Sheffield United Away EFL Cup 3rd Round 2 – 2 Won 4 – 2 on Penalties
It’s the League Cup again, so changes all over the place for both Southampton and Sheffield United – isn’t it about time this discredited competition was put out of its misery? It didn’t look like being a successful visit to Bramall Lane when Perraud failed to stop Bogle on their right and despite plenty of yellow shirts around the danger area, none were in any position to prevent Stevens putting the Blades ahead early on. Saints recovered well and were looking dangerous going forward, with a reward coming when Diallo stooped to score with a cushioned but well placed header. It’s highly irregular for Ward-Prowse to miss any game time, but he only entered this one at half time as Ralph tried out a back three: Romeu joined Salisu and struggling debutant Vojnovic (trading as Lyanco) in defence. Ironically Salisu was to venture forward for what was either a busted or well-rehearsed corner routine and he finished Tella’s cross at the near post. The job seemed to be done but on 66 minutes Lyanco gave the ball away and McBurnie found space at the far post to score. Lyanco hadn’t been appreciating McBurnie’s approach and both players were booked for a bit of a scrap before Vojnovic/Lyanco was withdrawn and Ralph reverted to a more orthodox back line. At the other end Adams was denied by an amazing save by Foderingham after an inviting Perraud cross, just before moving to penalties, where we had the huge advantage of Forster nearly filling the target area. Fraser saved kicks 3 and 5 from Brewster and McBurnie before the unlikely figure of Romeu stepped up to make the shoot out score a winning 4-2, with our only failure being Broja, who’d had a disappointing night all round. All right for us though, with plenty of wonderful beer to drink in Sheffield, before and after. (For the record, Ward-Prowse, Adams and Diallo scored our other penalties.)
LSSC Man of the Match:Mohammed Salisu, the goal helping, as ever.
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