Taking Chances and Highway Robbery

Crawley Town 0
Sheffield United 2
Checkatrade.com Stadium
Attendance 3,622
Away Blades 795

Two goals from loanee Conor Coady condemned the home side to their first home league defeat of 2014 and kept the play of fantasy alive mathematically. In a tight game on a dark Tuesday evening it was crucial to take every chance presented to you. And Crawley had their chances with Mark Howard making good saves from ex-Blade Kyle McFadzean and Andy Drury twice, but there was no way through a well-organised Blades defense. The Blades cut through to open the scoring on 18 minutes, showing a more clinical touch than the home side, Mark Connolly and Mike Jones both fell trying to stop Jamie Murphy down the left and although McFadzean managed to block Murphy's cross the ball fell to Conor Coady, from twelve yards out he powered it home past Paul Jones.

United began the second half on the front foot but the home side should have leveled on fifty four minutes. Mike Jones’ shot ricocheted into the path of Drury who went for goal from a tight angle. Howard blocked his shot with an outstretched leg and Tubbs could only force the rebound over the bar. The Blades doubled the lead and put the game to bed in the sixty second minute, Murphy's trickery saw him ease past Connolly down the left and his cross found its way to Coady, he hot a power effort and watched his drive fly past a helpless Jones. Crawley had no way back into this and three valuable points were on the board.

Swindon Town 2
Sheffield United 1
The County Ground
Attendance 8,441
Away Blades 982

The Blades were robbed of three points and suffered defeat thanks to the man in charge deciding he was going to pick this game to show how much he loved Swindon Town. Flynn, Scougall and Baxter all returned after being rested at Crawley. Maguire missed out due to suspension, an accumulation of yellow cards, whilst Porter and McGinn dropped to the bench. The game started late, a victim of a delayed kick-off due to an accident close to the County Ground, After a quiet opening quarter of an hour, the home side took the lead in the eighteenth minute, Ben Gladwin picked out the run of Storey with an excellent throughball and the young striker scored for the second match in a row with a clinical finish, high to Mark Howard’s right. The Blades had failed to get going in the first half but failed to take advantage of two glorious chances to level the tie towards the end of the half. Firstly, Wes Foderingham saved well from Connor Coady low to his left and then got up high to his right to keep out John Brayford’s header when the bearded one was left unmarked at the subsequent corner.

After the break Sheffield United improved and as Swindon sat further and further back we looked in control. Finally after knocking at the door time and time again The Blades equalized on the hour mark. Stefan Scougall and Kieron Freeman combined excellently down the right to set up Doyle for a simple tap-in at the back post. Porter headed over a Davies corner as the final fifteen minutes approached, the Blades looking the more dangerous and there was an appeal for a penalty turned away when Freeman went down under a Archibald-Henville challenge. A half-volley from Doyle on eighty two minutes, which could not have been far wide of the top corner, emphasized the fact that United were on top and Porter almost got on the end of a McGinn pass but Foderingham was quickly off his line. It was at this point the great County Ground robbery of 2014 took place, firstly we set the scene. United had been the dominant force of the second half, and after the equalizer were committing men forward, pushing on hard to win the game, Flynn was fouled on the edge of the box the ball came to Coady who slotted it into the back of the net, now if Flynn had kept going and passed it Coady would have been offside, but from his last touch before being fouled Coady was onside, play was brought back for the free kick the goal disallowed and the resulting counter attack (after an excellent save from Foderingham) saw Swindon take the lead, raced-up the other end of the pitch and scored when substitute Thompson's shot squirmed away from Howard and the spin saw it bounce across the line, not only did United not get the win but they were denied any points despite deserving so much more.

- Jonathan Gascoigne

It's Our Party And We Will Cry If We Want To

Sheffield United 0
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2
Bramall lane
Attendance 21,659

A day of celebration was dampened by our unbeaten run being extinguished at the hands of the Division leaders. As the heavens opened up to rain on our proverbial parade we got a harsh reminder that we are not unbeatable.

Ex United midfielder Kevin McDonald and his side of table toppers had suffered a defeat to Crawly recently and were desperate to avoid another defeat. United made one change from the team that started against Preston, John Brayford returned to his starting position at right back whilst Luke Freeman switched to the left, covering for the injured Harris and Hill. The bench featured two unknown quantities in Kahn and Dimaio, starlets from The Blades Academy, although they would not feature in any of the action it was encouraging to see players progressing up the ranks. Baxter started up on his own up front again, the attacking midfielder given the task of trying to break down the Wolves defence. 

As the two teams walked onto the pitch through a gathering of Blades Legends from the past and Annies song was sang loudly from three sides of the pitch things started brightly for us, a good ball from Jamie Murphy met Baxter who played into the path of Scougall, he forced a top draw save from Ikeme to prevent us getting an early lead. Wolves then took control of the game, they chased every ball and gave us no time or space to build up any kind of attack. The boos and jeers, along with many a negative chant (the consensus of such that he was only interested in money and disloyal) failed to have an effect on Kevin McDonald and despite the odd stray pass he ran the game for Wolves. Just before the fifteen minute mark Wolves took the lead, a cross from Henry should have been claimed by Howard but instead it was left unattended, and Edwards flicked the ball into the corner of the net. The Blades tried to hit back and applied a good spell of pressure but couldn't make any of their chances count. Baxters free kick nearly crept in but Ikame managed to prevent an equaliser, the Wolves stopper was called into action again and made a world class save from Baxter. Referee Kevin Friend had a woeful game and failed to award two stone wall penalties for United, firstly Batth braught down Coady and Collins was dragged down. Wolves came close to making it two, only the post saved The Blades from Henry. Stearman also cleared off the line as United pushed for an equaliser, and as the half time whistle sounded United were still in the game.

The second half began and United again went straight on the attack, Brayford played in a cross that was controlled excellently by Murphy, he played the ball into Scougall who watched his shot go over the crossbar. After this effort United seemed to lose their fight and Wolves took one hundred percent control of the match. After winning a corner and floating in a high ball Wolves doubled their lead, a deflection saw the ball fall perfectly to Edwards who struck the ball hard into the back of the net. We never recovered and the game was lost. Brayford didn't look his usual self, still obviously not one hundred percent, Baxter again was struggling to lead the line on his own and despite Harry Maguire trying desperately to get us back in the game with his rampaging runs we had nothing left to give on this day. The best chance of any kind of recovery came as Baxters free kick hit the side netting. The referee continued to have a disaster getting decisions for both sides wrong and not even making the most basic of decisions correctly, awarding a throw in to Wolves after their player had hit it out. Leon Clarke let a golden chance to make it three go begging, one on one with Howard after finding space, he attempted to chip our keeper but hit it over the bar. Chris Porter came on for Baxter but as the game was already lost failed to make any kind of impact. Freind sounded his whistle and we were left deflated as our amazing run came to an end.

It is important now to not let this defeat destroy moral, yes we were beaten by a bigger, stronger and more clinical team, but a team that is top of the division. Yes we have slayed two Premier League Teams and two from The Championship and I stand by my statement that we should fear no one but lets all face it, a few weeks back we were in teh relegation zone and now we are in the top half. We have nothing to be ashamed of and next up is Crawly on Tuesday, and an opportunity to get back on track.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

125 Years Of Memories Part One

Saturdays fixture against Wolves will commemorate the One Hundred and Twenty Fifth birthday of Sheffield United Football Club, the worlds first United, through a series or articles we will turn back the clock and look at some of the special memories of Blades fans time following their team. This first article will cover one of my most fond memories as a Blade, my first Promotion to The Premier League.

On a warm April afternoon the Red side of the city came out in numbers to join in the celebration of United's promotion to the country's top division, a Danny Webber goal away at Cardiff in a previous fixture had already secured our promotion but a final home game against Crystal palace was set to host the real party. My day started differently to most Blades Fans, pulling on fishnet tights and putting on a wig was not my usual morning ritual, but since it was a day to party it seemed fancy dress was indeed in order, my dad worryingly suggested ladies, after a bit of hesitation we jumped on board and myself and two friends agreed to also trade trousers for skirts. What the rotten sod's didn't inform me was that they intended to go as old ladies, so I looked a tad out of place in a black dress, high heel boots, fishnets and a blonde wig, but it seemed to get a cheap laugh so no harm done. After a few early pints in the Albion on London Road places started to get busier, so members of the public were not impressed to see my friend Jordan (brown wig, old lady dress, slippers and a walking stick) take an entire six minutes to cross the road as he acted feeble and unable to walk faster than the common tortoise, for The Blades in attendance however it was one of many funny moments, especially as he waved his walking stick in the direction of anyone foolish enough to sound their car horn, "DON'T YOU BLOW YOUR HOOTER AT ME YOUNG MAN!". We drank our drinks, talked football, casually sang "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me" as we waved around our dresses, and enjoyed ourselves, I myself seeing a young lady dressed similarly to me began claiming this was my patch and she was trying to steal my business, she took it all in good humour. We eventually moved down to our more familiar surroundings The RnR (now the Scholar formally the Hermitage) and it began to dawn on us, today we were to see our beloved team be promoted, after twelve years in The Championship, after becoming its longest serving team, today we leave it all behind, today was the day that would see us join the footballing elite, so discussions soon became very tactically orientated, how many players would we need to bring in, who needs shipping out, how should Warnock line up the team, how much is a pint near Stamford Bridge, all the important stuff. We knew today may be a good indication of future intent, after all we still had a game to play, would the hysteria of celebration make the team over confident, would the celebrations take a set back if we get battered by a team who are now fighting to finish as high as possible in the play off's, but after all was said and done discussions took a turn back to the more jovial, and after leaving far to many lipstick stained pint glasses in the immediate past we made our move to The Lane.

The game wasn't a classic, but in all truth the game was an after thought, we had done our job today was no pressure go out there and enjoy it.We passed the ball around nicely but never really showed any urgency, because there was no need, keep palace at bay and enjoy thousands of fans singing their hearts out, we delivered our part and so did they. Palace never caused any danger and we controlled from the off, the party atmosphere saw Mexican waves, flags, confetti, balloons, when dressed as woman doing a conga up and down the stands, it was an incredible party. Magic nearly struck as Blades Legend Brain Deane who had been signed earlier on in the season came on for ten minutes at the end and came within a whisker of getting himself a goal that would have no doubt blown the roof off The Kop, even when he had missed all you could here from the fields of Mosborough to The Rusty Sheds in South Barnsley were the echoes of "DEANO DEANO DEANO!". When Captain Chris Morgan gave us our one and only goal of the game we just went crazy, it was something I had never felt before as a Blade, there was no pressure, no expectation, it was like being at a carnival, the scenes of men and their sons, woman and children, everyone together just going bezerk, it was special. Some of these people had never seen their club do anything worth shouting about because they weren't there to see us go up in the past, all they had seen was heartache and us letting glory pass us by, play off final losses, semi final losses, relegations, it was all they had known, and today our emotional investment, our love for our club was rewarded, we finally got a small taste of what glory felt like,

it was beyond exhilarating, it was as good as any drug that could possibly exists, it was better than any thrill seeking bungee jump or sky dive, it was a perfect moment. As I began waving my bra (I cant believe I have just had to type that) around my head others began swinging red and white scarves, red and white shirts, a

wall of noise stopped Sheffield in its tracks. We won the game 1-0, and we watched in awe as Chris Morgan raised up the shield, the pyro, the display, the emotion it was something that will give me goosebumps and make my hair stand on edge every time I remember it, even now as I type this I can hear the noise and I get shivers, it is something that will be hard to top in my mind. We have had great days and night before and after then, but this moment, there were no underlying factors, that's what made it so perfect, so magical and so iconic. 

-Jonathan Gascoigne

It Wasn't Pretty

Preston North End 0
Sheffield United 0
Deepdale
Attendance 8,892
Away Blades 658

After winning ten on the bounce we all knew something had to give at some point, and many feared in form Preston would hand us our first defeat in ten, but despite being second best most of the night and our area becoming the proverbial last stand we came away with a point and a clean sheet, still undefeated and a strong statement that we will lay down for no team. 

Luke Freeman made his first team debut playing at right back, in the only change from the Carlisle win, Ben Davies dropping to the bench. PNE started as they meant to go on nearly taking the lead in the opening minute of the game, a Volley from Davies was pushed away by Howard who had to bravely pounce on the ball before tenacious striker Garner could strike in a rebound. United had to soak up a tremendous amount of pressure, Garner and Gallagher both having chances that were just of target, it became obvious today was going to be a tough test of character. Jamie Murphy and Ryan Flynn were unable to make much of an impact, both being double marked and with only one striker their options for overlaps or passing and moving were limited, a full back marked them tightly and in the gap behind lay a strong centre back, so any time a full back was beaten by our wingers the pressure was mopped up and disposed of before a chance could be created, I personally would have like to have seen more attacking options utilized in this game to take the reliance off of our wingers. Baxter look a terrible fall and landed on his neck, he seemed winded but carried on, he never made much of an impact from that moment onwards. It seemed every time the ball went into our box PNE and their fans were screaming for a handball, whilst it became stale and predictable they maybe did have a case when Michael Doyle made what can only be described as a tremendous save from a long range effort. On the half an hour mark Conor Coady had his goal ruled out for offside, we can have no complaints as the loanee was clearly past his marker and in an offside position. Preston just kept their feet on our throats and we had no choice but to deal with everything they threw at us, Garner had two clear cut chances miss the target and Davies used his strength to cause endless problems. Harris made a heroic tackle blocking the shot of Garner who was clear on goal, Harris unfortunately picked up a knock soon after and was replaced by Hill, matt Hill picked up an injury after only a minute on the field. On the break of half time after having a tame effort picked up comfortably by The Preston keeper Baxter was was flattened by a challenge and had to receive treatment as the whistle blew for the break.

Whilst Baxter made it back out for the restart Matt Hill was not so lucky, his injury (one must believe he did not have a chance to properly warm up) forced him off the pitch and he was replaced by Davies who took up the right back roll, Freeman switching to the left. Preston continued to take the game to us but in this half we seemed a little braver going forward, unfortunately Grayson's trademark physical edge tactics prevented us from making any moves that could be considered dangerous. Preston came agonizingly close to taking the lead when their young starlet Brownhill hit an effort into the ground before it rebounded of the post, a look of relief from Howard who along with the defence was having a busy evening. United did manage to force a few corners, and had a clear penalty turned down when the PNE centre back had Harry Maguire by the shirt and dragged him back in the box, both teams now had a right to feel aggrieved, but as referees have this tenancy to even up previous mistakes we had to just get on with it. Porter replaced Baxter who had a disapointing game and had a clear headed chance go wide and over, but with two substitutes wasted on injurys it was unfair to rely on Porter to make an impact all by himself. Preston again forced us back and the final third of the game was uncomfortable as they tested our defence again and again, but we held strong and even after a very tough four minutes added time we held our resolve to claim a vital point. The winning run may be over but that's now eight clean sheets on the bounce and and eight game league unbeaten run. With Wolves no doubt analysing every second of the game on their televisions I believe that we will have to be prepared for another tough test come Saturday, but if we can continue to hold teams out as we did here we will remain hard to beat and the only way will be forwards. 

-Jonathan Gascoigne

Perfect Ten

Sheffield United 1
Carlisle United 0
Bramall lane
Attendance 15,437

FA Cup semi-finalists (I will never tire of saying that) Sheffield United put Carlisle to the sword as they make it ten wins in a row (seven in a league) showing that this club is ready to fight on until the bitter end and prove no one above them is safe. A single first half goal was all that we required to stamp a victory in this lacklustre game. Nigel Clough made only one change from the heroic eleven that started Sunday, Ben Davies taking the place of John Brayford, a player obviously fatigued after surprising us all with his featuring role the past weekend. Fellow loanee Freeman still awaiting his debut start was on the bench. 

As the referees whistle sounded The Blades went for an instant kill, Jamie Murphy taking the ball out wide, he managed to sucker in a defender expecting a cross before dropping a shoulder and looked to get a shot away, it looked destined to be an early goal, only the legs of Pickford the Cumbrian shot stopper managed to deny Murphy the opener. The Scottish connection came close to punishing a fragile opposing defence with Flynn, Murphy and Scougall all causing problems, one of the more noteworthy being Flynn laying off a clever back heel to Scougall, despite options he decided to shoot but his effort straight down the throat of a grateful Pickering. The pacey Amoo gave the away side their first real attack on goal, he used blistering speed before playing in a deadly ball to The Blades box, but the awaiting Miller couldn't get onto the end of the ball leaving him frustrated as it was cleared to safety. Just before the referees watch hit thirty minutes The Blades found the lead, Murphy got forward well with the ball and assessed his options, he wisely passed inside to Conor Coady who spotted Baxter in space, he hit a low hard pass to his awaiting team mate, Baxter used his educated feet to control the ball with sublime technique before stepping inside his marker and placing a curled effort into the back of the opposing net, one nil Blades and thoroughly deserved. From then on out I was disappointed yet understanding that the game seemed to fizzle out, a hectic schedule was finally catching up to The Blades and the players looked tired, they kept hold of the ball well and controlled the rest of the half, but had chances to go forward, I personally believed with only one goal to the good we should have used this dominance to push for a second, as we all know things are never a done deal when one goal in the lead. We were nearly punished for this lack in energy as Amoo carried the ball forward with pace and had options either side but luckily for us he selfishly shot leaving Howard to make a save. As Half Time came The Blades deserved their lead but the pace and dominance was beginning to thin. 

As the second half began United again went for the instant offensive, Flynn causing the opposition defenders all kinds of problems, after linking up with fellow Scot Murphy United nearly had a second goal, but Pickford came to the away sides rescue to keep out the wide man. From here on out action was at a rarety as United professionally shut Carlisle out of the game, never sitting back or playing sideways but getting the ball down the flanks and switching play often, it was good to see but still we needed a second to be safe, unfortunately the second never came BUT on this occasion it wasn't costly. Carlisle did manage to make life difficult for us in the last twenty minutes and regain control of possession for a majority of the closing stages, Miller saw his overhead kick pass Howard but drift off target and Amoo caused us numerous problems, Davies having to clear one of his headers from crossing the line at the back post. Full Time crawled its way into view for us but I'm sure for the visitors it came in like a flash as they looked frustrated not to have found an equaliser. United win one nil and can now take time to recover for Mondays fixture away at Preston as we look to keep this amazing run alive. 

- Jonathan Gascoigne

Blades on Cloud Nine

Sheffield United 2
Charlton Athletic 0
Bramall lane
Attendance 30,040

My old man stood with tears streaming down his face, unashamed and making no effort to clear them he joined me and the rest of the packed house in singing Annies Song, the noise was enough to shake the foundations not only of The Lane but of every building surrounding. The final whistle had given us a moment to savour and the only thing left for us to do, sing until our lungs were sore. This was the sound of United defying every obstacle in their way, this was the sound of The Blades booking their place at Wembley in the FA Cup semi final. 

The United side picked for today had plenty of happy surprises, Brayford made it into the eleven, Murphy and Harry also returned. These were three of seven changes Nigel Clough made from his mid week winning side, Harris, Flynn, Baxter and Scougall all made it back into a very competitive and strong Blades line up. New boy Freeman joined super sub Chris Porter on the bench. 

Flags drifted across the stadium and and atmosphere reached hysteric levels as the game got under way, United kicked towards the Kop in the first half, something I detest as to many times it has been a bad omen. The first half was devoid of any really flowing football, and both teams seemed very hectic on the ball, the atmosphere and the occasion clearly taking over the players for at least the early stages. The best early chance came for United, a corner whipped in with real purpose but Neil Collins could only guide his header over the crossbar. Charlton under the guidance of Chris Powell looked to try and take control of the physical side of the game, something they are known for in the modern age, but despite a small spell of set pieces they couldn't test Howard in The Blades goal. The first good opportunity had saw ex Sheffield Wednesday forward Tudgay fire a low effort in on goal, Howard was quick to push it away, the follow up caused problems as Church crossed back in but again Howard claimed the ball confidently. United fans thought they had a reason to celebrate as Coady put a loose ball into the roof of the goal but as the fans cheered the linesman flag was raised and the game remained in deadlock. Just before half time Maguire went on one of his rampaging forward runs, he then played a world class ball to Murphy who used pace and trickery to put himself in the perfect position to lay the ball to Harris, his curling effort not a long way from the target but not close enough to give United the lead. Half Time arrived and both sides were still in this cup tie, the second half required one team to step up and make the occasion their own.

The second half began with no changes for either side and again the two teams looked like they were drifting rather than focusing on their game plan. Scougall and Baxter both tried their luck from long range but Scougall went over the bar into the travelling support, Baxter's was held easily by Hamer in the Charlton goal. Maguire showed some fancy footwork turning on the ball more like a skilful midfielder than a centre half after a set piece ended up in his path, but his powerful shot on goal hit the side netting. Charlton kept coming forward but in the final third

United were the team making threats. After some backwards and forwards play from both teams Charlton came agonizingly close to breaking Blades hearts, on the hour mark Jackson put in a free kick, Tudgay took control of the ball as Howard came rushing out leaving an empty net, Tudgay proceeded to intelligently lay the ball off into the box as team mate Harriott made a darting run, but he couldn't make the right contact and the ball grazed the post as it went wide, Blades fans made light of the situation but I would like to bet that a fair few hearts were in mouths. A throw in lead to the opener, the throw went straight to Baxter who put in a magnificent looping ball to the box, Ryan Flynn forced himself some space and with exquisite technique looped the ball over Hamer and sent Bramall Lane crazy. Charlton burst forward straight from kick off as The Blades fans rocked the foundation of the stadium in song, United won back possession and played it forward to Murphy, he used a burst of pace to go past two Charlton players into space, after cutting back inside he laid the ball to John Brayford, we had barely gotten our breaths back from celebrating the opener when Brayford hit a deflected shot which rolled into the back of the net, two goals up and as the Cardiff loanee leapt into the air to celebrate we all came to terms with the fact our League One club was on it's way to Wembley. United took full control of the game and Flynn nearly made it three but his effort went

high and wide. Coady again put the ball in the back of the net, but again had his goal ruled out for offside. Davies and Porter came into the game replacing Baxter and Scougall. Flynn had his last effort saved by Hamer before being replaced by McGinn. Charlton nearly got a conciliation goal deep in stoppage time, Reza turned and hit a beautiful effort on goal but amazingly it was matched by Howard who made a world class save. This was the last bit of action in the game, the final whistle signalled a roar in the stadium, my dads tears of joy began, the celebrations began and the players took a lap of honour as we hailed our heroes, a magic day with a magic ending. Many people seemed to forget that not only had we gotten to the FA Cup semi-final, we had just made it nine wins in a row, we kept our momentum rolling, now it feels like anything is possible.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

SHEFFIELD UNITED

DARE TO DREAM

 

Dreams

As the ball trickled into the back of the net Chris Porter (super sub) ran in front of the Kop, he and the fans celebrated The Blades booking their place in the FA Cup quarter finals. In a season that had offered little hope of anything to cheer about early on, we had defied the odds, two Premier League teams and now a Championship high flyer lay defeated at our feet, no one thought we could get this far now as I sit still waiting my five pounds from Adrian Chiles I think to myself, what does tomorrow hold for us. Now like in every round previously I expect nothing from tomorrow, as long as the players put a shift in and we make an enormous noise I will be satisfied, anything else is a bonus in my books. One thing that will leave me, my fellow fans and obviously the players with a gut wrenching disappointment is if heroes of the previous round Harry Maguire, John Brayford and Jamie Murphy don't make the team due to knocks picked up in previous games, the three have been outstanding and worked so hard to get us here, and to see them miss this occasion would be close to heartbreaking. It would also mean Charlton would face a weakened Blades team, this by no means an excuse but just a fact, a fact that a huge adaptation would have to be made. Kieron Freeman a full back from Derby has joined us on loan, and could well be in with a shout at making his debut tomorrow. For anyone unfamiliar with this player if you went to Notts County away you may remember their right back tearing apart our entire left side when going forward and having our wingers in his back pocket, I for one remember this lad and am thrilled he decided to come here and not return to county, if he can play like he did against us for us, well its another tick in the good signings box for Nigel Clough. But for him to make his debut at the biggest game of the season, we just have to hope of he does that he does not get swallowed up by the pressure of the game. As far as expectations go I have to cringe a little inside when I see videos like the one on the Sheffield Star website where Blades fans state they expect a win, they think we will get the result, three one, two nil etc,I think that shows a danger of being as disrespectful, as our cross city rivals discovered being arrogance and disrespectful behaviour does not pay off, we have to try and be realistic, We go into every game to get a result we never turn up to make up the numbers, but yet again we are playing a side in a higher division, we have to be prepared for the fact its been an amazing run but tomorrow that could come to an end. BUT what if we win? there is no predetermined winners in a game of football, and as we have proved again and again in this competition, anybody can beat anybody, and I wouldn't be turning up tomorrow if I thought the lads weren't walking on to that field to prove it yet again, if we again can show that every underdog has its day we will book our place in history as one of a handful of league one clubs to get to a semi final of the worlds oldest club knock out competition. Tomorrow I will be one of over twenty nine thousand destroying my vocal chords making as much noise as I can to drive forward my team, am I realist yes, but like every person in this world I can dare to dream, and until we are out of this competition that dream lives on.

Excellent Eight

Sheffield United 2
Peterborough United 0
Bramall Lane
Attendance 16,051

I entered Ladbrookes on London road roughly an hour before kick off, I had been enjoying a soft drink or two in the pub and decided to have a tiny flutter on the game (I didn't win incidentally but that's not the point of the story), I hadn't heard the team sheet yet and decided to stick a pound on a repeat of Milton Keynes away, Scougall first scorer, Blades 1-0, I got odds of 60/1. Despite our run of form the bookmakers believed Peterborough would be our undoing, doing well in the league and have since the early goings, Peterborough were tipped to be our pothole in the road, fellow fans were also pessimistic, some thinking a draw was the best we could hope for. The team sheet added to this attitude, my mood was ruined because Scougall wasn't starting, my bet was doomed before it had begun. Six changes to the eleven that got our first victory at Stadium MK, two were expected with the injury's to Brayford and Murphy, but six? We couldn't work out if Clough was a genius or had lost his mind. On the walk to the ground it was noticed that the great wall of china had been erected in the Blades car park, it was only a double take that made me realise that the huge line was actually Blades fans waiting patiently in line for Charlton tickets. 

As mentioned earlier six changes were made, young players Terry Kennedy and Callum McFadzean were given starts, Miller, Paynter and McGinn were recalled and Ben Davies made his first home start. Davies and Hill took up the full back roles giving Kennedy the chance to play alongside Collins in central defence, a good experience to learn from a veteran defender who is in the form of his life. With the hero from Fulham Miller playing up front with Loanee Paynter the midfield four consisted of Doyle, McGinn, Coady and McFadzean. The two managers, both sons of legendary managers in their own right knew the importance of the game at hand, Ferguson, who earlier in the season accused United of parking the bus to grind out a draw, had at his disposal a team that was netting goals for fun earlier in the season, had lost their flair in front of goal, and had only two in five games to their name. Clough who has been trying desperately to rubbish any talks of promotion or play off's (rightly so) knew that eight wins on the bounce would give us the perfect momentum to put the bottom half of the table truly behind us. 

As the first half got under way the Blades looked the brighter but it was a tentative affair to begin with, both midfield looking to take early control of the game. Any doubts over Uniteds team selection, or fears that the change was going to cause a breakdown in organisation were put to bed in the early goings as Kennedy got forward from defence to nearly put away a corner. Miller sliced his early effort after being put through by Coady. The visitors had no intention of letting us have everything our own way however and we were nearly punished by a Peterborough counter attack, McQouid hit a half volley from out wide but it never got the right direction and drifted wide of the goal. After taking back hold of the game and passing it round well McGinn fired a weak effort into the arms of Olejnick in the Posh goal. United began to dominate proceedings and despite Peterborough trying to break down the wings they never got a chance to threaten in or around our area. United went close again and again, Miller had a shot deflected over the crossbar while McFadzean had an effort deflect wide of goal. McFadzean then limped off the field of play having picked up an injury, he was replaced by tricky winger Ryan Flynn. The best chance of the half came as McGinn fired a long range effort

goal wards, he was denied by the post, the rebound fell to Billy Paynter, but the Doncaster loanee couldn't get it past the Posh keeper who stopped his trickling effort. As the players headed down the tunnel for half time we all knew United were unlucky not to have the lead, the makeshift eleven were doing us proud, and dominating a team that was odds on to put an end to our winning ways, it would have been interesting to see what odds I would have gotten at half time for in play betting. Kenendy had been particularly impressing, he looked confident, composed and most importantly he looked like he belonged. 

The whistle for the second half saw United looking for the elusive goal that the first half had denied them despite deserving at least one, the passing football continued and Peterborough struggled to come up with an answer, they looked like they were the team with six changes on the night. They showed no real communication and at time looked a squad of individuals rather than a single unit. The frustration set in and early on Miller was brought down in a dangerous position after tormenting the Posh back four with a teasing run. Davies and McGinn stood over the dead ball, McGinn had been testing the waters all game with long shots, Davies had been playing well out of his familiar position as a full back and looked like he really wanted to be the taker. Davies was the one who struck the ball and what a peach of a hit it was, curling over the wall and bulging into the back of the net. A great way to get your first goal for the club and you could see it meant a lot for him from his celebrations in front of the Kop. United nearly had a quick second to add to the scoreboard, Paynter laid off a neat ball to McGinn, unfortunately for him he

miss hit the ball and hooked it over the bar. Peterborough almost pulled a goal back after making a double switch, Baldwin got on the end of a corner but couldn't get the ball into the back of the net. McGinn had picked up a knock and was replaced by Stefan Scougall who straight away added a new element to the game. United fired straight back and after good work from Flynn he looped the ball over the box to the waiting Miller, but he couldn't get the ball under control in time, and what was an open net suddenly had a wall of Peterborough players on the line, Miller was forced to take the ball wide and his effort was blocked away for a corner. Super sub Chris Porter made his way onto the field to replace Paynter who had a very quiet game, Porter imediatley started putting himself about and using his fresh legs to Uniteds advantage, and after getting the ball in the box with his back to goal he laid off to Coady who put it narrowly over, Scougall

the architect of the move who initially found Porter in the box. Peterborough began to get back into the game and won a number of corners, but Kennedy who was having a dream first home start and Collins mopped up every single one. The game was won late on as Porter grabbed Uniteds second. Coady made a brilliant rampaging run forward shrugging off challenges from opposing players throughout the middle of the park, Coady then used impeccable vision to carve out a pass to Porter who left his marker flat on his back after overpowering

him, one on one with Olejnock Porter calmly rounded the ball past the keeper with the side of his foot, two goals up and game over, the lane in raptures as the run looked destined to continue for at least one more game, whilst the bookmakers watched through sweaty palms and fingers as they suddenly regretted the odds given to The Blades. A deserved two goal lean was seen out comfortably, Peterborough had nothing left to offer and any hope of attacking football from them fizzled out as they came to terms with the defeat, Ferguson left wishing we had parked the bus in this game like he suggested we did in the last. As the whistle went a chorus of "We love United" rang out, six league wins on the bounce and eight in a row overall, form we could have only dreamed of a month or two ago, and the manager, the staff and the players deserve a huge amount of credit and applause. Promotion is the stuff of nonsense at this stage, but I think it is safe to say that if we can continue with this kind of form and keep the level of performance anywhere near this we are well and truly safe.

-Jonathan Gascoigne

Lucky Number Seven

Milton Keynes Dons 0
Sheffield United 1
Stadium MK
Attendance 9,192
Away Blades 1,565

The fantastic run of form continues as Stefan Scougall fired The Blades to a seventh consecutive win in all competitions. Just a week ago the bottom four loomed but a never say die attitude and and a fighting spirit has given us the edge over our opponents and we are now in the dizzy heights of twelfth (it still feels strange being happy about that), we are slowly putting space between ourselves and the unthinkable of League Two football. Win number seven came with a cost, as we wait with bated breath on news regarding Brayford and Murphy, two instrumental players who had to leave the pitch due to injury.

United have not seen a lot of results go in their favour when playing Milton Keynes since their move to Stadium MK, and with the opponents known for being a patient passing side who like to dominate possession and frustrate away teams Clough had to get his tactics and team selection one hundred percent spot on. Hindered with Harry Maguire's absence due to a knee injury acquired at Colchester Matt Hill was called upon to fill the gap in the back four, the other change was Ryan Flynn making a return to the starting eleven in the place of Ben Davies. One intriguing selection was that of sixteen year old Louis Reed, a first year scholar of our academy, maybe one to watch for the future if called to be on the bench at such a young age. 

As the match got under every one could see we had set out our stall to annoy Milton Keynes and force them away from playing their usual game, the tenacity of Scougall and the lack of space and time on the ball given to our opponents left them without a plan b, and all to often they resorted to punting the ball up field, which suited us as we took control of the stray possession. MK had a few half chances but nothing for the home crowd to get to excited about, the best being Lewington's shot which deflected out for a corner. Baxter and Murphy both had similar chances to Lewington, but both had the same result. Just before the twenty minute mark disaster struck, Brayford had possession and as he darted forward but pulled up, obviously in pain he was forced to put the ball out of play, Blades fans were forced to place their heads in their hands as one of the most influential players in the team hobbled off, a huge blow and what looks to be a calf injury, a worrying moment for the rest of the game and season respectively. With no recognised right back on the bench it fell to midfielder Ben Davies to take up that role. Luckily this blow didn't destroy moral and The Blades turned up the tempo, Flynn went on one of his darting runs, and after hitting a low driven cross Scougall attempted the spectacular trying to back heel it in to the bottom corner, it was a whisker wide and Scougall felt the wrath of Baxter who felt he was in a better position to score. With Milton Keynes still being forced into the long ball game United began to cause real problems, after a few half chances from Baxter and Flynn United found a way to break the deadlock. A throw in was given to Baxter who played the ball to Liverpool loanee Conor Coady, he did well to keep hold of the ball showing great strength and determination to see off a number of challenges, he then played a lovely ball to Scougall who used those lightening feet and a burst of pace to knock the ball forward, with only the keeper in his way the young Scott treated us all to a cool finish placed comfortably into the back of the net, sending the away fans wild. The already subdued home fans fell completely flat and silent, if not for the noise now being generated by the travelling faithful you could have heard a pin drop, an almost eerie feeling was present as you looked around this concrete hollow shell of a stadium, with not enough of a fan base to even fill a quarter of it it begs the question why, why did this soulless place even need to be built, the team would still struggle to sell tickets at the National Hockey Stadium. A further concern surfaced when Jamie Murphy had to be replaced by

Chris Porter, he to having too leave the pitch due to injury, the affects and fatigue of this overly hectic fixture schedule obviously now rearing its ugly head. With Porter now the centre forward Baxter took up Murphy's position on the left. Milton Keynes out of frustration hammered the ball forward, they were now desperate, knowing unless they got a goal just before half time that the second half would be an uphill struggle for themselves. United defended three corners superbly in the four minutes of time added on, as the half ended United marched down the tunnel with a one goal advantage. 

United restarted the game brightly and were unlucky not to add a second goal to their lead, Baxter's effort saved by Milton Keynes keeper Martin. Baxter again had a chance on goal but his first effort was blocked he followed up with a second beating the opposing keeper but Spence was on hand to clear the ball from danger. A triple change for the home side showed just how much we had frustrated and troubled their side, and the changes screamed desperation. The pressure from United was not halted as we won a free kick in a dangerous position, but Ben Davies couldn't get his attempt on target his dead ball going just wide. A spell of pressure had to be dealt with as The Dons threw everything at us in an effort to get back into the game. But the back four dealt with two corners well and aside from a deflected shot from Baldock landing straight to Mark Howard and a long range effort from Ali fired over the crossbar. Kay could have put in the equaliser from a corner but Howard held onto the effort comfortably. Again Baxter had a chance to double the lead, Coady having the vision to play a sublime ball to Baxter, but his

weak effort was saved by the legs of Martin, a wasted chance in which Baxter should have done better. Kennedy replaced the tired Scougall in the final part of the game, not just to save the young midfielder's legs but to also sew up the points and prevent being over run by the desperate Dons. Odelusi got a header on target in the final moments of time added on but again Howard claimed the ball with ease. The final whistle sounded and another three points came our way, another tricky fixture out of the way and win number seven claimed, as long as this run continues the future will begin to brighten, the revival of a club seemingly on life support a few weeks ago had begun.

-Jonathan Gascoigne