Voting was locked for this match at midnight on Wednesday 11th August but you may still add your mini match reports. Note that members and non-members alike were able to vote.

Your Sheffield United v Carlisle United Match Reports

GavTWTD added 19:34 - Aug 9 A win against a team that will do well this season. A great time to play them as I'm sure they'll gel with a few matches under their belts. And a win on TV too? 17k there but hopefully that'll pick up with a few wins.
17

battyblue added 19:42 - Aug 9 town were abysmal at times but one or two plus points and a good spell second half,Bajnner a big disappointment looked out of his depth,Hewitt one of the plus points he didn't, but three points in the bag.
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cjwinthesun added 19:48 - Aug 9 Looked very sound at the back either the Berra Smith partnership so organised. Took chances well and at 2-0 looked in control. Shame to give a goal away. Onwards ... So encouraging.
13

tim70 added 19:50 - Aug 9 We didn't have much off the ball in the 1st half but got the important 1st goal and 1 - 0 up at half time. We had a lot more of the ball in the 2nd half and McGoldrick came off the bench and scored the 2nd goal. We have to be very careful not to let in late goals in like today. Because we threw a lot points away from winning in match last season
12

Lightningboy added 19:59 - Aug 9 Great result,okay performance..thought we missed Skuse & especially Hyam when they went off..Berra was immense..Hewitt deserves to keep his place..thought Tabb was poor throughout,very pedestrian,would prefer to see Wordsworth or Henshall in his place.
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SuperTommySmith added 20:03 - Aug 9 For 1500+ away fans, they sure were quiet.
6

BLUEGOLD added 20:09 - Aug 9 A solid performance against a better football team. We were a typical Mick team, hard working & hard to break down. Tabb & Hewitt worked so very hard as did Hyam & Skuse. Murphy bullied the centre halves & ran his socks off. The defence were solid, but Mings was poor.
5

connorscontract added 20:16 - Aug 9 Fulham dominated midfield, and therefore possession, but looked shaky at the back and woeful up-front. In contrast, once Skuse and Hyam went off we looked completely over-run in midfield, but our strikers were sharp, and our defence looked totally in control, until the last ten minutes. Skuse had two very good chances with free long range shots when completely unmarked, and should have hit the target. Wordsworth missed a relatively simple header, again unchallenged, which would have put us three-nil up, and did poorly to put it over. The biggest plus point was David McGoldrick finishing well to find the net on his return from serious surgery. He looked dead on his feet with 15 minutes to go, though, and it is very unfortunate that he had to come on in the first half: he's clearly still a way from full fitness having sat out most of pre-season.

6

pegasus added 20:22 - Aug 9 Town were NOT ''abysmal' at times'. My first chance to see them (via SkyTV) for some time. Defence far better organised than under Jewell. There was 'fight' and 'intelligence' there. This was a typical early season tussle. Many more to go. Hewitt has clearly benefitted from his games in a lower league. Looking forward to the TV coverage of the 'derby' match. (The barman is from Norwich.)

7

phillymark added 20:26 - Aug 9 Berra is so impressive. Does nothing spectacular because he doesn't need to - he is in the right place. Thought Murphy was superb and Bajner perhaps showed promise though obviously McGoldrick and Murphy is the optimal pairing up front. Hewitt good, Mings iffy. Hyam was great and Skuse was quietly effective. Tabb has boundless enrgy and his run into the box (it was him, right?), got us the second goal. I thought it was a really good performance. We beat a team far more expensive than us and used exactly the right tactics. Very impressed with our fitness too. Will be interesting to see if we can change tactics when playing lesser teams and win by controlling possession too.

17

JackGITFC17 added 20:41 - Aug 9 Great team performance against a difficult opponent, thought that the back 5 were very solid, Murphy and McGoldrick definitely the best strike partnership. Hyam and Skuse played well in the centre, and Hewitt and Tabb gave their all on the wings. Bringing McGoldrick on turned the game in our favour, and we were on top for the majority of the second half. Great result, bring on Norwich. Up the Town!

5

harlingblue added 20:48 - Aug 9 Solid team performance with Hyam imo the stand out performer. Fulham were a poor unit and should have been beaten by more than the single goal.
7

bluelady added 20:48 - Aug 9 Berra and Skuse for me are such good players that go about their job quietly yet effectively. Skuse is underrated in my opinion when he went off the back four looked exposed, even more so when Hyam went off. Mings has much to learn but in such a key position can we really leave ourselves as exposed as we did with him at times today? Tabb was great, worked so hard and so much better than last season, however with two defensive midfielders I would rather see our attack down the wings (Stewart when fit?). Sorry to say not impressed at all with Bayner or Bru and still feel we are a couple of players short.. To finish on a positive I think Gerkin made their keeper look very poor!!

4

ShropshireBluenago09 added 20:49 - Aug 9 Good performance - we are not going to get Burley, Robson esq performances anymore, but at least we show some guile and strength against a good Fulham side. Berra, Hyam and Murphy stood out for me.
4

Marcus added 20:54 - Aug 9 Good to start with a win. Town looked tidy and in control for most of the game. If we can do the same for the remaining games we'll have a great season.
5

broseleyblue added 20:54 - Aug 9 Good, solid performance . Only sensible team selection and tactics given injuries. Agree with many that Mc goldrick makes a real difference. Decent performances from Tabb, Hyam, Hewitt, Murphy, Berra and Smith. Mings and Bajner a bit pedestrian. Hope Henshall gets a start at Crawley. Need to have pace off the bench. Still need more creativity in midfield.
5

Rudyard83 added 20:58 - Aug 9 Great match, my first game with a season ticket ever, and we played brilliantly. Hyam was insanely good, McGoldrick back! And Tabb not brilliant. Murphy good, along with a solid back 4. Good support by our fans, and only at the beginning were Fulham's fans noisy
2

Lombokblue added 21:06 - Aug 9 3 points
5

ChestnutSe added 21:11 - Aug 9 Cracking game. We outfought them from the start. Scott Parker bossed the midfield but Hyam and ask use were good today. Hyam in particular really got stuck in. He did well for the 1st goal and Murphy finished well and had a good assist with the 2nd. I thought Tabb worked really hard and no doubt proved a lot of moaners wrong. Thought Elliot disappeared in the second half. The defence was rock solid as usual and Mings did great. He looked injured near the end just before they scored but he might have just been shattered. Great 3 points. I expected 1 point maximum today so really pleased.

1

mickeyjb added 21:29 - Aug 9 Great start, wasn't confident but very happy
5

Rammo added 21:48 - Aug 9 Hewitt had a great game as well as Skuse and Hyam in the middle, we missed both of them when they were substituted. Mings needs a few games to settle in as was caught out several times and Tabb was full of running but without much end product. Typically efficient defensive performance from Berra, Smith and Chambers and all played well. Bajner needs time to gel as a partnership but showed glimpses of what he may be able to do, we looked better as a front pair with McGoldrick on but was impressed with the way Murphy bossed their defence. Early days but a promising start and plenty to build on.

8

dalianwasexciting added 22:27 - Aug 9 Fulham flattered to deceive and McCormack was pretty anonymous, could have been different had Dembele capitalised on a basic error by Gerken. For Town Mings looked a weak link, I forsee a red card in coming games sadly. Hyam had probably his best game ever in a town shirt and seemed for forward focussed than last season, Murphy was excellent, a tireless worker and made both goals with sheer determination and not a little skill. McGoldrick back is a massive boost as he is clearly our talisman, much to look forward to but also defensive concerns, as is the fragility of the squad as the midfield seemed to lose it with Hyam and Skuse both off.

3

PortmanPie78 added 22:34 - Aug 9 Very encouraging, would say a couple ran out of steam but given the heat you can't be too critical!
2

PortmanPie78 added 22:37 - Aug 9 Very encouraging, would say a couple ran out of steam but given the heat you can't be too critical!
2

ditfc added 23:38 - Aug 9 Today's performance was promising. Murphy was deservedly awarded Man of the Match, as he put in a real shift and scored a fine opening goal. Elliot Hewitt showed he is a versatile and exiting player for the future. McGoldrick had the dream return, with a good finish to make it 2-0, even if his entry into the game was slightly premature. Captain Chambers, Berra and Smith looked very organised and capable, most notably dealing competently with anything in the air. Very unlucky for the Fulham goal, which was a cruel blow after such a good performance. Mings was a mixed bag. His tendency to be drawn out of position was worrying, and his apparent obsession with drilling clearances diagonally along the floor was baffling. However he had moments where he showed his talent, and one hopes these moments become more frequent as he develops this season. Finally, our midfield showed a grit and willingness to shoot and pass intelligently that was so rare last season. The three starters in midfield so far unmentioned all worked their socks off in the middle of the park, with Jay Tabb perhaps surprising Town fans with his good performance, despite gifting the opposition possession on more than one occasion. New boy Kevin Bru looked fine in his short time on the pitch, while Anthony Wordsworth missed a golden opportunity with his head, which can perhaps be forgiven due to his lack of playing time in recent months. It will be interesting to see Town in action against more established opponents next weekend.

3

78ShadesOfBlue added 00:10 - Aug 10 Potentially one of the toughest starts this season, but we won, and deserved it. Great to have a such a confident winning start. The atmosphere at the ground was very good. Murphy's goal taken confidently, passed from Hyam, who displayed great skill. Also great to see McGoldrick come back and hit top form straight away. A great goal, and looked a superstar on the pitch. Displayed great skill, and proved deadly from his distance. Banjer too looked very good on his league debut, and showed potential. Winning in the air in the box, and really threatening the defenders. The team spirit in the squad looks great, and they seem to be definitively building on last season. Well, it's very early days, but if they can keep that momentum, we should be in for a good season! :)

2

78ShadesOfBlue added 00:10 - Aug 10 Potentially one of the toughest starts this season, but we won, and deserved it. Great to have a such a confident winning start. The atmosphere at the ground was very good. Murphy's goal taken confidently, passed from Hyam, who displayed great skill. Also great to see McGoldrick come back and hit top form straight away. A great goal, and looked a superstar on the pitch. Displayed great skill, and proved deadly from his distance. Banjer too looked very good on his league debut, and showed potential. Winning in the air in the box, and really threatening the defenders. The team spirit in the squad looks great, and they seem to be definitively building on last season. Well, it's very early days, but if they can keep that momentum, we should be in for a good season! :)

1

gippeswyk added 00:40 - Aug 10 An exciting opening to the season. Could have gone either way. Town took their chances well. Woody should have made it 3-0 but instead we were on the back foot for the last 15 mins but held on for a great win!
2

bluemike added 07:27 - Aug 10 A pleasing start to the new season and a deserved Three points. Fulham had plenty of the ball and passed it well but never really hurt us and created nothing. Hyam, Murphy and Tabb were superb yesterday while young Hewitt also did his chances no harm. Well done to MM for getting it spot on. Great to see Didsy back and getting on the score sheet already.
2

40miles2town added 07:59 - Aug 10 Good championship game
2

dap353 added 09:09 - Aug 10 The Wordsworth miss was flagged offside anyway so wouldn't have stood
0

aljames added 09:28 - Aug 10 A team performance. Superb. They hassled. harried & totally outplayed a better footballing team. My concern that all the effort might prove a problem of running out of steam near the end almost came true with the final five minutes, but they hung on for the deserved win. Keep playing like this every week. Fans love to see total effort from all the players & crowds will improve if this is maintained. Who knows if we learn to keep the ball when in possession as well, Premier League here we come!

1

craftyoblue added 10:44 - Aug 10 Excellent result against a good side. Luke Hyam was outstanding and we lost the midfield when he came off but excellent performances from Murphy, Berra and McGoldrick. We did miss Cresswell on the left though.
1

unstableblue added 11:38 - Aug 10 Great result and superb to get 3 points against a relegated Premiership side. In the end that's what matters. As with last year the away team dominated possession and were far superior in passing and movement, but Town's work rate, defence and sharpness up front were very strong today - ultimately it was a deserved victory. The first half was dominated by Fulham; their fans singing 'ole' during one dominant period summed up the 60%. But our defence were hardly troubled and with Hyam and Skuse sitting very deep protecting, Fulham looked to have nothing in the final third. Our goal came from Hyam pushing further up the pitch, bringing the ball forward and feeding Murphy who finished superbly. It was the goal of a high qualIty striker - a striker who could make such a difference this season. Alas his Hungarian counterpart looked very much out of his depth. Hope he comes good, but the difference between he and Murphy seems large and when Didsy came on it completely changed aspects of out game. We suddenly were able to hold the ball and we put together a couple of nice passing moves. For me Chambers was an enigma, in the first half he was defensively solid, but his lack of full back composure was exposed and he went long numerous times, or lost possession. Second half our captain came to life in the Fulham half, beating the man and providing good service. Our other full back Mings had an even more exasperating performance - he is blessed which such pace and languid ability that he does so much right. I really like him. But his performance had a lot question marks! His positioning and decision making was questionable and he sometimes hoofed. Having said that his forward passing has the potential to be far superior to chambers. Smith and Berra were just class. Gerken however looked a little lost at times. And his save from his own error was more luck than judgement. Skuse and Hyam was a funny peformance. Luke did better than his partner. More involved. But skuse had moments of good position and passing. They were very deep; and as a home side we really should have these guys more forward. They were greatly helped when Didsy came on as he hold the ball so well and creates space for them to move forward into. The move and his goal were excellent. Hewitt was good, and had some good plaudits, but I thought he flitted in and out of the game. Tabb had a positive game, albeit some frustrating moments. So overall a great result. I think we played Fulham at just the right time, with very little bite. Harder games to come. Hopefully we can get Didsy fit. Replace Tabb, preservere with Hewitt. Not sure chambers, nor skuse, nor Gerken are the future. Mings may also be dropped after such a mixed peformance. It's not pretty but it's effective.

0

rachelsdad added 11:43 - Aug 10 great to start with three pts,typically hard working performance against a good side.Berra and Smith outstanding in defence and Hyam put in a good shift in midfield.still lacking flair and pace in midfield but Hewitt showed some promise.more to come from him hopefully.great to see McGoldrick back to help Murphy who took his goal well after good work from Hyam.
1

Orraman added 11:59 - Aug 10 Good to see Town containing Fulham first 30 mins. Murphy's well taken goal from a sublime Hyam pass settled us and we were well in control from then until 85th minute. Midfield much more positive with 2 shots on goal from Skuse. Felt that Town lost control with the substitutions of Skuse and Hyam but overall a good team effort with everyone working their socks off. Encouraging start

2

Pilgrimblue added 12:26 - Aug 10 For me the positives were Murphy Hyam defence (not Mings!) and of course Mcg I wasn't happy with Mings, his passing was poor and got lost upfield too often but luckily Smithy tidied up. I'm still not a lover of Scuse he's slow, too negative much the same with Wordsworth who although plays higher up he still lacks pace and passing was poor. His miss was shocking!! While Tabb played well he was at times unable to cope with pace and his lack of height is real problem. I'd get williams back pronto (if available) and hope that Stewart gets fit soon

0

BlueNote added 12:53 - Aug 10 Hard fought win. Great start to the season, but still require a bit more quality in the middle of the park.
2

OhDavidMcGoaldrick added 12:55 - Aug 10 Good game and brilliant to get off to a winning start against what was a very talented but not yet gelled Fulham midfield and attack. Not too impressed with the ball retention first half but with McGoldrick on we are a dangerous side. Defence was solid apart from Mings who was often out of position. Chambers looks like he's growing into the right back role and got forward with a good cross to wordsworth, absolutely love chambers, he plays with so much passion. Hyam very snappy in midfield and gave us some bite and aggression. However, skuse was outdone by parker in the midfield. Hewitt was solid and put in some meaty tackles. All in all a good start.

1

stantheman added 14:52 - Aug 10 This defence will go a long way in giving us a chance this season. Still need midfield reinforcement with one box to box player.
1

TractorCam added 15:46 - Aug 10 LOVE IT
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TractorCam added 15:46 - Aug 10 LOVE IT
0

AYACCA added 16:59 - Aug 10 A fired-up IPSWICH took full advantage of Fulhams shambolic summer to secure a convincing victory in Fulhams first game in the Championship for 40 years. The visitors started with nine new faces and could only name four players on the bench amid rumours of player registration issues. And the lack of cohesion and unity showed before the break asMurphys calm sidefoot finish made it -0. Fulham improved but wasted a couple of half-chances and town eased to victory. Town also had opportunities after McG made it 2 nil to increase the lead but the fact it only finished 2-0 came as surprise after a first half dominated by the hosts at a sell-out Portman Road Ground. Did you know? Nottingham Forest's win was only their second in 13 games against Blackpool Rampant Forest, buoyed by Pearce's much-anticipated homecoming and the double signing of Britt Assombalonga and Antonio after a difficult week, were too strong for a Blackpool side beset by off-field ownership issues and unrest. The Tangerines only had eight players registered with less than two weeks to go before the start of the season and they understandably played like strangers. They did at least show spirit in the opening 20 minutes. And despite barely getting out of their own half, they had the best chance when Nathan Delfouneso headed wastefully wide from a free-kick. Play media Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue. Pearce on Forest v Blackpool But the Reds, with Andy Reid majestically directing play from the centre of midfield, were in control. They led when Reid's swerving long-range strike came back off the post and was calmly placed into the back of the net by debutant Antonio. The goal prompted a familiar Pearce fist-pump in celebration and within five minutes the former England Under-21 boss was celebrating again, turning to the crowd and applauding after Burke's fabulous curled shot from the edge of the box. But with a hammering looking likely, Blackpool improved considerably, playing with greater discipline in midfield, closing Reid down and posing problems in the final third through Delfouneso and Andrea Orlandi. Orlandi curled an effort just wide after a fine passing move and Forest began to tire and misplace their passes. Assombalonga had a couple of half-chances but was unable to get a clear opportunity and the goal he so craved. The home side also failed to make the most of numerous good positions but did not need the security of a third goal.

-3

cambsman added 17:15 - Aug 10 Good solid performance in my eyes by far the best we have seen of Jay Tabb he gave all for the team and kept a constant pressure on the Fulham right side winning and retreaving the ball and what a pleasure to see a referee who let the game flow with out constant blowing for minimal contact freekicks
0

cambsman added 17:18 - Aug 10 Good solid performance in my eyes by far the best we have seen of Jay Tabb he gave all for the team and kept a constant pressure on the Fulham right side winning and retreaving the ball and what a pleasure to see a referee who let the game flow with out constant blowing for minimal contact freekicks
0

superkevinwilson added 17:54 - Aug 10 Ayacca a sold out Portman road?
0

pointofblue added 19:39 - Aug 10 A solid start to the season and we must have one of the hardest working teams in the league. I don't know what's happened to Hyam in pre-season - I was always a fan but he stepped up about five gears yesterday. It will be interesting to see how both he and Skuse fair against a more experienced battle-hardened midfield. I thought Mings looked slightly out of his depth and Hewitt and Tabb had dodgy moments in the first half but were great in the second. The rest of the defence were steady; Smith was unfortunate with the own goal and Chambers' turn and cross for Wordsworth was sublime. I think I had forgotten how much McGoldrick brings to the team and I just hope we don't rush him back. Murphy picked up the mantle last year when Didz was injured and he's carrying it on now which is great to see. I'm surprised Bajner couldn't stand the pace but hopefully he'll pick up match fitness as time goes on. I found it bemusing that we had a more attacking midfield at 2-0 than 0-0 and it showed, especially after Fulham scored.

0

spanishblue added 10:32 - Aug 11 I sat in the upper north stand I thought,all the boys put an awful lot of effort in that obviously some are on a steep learning curve .Tabb after last years performances was outstanding ,Luke Hyam was awesome along with Murphy the defence was cool calm and very very efficient, Mings has a bit to learn ,Elliot has proved he can hack it at this level and will obviously get better (how good will that be ), skusey is a player who just does his bit so easily class act Didzy is back what a player obviously we need some back

0

joshITFCporter added 16:25 - Aug 11 Luke Hyam has finally added attacking play to his game and he showed it. dominated the Midfield and had the game of his life,with Skuse aiding him in totally counteracting the diamond midfield that Fulham played. murphy was Very unselfish, with the stats showing he made Three Key Passes, the most of any player on the pitch (Opta Data) as well as an excellent run and finish past an inexperienced goalkeeper in Jossen, which showed by his poor commanding of his box and his constantly inaccurate goal kicks. In the other net Dean Gerken had a relatively Quiet game, making the one mistake but brilliantly redeeming himself by having his outstretched foot stop Moussa Dembele from pouncing. Bajner was the most disappointing town performance for me, due largely to his lack of time with the ball, with it taking 28 minutes for his first completed pass, however one attack of his late in the first half had a hint of Alan lee in his prime with excellent positioning and a good footballing vision. Mings has stated he is playing his own way and not trying to fill cressy's Boots, which he did alright at, but feel he was slightly lacking defensively, possibly due to inexperience but he was largely solid, with the only problem being his clearances mostly going to fulham a midfield. Young Cameron Burgess was fulham's brightest spark of life with his clearances preventing us getting a cricket score as his fellow centre backs were very inconsistent. Overalls against a recently relegated and established premier league team it was a performance to remember, and although Fulham did not gel that well due to lack of playtime together, it was great to see our players have good link ups, especially the chambers/Hewitt overlaps and the return of Murphys powerful presence, perfectly linking with Mcgoldricks ability on the ball COYB!

0

Pessimistic added 19:44 - Aug 11 This was a tenacious display by Town and in the end it was their tenacity that got them the points with a wholehearted team performance of the very highest order. Murphy was superb as was the bulk of the team.
0

tractorkent added 09:35 - Aug 12 A good team performance to start the season with.Both Skuse and Hyam both done their jobs well. I was impressed with Hyam but I would still like to see a creatve central midfield player. A good start however agaisnt a good team
0