Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,659
- Reaction score
- 39,876
Not doing a full report as was not at the game and watched a stream…..
Overall, it ended up being a very comfortable win and a thoroughly professional performance. What could and probably should have been a much trickier tie, ended up looking like a Premier League team being too strong for a Championship team. The pitch was shocking and meant we struggled to move it about as well as we do normally as it was so slow. This probably did not help either team though as it was hard to gain much momentum. The first half was quite even but we shaded it on quality on the ball and trying to play through them. They had the best chance after a Jagielka error and O’Brien should have done better and fluffed his shot. After this Sharp had a good chance but it was cleared off the line and we were looking the more likely. We started to take control of the ball and force them back without creating too much.
The second half we stepped it up and moved further up the field. We started to pin them back but again were not creating too much and Besic was actually going to be taken off just before he was given time and space to curl in a beauty. Not seen him do that before so was a real surprise. He then remained on the field. Clarke came on to give out strike force a real retro feel with him and Billy up top! They had one half chance when Freeman had to head behind from a dangerous cross from the sub Wallace but they never really threatened us and never got a head of steam. They are dangerous from set plays with their height but we limited this and they were really poor on the ball when we pressed them. Norwood then scores another cracking long-range effort after lovely link up and more good work by Sharp who had been involved in the first also. After this we could have gone onto score more with Clarke missing a good chance and then Sharp a sitter by his standards after both strike partners had set each other up.
A really good win and solid performance. We were not superb but did enough. The lads who kept their places made a real difference. I think he was right to rest a few such as Stevens, Baldock, Egan, Fleck and McBurnie but also Bash, O’Connell and Norwood give us that real solidity and touch of class. I thought some of the fringe players maybe did not take their chance totally although Kieron Freeman was decent, I felt. The best players were the regulars who did not let their standards drop at all.
Now if we get a favourable draw then you suddenly think we have a chance of going all the way as we are only two games away from Wembley now. The only problem is there are 10 Premier League clubs still left in the final 16 (including us and some of course have to replay). Ideally, we would get Coventry or Birmingham or Portsmouth at home. Maybe even our rivals! Actually, I think that would just be uncomfortable and I never particularly enjoy playing them unless we win. With it being a Wednesday night, the crowd is going to be affected home or away.
Millwall – Rowett has rebuilt his reputation a bit and done a good job getting them up the league after he came in. They of course don’t have the spending power of the squad that others teams have and have done really well to be in and around the playoffs. They do rely a lot of getting the ball into the box and forward quickly with players like Smith and Cooper being so good in the air. They did rest a few actually with big games against Leeds and Wednesday to come but Jed Wallace (maybe their best player) came on. They fielded a few young lads and it did not quite work as they struggled to even get any impetus in the game and lost rather meekly in the end.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – Not sure he had much to do. Made the early save but this was straight at him and took one corner. Other than that cant recall a save he had to make all game.
K. Freeman 7/10 – Thought he did ok actually with a few runs forward and was always looking to get on it and defensively he kept his shape and made one crucial header away. Was fine today.
Osborn 6.5/10 – Still not so sure that the left-wing back position is his forte. A few times he got in the wrong position but he stuck to his task. Got beat once second half which led to the half chance but other than that he was solid enough. Ended the game back in midfield.
Basham 8/10 – Our best player and the outstanding player on the pitch. He was everywhere once again and showed his touch and technique but his sheer running power and energy. He looked a class above everyone else out there, seemingly quicker to the ball, stronger and just better. One of our best defenders and one of our best attackers! Looked every inch a top half Premier League player.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above. Just oozed class as he calmly defended, kept the ball and picked up all the loose stuff. Came onto things well and used it wisely. Like Basham, it all came very easily for him. Never panics when he had it and makes time to bring it out of the back.
Jagielka 5/10 – Had was very rusty and maybe our worst player. He errored badly twice in the build up to the chance and then misplaced passes or dithered on things. He did the same second half when he passed it straight to them on the right. Did have a few headed chances on corners and maybe got fouled on one.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Dictated the play and was at the heart of our good things. Moved the ball side to side and switched play with his diagonals. He just got on it and moved it on and controlled the midfield completely and the best player in this area of the pitch. Great goal and he really does need to shoot more as his technique is so good the way he strikes through the ball like he did today.
Besic 7/10 – Actually thought he had a really poor first half and gave it away quite a bit or dithered on it but he stuck at things although Wilder was going to take him off just before he scored the goal. After this he upped his game and started winning tackles and using the ball better and came to life. Been a nice lift as some of our signings are still to fully convince but he has been good in the last month or so.
L. Freeman 5.5/10 – I thought he was for the most part ineffective. Gave away several cheap fouls, lost the ball and just went into aimless areas when he had it. He really lacks strength and pace and does not have the acceleration to go past players. I am still to be fully convinced by him. He had a few decent games to start the season but when he has played recently not sure he has done anywhere near enough.
C. Robinson 5/10 – Thought he was anonymous again. A lot have said he maybe is not quite the standard of the top flight but today he played slow Championship centre backs and made no impact at all. Sharp was busier, held it up more and looked more of a threat. He was never close enough to Sharp and I was not surprised when he came off – Clarke did more in 20 minutes than Robinson did in 70. He needs to do much more for me in terms of work rate and involvement.
Sharp 7.5/10 – He would have got another half mark if he takes his chance at the end. He worked really hard and his hold up play was fantastic. He had the chance first half which I think he was right to go around the keeper as he was right on him but then the defender got back. He assisted on both goals with hold up and then linked well with Clarke twice which nearly led to more goals. Looked gutted to miss that chance at the end as for him it was bread and butter but took too long. I think he has played really well the last few games and should keep the shirt and play up top with McBurnie next week for me.
Subs –
Clarke – Came on and got injured straight away with no challenge at all! He did shake it off and nearly scored when the keeper saved. He also set Sharp up with an assist. We keep saying it will be his last ever game and he keeps coming back. I think United would like to move him on to free up a squad spot and they may take him out anyway even if he does not leave to give us space for any newcomers. I think his wages are prohibitive for many clubs and he may sit around till the summer.
J. Robinson – Not on very long but good for him to get out there. We were attacking more than defending so did not see much of him but he did get involved in the build up to the goal.
Manager Wilder 8/10 – Made the right amount of changes in that he gave some others game time but kept a solid spine with some regulars in. This worked perfectly as the attitude was good and the team put in a really solid showing and deserved to win the tie.
Referee – Anthony Taylor. Fine but an easy game to referee. Millwall did not really get into us or throw in the tackles I thought they would. It was a bobbly pitch and touch for players to control so you may have expected more mistimes stuff but it did not happen. I cannot recall a bad foul all day and Freeman (Kieron) was the only booking – I cannot even remember what it was for though!
Overall, it ended up being a very comfortable win and a thoroughly professional performance. What could and probably should have been a much trickier tie, ended up looking like a Premier League team being too strong for a Championship team. The pitch was shocking and meant we struggled to move it about as well as we do normally as it was so slow. This probably did not help either team though as it was hard to gain much momentum. The first half was quite even but we shaded it on quality on the ball and trying to play through them. They had the best chance after a Jagielka error and O’Brien should have done better and fluffed his shot. After this Sharp had a good chance but it was cleared off the line and we were looking the more likely. We started to take control of the ball and force them back without creating too much.
The second half we stepped it up and moved further up the field. We started to pin them back but again were not creating too much and Besic was actually going to be taken off just before he was given time and space to curl in a beauty. Not seen him do that before so was a real surprise. He then remained on the field. Clarke came on to give out strike force a real retro feel with him and Billy up top! They had one half chance when Freeman had to head behind from a dangerous cross from the sub Wallace but they never really threatened us and never got a head of steam. They are dangerous from set plays with their height but we limited this and they were really poor on the ball when we pressed them. Norwood then scores another cracking long-range effort after lovely link up and more good work by Sharp who had been involved in the first also. After this we could have gone onto score more with Clarke missing a good chance and then Sharp a sitter by his standards after both strike partners had set each other up.
A really good win and solid performance. We were not superb but did enough. The lads who kept their places made a real difference. I think he was right to rest a few such as Stevens, Baldock, Egan, Fleck and McBurnie but also Bash, O’Connell and Norwood give us that real solidity and touch of class. I thought some of the fringe players maybe did not take their chance totally although Kieron Freeman was decent, I felt. The best players were the regulars who did not let their standards drop at all.
Now if we get a favourable draw then you suddenly think we have a chance of going all the way as we are only two games away from Wembley now. The only problem is there are 10 Premier League clubs still left in the final 16 (including us and some of course have to replay). Ideally, we would get Coventry or Birmingham or Portsmouth at home. Maybe even our rivals! Actually, I think that would just be uncomfortable and I never particularly enjoy playing them unless we win. With it being a Wednesday night, the crowd is going to be affected home or away.
Millwall – Rowett has rebuilt his reputation a bit and done a good job getting them up the league after he came in. They of course don’t have the spending power of the squad that others teams have and have done really well to be in and around the playoffs. They do rely a lot of getting the ball into the box and forward quickly with players like Smith and Cooper being so good in the air. They did rest a few actually with big games against Leeds and Wednesday to come but Jed Wallace (maybe their best player) came on. They fielded a few young lads and it did not quite work as they struggled to even get any impetus in the game and lost rather meekly in the end.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – Not sure he had much to do. Made the early save but this was straight at him and took one corner. Other than that cant recall a save he had to make all game.
K. Freeman 7/10 – Thought he did ok actually with a few runs forward and was always looking to get on it and defensively he kept his shape and made one crucial header away. Was fine today.
Osborn 6.5/10 – Still not so sure that the left-wing back position is his forte. A few times he got in the wrong position but he stuck to his task. Got beat once second half which led to the half chance but other than that he was solid enough. Ended the game back in midfield.
Basham 8/10 – Our best player and the outstanding player on the pitch. He was everywhere once again and showed his touch and technique but his sheer running power and energy. He looked a class above everyone else out there, seemingly quicker to the ball, stronger and just better. One of our best defenders and one of our best attackers! Looked every inch a top half Premier League player.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above. Just oozed class as he calmly defended, kept the ball and picked up all the loose stuff. Came onto things well and used it wisely. Like Basham, it all came very easily for him. Never panics when he had it and makes time to bring it out of the back.
Jagielka 5/10 – Had was very rusty and maybe our worst player. He errored badly twice in the build up to the chance and then misplaced passes or dithered on things. He did the same second half when he passed it straight to them on the right. Did have a few headed chances on corners and maybe got fouled on one.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Dictated the play and was at the heart of our good things. Moved the ball side to side and switched play with his diagonals. He just got on it and moved it on and controlled the midfield completely and the best player in this area of the pitch. Great goal and he really does need to shoot more as his technique is so good the way he strikes through the ball like he did today.
Besic 7/10 – Actually thought he had a really poor first half and gave it away quite a bit or dithered on it but he stuck at things although Wilder was going to take him off just before he scored the goal. After this he upped his game and started winning tackles and using the ball better and came to life. Been a nice lift as some of our signings are still to fully convince but he has been good in the last month or so.
L. Freeman 5.5/10 – I thought he was for the most part ineffective. Gave away several cheap fouls, lost the ball and just went into aimless areas when he had it. He really lacks strength and pace and does not have the acceleration to go past players. I am still to be fully convinced by him. He had a few decent games to start the season but when he has played recently not sure he has done anywhere near enough.
C. Robinson 5/10 – Thought he was anonymous again. A lot have said he maybe is not quite the standard of the top flight but today he played slow Championship centre backs and made no impact at all. Sharp was busier, held it up more and looked more of a threat. He was never close enough to Sharp and I was not surprised when he came off – Clarke did more in 20 minutes than Robinson did in 70. He needs to do much more for me in terms of work rate and involvement.
Sharp 7.5/10 – He would have got another half mark if he takes his chance at the end. He worked really hard and his hold up play was fantastic. He had the chance first half which I think he was right to go around the keeper as he was right on him but then the defender got back. He assisted on both goals with hold up and then linked well with Clarke twice which nearly led to more goals. Looked gutted to miss that chance at the end as for him it was bread and butter but took too long. I think he has played really well the last few games and should keep the shirt and play up top with McBurnie next week for me.
Subs –
Clarke – Came on and got injured straight away with no challenge at all! He did shake it off and nearly scored when the keeper saved. He also set Sharp up with an assist. We keep saying it will be his last ever game and he keeps coming back. I think United would like to move him on to free up a squad spot and they may take him out anyway even if he does not leave to give us space for any newcomers. I think his wages are prohibitive for many clubs and he may sit around till the summer.
J. Robinson – Not on very long but good for him to get out there. We were attacking more than defending so did not see much of him but he did get involved in the build up to the goal.
Manager Wilder 8/10 – Made the right amount of changes in that he gave some others game time but kept a solid spine with some regulars in. This worked perfectly as the attitude was good and the team put in a really solid showing and deserved to win the tie.
Referee – Anthony Taylor. Fine but an easy game to referee. Millwall did not really get into us or throw in the tackles I thought they would. It was a bobbly pitch and touch for players to control so you may have expected more mistimes stuff but it did not happen. I cannot recall a bad foul all day and Freeman (Kieron) was the only booking – I cannot even remember what it was for though!
