Sheff Utd 1-2 Saints - Match Thread

[Chez]

16 minutes ago, Suhari said:

I don't quite get what he was trying to do.

 

fresh legs, a little more defensive minded players - seems an obvious move to me when you have a lead away from home.

[Baird of the land]

Just now, Chez said:

fresh legs, a little more defensive minded players - seems an obvious move to me when you have a lead away from home.

Maybe if you are playing Man City away. Letting them attack for 20 minutes didn;t seem very obvious to me.

[Teamsaint1]

17 minutes ago, benjii said:

I'd put Armstrong behind Stewart and have two proper wide men.

I know that formations have to be fancy these days,but the thought had occurred to me that while we are struggling, just going old fashioned 442 with those two up front might not be the worst idea. 
Would be a struggle to fit Azaz in, but with our squad  some players will be disappointed each week.

[rallyboy]

Putting aside the obvious issues about that performance, three points away from home and a centre forward who actually scores - this new outcome works for me.

[macca155]

I'm sure Still will keep the same team for Saturday. Maybe Stephens for Quarshie. Depends on the big man's fitness. He may have had a few flaky moments but also quite a few covering tackles. He is so fast, defenders don't get past him.

I liked Downes and Jander v Liverpool. Might be worth linking those two up again.

With such a big squad, Still is going to have to rotate a bit. I just hope it isn't for the sake of it.

[die Mannyschaft]

A win away at last. Take that as two good goals.

On the down side we are still too slow, on break stop at half way line or opposition box the side and back. Lack of creative play 1st half, bit better 2nd. 

[davefizzy14]

We got the job done, a win and to build on going into Saturday. Hopefully we can get even closer to the automatic promotion spots. Onto the game, so pleased for Stewart - two goals (the second one was sublime) 😊 just hoping he stays fit. Wood was outstanding tonight. Jander, Charles, Fellows and McCarthy all very good too 😊 Plenty for Will to be pleased about- COYR 😊

Edited September 30 by davefizzy14

[Sheaf Saint]

6 minutes ago, macca155 said:

I'm sure Still will keep the same team for Saturday. Maybe Stephens for Quarshie. Depends on the big man's fitness. He may have had a few flaky moments but also quite a few covering tackles. He is so fast, defenders don't get past him.

I liked Downes and Jander v Liverpool. Might be worth linking those two up again.

With such a big squad, Still is going to have to rotate a bit. I just hope it isn't for the sake of it.

Quarshie made some errors tonight it's true. Watching back the highlights confirmed what I thought when I saw it for their goal - he tried to put his foot in to poke the ball away but realised he had to pull out of it otherwise he'd have conceded a pen. What he should have done is just keep up and stay tight and then they don't score. But he'll learn.

But that aside, what really struck me was his pace and power. He's got an immense burst of pace which allows him to snuff out danger in a way that Stephens and THB just can't. And despite his errors he also had some really good moments tonight as well.

Edited September 30 by Sheaf Saint

[CylonKing]

Think people are being harsh on Quarshie. For me, he's better than THB and Stephens and thought their goal was hit so well in the only place it could go for a goal, giving their player some credit. Came from losing the ball further up the pitch, and Quarshie forcing the player wide, which is what you'd expect. But, I've not seen it back. Shout out to Wee man who came on, looked great up front on the right and then dropped to LB and was tenacious in everything he did. Superb performance! Wood MoM for me by a mile. Just good to be heading home with 3 points (& 4 pints tucked away). Obviously pleased for Ross as well, first looked scrappy (who cares) but the second in real time looked class! Stills decision to take off Fellows and Azaz at HT were questioned in the stadium, but...it worked! Maybe, just maybe...

Up the Saints

[suewhistle]

Just back from the pub, still in my kit from earlier training. A quick skim from the thread and I've decided there is a business opportunity in cut throat razors for some of the more negative posters on this thread. I missed a lot of the first half and the half time stats looked in our favour but, as the penalty showed, we aren't that good at putting the ball in the net.

We should have done better, but FM, some of you do like to wallow in negativity. I'm pleased for Stewart as scoring for a striker is their raison d'etre and helps future performances. Not always though, as Armstrong's abject penalty showed..

 

[CB Fry]

Missed the whole game as at a gig (The Beta Band, excellent) but just watched the two min highlights.

Ross Stewart looked at right handful and what a goal. Fantastic, follow it up on Saturday with a win and we are right back in the mix.

Well done manager and team

[Patrick Bateman]

2 minutes ago, suewhistle said:

Just back from the pub, still in my kit from earlier training. A quick skim from the thread and I've decided there is a business opportunity in cut throat razors for some of the more negative posters on this thread. I missed a lot of the first half and the half time stats looked in our favour but, as the penalty showed, we aren't that good at putting the ball in the net.

We should have done better, but FM, some of you do like to wallow in negativity. I'm pleased for Stewart as scoring for a striker is their raison d'etre and helps future performances. Not always though, as Armstrong's abject penalty showed..

 

Unusually for Armstrong, I think he tried to place it rather than hit it hard. Don't think I've seen him do that before. 

[Andrew Watson]

That was a tough watch for the last 20 minutes,however a win is all that matters in the end. I think we were a bit lucky with the disallowed goal,there was contact on Macarthy but it was very minimal. Pleased for Stewart [ hopefully he can start to score on a regular basis now ] and really like Jander and for all his messing around Macarthy made a brilliant save from O Hare at 0 - 1, a save Bazunu would  have very unlikely made.

Need to win at Derby and kick on,we went 25 games unbeaten 2 years ago from this point.

[SW11_Saint]

10 minutes ago, CylonKing said:

Think people are being harsh on Quarshie. For me, he's better than THB and Stephens and thought their goal was hit so well in the only place it could go for a goal, giving their player some credit. Came from losing the ball further up the pitch, and Quarshie forcing the player wide, which is what you'd expect. But, I've not seen it back. Shout out to Wee man who came on, looked great up front on the right and then dropped to LB and was tenacious in everything he did. Superb performance! Wood MoM for me by a mile. Just good to be heading home with 3 points (& 4 pints tucked away). Obviously pleased for Ross as well, first looked scrappy (who cares) but the second in real time looked class! Stills decision to take off Fellows and Azaz at HT were questioned in the stadium, but...it worked! Maybe, just maybe...

Up the Saints

The ‘hit’ wasn’t the issue though, it was the way he ‘ushered’ the striker toward goal without the slightest of challenges. Maybe he was worried about a pen on contact, but still, a good defender has to be able to position their body without fouling the attacker. I thought it was diabolical (and if Stephens had done it this place would be lit up!). I can forgive the odd stray pass - there was a couple - but he was also at fault for their ‘equaliser’ too, losing the striker. Thankfully we got away with that one. 

Against all of that, he’s young and still learning, and he’s clearly got potential, I just don’t see him as an automatic starter atm. 

[CylonKing]

7 minutes ago, Patrick Bateman said:

Unusually for Armstrong, I think he tried to place it rather than hit it hard. Don't think I've seen him do that before. 

Just F'in smash it! You're not MLT, more Lambert material. Hit it on target with power, make the keeper do something as it flies at their head.

[Sheaf Saint]

2 minutes ago, CylonKing said:

Just F'in smash it! You're not MLT, more Lambert material. Hit it on target with power, make the keeper do something as it flies at their head.

The keeper had already gone the wrong way. I've no idea why he didn't just side foot it instead of trying to hit the top corner.

I like Arma, but he really needs to be smarter at times. There was a moment in the 2nd half where a ball came out high towards him and a Sheff defender, who jumped and won the header. Arma didn't really challenge for the ball, or even try to just put his opponent off by being physical, and then moments later he got booked for needlessly tripping the same player from behind. Brainless really. He just makes poor decisions constantly. 

[saintant]

26 minutes ago, CylonKing said:

Think people are being harsh on Quarshie. For me, he's better than THB and Stephens and thought their goal was hit so well in the only place it could go for a goal, giving their player some credit. Came from losing the ball further up the pitch, and Quarshie forcing the player wide, which is what you'd expect. But, I've not seen it back. Shout out to Wee man who came on, looked great up front on the right and then dropped to LB and was tenacious in everything he did. Superb performance! Wood MoM for me by a mile. Just good to be heading home with 3 points (& 4 pints tucked away). Obviously pleased for Ross as well, first looked scrappy (who cares) but the second in real time looked class! Stills decision to take off Fellows and Azaz at HT were questioned in the stadium, but...it worked! Maybe, just maybe...

Up the Saints

No, it was a tidy finish in the chaos of a crowded penalty area. Stewart took it with coolness and placed it firmly and accurately where others may have panicked and fluffed the chance.

[trousers]

39 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Quarshie made some errors tonight it's true. Watching back the highlights confirmed what I thought when I saw it for their goal - he tried to put his foot in to poke the ball away but realised he had to pull out of it otherwise he'd have conceded a pen. What he should have done is just keep up and stay tight and then they don't score. But he'll learn.

But that aside, what really struck me was his pace and power. He's got an immense burst of pace which allows him to snuff out danger in a way that Stephens and THB just can't. And despite his errors he also had some really good moments tonight as well.

Yep, that's my view too. I didn't think he was as bad tonight as a lot are making out. Yes, he had a couple of clangers but he also snuffed out a number of their chances with his speed and physical presence. As you say, he has  attributes that Stephens and THB don't and, given all three of them are prone to the odd mistake here and there, I'd stick with Quarshie given his other qualities. 

Edited September 30 by trousers

[trousers]

27 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Missed the whole game as at a gig (The Beta Band, excellent) but just watched the two min highlights.

Ross Stewart looked at right handful and what a goal. Fantastic, follow it up on Saturday with a win and we are right back in the mix.

Well done manager and team

It was the leprechauns that won it

[Lee On Solent Saint]

12 minutes ago, SW11_Saint said:

The ‘hit’ wasn’t the issue though, it was the way he ‘ushered’ the striker toward goal without the slightest of challenges. Maybe he was worried about a pen on contact, but still, a good defender has to be able to position their body without fouling the attacker. I thought it was diabolical (and if Stephens had done it this place would be lit up!). I can forgive the odd stray pass - there was a couple - but he was also at fault for their ‘equaliser’ too, losing the striker. Thankfully we got away with that one. 

Against all of that, he’s young and still learning, and he’s clearly got potential, I just don’t see him as an automatic starter atm. 

He absolutely scares the shit out of me, couple of times tonight he underhit simple passes and doesn't look comfortable with the ball. Wood also has a tendency to switch of too, I think ultimately THB will replace one of them soon.

[saintant]

5 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

He absolutely scares the shit out of me, couple of times tonight he underhit simple passes and doesn't look comfortable with the ball. Wood also has a tendency to switch of too, I think ultimately THB will replace one of them soon.

Yeah, he's looked rock solid and hardly put a foot wrong - no mistakes in good old dependable THB.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

Yeah, he's looked rock solid and hardly put a foot wrong - no mistakes in good old dependable THB.

He'll get another chance, one I expect him to take. 

[saintant]

Just now, Lee On Solent Saint said:

He'll get another chance, one I expect him to take. 

If he takes it then fair enough but he's been well short of his expected levels so far and was rightly dropped. On his day he is a good centre back but he seems to have lost his way. Roy needs to have a firm word or two with him about career prospects because he's gone backwards lately.

[Andrew Watson]

All our centre backs [ all our defenders actually ] have a mistake in them every game,the one thing Quarshie has in his favour is his pace,something the other 3 lack and I like the fact he looks totally pissed off every time we concede a goal, I do not see that trait in Stephens or Harewood Bellis. At least show you care when we concede a goal for gods sake.

[bugenhagen]

18 minutes ago, trousers said:

It was the leprechauns that won it

Fraser and Arma? 😉

[Zorba]

3 hours ago, Zorba said:

Currently 2 points off bottom place and Oxford have a game in hand.

We are so shit! 🤣

3 points off the play-offs and above the Fish Ticklers.

Southampton are back! 👊🏻

[leeham_69]

1 hour ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Quarshie made some errors tonight it's true. Watching back the highlights confirmed what I thought when I saw it for their goal - he tried to put his foot in to poke the ball away but realised he had to pull out of it otherwise he'd have conceded a pen. What he should have done is just keep up and stay tight and then they don't score. But he'll learn.

But that aside, what really struck me was his pace and power. He's got an immense burst of pace which allows him to snuff out danger in a way that Stephens and THB just can't. And despite his errors he also had some really good moments tonight as well.

Agree, for his faults it's clear he brings something different to the team, and not much is said about all the chances he sniffs out early through his pace. Also remember he is a year younger than Ronnie Edwards!!

[leeham_69]

5 minutes ago, bugenhagen said:

Fraser and Arma? 😉

Fraser does bring a certain calmness and simplicity to the team's play when he comes on. Maybe he is a lucky charm.

[hypochondriac]

12 minutes ago, leeham_69 said:

Fraser does bring a certain calmness and simplicity to the team's play when he comes on. Maybe he is a lucky charm.

In what world were any of sfc's play calm after he came on?

[leeham_69]

45 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

In what world were any of sfc's play calm after he came on?

ha, that is definitely true. I just feel the little moments where he gets the ball, he has a good touch, makes a smart and simple decision, and then after 0.0001 seconds we shit ourselves again.

[Saint Billy]

I have just seen Stewart's second goal. That was a thing of beauty.

[Saint Billy]

6 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

The ‘hit’ wasn’t the issue though, it was the way he ‘ushered’ the striker toward goal without the slightest of challenges. Maybe he was worried about a pen on contact, but still, a good defender has to be able to position their body without fouling the attacker. I thought it was diabolical (and if Stephens had done it this place would be lit up!). I can forgive the odd stray pass - there was a couple - but he was also at fault for their ‘equaliser’ too, losing the striker. Thankfully we got away with that one. 

Against all of that, he’s young and still learning, and he’s clearly got potential, I just don’t see him as an automatic starter atm. 

Stephens has done that on many many occasions.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

7 hours ago, suewhistle said:

Just back from the pub, still in my kit from earlier training. A quick skim from the thread and I've decided there is a business opportunity in cut throat razors for some of the more negative posters on this thread. I missed a lot of the first half and the half time stats looked in our favour but, as the penalty showed, we aren't that good at putting the ball in the net.

We should have done better, but FM, some of you do like to wallow in negativity. I'm pleased for Stewart as scoring for a striker is their raison d'etre and helps future performances. Not always though, as Armstrong's abject penalty showed..

 

Sue you slag off "the negative posters" but then admit you didn't see the first half. Maybe criticise the views when you have seen the whole 90 minutes. Just a thought.

[Give it to Ron]

6 hours ago, leeham_69 said:

Agree, for his faults it's clear he brings something different to the team, and not much is said about all the chances he sniffs out early through his pace. Also remember he is a year younger than Ronnie Edwards!!

Plus he has a “long” throw but better than Salisu 🙂

[StrangelyBrown]

8 hours ago, macca155 said:

I'm sure Still will keep the same team for Saturday. Maybe Stephens for Quarshie. Depends on the big man's fitness. He may have had a few flaky moments but also quite a few covering tackles. He is so fast, defenders don't get past him.

I liked Downes and Jander v Liverpool. Might be worth linking those two up again.

With such a big squad, Still is going to have to rotate a bit. I just hope it isn't for the sake of it.

Stephens for Quarshie - seriously??? The guy may have made a few mistakes, but he was nothing like the liability that Stephens is nor did he dramatically slow our play down every time he was involved with the ball.

It is no coincidence that we've improved since Stephens got dropped (same as when he got dropped in the last championship season). I'd happily never see him in a saints shirt again.

Edited October 1 by StrangelyBrown

[Football Special]

8 hours ago, macca155 said:

I'm sure Still will keep the same team for Saturday. Maybe Stephens for Quarshie. Depends on the big man's fitness. He may have had a few flaky moments but also quite a few covering tackles. He is so fast, defenders don't get past him.

I liked Downes and Jander v Liverpool. Might be worth linking those two up again.

With such a big squad, Still is going to have to rotate a bit. I just hope it isn't for the sake of it.

I've seen other managers talk about managing their squads due to the strain of three games in a week, surely this should be a strength for us having replacements ready that don't really weaken the XI on the pitch , even with the championship schedule they all won't get to play, paying Aribo a big wage just to train for example 

[Football Special]

On 28/09/2025 at 09:26, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

When I said the team should be the same again I was thinking more of a mix of the recent changes that have improved us at Liverpool and yesterday. No doubt one or two will be switched out to rest some if needed there's Jelert, Downes, Robinson, Fraser that can step straight in.

Is sold out btw, confirmed on the OS - just under 2,800. Will be interesting to see if there's another batch of empty, what were clearly, 'staff' seats as there was at Hull and other aways this season despite selling out.

 

Really not sure why Saints said it was 2700 sell out, was about 2000 of us there last night 

[SW11_Saint]

1 hour ago, Saint Billy said:

Stephens has done that on many many occasions.

I don’t think he has. He might have given them a pen, but he’d definitely have got himself in front of the ball…

Edited October 1 by SW11_Saint

[StrangelyBrown]

7 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

The keeper had already gone the wrong way. I've no idea why he didn't just side foot it instead of trying to hit the top corner.

I like Arma, but he really needs to be smarter at times. There was a moment in the 2nd half where a ball came out high towards him and a Sheff defender, who jumped and won the header. Arma didn't really challenge for the ball, or even try to just put his opponent off by being physical, and then moments later he got booked for needlessly tripping the same player from behind. Brainless really. He just makes poor decisions constantly. 

Spot on. He frustrates the hell out of me; given time to think he invariably makes a poor choice, but when he's playing on instinct he demonstrates time and again what excellent technique he has. He could be a really excellent player but either he doesn't think quickly enough or massively over thinks what he's doing.

[stfrancisofbenali]

I actually think Sheffield Utd were half decent and are in a very false position in the table. O’Hare and Hamer are quality so that’s a very strong away win. On the Quarshie debate, don’t change a winning formula. Same starting 11 with impact subs ready to come on. 

[Galway saint]

Nice to win a game.

Pleased to see Still has had the gumption and balls to drop Baz and Stephens and good to see Stewart scoring.

Still looks very disjointed abut there doesn’t look to be a stand out side in the division so maybe there is time to gel.

All that said does anyone really want to spend next season in the PL with this team or one anything like it as it would be carnage again 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

8 hours ago, saintant said:

If he takes it then fair enough but he's been well short of his expected levels so far and was rightly dropped. On his day he is a good centre back but he seems to have lost his way. Roy needs to have a firm word or two with him about career prospects because he's gone backwards lately.

He absolutely deserved to be dropped, and Still has got to get the credit for having the minerals to do that. I think possibly he's got a little complacent and took his place in the team as a given. It's a long season, and no doubt he will be back, so up to him to take the chance when it arises.

Edited October 1 by Lee On Solent Saint

[Turkish]

8 hours ago, suewhistle said:

Just back from the pub, still in my kit from earlier training. A quick skim from the thread and I've decided there is a business opportunity in cut throat razors for some of the more negative posters on this thread. I missed a lot of the first half and the half time stats looked in our favour but, as the penalty showed, we aren't that good at putting the ball in the net.

We should have done better, but FM, some of you do like to wallow in negativity. I'm pleased for Stewart as scoring for a striker is their raison d'etre and helps future performances. Not always though, as Armstrong's abject penalty showed..

 

Is it impossible for you to post without talking about yourself?

 

[Turkish]

8 hours ago, CB Fry said:

Missed the whole game as at a gig (The Beta Band, excellent) but just watched the two min highlights.

Ross Stewart looked at right handful and what a goal. Fantastic, follow it up on Saturday with a win and we are right back in the mix.

Well done manager and team

He was decent, don’t know if it was on the highlights but had a couple of decent headers as well, kept their defenders busy and what a goal.

Him and Fellows who was also excellent could be real handful. Let’s hope he stays fit 

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

Sue you slag off "the negative posters" but then admit you didn't see the first half. Maybe criticise the views when you have seen the whole 90 minutes. Just a thought.

Agree. Sue’s post have a usual theme. An update on what she’s doing, followed by a dig at other posters then some final brief comment on the thread topic. She’s known for having a very high opinion of herself. Despite not seeing the first half which was by and large shit, well the first 30 mins were she’s decided to dig out everyone else who did see, not for the fist time. The thought of her doing so still sitting around in her dirty, sweaty training kit which it sounds like she’s been in for a few hours whilst downing pints of cider with her pals is pretty vulgar tbh

[Turkish]

Has Still explained why he took off Fellows yet? 

[badgerx16]

10 hours ago, trousers said:

If Ings doesn't score I'll run around the village naked

Have I missed it ?

[Whitey Grandad]

23 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Agree. Sue’s post have a usual theme. An update on what she’s doing, followed by a dig at other posters then some final brief comment on the thread topic. She’s known for having a very high opinion of herself. Despite not seeing the first half which was by and large shit, well the first 30 mins were she’s decided to dig out everyone else who did see, not for the fist time. The thought of her doing so still sitting around in her dirty, sweaty training kit which it sounds like she’s been in for a few hours whilst downing pints of cider with her pals is pretty vulgar tbh

Please don't.  I'm trying to keep my blood pressure under control. 

[AlexLaw76]

9 hours ago, suewhistle said:

Just back from the pub, still in my kit from earlier training. A quick skim from the thread and I've decided there is a business opportunity in cut throat razors for some of the more negative posters on this thread. I missed a lot of the first half and the half time stats looked in our favour but, as the penalty showed, we aren't that good at putting the ball in the net.

We should have done better, but FM, some of you do like to wallow in negativity. I'm pleased for Stewart as scoring for a striker is their raison d'etre and helps future performances. Not always though, as Armstrong's abject penalty showed..

 

You should watch the first half (or the first 35 mins or so)

[suewhistle]

2 hours ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

Sue you slag off "the negative posters" but then admit you didn't see the first half. Maybe criticise the views when you have seen the whole 90 minutes. Just a thought.

I saw enough of it and they replayed bits too, but the "negative posters" are mostly the ones who are always negative so I'll stand by my opinion, thanks.