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Sheffield United 2-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Saturday, 27th Apr 2019 19:15

Scott Hogan and Jack O’Connell netted a goal in each half as Sheffield United comfortably beat the Blues 2-0 at Bramall Lane to all but secure their return to the Premier League after a 12-year hiatus. Hogan turned home the opener on 24 and O’Connell added the second in the 71st minute.

Town boss Paul Lambert made four changes with the Blues switching to a three-man backline - matching home side’s system - with Cole Skuse a surprise starter in between skipper Luke Chambers and Toto Nsiala.

Myles Kenlock was back in the side at left wing-back with Callum Elder dropping to the bench, while James Bree was on the right.

In midfield, Teddy Bishop joined Flynn Downes and Alan Judge with Trevoh Chalobah and Andre Dozzell among the subs.

Up front, Kayden Jackson came into the team, with Gwion Edwards missing from the XI that started against Swansea, alongside Will Keane.

Town were under the cosh from the off at a noisy, buoyant and expectant Bramall Lane with McGoldrick not too far away from getting his toe to a Basham cross from the right in only the third minute. Soon after, another ball in from the right evaded everyone in the penalty area.

The early pressure briefly subsided as Keane suffered what looked to be a recurrence of his hamstring injury in the eighth minute and, Town having no striker on the bench, was replaced by Chalobah, who came into the midfield with Judge moving to a free role off Jackson.

But the Blades dominance continued once the game restarted and in the 12th minute McGoldrick got away from Chambers on the Town right but Nsiala cut out his low cross towards Hogan. The former Blues frontman might well have taken the chance on himself.

The Blues finally began to see something of the ball as the quarter of an hour mark was reached and in the 16th minute Downes shot wide from distance.

Town began to become more confident in possession and in the 23rd minute Bishop broke into the area before hitting a shot which was blocked out for a throw.

But two minutes later, the Blades took the lead. Jack O’Connell was fed in on the left, leaving Bishop in his wake, crossed low and Hogan touched the ball across Dean Gerken at the near post and into the net.


Having got their noses in front the home side resumed their domination but didn’t seriously threaten again until the 33rd minute when skipper Ollie Norwood’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected over.

A minute later McGoldrick almost created a second for the Blades with a sublime pass which fed George Baldock in on goal as he broke into the area on the right but the former MK Dons man was crowded out and the Blues eventually forced the ball away from goal.

Blades attacks continued to come in waves with the Blues digging deep defensively to prevent the home side from adding to their lead, while play rarely moved to the other end of the field where Dean Henderson in goal was a virtual spectator.

On 40 Norwood scuffed an effort wide from the edge of the box after McGoldrick had nodded back a ball into the area.

Chalobah headed tamely wide for Town following a Judge freekick on the right in the 43rd minute but play quickly returned to the other end of the field. In two minutes of injury time Judge was booked for a foul.

The home side were applauded off at the break after a dominant display which deserved more than their single goal lead.

The distance between the teams in league position terms was evident throughout the half with the Blues never seriously threatening, only briefly able to pass the ball around and spending much of the period desperately hanging on at the back against a slick and confident home side.

The Blades went close to doubling their lead three minutes after the break, Norwood slamming a freekick from a very tight angle on the left against the far post.

Town continued to struggle to keep the ball out of their own half of the field and on 57 half of Bramall Lane thought McGoldrick had headed his side’s second of the afternoon from a Norwood cross from the right but the ball flew the wrong side of the post and nestled in the side-netting.

A minute later, Gerken saved from Hogan, then blocked the follow-up but with the flag having been raised.

On 62 Blades club captain and 24-goal top scorer Billy Sharp - a Town target in January 2015 and on a number of other occasions - took over from Hogan.

Sharp almost made an immediate impact after being sent away towards the penalty area as the Blades counter-attacked following a rare Blues foray forward. However, Skuse read the situation and got across to take the ball away from the Blades skipper.

Town were left without any out-and-out strikers on the field in the 68th minute when Jackson was replaced by Dozzell.

A minute later, defender John Egan should have added to the Blades’ lead but headed Norwood’s corner over the bar when it seemed easier to hit the target.

However, the home fans wouldn’t have to wait too long for the security of that second goal.

In the 71st minute Fleck sent over a corner and O’Connell, the man who supplied the first goal, headed home to send Bramall Lane into raptures, fans knowing that promotion to the Premier League was all but confirmed.

On 78 McGoldrick was replaced to a standing ovation from the home support but also the Town travelling fans. Gary Madine took over, the in the 85th minute, with the game effectively over to all intents and purposes, John Lundstram replaced Mark Duffy for the home team, whose fans had already begun their post-match celebrations.

As the clock ticked over to 89 Judge smashed Town’s first shot on target from 35 yards but Henderson helped it over the bar and the resultant corner came to nothing.

Two minutes of injury time were seen out without incident before referee Tim Robinson’s whistle triggered the biggest cheer of the afternoon, Blades fans knowing that barring ludicrous scorelines in the final games they will be playing Premier League football for the first time since 2006/07.

A handful of fans ran on the pitch to boos from their fellow supporters before the home players celebrated in a huddle on the pitch.

Meanwhile, the Town players trooped off following yet another defeat having been thoroughly outclassed by a hugely impressive Blades side.

The Blues were never able to impose themselves on the match and but for some desperate defending and occasionally less than clinical finishing would have been beaten more comprehensively.

Town’s nightmare 2018/19 campaign will finally end next Sunday when they host Leeds at Portman Road in a game which following tonight’s match will be a dead rubber with the Whites now effectively out of the running for the top two given their goal difference.

Sheffield United: Henderson, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Baldock, Norwood (c), Fleck, Stevens, Duffy (Lundstram 85), McGoldrick (Madine 77), Hogan (Sharp 63). Unused: Dowell, Madine, Stearman, Moore, Cranie.

Town: Gerken, Bree, Chambers (c), Nsiala, Kenlock, Skuse, Bishop, Downes, Judge, Keane (Chalobah 8), Jackson (Dozzell 68). Unused: Elder, Emmanuel, Bialkowski, El Mizouni, Ndaba. Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex). Att: 30,140 (Town: 914).


Photo: Action Images



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Gilesy added 19:19 - Apr 27
We weren't terribly good.
8

TimmyH added 19:22 - Apr 27
What an anemic side we are, what did we contribute to that second half other than the long range effort from Judge in the 89th minute?...the difference between the 2 sides you'd think that they had a side built on millions but the sad fact is Wilder had a similar budget to McCarthy last season and was 16th in the table this season in terms of expenditure. The only positive I can take is Skuse looked far better as a defender than a holding midfielder so maybe he can replace Chambers next season?

But on the basis what I've seen this season I'd be very surprised if we get in the play-offs in league one...very sad times to be a Town fan.
30

bluebury25 added 19:22 - Apr 27
we're not coming straight back up people need to get real.
30

DoseOfReality added 19:23 - Apr 27
Worst town side ever by a country mile

Probably worst side ever to be relegated

Only reason we're in Lge 1 is coz can't go straight to Lge 2

Marcus Evans hang your head in shame, complete abject failure from the time your name associated with club. It took you 8 years to show your face & I wish you hadn't because you just spout a load of sh1te
33

SickParrot added 19:24 - Apr 27
Only 2-0, so I suppose that we must regard that as a good result! Am I correct in thinking we have not had a clean sheet away all season? I think it is clear that we we need to sign 4 or 5 decent players to have any chance of being competitive next season.
10

ITFCsince73 added 19:25 - Apr 27
Toothless, the lot of them. Led by Chambo, the worst captain in the clubs history.
And another 2 years of this horrendous captaincy to go. When hes finished with us, we'll be a L2 club.
17

itsonlyme added 19:26 - Apr 27
We were shockingly piss poor! We have no chance of coming back up without a major change in all things ITFC I am afraid.
23

jong75 added 19:27 - Apr 27
Simply rubbish.
No excuses.
We did not play well Mr Lambert before you say it.
Too lightweight.
Looked scared in defence.
15

speccybaz added 19:27 - Apr 27
Unfortunately very predictable, both in terms of performance and result. Probably Keane's last appearance in a Town shirt and to play for a long period without a striker sums up our limitations. I think Bishop and Downes are bright lights but other than that it all seems very dark at the moment. ‘Be careful what you wish for'. No way! I wish for strikers and goals, COYB.
12

StokeHigh97 added 19:31 - Apr 27
What can we say: we were abysmal from start 2 finish: yes I never expected us to beat Sheffield Utd or get a point: but to watch the gulf in class was enormous! It's shows what we've become when I'm pleased with a 2-0 which could've been 6/7: Chambers was Shocking lost count the amount of times he gave it away or out of position: I know we need experience in league 1 but on his form this season depending on Summer recruitment he could struggle 2 play much as his form deserves it: when you look at the team/squad! Goalkeeper position is a worry centre-half & full backs need adressing: Midfield no aggression or creative no pace & when we play 1 up front he gets no support hardly anyone going beyond him or linking up: we're in a mess League 1 is going to be hard unless we get summer recruitment right on the squad we have I don't think we would finish Top half & for Lambert he needs a good start next season if not I could see him gone by October: Its the lowest I've ever felt being a town fan of 30+ years: fingers crossed it can't get worse or will it....
24

RicAllen added 19:34 - Apr 27
Is the season over yet??😐
4

heathen66 added 19:34 - Apr 27
No more or less than I expected.
Lacked any passion, direction or leadership.
Obviously only threw that formation together this morning which was not helped by Keane getting injured...again.
After 4 years that was Cole Skuse's best game by a long long way, but that just made Chambers even more of a liability.
Poor performance,poor effort.
Bishop looked lively at times but not enough. Kenlock Ok and that was about it. A few too many mistakes but Nsiala was strong in possesion and in the tackle
12

muhrensleftfoot added 19:36 - Apr 27
2 years ago they were in League One. Now they're Premier League. Let's hope we can do the same but we don't even look close...
7

DurhamTownFan added 19:37 - Apr 27
Lots of things to complain about but I'm just going to ask: is Gerken the most lightweight keeper you've ever seen? It may have been a foul, but he needs to make people get out of his way!
8

RobsonWark added 19:41 - Apr 27
Can someone please tell me what Chambers does for the team? Why does he get picked week in week out? If anybody watched the game on Sky this evening they would have seen we should have been 2-0 down after 12 minutes caused by two horrendous mistakes by Chambers!

For Sheff Utd's second goal he didn't jump for the ball (his feet never left the ground). It was an easy header for their player.

He doesn't care about our club, only cares about the wages he is picking up each week paid for by the loyal supporters of this club. He wasn't even shouting at any of the player in this game because he knows how bad he is. Totally embarrassing performance by him yet AGAIN!

Come on you die hard Chambers supporters - you surely must see how useless he is now (even with your rose tinted glasses on!).

He will take us down to League 2 if he is in the team next season.
17

Trac70 added 19:43 - Apr 27
I'm sorry but we were awful and embarrassing. We are clueless from back to front. We are in serious trouble as a club. Nothing positive at all about that performance. There IS trouble ahead. Sad times. ITID.
15

warktheline added 19:45 - Apr 27
No ‘tail wagging', absolutely nothing! Passionless , reflecting the owner ! Yet another ‘sick note' ( this time Keane) truly highlighting the counterproductive nature of such signings! Anyhow SHUT UP and support the club if of course you are a TRUE BLUE! 🤣....sleepwalking defiant happy clappers , you KNOW WHO YOU ARE! What a fool believes!

It's going to get a lot worse!
8

Marinersnose added 19:45 - Apr 27
The result was never in any doubt but the score flatters us to be fair. Where do I start. Well a positive line up with two up front but Keane not fit and that's him done for the season. He will find another Championship side I'm sure. Gerken still hasn't managed to improve on a fundamental role kicking a ball. He did okay generally but second goal he failed to command his six yard box. Kenlock did well at times and will improve. Bree is poor and can go back to Leicester reserve team. Chambers again very poor and this was so evident. Even my wife commented on him. Skuse did well today. Midfield was in and out but nobody got hold of the ball. Judge was busy as usual. Problem remains no goal threat in the club. Hats off to Sheff Utd who are easy on the eye and have a fantastic manager. If MM was watching I'm sure he could see that David McG is a top player if you keep it on the deck. Let's try and beat Leeds. Names in a hat for who wants to be a striker for the day . Sad times
15

jas0999 added 19:45 - Apr 27
Embarrassing. This squad is without a shadow of a doubt the worst that I can remember. Serious question need to be asked as to how it's come to this. I know that Evans still has a handful of supporters, but at any other club his actions and rank poor management of the club wouldn't be tolerated.

We have been relegated at a canter and it's arguable whether we will be even remotely good enough to bounce back. We certainly won't if we continue with the ridiculous plan to play inexperienced kids. I think what Evans actually means is he will do next season on the cheap.

There is no point signing Keane and the dead wood such as Gerken and Adeyemi need to move on in the summer
19

ITFCsince73 added 19:45 - Apr 27
It amazes me that people believe, we just have to add to the squad we've got.
Bish, Downes and Dozzell are our most valuable assets.
I'd be surprised if two of those three aren't sold this summer, to help Evans with the cash situation.
The loan players go back, our better players will be sold.
Then we add to what's left....
7

Gilesy added 19:51 - Apr 27
For those comparing us to Sheff Utd two years ago...we can't remember how good or bad they were then so it is possible we could do a complete about turn. I doubt we will, but I date say most Sheff Utd (or Leeds, or Norwich or Southampton or Nottm Forest) fans did when they went down. Tonight's performance, albeit woeful, is really pretty inconsequential.
1

Suffolkboy added 19:51 - Apr 27
Who sold ALL our scorers ? Who sold a very good centre back ?
Where was the footballing wisdom at ITFC outside the training ground ?– certainly never any evidence that I Milne had a clue ,and Bowen was a complete non person ,lacking in character and unimpressive .
At least two near useless appointments as Mgr ( Jewell - over the hill and ‘sold out ‘ and RK hopeless in more ways than one ) : yet when a solid professional ,dour but intelligent and warm Yorkshire man came in someone totally failed to act in a proper business like fashion ,and money allocated then might have seen us on the brink of success .
Too late ,too late and compounded by another dreadful Managerial incomer .
What you sow ,so you shall reap !
SO we shall have to readjust ,stop moaning , agree to support and the delight in renewed success ,we hope , at a lower level .
Let's get together everyone and look forward optimistically !
COYB
10

Dolphinblue added 19:54 - Apr 27
Positive signs in a gutsy display...Skuse was excellent....onwards and upwards 😀
-9

Ipstones added 19:58 - Apr 27
Absolute shambles ! No thread of a hope ! As per my previous posts . Sad sad day yet again ! Lost count of how many times we kicked to no one and ball went out! I have often bemoaned our lack of strikers which is still the major concern. However I also used to bemoan a lack of any creativity !as in evidence again today! However ... however I can see now how blinded I have been it is the defence where all the blame lies they are like rabbits in headlights playing in barefoot with a hot potato! They are always capable of a mistake every other game and need the rest of the team to bail them out constantly hence any attack thereafter goes nowhere as team is knackered chasing. Then we get ball and give it away like pass the parcel ! With no goal threat or even god forbid incisive passing we are on a massive downward spiral with no easy fix ! Am gutted for the arduous journey ahead dare I say possible oblivion ! Overreacting .... am I ? I hope not ! Now for some beers ! Hope I'm wrong :)
4

bluearmy84 added 19:59 - Apr 27
Thats the worst side ive seen in a blue shirt!!! couldnt even watch it! Any one who said at the start of the season that they would rather go down than have Mick Mcarthy in charge, and yes there was plenty of people thysaid it! thick as sh!t I hope your enjoying it and the fact im sitting here watching the scum getting promoted at the other end is gut wrenching!! theres no doubt we wouldnt be in this position had mick not been hounded out!!!
-11


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