REPORT: SHEFFIELD UNITED 6, PETERBOROUGH UNITED 2: Blades were far too sharp for pitiful Posh
The Blades had scored one goal and picked up just two points before today’s game and, although they had strengthened on transfer deadline day, only one new signing started this game.
But they were a class apart from Posh who, although showing moments of promise going forward, were a shambles defensively, barely winning a challenge of note.
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Hide AdAmazingly, given how the game played out, Posh reached the break level after Jack Marriott’s excellent finish and the same player really should have fired his side in front soon after the restart, but was defied by an excellent double save.
Within four minutes the Blades were 3-1 up and they stormed 5-1 ahead with still 20 minutes to go before substitute Jonson Clarke-Harris converted a 78th minute penalty after he’d fallen to the ground rather softly. A pity penalty perhaps from referee Stephen Martin whose foul count against the Blades was precisely one at that point.
Posh were without injury victim Nathan Thompson and left Clarke-Harris on the substitutes’ bench, preferring instead the pace of Marriott up front. Josh Knight stepped in for Thompson on the right of the back three with Frankie Kent assuming the captaincy.
The Blades were without classy midfielder Sander Berge because of Covid. New signing Morgan Gibbs-White started, but another newboy Conor Hourihane was left on the bench. The hosts still fielded a side with huge experience in the Premier League as well as the Championship.
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Hide AdAnd for half an hour it was one-way traffic towards the Posh goal. The home side were slick on the ball and wing-backs pushed high up the pitch enjoyed the freedom of Bramall Lane.
The movement of veteran Billy Sharp and young Iliman Ndaiye was also a problem and pressure told after 14 minutes, ironically straight after the first Posh corner of the game, a woeful one obviously.
The Blades won a free-kick, took it quickly, and Gibbs-White was soon pulling the ball back for Ndaiye to convert first-time from the edge of the area.
Sharp then shot wide after a quick turn and a cross from the veteran was just missed by Ndiaye. Posh ‘keeper Christy Pym then did well to get down and save at Pym’s feet after some poor defending by Josh Knight. Appeals for a penalty from a follow-up challenge were rejected by referee Martin.
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Hide AdThe Blades appeared to win every header in the Posh box. Knight and Dan Butler were both tackled inside their own penalty away without punishment and high balls and offside flags stopped any Posh attacks.
But a couple of terrific pieces of football lead to corners and provided hope. Ollie Norburn, Sammie Szmodics and Siriki Dembele were all involved with the latter playing the unmarked Knight - from his centre-back position - into the area. Unfortunately his cross was cleared.
But Posh then struck against the run of play. Pym’s huge clearance was miscontrolled by Jack Robinson and Marriott pounced, robbing the defender and streaking clear to drill the ball home five minutes before the break.
Two minutes later Marriott again robbed a defender on halfway, was taken down, but referee Martin didn’t even give a free kick, much to Posh boss Darren Ferguson’s annoyance as he raced onto the pitch in complaint.
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Hide AdThe equaliser woke the home side up and following another poorly defended corner Coventry and Butler delivered excellent blocks to keep Posh on level terms at the break.
And Marriott should have fired Posh in front soon after the restart. Good penalty area penetration by Harrison Burrows led to a shot from Dembele being deflected straight to Marriott with just goalkeeper Wes Foderingham to beat. His first shot was saved as was his follow-up before Burrows was cautioned for simulation.
And punishment soon arrived and it was self-inflicted. Kent’s straight pass out of defence was picked up by John Fleck who exchanged passes with Sharp before scoring neatly.
And two minutes later Posh again lost possession in their own half. Sharp wriggled down the right and crossed perfectly for Ben Osborn to convert from close range.
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Hide AdNdaiye then raced clear only for Pym to save as Posh continued to struggle defensively.
It was 4-1 on 68 minutes when Gibbs-White smashed a shot into the top corner and 5-1 a couple of minutes later thanks to a close-range header from Ndiaye.
That Clarke-Harris penalty appeared to give Posh the last word, but Osborn cruised into the penalty area unchallenged to make it six on the stroke of full-time, by which time Posh had reverted to a midfield diamond.
Match details:
Posh: Christy Pym, Josh Knight, Frankie Kent, Dan Butler, Harrison Burrows, Joe Ward, Oliver Norburn (sub Jack Taylor, 63 mins), Conor Coventry, Sammie Szmodics (sub Jorge Grant. 72 mins), Siriki Dembele, Jack Marriott (sub Jonson Clarke-Harris, 72 mins).
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Hide AdUnused subs: Dai Cornell, Ronnie Edwards, Joe Tomlinson, Joel Randall,
Sheffield United: Wes Foderingham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, John Egan, Morgan Gibbs-White (sub Oli McBurnie, 76 mins), George Baldock, Jack Robinson, Oliver Norwood (sub Conor Hourihane, 71 mins), Ben Osborn, John Fleck, Iliman Ndiaye (sub, Luke Freeman, 72 mins), Billy Sharp
Unused subs: Michael Verrips, Chris Basham, Rhian Brewster, Jayden Bogle.
Goals: Posh - Marriott (40 mins), Clarke-Harris (pen, 78 mins).
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Hide AdSheffield United - Ndiaye (14 mins & 70), Fleck (52 mins), Osborn (54 mins & 90 + 3 mins), Gibbs-White (68 mins),
Cautions; Posh - Burrows (simulation), Butler (foul).
Referee: Stephen Martin 6.
Attendance: 27,395 (1.995 Posh).
LIVE BLOG: Sheffield United vs Posh
Key Events
- 6-2 Sheffield United FT
- Posh thumped by rampant Sheffield United side
- Before today, Sheffield United had just one goal and two points in the league
- Posh went in level at the break after Marriott’s first goal in a year
- Posh conceded two goals in three minutes twice in the second half
- Late JCH penalty was nothing more than a consolation
- Posh slip to 23rd in the league
Past meetings
Sheffield United have won 11 of the 16 meetings between the sides and three of the last five. however, Posh’s two wins did come at Bramall Lane. The most recent of which being that special match in 2016 when Washington, Oztumer and Samuelson scored sensational goals in a 3-2 win.
Last 5 meetings:
Feb 11 2017- Posh 0-1 Sheff U
Sep 17 2016- Sheff U 1-0 Posh
Jan 2 2016- Sheff U 2-3 Posh (Washington, Oztumer, Samuelson)
Aug 18 2015- Posh (Coulibaly) 1-2 Sheff U
March 3 2015- Sheff U 1-2 Posh (Payne, Washington)
Fergie: Players need to ‘believe'
Peterborough United manager confident his side can slug it out with another Championship heavyweight and could the midfield diamond make a comeback?
Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson has urged his players to ‘believe’ as they prepare to slug it out with a Championship big hitter in Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday (September 11).
Some interesting comments from Jokanovic, expects a lot of “long ball" from Posh
Sheffield United boss labels Peterborough United ‘a long-ball, counter-attacking team’, key men could be back, a Posh/Blades thriller from 2016, big match odds and a surprising struggle
Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic expects long balls and counter attacks from Peterborough United in their Championship fixture at Bramall Lane tomorrow (September 11, 3pm).
Fergie calls for bravery and more energy today
Peterborough United manager calls for bravery on the ball and more energy as he plots a first away success of the season at Sheffield United
Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson says his players must be braver on the ball if they are to topple Sheffield United in a Championship game at Bramall Lane tomorrow (September 11).
Man in the middle
Stephen Martin is today’s referee. He has been a regular in the Championship since 2016. The last Posh match he took charge of was in September 2015, a 2-3 loss at home to Bury.
A rare double from Gaby Zakuani put Posh 2-1 up but the 25th minute red card for Oztumer caught up with Graham Westley’s side in the end and The Shakers won 3-2.
It’s good to be back! After what is a new perk, if you like, Posh have been able to take a breather from their league campaign due to the international break and will go again today with a trip to Bramall Lane. It was a fine performance last time out that was cruelly denied a point at the death and the break has given the chance for the likes of Dembele, Taylor and Marriott to get themselves closer to full fitness.
Darragh promised a new Posh side after the break, let’s see what they’re like. Follow all the action here.
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