Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praises his players despite defeat against Portsmouth
Chris Wilder praises his players’ efforts after sending off and narrow defeat at Portsmouth
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has praised the efforts of his side after playing the entire second half with ten men, despite suffering late defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
United fans were subjected to a volatile watch on Wednesday night, after watching their team concede a top-class goal from Portsmouth right-back Zak Swanson shortly before United’s Hamza Choudhury was shown a second yellow card.
The Blues came out after the break hungry to extend their lead, which they did ten minutes into the second half courtesy of Adrian Segečić.
When the Blades looked down and out, Joseph Tanganga slotted the ball into the bottom left corner after a recycled cross from Tahith Chong. Not long after, Tom Cannon snatched an equaliser.
Despite an immense defensive effort from Wilder’s side, Ebou Adams scored in the 89th minute to send Unitedites home heartbroken.
The Blades boss couldn't fault the effort shown by his players, “I thought it was outstanding. Get ourselves back into the game. Get ourselves level through Tom. I felt pretty comfortable,” he said.
“I thought we had a good shape and structure about us,” he added.
“The attitude of the team was first-class. (They) fought for each other like mad. The personality of the team was great.”
Wilder expressed his frustration in the manner in which his side conceded.
“They're at home, and they're piling it on late, as we would do.
“And then, it falls just outside. Corner run, takes a deflection, and there it is,” he added.
“So, yes, that's a tough one to take. We're always up against it. But I thought we created our chances.”
United’s gaffer was visibly disgruntled with the referee at full-time after Choudhury’s controversial second yellow card.
“Tough one for the players. As I said, I think there's more frustration and anger towards somebody.”
“I don't want players to feel content with just showing spirit, determination,” Wilder added.
Wilder’s squad are staying down South ahead of their trip to Bristol on Saturday.
“Hopefully, come Saturday, we might have the rub of the green a little bit. And hopefully we can finish a relatively decent week, performance-wise, with a result at Bristol City.”