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In fairness, Clarets put in their most spirited performance of the season so far and were affected again by injuries both before and during the game, the first half losses of Briscoe and Weller contributing to an at times disjointed display against a dour Sheffield United team and their dismal following of 1,000 or so. So through turnstile 13 I also went to first witness an impeccably observed minutes silence, before the game got underway on a dry if sticky afternoon.
It was, once again, a makeshift and depleted Clarets side that took to the pitch. The defence was again reshuffled by Stan the croupier, with Gnohere's suspension starting and Davis' calf injury depriving of the two preferred central defenders, these replaced by the unlikely combination of Cox and McGregor.
Briscoe finally got his left back slot, with the midfield comprising Weller, Little, Alan Moore and Cook, Ian Moore and Taylor providing a familiar frontline. It what was to prove a pretty awful first half, in which Sheff United had the better of the chances, the first of which fell to Jagielka, who's first time cross-shot flashed across the face of goal, shepherded out by man of the match Mark McGregor. Taylor was the first booking after a clumsy scything tackle made referee Pearson's job an easy one.
Clarets best moment in the half came on twelve minutes, when, following a quickly taken free kick, Little's chip to the far post was headed just wide by a stretching Cox. Blades' response was a curler on to the roof of the net by Asaba, before Little again down the left hand side, saw a jinking run ended with a parry at full stretch by the impressive Kenny in the visiting goal.
Briscoe's run at left back ended after only twenty minutes, substituted by fans' favourite Branch who was depressingly booed on by the mindless few. Tonge was booked after being licked by West, as the wide men Ian Moore and Little were swapped for the first time in the pointless exercise that was to continue on a regular fifteen minute cycle.
Quite how their other team mates are supposed to follow this crazy routine, I know not, and Cook, the midfield prompter, would continually look for his wide men only to see that the runs were no longer being made, and despite having three (potential) wide men on the pitch, Clarets were regularly lacking width when going forwards.
Recognising that booing is not the best form of encouragement, the mindful majority applauded warmly as Branch fought and won his battle with Jagielka, thus snuffing out the manner by which Sheffield United were enjoying most of their successes, when they briefly stopped in their deep defending routines, the back line stopping most of Clarets forays with some ease. On the half hour mark, an agile Kenny reacted quickly to collect Ian Moore's deflected shot off the back of Weller. Debutant McCall was booked for deliberate handball, as Clarets briefly gained the upper hand. It was therefore against the run of play when Sheffield United scored their fortunate goal and one that proved to be the winner.
Sloppy defending allowed Onoura time and space and the iffy goal was scored courtesy of a wicked deflection off the outside of McGregor's boot, giving Nicos Onisarsesos no chance whatsoever, the muted celebrations starting down t'other end.
Clarets responded straight away, but Taylor was just wide of the post when glancing West's deep cross from the right. Mr Pearson and his officials were caught napping as Kenny appeared to handle outside of his area with five to go to the break, but United were to finish the half the stronger, Clarets clearly set back following the goal and without Davis, there was no clear leader on the field to pick up the troops and regain the momentum that had been building up to the goal.
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Alan Moore finally got into the game twenty minutes in, by crossing deep to the far post, Little's shot smothered by the body of Kenny once again. This brought Clarets and the crowd back to life and Taylor's downward header was tipped onto the outside of the post by Kenny, before Nicos Easyos was brought into action, collecting a straight forward shot from Yates, before Ullathorne was replaced by Doane.
With fifteen to go a Little corner was smacked against the face of the bar by Johnrose, his powerful header beating everyone with ease. Shock horror followed as Stan allowed Andy Payton to take his tracksuit off and an out of position and sorts Alan Moore was relieved of his duties for the predator to take centre stage, much to the crowds pleasure.
Allison replaced Onoura, then Tonge was eventually replaced by Montgomery, the visitors clearly going into clock running down mode. You sensed it was one of those days when Ian Moore's header was cleared off the line by Kozluk as the clock moved into injury time. There was though one final chance, but Kenny was equal to Little's curling shot and whilst Clarets had had the better of the final stages, it was clear that the self belief and confidence has drained from the players, Sheffield United able to take the points without really being stretched in the ninety minutes. Another one for the chin I suppose. © Clarets Mad
Att:- A disappointing 12,868.
Star Gazer
Alan Moore. If Branch is not a left back and Briscoe not a midfield player, then clearly Alan Moore is not a central midfield player. His anonymous seventy minutes must have been as frustrating for him as it was to watch, with his namesake and Little continually swapped about without considering that he, the preferred left winger, would not be put into his proper place.
Glass Half Empty
One goal in three sorry performances, the faces on many fans said it all at the final whistle. Reducing gates, atmosphere, fit players and finances, make this a very trying time.
Star Geezer
Mark McGregor. Carl Asaba, was he playing? Normally a thorn in Clarets' side, McGregor snuffed out the threat, coped well with Cox in the makeshift defence and looked quite assured and confident in his display. The one ray of a light on an otherwise dull day.
Glass Half Full
We've got a game in hand and the pitch still looks good.