Blood Bin

Ipswich Town U23 0 v Sheffield United U23 2

Premier League Cup, Group Stage

Monday 22 January 2018

SUFC 2017/18 Game 46

That felt like back on track, with the old band back together. After a bit of Academy disruption - trialists & resting players for the FA Youth Cup. Sure, they had to accommodate Ched Evans on his comeback trail. Sure, they're persevering with Kayne Diedrick-Roberts (KDR). He's the former wonderkid released by Manchester United. I assume he's still on trial. Sure, it looks like Jake Eastwood is being protected for the First Team Bench/FA Cup.

But, the U23 nucleus - Graham, Norrington-Davies, Gilmour, Slater, Hallam, Smith, Doherty - were all out there. Stephen Mallon an’ all. On his own comeback trail.

Lots of commitment from that mob. Utd had two “blood injuries”. Harvey Gilmour needing lengthy treatment. Returning with a full Terry Butcher Turban bandage. Sam Graham also needing treatment for some facial bang or another. I couldn't really see any detail. As we were on the far side opposite the dugouts. The added advantage of that is that Binnion’s shouting is only “deafening” over there. Rather than “unbearable to the human ear” if you're on the same side as him. (I love the fella). Gilmour was also treated for some hand injury. Maybe they strapped some fingers together on the sideline.

As well as those blood injuries, Mrs Ball Sup ghoulishly pointed out Stephen Mallon had started in a Zorro Mask. Incidentally, Mrs Ball Sup now believes herself to be Director Of Travel Logistics for the Carrier Bag Firm. Imagine. The Scenes. Deluded. Humoured.

The Young 'Uns main problem is at Centre Back. Semple still out. Keenan Ferguson still out. George Cantrill took a bang at Birmingham City. Ben Heneghan - who knows. We've had trialists. We've had fill ins. Tonight, we had Sam Graham anchoring in the middle. (Midfielder) Jordan Doherty on the right of a back three. And (Wingback) Rhys Norrington-Davies on the left of a back three. Diedrick-Roberts outside Doherty & Zorro Mallon outside RND.

Slater & Gilmour (my Man Of The Match) were busy box to boxing. Taking & giving. Hallam was in the hole behind Evans & Ty Smith. The first goal was a great little interplay between Tyler Smith & Jordan Hallam. With a nice calm finish. The second goal was a great little interplay between Tyler Smith and Jordan Hallam. With a nice calm finish. Hallam scored the first. Smith the second. My notes highlight great little interplays between Tyler Smith and Jordan Hallam which didn't end in a goal. See what I did there. I'm making the point that they played well together.

I suppose that was a good workout for Evans. He was subbed by Jake Wright born later than the other Jake Wright. On 60 minutes. I thought Evans was livelier last week at Bolton away. He was OK tonight. Nothing special. But, OK. He was pacy in short bursts. But, was out of the game a lot. At times, their Centre Backs seemed to have got him worked out. Out jumping him. Muscling & wrestling him. But, he worked hard at times. He did the defensive stuff when he had to. He really should have scored bang on half time. Jordan Hallam whipped a corner across. Evans got free at the back stick. But, he was a bit slow to react. The ball more or less hit him. Wide it bobbled. I was generally disappointed he wasn't more of a constant attacking threat.

Jake Wright's first challenge was a dinger this side of hum. Boosh. Strong, but clean. The lot has gone in. No one gets hurt. But two players end up on the deck. Including, naturally, one of his own players (Ty Smith I recall). Worth the Entrance Fee alone.

And, I'm still doubtful about Diedrick-Roberts. He was more in it than at Bolton. But, I felt he gave the ball away an awful lot. Some very poor defensive headers.

United were well worth that win. Next time up, I'll be looking for Stephen Mallon to make more of a contribution. Very assured in parts. But, a little lightweight at other times. Get in the game. Make shit happen.

I'm not sure that win helps us a great deal in our Group. Leaves us in third on 6 points from 4 games, 2 to play. Level on points with Ipswich (who have only played 3). And three points behind Villa in top spot. Villa have still to come to Stocksbridge. So, we're hanging in there.

Mondays. Aaarrrggghhh.
Both my main Beer Targets turned out to be Closed Mondays. Come on. We're trying to Complete Afternoon Drinking here. We had to turn tail & bail. To the ever reliable, and frankly fucking open Dove Street Inn.

Wibblers Hop Black on cask at 4%. Not quite black in the glass. Tinged dark, dark brown. Neat off white head. A bit thin & watery. But, well balanced flavours. Some gentle toasted apple. And, some nice hop action. Tongue tingling bitterness. Nothing harsh, keeps you honest.

Burnt Mill Brewery, Green Path, Citra & Mosaic IPA on keg at 6%. My sort of beer that. Lots of citrus when you smell it. A good hit of sweetness up top. Boiled sweet sugar. The sweetness doesn't die. The bitter comes in to back it up in the ruck. Who wants it? Lovely.

597/1252