" to which an iconic image of Clough waving to the Blades appeared. Nigel Clough took Forest from no hoper's to kings of European and English football, he is a true legend of the game and is worshipped by both Forest and Derby, two rival fans who hate each other. Nigel too has Forest connections, he was leading scorer in the season they were relegated. The club itself must have a special place in the heart of our gaffer, a place he saw his fathers greatest triumphs come to fruition, a place he started his career in the beautiful game. Nigel himself followed in his fathers footsteps taking the helm at Derby County, and like his father after Derby took the job at a Yorkshire club (we unlike Leeds embraced our new manager) but as far as accomplishments go son and father are light years apart, at least for now. One thing that is certain, if Nigel wants to do what Brian could never do, win the FA Cup he has to be ruthless, Clough Senior would understand, no matter how special a club is to you when your in the cup those loyalties go out the window, and all that matters is the result. Despite the Clough family being part of Nottingham legend, there is one man who truly believes he is now Mr Nottingham Forest, and another reason this game will have some heat, Billy Davies.

The Animosity

Billy Davies strikes many as more pantomime villain than football manager. John Pemberton was know to regard Davies as a vile, arrogant and disrespectful human being after working only a few days with him. The man truly believes he is the best, and he and Nigel Clough are no strangers to each other. Davies also like the Clough's has connections in Derby as well as Forest, he managed Derby before taking up his first spell in Nottingham. Twenty months after being sacked due to two successive play off failures Davies returned, named King Billy by the fans the man believed his own hype and began disrespecting other managers and clubs on a regular basis. In a heated game between rivals Forest

and Derby, Davies and Clough became involved in a touchline melee, the once arrogant little man lost his hard man attitude and began making cringe worthy threats involving solicitors after claiming Clough had struck him in the back with his knee, sounding less like King Billy and more like a spoilt prince. In the last meeting of the two Davies had the last laugh, his forest team defeated Clough's Derby and few days later Nigel was sacked. When the two managers lock horns again it will lead to a very tense atmosphere on the touchline, both having a point to prove. It wont only be Managers with points to prove, amongst Forests ranks are a few ex-Blades, some of whom don't have the best of memories of their time here.

The Ex-Blades

Greg Halford has great memories of his time here, he often takes to twitter to wish us luck, to reminisce with Blades fans and he will receive a good reception from us come match day. Despite the reception we have to be wary, Halford is a great professional, and he will want to progress to the next round of the cup, as mentioned earlier despite a fondness for us he knows for ninety minutes we are an obstacle and one he will want to overcome. Naturally a right back, Halford is great on the ball, but his danger stems from his versatility, he is the true definition of a utility player, from defence to midfield, the wings even when needs be as a striker Greg can do it all, and we will have to keep a close eye on him as he could very well be one of the players who punishes us. One player who will not have that fondness is Darius Henderson, the stocky forward has been critical of our club on a number of occasions. He feels he was not properly utilised here, but when the fans made it clear no matter how he was utilised he

was stealing a wage and not good enough he took exception and wanted out. The fans never took to Darius as he seemed lazy, he never used his strength in an effective manner, yes he grabbed some goals but he was never the striker we invested in. He has has done marginally better since leaving us but has had the same complaints everywhere he has played. He will have a point to prove as well as just wanting to win the game, he has the ability to try and bully his way into goal scoring opportunities, we will need Harry to be on top form and possibly try and overwhelm him so that he loses his composure, if not we could see Henderson gloating in front of The Kop as we pick the
ball out of the goal. A Forest institution and all round brilliant player Andy Reid is again at the City ground, he had a brief spell with us a few seasons back and was instantly a hit. excellent on the ball, a great delivery and very talented many wanted to sign him on a permanent basis, but at the time he was out of our reach. He
knows what its like to play against us in a Forest shirt, it was he who scored against us in the play off semi final mentioned earlier. He will have no real problem in performing against us, as fondly as we remember his time here, to him we were just a quick stop to gain some fitness. We will have to really work hard to keep him at bay, he knows where the goal is and will cause us endless danger.

The Key Players

The team selection will be the biggest part of this, one wrong decision and we could have a torrid day on our hands. I for one believe That not only should Michael Doyle not feature against Brentford but he should not feature in this game. We beat Fulham without him, we got our first league win in what seems like an eternity without him, we do not need him. Neil Collins has been twice the leader Doyle has, and I believe with his leadership and his new found confidence he will be an integral part in any game plan, we will need him to keep the defence organized against an array of attacking talent. As stated earlier if Henderson is starting then Harry Maguire will be essential, he has the strength and quality to frustrate the frontman, but no matter who starts upfront for Forest Maguire will be integral, he has been since match day one of the season and continues to be week in week out, despite such a young age, without him we look lost. The Scottish trio of Scougall, Murphy and Flynn seem to just be in sync, they have an understanding and they are all in form, we need them fit and fighting. Nothing is set ins stone in this fixture, there are no certainties in football, but what we do know is despite the so called big games drawn together in this round, non will have as many combustible elements as the tie at Bramall Lane.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

Hard Work and Tired Legs

Sheffield United 2
Shrewsbury Town 0
Bramall Lane
Attendance 15,987

A quick double for The Blades bags three essential points and a step in the right direction. After the drama and eventual jubilation in midweek, no one needed to be reminded how important this game was, a true survival six pointer. Jose Baxter started the game as the solo forward with Chris Porter being relegated to the bench. The Scottish contingency of Flynn, Murphy and Scougall boosted our attacking midfield options, Neil Collins again took over captain duties for the game. United started the game well, Brayford again looking dangerous when going forward, linking up with Flynn like he has since day one of his arrival at Bramall Lane. It only took eleven minutes for the deadlock to be broken, McGinn and Scougall linked up well and McGinns through ball was met by the pacey Scottish youngster whose low hard pass across the box missed Baxter but found the lurking Flynn who side footed low and true to rustle the back of the net in front of The Kop, advantage Blades and a relieved celebration for the fans who feared another cup hangover. The fans didn't have to wait long for another celebration as just six minutes later stand in skipper Neil Collins came forward with the ball,

his short pass sidewards came to Scougall, with a number or Shrewsbury players in front and and around him he only saw one option, a speculative low bouncing shot on goal squeezed its way over the line and the former Livingston man had his first goal in the famous red and white stripes, much to his delight and that of the fans now chanting his name to the theme of 'Hey Jude'. United slowed down the pace for the remainder of the half, and whilst we still looked dangerous when forward the chances began to dry up, legs were still tired and sore from over two hours of football in midweek but hard work continued and Shrewsbury were limited to half chances. The most dangerous being a cross to the back post, but Mills couldn't direct it on target. One of the last chances of the half almost saw a third for United, Flynn's fast feet gave him the opportunity to get a ball into the box, Baxter skilfully flicked the ball up and hit it on the volley but narrowly went over the bar. Half Time and two goals to the good, just what was desperately needed.

As the teams took the field for the second half the rain came down hard, the gloomy Sheffield weather continued its month long trend, the wind whistled around the ground and the game was back under way. McGinn was replaced with cup hero Shaun Miller, who we are all hoping has a new found confidence. The pace continued to be slow as United dictated the tempo, trying to find time on the ball to gather back energy that was quickly escaping them. The patient build up led to a few chances one of the more notable was Flynn firing a shot over the bar. Shrewsbury did knock at the door a few times but they were limited to hopeful efforts mostly going well wide or over the bar, the closest they came saw Taylor slice an attempt wide. Porter replaced Conor Coady late on and had his goal ruled out for offside, and rightly so. A professional second half performance saw the final whistle give United their victory and a good solid defensive display. As we look to the next game, a Wednesday night visit from table toppers Brentford we know our work is cut out for us, but lets hope we can again show some classic Sheffield Steel and carry forward our momentum.

-Jonathan Gascoigne