Town U23 earn comeback win away at Sheffield United
- Mark Hudson’s come from behind to triumph over Sheffield United
- Second half goals from Abdelhamind Sabiri and Lewis O’Brien secured the win
- Sabiri’s second goal in as many games
Huddersfield Town U23s came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Sheffield United U23s at Bramall Lane.
On an overcast day in Sheffield, Town got the game underway and the opening ten minutes was characterised by neither team managing to get ahold of the ball. Both sides favoured a possession based style but the high press of both teams meant no one had time on the ball.
Similar to his performance in the game Birmingham City U23s last week, Matty Daly was looking to get on the ball as much as possible, but the United midfield was doing a good job of restricting his involvement.
After a tense opening ten minutes, Town began to get a foothold in the game and dictate the ball.
A particular threat was Chris Löwe down the left wing. On two occasions he managed to create space in behind and while his second cross was cleared, his first found Abdelhamind Sabiri in the box. Having been the last minute scorer in the Birmingham game, Sabiri did not produce the same finish this time round as his shot was hit over.
As the minutes ticked on, Town was looking more and more likely to be the team to open the scoring. The partnership between Micah Obiero and Lewis O’Brien was flourishing and Obiero was only denied by a great save from United keeper Jake Eastwood from finding the net.
With Town looking dangerous, the hosts scored against the run of play. A back pass from Rarmani Edmonds-Green was intercepted by Tyler Smith and the striker dashed towards goal. Löwe desperately lunged to stop the danger but despite making contact, Smith managed to wriggle round him and bear down on goal. Joel Coleman came to meet him and did get a hand to the ball but it was not enough to deflect it away from goal. Smith scored the game’s opening goal in the 25th minute and it was harsh on Mark Hudson’s men.
The goal buoyed the home team and their confidence was growing. Smith had another chance from an intercepted back pass and a few minutes later, Coleman got down well to prevent United from doubling their lead.
After weathering the post-goal storm, Town finished the half the stronger of the two sides. Sabiri and O’Brien both had chances but were denied as half time passed.
Town started the second half with a substitution as Scott Malone replaced Micah Obiero. Malone’s introduction saw Löwe pushed further upfield which made sense given his attacking involvement in the first half.
In the same style as the first half, Town looked the more dangerous of the two teams in the second period. A corner found the head of Sabiri but the attempt was caught. This was to be a sign of things to come though as two minutes later, Sabiri levelled the scoreline.
A cross found the Town number seven who this time powered his header past the diving Eastwood and into the bottom left corner in the 55th minute. It was deserved considering Town’s first half performance and the players had started the second half in the same vein.
With the scores now level, Mark Hudson rang the changes. Rekeil Pyke and Dom Tear were both introduced as Löwe and goalscorer Sabiri left the field.
As the final whistle drew nearer and nearer, Town pushed for the winner. The stoppages in play for the substitutions had reduced the speed of the game and Town was struggling to get in behind the Sheffield United defence.
Seemingly heading for a 1-1 draw, Town got the winning goal in the 88th minute. Lewis O’Brien, who had put in a Man of the Match performance, collected the ball in the middle of the pitch, moved it neatly onto his left foot then fired an effort goal-bound. The speed on the ball left the United keeper with no chance as it nestled neatly into the bottom corner. It was O’Brien’s third goal for the side and was a reward for a fine afternoon’s work.
The final whistle blew at 2-1 with Town again scoring late to win the match.
Town’s Line-up:
Joel Coleman; Chris Löwe (Dom Tear 65’), Jon Stanković, Rarmani Edmonds-Green, Jordan Williams; Regan Booty, Dean Whitehad; Matty Daly, Abdelhamid Sabiri (Rekeil Pyke 70’), Lewis O’Brien; Micah Obiero (Scott Malone 46’)
Subs:
Luke Mewitt, Romoney Crichlow-Noble
