Adams era begins at Bramall

Monday, 03/01/2011

by Sean Dungworth, Shoot's Sheffield United blogger

Monday’s result has left many Blades wondering whether we lost two points, or gained one, a position I find myself in also.
 
Doncaster’s football maestros came to The Lane on the back of a morale-boosting 3–0 away at Scunthorpe, United on the back of (yet) another trouncing.
 
United have something new in the locker however, Micky Adams and Alan Cork. Two men who bring a never say die attitude to the game.

In contrast to Rovers’ patient ‘carpet’ football, United fans are now expecting The Blades returning to blood-and-thunder football.
 
United have very few players to chose from, the already slender squad being eroded by injuries and suspensions.

Adams’ job is difficult enough without such additional complications, but this ever seems to be the case when you are struggling at the wrong end of the table.

But that is why you employ someone like Adams!
 
A lively encounter ensued, as one expects of a South Yorkshire derby.

Doncaster enjoyed the majority of possession, as you would expect with their style of football, however, they rarely seemed to threaten. When United had the ball they looked to attack, they looked hungry and dangerous.
 
Ched Evans should have put United in the lead on several occasions, but the lad seemed to be suffering from a post New Year hangover.

After seemingly finding his form of late, he squandered chances he was given.
 
Dennis Souza’s sending-off lifted the spirits of the home fans, however it spurred the Rovers’ players on further.

Former Blade Billy Sharp bagged himself a pair of goals, which, overall, were against the run of play and a stunned United found themselves two goals down.
 
The deficit sparked a more determined response from The Blades, and a low shot from Bogdanovic brought the score to 1-2.

United continued to create chances and then in the sixth minute of injury time Rob Kozluk crowned an excellent performance to equalise.

Indeed, special mention should go to Kozluk, who has enjoyed very, very little first-team football since his return to Bramall Lane.

In his first spell at United he was almost ever present, however his performances were often overlooked in favour of more ‘stylish’ players. I think we saw today what he has still to offer, regardless of his age.
 
On a day where I really enjoyed my football, I was a little disappointed to see Billy Sharp blowing kisses to the United faithful after scoring his spot-kick.

Some may say that he was goading the crowd which once idolised him. I like to believe it was something more light hearted, as the vast majority of United fans STILL hold Billy very dearly to their hearts, and when he left United we all wished him well.
     

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