Build-up
In the early morning streets of Sheffield, the anticipation was tangible. For the first time in 6 years, the Steel City was getting its derby.
The first thing to note is the City’s near-partisan split. Pubs mainly consisted of United fans or Wednesday fans, and when fans did drink in the same establishment, the division was clear.
Despite a marked difference in budget, United held a slim points advantage over the more affluent Wednesday team. United knew a win would put some early daylight between the two clubs, whilst a win for the Owls would help them to leap-frog their inter-city rivals. A place in the play-off spot for either team almost seemed a secondary impetus.
The Match
The Blades raced into an early lead, first from a thunderous free-kick from Fleck and then the advantage was doubled by Clarke in the 15th minute. Charitable defending by Wednesday allowed Clarke to race through – much to his delight – and it was that woeful defensive performance which was the theme to come for the Owls.
After the early double set-back, Wednesday finally took hold of the ball. United’s strict defensive display in their 3-5–2 formation meant chances were few and far between for Wednesday and a tendency to over-commit men forward oft left them short at the back.
The game, however, did become more of a competition in injury time of the first half, with ex-Norwich man Gary Hooper snatching a goal and halving the deficit. The atmosphere in Hillsborough went up a notch.
The old adage in football dictates that the worst time to concede a goal is before half-time. And United were yet another victim.
Wednesday came out with a renewed vigour, pressing United hard. By moving their formation to a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation, it was Wednesday’s turn to dictate play. An increase in pressure meant that the wingbacks in The Blades formation ended up being pushed further back and into a flat back-5. The momentum had shifted and a second goal seemed inevitable for Wednesday.
Joao saw to that. Reach played a ball across the edge of the box, and the Portuguese man finished with aplomb. Comeback complete.
Well, for 107 seconds.
With Hillsborough rocking, the Blades’ newly introduced Duffy was played in on the right-hand side of the Owls’ box and after twisting and turning the defender, he fired in at a near-impossible angle. All it took was 1 minute 47 seconds for pandemonium to turn into dead-pan silence. Except, of course, for the away support.
11 minutes later, the game was done. A defensive mistake, again, led to Clarke being through on goal and a tidy finish restored United’s two goal advantage.
The jubilant United fans then proceeded to ask “Is there a fire drill” as droves of Wednesday fans piled out in search of solitude, darkness and no social-media.
The first Steel City derby in 6 years was Sheffield United’s to take home.
Where does it leave the clubs?
In short, not much has changed. As club-captain Billy Sharp pointed out, it’s just three points.
But privately, United will be buzzing.
Wednesday have been in the Championship for longer, have a much bigger budget and held much loftier ambitions. Indeed, it is widely reported that manager Carlos Carvalhal was granted just two years to gain promotion to the Premier League – something he has missed out on. And though the chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” may be slightly premature, it is clear that Wednesday must do more.
For United, after walking League One, their first objective would surely have been survival. Moreover, the fact that United found it difficult to get business done, makes their current Championship position of 4th – just two points off top-spot – all the more of an achievement.
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