Sheffield United hate the word ‘hoodoo’, knowing it refers to the fact that they hold the worst record in the playoffs in English football, after failing in eight attempts to secure a promotion in this way.
Their ninth is not the best start, but they will take that result. A header in added time by Sander Berge gave United a lifeline when everyone looked lost in this semi-final of the Championship playoffs.
They still have to do everything if they want to end this “curse”. Smart money says Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest will play in the final at Wembley Stadium on May 29.
Although they won, Cooper’s team left a little disappointed. They could score five goals in the first half and a few more in the second half.
Instead, they had to settle for one half, which gave them a slight lead to defend at home on Tuesday.
Jack Colbeck scored his first goal, taking advantage of a costly pass in the penalty area of Ben Osborne. It felt appropriate for Brennan Johnson to mark Forrest’s second, given his family history.
The two teams met in the semifinals of the playoffs of the First Division in 2003. The ranking in both games for Forest – and scored – was David Johnson. He had a one-year-old son named Brennan at the time, and it was this little kid who made it 2-0 here.
Berge’s late header then gave United hope that maybe, just maybe, they could make a comeback.
The streets of Sheffield were strewn with red and white stripes, and fans went through their pre-match rituals, hoping to see another home win. On Man Friday, there were fathers and sons who received their usual chips lunch. Boys pay £ 3.50 for their match day program. Little girls sitting on Daddy’s shoulders with Sharps on their backs.
They would not be able to see Billy Sharp on this occasion, as these morning prayers for his calf’s health did not work. The club’s top scorer was not fit enough to make the team here and how they missed him.
Forrest didn’t have to wait long for the lead, celebrating the opening in 10 minutes.
Surridge himself crossed, and at that moment Osborne lost support to United. Liverpool fans will never forget that Steven Gerrard is slipping against Chelsea. It may be some time before several United fans also take the image of Osborne on their backs.
This omission turned out to be expensive. This allowed Philip Zinkernagel to shoot a free kick at close range, and although goalkeeper Wes Foderingham’s save was superb, Kolbak fired in the rebound.
United responded almost immediately. John Egan thought he had scored an equalizer from Burge’s corner in the 18th minute, only for Surridge, who cleared the line with his head.
Forrest came close to doubling their advantage when a counterattack ended with Surridge trying to find the bottom corner. It was collected meekly and safely by Fodderingham.
Half an hour later, John Fleck was shown yellow for a foul on Zinkernagel, although Forrest was furious that he was not red. VAR will be used for the playoffs of the Wembley Championships, but not for these semifinals. If he was available, he would take a closer look at Fleck’s two-legged challenge.
Forrest had to score when Ryan Yates was alone and six yards from the door. He sent his free kick with his head. Like Johnson when he tried to deflect his shot into a corner moments later.
The reaction of the home support said it all. They were disappointed and knew that this draw could be made and erased if Forrest could only complete these opportunities.
Additional chances followed before the break, as Fodderingham was forced to make a fantastic double save to repel Surridge’s momentary strike and then Johnson’s header.
“Attack, attack, attack,” sang a handful of home fans, begging their players as Bramall Lane booed as Andre Mariner blew out at halftime.
It could have been five for Forest, but there was only one left, so the connection was still alive.
United came out swinging, and Burge had a good chance. Their willingness to attack was welcomed by the support of the hosts and they were in a good mood.
Until Forrest made 2-0, i.e. United did the same for themselves. Egan lost the ball in front of the penalty area, and Joe Lolita threw forward. The chance fell to Johnson, who did not make a mistake, beat Fodderingham.
The mood in Bramall Lane was low as a fight broke out in the crowd in front of the press box. Meanwhile, those in the visiting area sang “and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and-and.
And yet, just after the extra time was announced, a corner for the hosts entered. Burge hit him with his head and the ball bounced. The lifeline for United, who must do everything in Nottingham on Tuesday.
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