Sheffield United Home Won 1 – 0
Saints lined up against Sheffield United with a back four of Jelert, Hardwood-Bellis, Stephens and Welington, so no places for Wood or Manning. I suspect the change was down to being seen to be doing something different, but it was probably behind a more positive display than we’re used to, especially in the first half. It helped that we had an early goal after Welington did well to regain possession for the team and release Scienza whose shot took a deflection that wrong-footed goalkeeper Cooper. Although there was little evidence of the Blades coming forward with intent, we created several decent opportunities through being sharper to the ball in midfield, and Stewart leading the attack helped as well. Stewart might have had a go at goal himself after good work by Downes but passed to Azaz who made a mess of the best chance of the half. After the restart it looked like we might regret that miss but United’s second half start was a false dawn for them and Saints were soon back on top, with Scienza sending a header too high and too close to Cooper. Stewart, who can’t be match fit, and Welington, who took a knock, were withdrawn, but we did have the welcome return of Charles, deployed in a more advanced role than we are used to from him. With time running out, Hardwood-Bellis and Jelert pressed self-destruct when they collided to allow Bamford a run on goal from which he was expected to score; instead Peretz managed to get his left foot on a tame finish. Despite a return to those three centre backs in added time, Saints managed to hold out for three precious points against opponents who only really tested Peretz the once.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from:
4. Flynn Downes. A very effective game – maybe the prospect of Charles waiting in the wings concentrated his mind.
5. Jack Stephens. Not a flawless performance but he’s the only player we have who’s ever prepared to take control of situations as a centre back should.
34. Welington Santos. Hope he was taken off as a precaution rather than out of necessity.
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