Millwall 1 United 1 - report/ratings

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Deadbat

Deadbat

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It was the first league away draw for the Blades since December 2024 (a draw at West Brom) as they gave an excellent account of themselves at the Den. The visitors more than matched their higher placed opponents and indeed over the contest can argue they shaded proceedings as they certainly created the better chances. It was an entertaining and open contest with chances both ways, before United led thanks to an excellent individual goal from Andre Brooks. They could not keep the lead as Ivanovic scored from a set play but O’Hare missed chances either side of the half and United were in control for much of the second half before a late Millwall rally. A double blow for the away side was injuries to Sam McCallum, who was stretchered off, and Tom Davies. This was after the previous visit to South London a fortnight ago, saw United lose two players in different circumstances. In the end, a point is a decent result but the performance was very good and perhaps just added to the frustration over when United currently find themselves in the table.



Wilder had to make an enforced change with Cannon in for the suspended Bamford but Bindon was back – preferred to Ben Mee. Tom Davies started again and Ogbene was back in the match day squad. Millwall started with former Owls skipper Barry Bannon on the bench, but started with nemesis Jake Cooper at the back.



Millwall started well and Cooper had to punch away after the cross from Azeez but United were able to settle. They won a corner which was cleverly played in from Hamer and McCallum’s effort was headed away in front of goal. O’Hare blazed over from the ball as it came outside the box. Millwall had a great chance on 8 minutes as they went through two weak challenges from Bindon and McGuiness and the ball was played into the path of Longstaff who was clear and one on one. Cooper made the point-blank range continuing his improved form.



United broke away from the corner as Hamer streaked away and chose to go along but his shot wide wide as the quick start showed no sign of abating. It was end to end and a deep cross saw Doughty get up at the far post but Cooper was able to make the save without too much concern. However, the open nature of the game meant there was space both ways and United exploited that on 17 minutes. Hamer sent a lovely ball cross field and BROOKS was given time and grass to run into and he took advantage as Doughty backed off and the winger hit a precise finish away from Crocombe and into the corner.



Sadly, for the Blades, the lead did not last long as Hamer gave away a free kick. The ball came in and Taylor was too strong for Seriki and as it dropped, Bindon did not react and IVANOVIC was able to steer home from close range via the post. A soft goal to concede and parity was quickly restored.



United won a corner after neat football with Brooks and Hamer involved again before Brooks sent a cross over to McCallum whose header was straight at Crocombe. Bindon then got under the ball and Millwall broke with Azeez continuing to the be the threat and he won a corner which United cleared. At the other end, Brooks was continuing to give Doughty a difficult afternoon and he fed Seriki but his cross was blocked.



Azeez made a mess of a good opportunity as the ball was played across and then the same fan fizzed a shot not far wide – as he was the threat for the home side. It continued to be one team attacking and then the other and good play from Seriki saw him get away from two men with a nutmeg and find Hamer, who in turn fed McCallum but his shot was blazed over when well placed. The full back did get caught after the shot but perhaps too long after the initial play for a penalty to be conceded with the ball in the Millwall fans.



More superb work from Brooks saw him turn away from his man with a delightful Cruyff turn and he found Hamer – who looked for Seriki but again the cross did not find a man. McGuiness won a header from the corner and as it looped up, the ball then dropped for Cannon but his swivelled effort over his head was blocked at close range by Crocombe. It was a good chance for the visitors. McCallum had fought a competitive battle against Azeez and won the ball but fell awkwardly and seemed to be in real pain. He was motionless for some time and the stretcher and oxygen tank entering the field, sadly confirmed the worst. After a long period of treatment, he came off to be replaced by Burows. A real blow for arguably United’s most improved player this season.



Brooks continued to be the Blades outstanding player and he slalomed past Doughty again before finding Cannon with a precise cross but the striker’s effort was saved well at full stretch by Crocombe. O’Hare had to nod home the rebound but it went wide and a golden chance was missed. An entertaining and even contest so far but the Blades had missed some good opportunities after being pegged back – to re-take the lead. 7 minutes of stoppage time were played after the McCallum injury and United ended this time, on the attack, but referee Smith ended the long half with the game even.



The second half began the same way as the first, with Brooks once again too quick and skilful for his man and won a corner. However, before it was taken, Davies was on the deck and had to go off, after suffering yet another injury. Arblaster came on. United continued to look the more likely and Hamer’s crisp passing had been a real feature in the attacking play. Another excellent ball saw O’Hare play in Burrows, but his shot lacked power and was straight at the keeper.



Azeez came inside in a rare Millwall attack and his driven cross shot was headed away by Bindon. Peck did well on the corner to see out any danger. Azeez then had a whipped effort over the bar as the home side finally found some moments after starting the second half poorly. Millwall were angry that United did not put the ball out – when Doughty was down holding his back – but seemed to forget that their own side had not found touch when McCallum was down injured. The full back was replaced by Sturge.



On the hour mark, United missed a superb chance to lead. Hamer played in Seriki with an inviting ball who finally managed to get a cross over and O’Hare seemed set to score but his feet tangled up and made a mess of the finish and Crocombe was able to make the save from close range.



Seriki’s attacking play had been a real feature and he caried the ball almost the half of the pitch and looked for a foul, or a corner, but got nothing – as a goal kick was given. O’Hare got in soon after, with more good work from Hamer but the former went down a bit too theatrically and his appeals were waved away – as the home players asked for a card for simulation.



United had dominated the half and looked the more likely but McGuiness had to stop a counter attack as Azeez broke away. Bannan and Coburn came on for the home side but United continued to ask questions although referee Smith stopped a United attack as the ball struck him. Burrows was penalised for a handball as a cross struck his raised hand. Bannan took a pot shot but it was easy for Cooper.



Brooks was the main threat for the Blades and he was took out by Cooper- leading to a deserved yellow card before Campbell came on for Hamer with 10 minutes to play. Azeez also went to floor, but like O’Hare, seemed to be looking for it and the referee again waved it away. De Norre was then booked for bringing O’Hare down and Burrows sent two crosses driven over but could not find a United shirt.



Ballo on for De Norre but Brooks did superbly to hold him up in the corner, showing he could do the defensive work, as well as the other side. Ballo had a header at Cooper from a free kick before the game entered 7 minutes of stoppage time. Millwall did have some pressure in this time with crosses coming in and one from Azeez fizzed across everyone but the home side would have been extremely fortunate to win the game and in the end, it ended all square.
 



United – An excellent performance. Followed up beating a high-flying side, by drawing on the road at another top 6 team. Millwall are tough to beat at home and have despatched many sides at the Den but today we gave them a good game and if O’Hare takes two excellent chances, we probably get the win. I thought we edged the game – even if the stats do not show that. They had a good one at 0-0 but we also had opportunities ourselves and got the lead thanks to a superb goal from Brooks. The annoying thing is we concede immediately and it is a soft set play goal where we do not win the first, or second ball. After this though, we regroup and it is end to end but Cannon x 2 and O’Hare have the best chances of the first half. Maybe overall a draw was about right but we could and should have been ahead on opportunities. We lost McCallum and Davies and I thought our traditional second half fall offs would happen again and they often are strong in the closing stages of games and score late goals. I was pleasantly surprised with how we continued to play and actually from 45-80, we were the better side by a fair margin. We did not create tons but Burrows missed a chance he should do better with and then O’Hare misses another sitter. We still looked the better side after this and Hamer was dictating play and Brooks superb. Seriki got stronger as the game went on and Cannon worked hard. I thought we were controlling the game but then after Hamer went off, we sort of lost the control and Campbell/Arblaster struggled - they ended the game on top but did not create much – it was just crosses and balls into the box. It would have been travesty if we had lost. We looked the better side and arguable the one in the top 6 (certainly considering we were away and missing a number of key players). Millwall looked the side just ambling around in mid table. I thought they showed some real pace and tempo first half and showed why they are up there but we showed the same qualities in an end-to-end game. The thing that I was pleased with, is that we just swarmed all over them 2nd half, their crowd seemed to get frustrated and we should have gone on and taken chances to go 2 or 3-1 up. It did not happen, as at Charlton, we missed some guilt edged chances but the way we played was encouraging. I thought the centre backs struggled first half but were better after the break and we looked a real threat down the right with Brooks and Seriki again showing what a bright future they have and surely have to be regulars now? The lad Azeez was a threat but McCallum/Burrows held him up best they could and he got frustrated by the end. It is a big blow to lose McCallum who has been very good this season. The Davies one is not a surprise. Suppose he played around 120 minutes since he came back – I am guessing that will be the end of him for a while again? McCallum looked serious and he seemed to fall/land his foot quite innocuously. Those sort (as we saw with Basham) often are worse than impact injuries. We seem to be losing players every away game in London currently – by different means.



I was disappointed we did not win but very pleased with how we played. A point at Millwall is positive, especially considering their form but it feels annoying because we needed three and should have got them. The frustration is seeing us take the game to a team right in the mix, for large spells and it is just more irritating that we are messing around so low in the table. The point does not help much in terms of any late push for the top 6, which is highly unlikely but means we now have 2 home consecutive home games and 3 in 4 (with Pompey away) so we play 3 sides lower than us and Boro.I am hopeful there are a fair amount of points we can plunder from these and at least take us into the top half possibly even I the traffic and points if too much to make up now. The teams at the bottom continue to lose and relegation is not something I am concerned about. A win against Oxford would essentially mean we probably would not be caught by two sides down there and at least mean any end to the season should be about how high we can get rather than being worried about being drawn into a scrap.



I was pleased with a lot of our play today. We played at a decent tempo and like at Charlton, we went forward in numbers. Hamer played his best game for a while and worked hard and Cannon also was a threat and ensured they could not have a moment. O’Hare was involved but had a bit of a nightmare with his finishing, if not his general play. Peck was combative throughout. The centre halves struggles but got better as the game went on. The biggest positives – outside of Hamer’s return to form was Seriki again who got better as the game went on and Brooks – the latter was superb and the best player on the pitch – edging out his positional counterpart – Azeez. I was concerned at how slow and immobile Arblaster and Campbell were and we had a big drop off – particularly the latter when he came on as he barely touched the ball.



It will be interesting if we do any business Monday? We now have lost a left back and maybe we get Norrington Davies back? That would seem more logical than buying someone. Davies clearly cannot stay fit so we do need another body in midfield but the board may decide with the season sort of petering out – to save their funds for the summer. I would not have an issue with that as much as people may get annoyed. We will have to trim the squad hugely and may have to sacrifice a few of our better players, with parachute payments ending – so squandering funds on a couple of loads when we are mired in mid table is probably folly. We have only 17 games left now so unless the players signed are part of the plans for next season, it seems pointless? I know that may sound boring and pragmatic!



Overall though I was pleased with how we played today. We have been inconsistent of late – and dropped off away from home, so we followed up last week with another solid performance. There were lots more positive than negatives – it was just the injuries and the fact we did not get the winner our performance deserved. Hopefully, we have no let down v Oxford and have Bamford, Tanganga and Soumare back. I enjoyed watching how we have gone about the last few games and cannot fault the way we have approached games and the attitude of the players. It is just annoying that we are playing a huge game of catch up rendering it all very frustrating when you see sides like Millwall, Hull, Derby and Wrexham – that our squad is as good as us, if not better – sadly the way we were mismanaged over the summer – combined with our soft underbelly that has let us down, even under Wilder – means we are miles off any kind of exciting end to the season. I will be happy with the performances we have seen though and hope to build for next season – with a solid core of Cooper (much improved again), Seriki, Tanganga, Peck, Brooks, O’Hare, Bamford and gulp, Cannon!





Ratings:



Cooper 7/10 – Made one excellent save from the chance from Longstaff but despite Radio Sheffield saying he made lots of saves? He made several routine ones but none where he was stretched. He did deal with what he had to though. Only negative was he punched an early cross which he should have taken and then missed another one – getting nowhere near it. His kicking was better today and he had some drilled back to him (one McGuiness one!) too!.



Seriki 7.5/10 - Started a bit off the pace with a few loose touches but got better as the game went on. He started to link with Brooks and they caused all sorts of problems down that side. He was in constant motion and his energy was relentless. Defended well too when he had to but maybe the goal he loses the header but that is harsh as they had a bigger man on him and we were mismatched at times. Some of his crosses hit the first man or did not find a target if I am being ultra critical but then he put a beauty in for O’Hare. Him and Brooks need to be tied down on long contracts. Those signings are far more important than any loans or stop gap signings on Monday!



McCallum 6.5/10 – Tough contest with Azeez who got away from him a few times but he stuck to his take. Had one header that was off the line but then blazed a good chance over. He got caught after the ball – do not think it was a penalty as we see impact stuff after the ball has gone out a lot – but this might have unsettled him. He then wins a tackle but then goes down under no contact and was in real pain. It looked like it could be Achilles, as he was in real pain and needed oxygen/the stretcher. You hope weirdly it is ‘just’ a broken bone (ankle or foot) as these are easier to recover from. A real blow as he has been our most improved player and a revelation at times, in a disappointing season. Doubt we will see him again this season but hopefully not as bad as it looked?



Bindon 5.5/10 – First half he was more like a 3/10. His intensity was not there and he lost challenges and seemed to be weak in 50/50’s. The one on one came when he just got shrugged out of it. I also thought he was sleeping on the goal and it is his man. He just stands there. He got under the ball on two headers also and Peck was fuming with him. I thought he looked our weak link and they knew it. Fair play to him that he recovered after this and had a better second half and at least won some challenges and ensure he was tighter. I just feel him and McGuinness or so weak/flimsy for biggish blokes.



McGuiness 6.5/10 – He was better than Bindon and did ok overall. He won his first share of challenges over the game but I felt first half I thought he could not impose himself on his man and lost a few balls that came forward. A few moments where he miskicked it clear led to the ball going to Azeez. He did improve I thought and we restricted them mostly to long range shots as the game went on. A cynical booking but might have been a good one to take – but showed his lack of pace too. Few aimless punts and some weak looped headers on set plays stop this mark being higher but defensively he was ok. Last week and this, he has been ok and about as good as we are going to get from him.



Davies 6/10 – Steady game but the game seemed to bypass midfield – both teams actually and it was quick counter attacking. He was able to do a few bits and pieces though and at least gives us a presence in there too. He went off and we lost some control in there -particularly towards the end. We probably will not see him for a while again – maybe not at all. I doubt he will be playing football at any decent level much longer due to his body not being able to break down. Sad, as when he plays he does offer a fair bit



Peck 6.5/10 – As with above, neither set of central midfielders were particularly played through but Peck was competitive and won the tackles/loose balls. Start of second half he got in and won the loose stuff. We just came at them again and again for a spell and they could not get a foothold. Few good defensive bits to stem the possible late pressure they tried to create.



O’Hare 5/10 – Hard to mark him much higher when he missed two sitters. His actual overall work rate and play was decent but a few moments he gave the ball away when well placed. However, he always seems to be involved when we play those pockets of attacking play and he is a threat. He does not stop working for the side. Sadly, he missed the header and then the chance with his feet. He has to take one – probably both and will know that may have cost us the game. Also, thought he was looking for a penalty when he went down and like Bamford last week – we need to be better than that. The Millwall lad did the same also near the end! In his all-white kit and white bandage, he resembled Daniel Larruso from Karate Kid – sadly he managed to sweep his own leg on the chance 2nd half and then went down too easily that probably would have had Jonny Lawrence shouting the ‘P’ word at him!



Hamer 7.5/10 – Best he has been for a long time. He worked extremely hard for the team, getting up and down and being involved throughout. He wrestled back possession a few times but then also gave away the free kick for the goal. His passing was a massive threat today though and his ball to Brooks made the goal and then he had a few other lovely drilled passes that got us is. Fed Seriki for the cross-second half. He put a shift in today and felt when he went off, even though he may have tired, we lost that connect to the forward line.



Brooks 9/10 – His best performance for the club. He has had some very good performances this season, particularly either side of Xmas – Stoke, Brum and Leicester at home but today he took it up another level. He was a constant threat and Doughty was given a torrid time. The let back went off (claiming he had bad back but looked like he just wanted out of there to me?!) but he could not stop Brooks once. He went outside and inside, used both feet and was the main threat all game for us. He showed some quick feet and impressive skills, allied to pace and strength too. Looked a top player and moved around the pitch too, meaning he was hard to pick up. He at times can be wasteful or struggle to get involved but today he was none of that. He scored a great goal and put in several good crosses too. A Cruyff turn, a nutmeg and a series of weaving dribbles. He also worked hard and got back and defended (the moment at the end in the corner). The best player on the field and on that performance, Premier League (and teams abroad – rumours of Club Brugge emerged this week) will be taking up and noticing. Him and Seriki have everything the top league looks for in terms of that pace, athleticism, and ability to go both ways. They just need to get a run and show some consistency but both are doing that now – must be mainstays moving forward and the likes of Chong/Ogbene and Hoever are not even close to their levels – when they are playing like this. Hope there is nothing in the incident at the end where he was talking to a steward and pointing the crowd.



Cannon 6/10 – Bit like O’Hare, might be harsh as his general play and work ethic impressed. Looked stronger than he has before and won a few challenges and pressed well, as the lone striker. His link play was ok too. He did miss two very good (not as good as O’Hare’s) chances though – they were snap shots with the overhead in a crowd of players a harder opportunity. The second I thought he should do better and it was too close to the keeper. He has missed three good chances in London now the last few weeks. His performances continue to improve and now looks a viable option up front.



Subs -



Burrows 6/10 – Did alright against a tricky opponent. He got beat a few times but mainly when the winger came inside and at least stuck to it and won a few tackles too. He had a spell of attacking play but one shot he kind of shanked when he needed to find more power. Few decent balls that came across too that we did not get on the end of. Needs to now find some form and get back to near his levels of last year – as he will now be back in the team.



Arblaster 4.5/10 – Thought it was a real struggle again sadly. We did play well 45-75 mark but he was not involved in any attacking moments or made any what I would call, key passes. I barely noticed him apart from when he was at full stretch defending – twice he barely got back to kick it out for corners and when they moved it on, he struggled to keep up with the runners. He was not awful but he did not offer much and I am concerned he cannot run in the same way he used to (he was never fast but used to come out of tight pockets and carry it for a period – we do not see that- he has no burst of acceleration at all). Hopefully the talk of him needing a summer and pre season means he can improve and get back to where he was but I am concerned about the way he runs/moves around. It remind me of Coutts when he came back who never was the same.



Campbell –Did he touch the ball? Caught offside twice and barely moved. Team was working so hard and he comes on and ambles about. He is definitely down to our third option now up front. Lpoks totally disinterested.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A good performances. Picked the side most would have chosen except maybe Mee for McGuiness but rightly saw we needed more height due to their strengths in this area. We attacked them and did not sit back and created enough chances to win. Be disappointed we did not keep the lead and how we conceded but we bounced back and with clinical finishing, we deservedly win the game. He also had injuries to contend with but we continued to be positive and look for the win. No issues with him at all today and his team gave a solid account of themselves at a tough venue. Sense he is frustrated we have not brought others in but the awful recruitment (do not blame Selles for the Chong/Matos/Ings/McGuiness/Zatterstrom signings as doubtful he had anything to do with them and was half way out of the door) means he will not have much to play with.
 
Millwall – Done so well and despite not having the budget of others, Neill gets them well organised, playing for each other and they have some underrated players. They have flirted with the top 6 a few times but this year they look like they can stay the course – in a poor and open league. They have been labelled as a long ball team and one that scores a lot of set play goals which is harsh. We saw today, first half, they can attack and break at pace and play some good stuff. They move through the third quickly and have some fine technical players. However, they do have some size and do cause issues with set plays and crosses – as the goal showed today. They looked a hungry and relentless attacking side early on but then showed weaknesses and openness other way (as did we). The lad Azeez was a real threat and loaded men forward and were always looking to break and create chances and it made it entertaining.



It was not scrappy at all but they never had control of the game today -for a home side and felt United actually had larger spells of threat. The stats make it seem even or they shaded it but that was not the case. We controlled large swathes of the 2nd half and had the better chances overall – granted Langstaff missed a big one early. They scored but outside of a few long rangers – we had the Cannon x 2, O’Hare x 2 – that were much better chances after it went 1-1. The crowd got a bit frustrated it seemed 2nd half and I think if United had a Bamford or a few more able subs – we go on and finish it. In the end, they have a bit of a late go with crosses coming in and have scored a lot of late goals but nothing clear cut resulted. They did not deserve the win by any stretch and with others dropping points, may see it as a point gained. The division is so open and seems weaker than last year so they could easily finish top 6 and are strong at home. Alex Neill has done a good job and gets the most out of what they have but they have recruited well over the last few seasons and now are at worst an established Championship top 10 side but one that might a touch more investment to make that next step but if they go up, the money is there for them.



Opponent Man of the Match – Azeez. Not that close. Mai threat and caused all sorts of problems with his running and skill. Like Brooks, always wanted the ball. Crama was decent too at right back.



Opponent Weak link – The lad Doughty had a mare and was ripped a new one by Brooks. I thought Cooper looked poor at the back but we did not take the chances when we exploited his lack of mobility. Bannan came on and looked slow and at full stretch but had a long shot where he tried to be the hero.



Referee / Officials – Lewis Smith. Did the defeat at Boro and draw v QPR this season. Also did the Sheffield Derby at the Lane last year and was very good in this. The Leeds game he did (when we lost 1-2) and think he gave one of the best officiating performances I have seen for a long time and added to a cracking game. One of the more impressive younger refs actually from that I recall? I have seen a lot criticising him and calling him a homer – I have to say I thought he was fine. The moments that people will focus on are the McCallum incident – which I thought was innocuous and just how he planted his foot in the turf? Not sure their lad actually makes any contact on this moment – there was a challenge between both of them before but they both went in.



The moment before this where some have asked for a penalty, but doubt that is given many times, if ever? I mean the one where he gets a whack is a long time after the ball goes. Did any United players appeal and pros normally know? Seen a lot say it was a penalty but if that is given against us, I think we go nuts! It is late but they both sort of kick together and the ball had gone a long time before – maybe that makes it seem worse but generally when a shot is kicked over and the impact comes, refs rarely give these sorts of things. I was not that angry about it – madder at the McCallum finish! Outside of this, he was good. He let the game flow and he did not fall for O’Hare or Azeez’s theatrics. He tried to play on where he could and thought he was sensible with his cards too – two for them and one for us – all cynical taking players out. He did get in the way of one attack by us – which annoyed me the most. Not many calls he got wrong for me and is a ref that impressed me whenever I have seen him. I am sure I might not be in the majority but thought he helped an end to end and entertaining game.
 
Good report DB. My 'out of tens' differ a bit but you've nailed it in many areas.

I thought it was an entertaining outing from us.

We are a lot better than our league position suggests, and it's now very evident COH sacking Wilder midsummer was one of the worst decisions in the past ten seasons.
 
Crowd: Top backing from the Blades fans. Singing all the way through the game. Bannon of course had the reception you'd expect. Millwall fans were decent too, but they don't seem to have much of a variety of songs.

Stadium was full and there was even a sort of fanzone behind the stand with a variety of different beers. Cheapest pint I had in London was actually at the ground.
 
Ouch, marking Cannon down for "missing" that over head kick seems harsh. Not only did it come extremely fast at him, not only is a OHK a ridiculously hard thing to pull off, but he made a good connection (even though Radio Sheffield claimed he didn't) and he hit the target.
Other than that, I agree with most of that. Maybe Peck a little higher.
 
Fair points but Pecks man scored the equaliser, nothing to do with Bindon he ran off the back of Peck and he knew it with his reaction, McGuinness beaten to the header also as he is a donkey
 
Thanks for the report Deadbat
You are right, Brooks was superb. Hopefully he can continue this form and finish the season strongly. Good to see he's started scoring too.
Hopefully Riedewald will also be back soon, now that Tom Davies is injured again and Arblaster is way off being back to full fitness.
 
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FTPE said:
Ouch, marking Cannon down for "missing" that over head kick seems harsh. Not only did it come extremely fast at him, not only is a OHK a ridiculously hard thing to pull off, but he made a good connection (even though Radio Sheffield claimed he didn't) and he hit the target.
Other than that, I agree with most of that. Maybe Peck a little higher.
Click to expand...

It was for the two misses. The first was hard to really get a full connection as back to goal but the 2nd he should do better and was too close to the keeper.

Cannon was also too deep on the free kick where we conceded and played them onside.

He
 
Deadbat said:
United – An excellent performance. Followed up beating a high-flying side, by drawing on the road at another top 6 team. Millwall are tough to beat at home and have despatched many sides at the Den but today we gave them a good game and if O’Hare takes two excellent chances, we probably get the win. I thought we edged the game – even if the stats do not show that. They had a good one at 0-0 but we also had opportunities ourselves and got the lead thanks to a superb goal from Brooks. The annoying thing is we concede immediately and it is a soft set play goal where we do not win the first, or second ball. After this though, we regroup and it is end to end but Cannon x 2 and O’Hare have the best chances of the first half. Maybe overall a draw was about right but we could and should have been ahead on opportunities. We lost McCallum and Davies and I thought our traditional second half fall offs would happen again and they often are strong in the closing stages of games and score late goals. I was pleasantly surprised with how we continued to play and actually from 45-80, we were the better side by a fair margin. We did not create tons but Burrows missed a chance he should do better with and then O’Hare misses another sitter. We still looked the better side after this and Hamer was dictating play and Brooks superb. Seriki got stronger as the game went on and Cannon worked hard. I thought we were controlling the game but then after Hamer went off, we sort of lost the control and Campbell/Arblaster struggled - they ended the game on top but did not create much – it was just crosses and balls into the box. It would have been travesty if we had lost. We looked the better side and arguable the one in the top 6 (certainly considering we were away and missing a number of key players). Millwall looked the side just ambling around in mid table. I thought they showed some real pace and tempo first half and showed why they are up there but we showed the same qualities in an end-to-end game. The thing that I was pleased with, is that we just swarmed all over them 2nd half, their crowd seemed to get frustrated and we should have gone on and taken chances to go 2 or 3-1 up. It did not happen, as at Charlton, we missed some guilt edged chances but the way we played was encouraging. I thought the centre backs struggled first half but were better after the break and we looked a real threat down the right with Brooks and Seriki again showing what a bright future they have and surely have to be regulars now? The lad Azeez was a threat but McCallum/Burrows held him up best they could and he got frustrated by the end. It is a big blow to lose McCallum who has been very good this season. The Davies one is not a surprise. Suppose he played around 120 minutes since he came back – I am guessing that will be the end of him for a while again? McCallum looked serious and he seemed to fall/land his foot quite innocuously. Those sort (as we saw with Basham) often are worse than impact injuries. We seem to be losing players every away game in London currently – by different means.



I was disappointed we did not win but very pleased with how we played. A point at Millwall is positive, especially considering their form but it feels annoying because we needed three and should have got them. The frustration is seeing us take the game to a team right in the mix, for large spells and it is just more irritating that we are messing around so low in the table. The point does not help much in terms of any late push for the top 6, which is highly unlikely but means we now have 2 home consecutive home games and 3 in 4 (with Pompey away) so we play 3 sides lower than us and Boro.I am hopeful there are a fair amount of points we can plunder from these and at least take us into the top half possibly even I the traffic and points if too much to make up now. The teams at the bottom continue to lose and relegation is not something I am concerned about. A win against Oxford would essentially mean we probably would not be caught by two sides down there and at least mean any end to the season should be about how high we can get rather than being worried about being drawn into a scrap.



I was pleased with a lot of our play today. We played at a decent tempo and like at Charlton, we went forward in numbers. Hamer played his best game for a while and worked hard and Cannon also was a threat and ensured they could not have a moment. O’Hare was involved but had a bit of a nightmare with his finishing, if not his general play. Peck was combative throughout. The centre halves struggles but got better as the game went on. The biggest positives – outside of Hamer’s return to form was Seriki again who got better as the game went on and Brooks – the latter was superb and the best player on the pitch – edging out his positional counterpart – Azeez. I was concerned at how slow and immobile Arblaster and Campbell were and we had a big drop off – particularly the latter when he came on as he barely touched the ball.



It will be interesting if we do any business Monday? We now have lost a left back and maybe we get Norrington Davies back? That would seem more logical than buying someone. Davies clearly cannot stay fit so we do need another body in midfield but the board may decide with the season sort of petering out – to save their funds for the summer. I would not have an issue with that as much as people may get annoyed. We will have to trim the squad hugely and may have to sacrifice a few of our better players, with parachute payments ending – so squandering funds on a couple of loads when we are mired in mid table is probably folly. We have only 17 games left now so unless the players signed are part of the plans for next season, it seems pointless? I know that may sound boring and pragmatic!



Overall though I was pleased with how we played today. We have been inconsistent of late – and dropped off away from home, so we followed up last week with another solid performance. There were lots more positive than negatives – it was just the injuries and the fact we did not get the winner our performance deserved. Hopefully, we have no let down v Oxford and have Bamford, Tanganga and Soumare back. I enjoyed watching how we have gone about the last few games and cannot fault the way we have approached games and the attitude of the players. It is just annoying that we are playing a huge game of catch up rendering it all very frustrating when you see sides like Millwall, Hull, Derby and Wrexham – that our squad is as good as us, if not better – sadly the way we were mismanaged over the summer – combined with our soft underbelly that has let us down, even under Wilder – means we are miles off any kind of exciting end to the season. I will be happy with the performances we have seen though and hope to build for next season – with a solid core of Cooper (much improved again), Seriki, Tanganga, Peck, Brooks, O’Hare, Bamford and gulp, Cannon!





Ratings:



Cooper 7/10 – Made one excellent save from the chance from Longstaff but despite Radio Sheffield saying he made lots of saves? He made several routine ones but none where he was stretched. He did deal with what he had to though. Only negative was he punched an early cross which he should have taken and then missed another one – getting nowhere near it. His kicking was better today and he had some drilled back to him (one McGuiness one!) too!.



Seriki 7.5/10 - Started a bit off the pace with a few loose touches but got better as the game went on. He started to link with Brooks and they caused all sorts of problems down that side. He was in constant motion and his energy was relentless. Defended well too when he had to but maybe the goal he loses the header but that is harsh as they had a bigger man on him and we were mismatched at times. Some of his crosses hit the first man or did not find a target if I am being ultra critical but then he put a beauty in for O’Hare. Him and Brooks need to be tied down on long contracts. Those signings are far more important than any loans or stop gap signings on Monday!



McCallum 6.5/10 – Tough contest with Azeez who got away from him a few times but he stuck to his take. Had one header that was off the line but then blazed a good chance over. He got caught after the ball – do not think it was a penalty as we see impact stuff after the ball has gone out a lot – but this might have unsettled him. He then wins a tackle but then goes down under no contact and was in real pain. It looked like it could be Achilles, as he was in real pain and needed oxygen/the stretcher. You hope weirdly it is ‘just’ a broken bone (ankle or foot) as these are easier to recover from. A real blow as he has been our most improved player and a revelation at times, in a disappointing season. Doubt we will see him again this season but hopefully not as bad as it looked?



Bindon 5.5/10 – First half he was more like a 3/10. His intensity was not there and he lost challenges and seemed to be weak in 50/50’s. The one on one came when he just got shrugged out of it. I also thought he was sleeping on the goal and it is his man. He just stands there. He got under the ball on two headers also and Peck was fuming with him. I thought he looked our weak link and they knew it. Fair play to him that he recovered after this and had a better second half and at least won some challenges and ensure he was tighter. I just feel him and McGuinness or so weak/flimsy for biggish blokes.



McGuiness 6.5/10 – He was better than Bindon and did ok overall. He won his first share of challenges over the game but I felt first half I thought he could not impose himself on his man and lost a few balls that came forward. A few moments where he miskicked it clear led to the ball going to Azeez. He did improve I thought and we restricted them mostly to long range shots as the game went on. A cynical booking but might have been a good one to take – but showed his lack of pace too. Few aimless punts and some weak looped headers on set plays stop this mark being higher but defensively he was ok. Last week and this, he has been ok and about as good as we are going to get from him.



Davies 6/10 – Steady game but the game seemed to bypass midfield – both teams actually and it was quick counter attacking. He was able to do a few bits and pieces though and at least gives us a presence in there too. He went off and we lost some control in there -particularly towards the end. We probably will not see him for a while again – maybe not at all. I doubt he will be playing football at any decent level much longer due to his body not being able to break down. Sad, as when he plays he does offer a fair bit



Peck 6.5/10 – As with above, neither set of central midfielders were particularly played through but Peck was competitive and won the tackles/loose balls. Start of second half he got in and won the loose stuff. We just came at them again and again for a spell and they could not get a foothold. Few good defensive bits to stem the possible late pressure they tried to create.



O’Hare 5/10 – Hard to mark him much higher when he missed two sitters. His actual overall work rate and play was decent but a few moments he gave the ball away when well placed. However, he always seems to be involved when we play those pockets of attacking play and he is a threat. He does not stop working for the side. Sadly, he missed the header and then the chance with his feet. He has to take one – probably both and will know that may have cost us the game. Also, thought he was looking for a penalty when he went down and like Bamford last week – we need to be better than that. The Millwall lad did the same also near the end! In his all-white kit and white bandage, he resembled Daniel Larruso from Karate Kid – sadly he managed to sweep his own leg on the chance 2nd half and then went down too easily that probably would have had Jonny Lawrence shouting the ‘P’ word at him!



Hamer 7.5/10 – Best he has been for a long time. He worked extremely hard for the team, getting up and down and being involved throughout. He wrestled back possession a few times but then also gave away the free kick for the goal. His passing was a massive threat today though and his ball to Brooks made the goal and then he had a few other lovely drilled passes that got us is. Fed Seriki for the cross-second half. He put a shift in today and felt when he went off, even though he may have tired, we lost that connect to the forward line.



Brooks 9/10 – His best performance for the club. He has had some very good performances this season, particularly either side of Xmas – Stoke, Brum and Leicester at home but today he took it up another level. He was a constant threat and Doughty was given a torrid time. The let back went off (claiming he had bad back but looked like he just wanted out of there to me?!) but he could not stop Brooks once. He went outside and inside, used both feet and was the main threat all game for us. He showed some quick feet and impressive skills, allied to pace and strength too. Looked a top player and moved around the pitch too, meaning he was hard to pick up. He at times can be wasteful or struggle to get involved but today he was none of that. He scored a great goal and put in several good crosses too. A Cruyff turn, a nutmeg and a series of weaving dribbles. He also worked hard and got back and defended (the moment at the end in the corner). The best player on the field and on that performance, Premier League (and teams abroad – rumours of Club Brugge emerged this week) will be taking up and noticing. Him and Seriki have everything the top league looks for in terms of that pace, athleticism, and ability to go both ways. They just need to get a run and show some consistency but both are doing that now – must be mainstays moving forward and the likes of Chong/Ogbene and Hoever are not even close to their levels – when they are playing like this. Hope there is nothing in the incident at the end where he was talking to a steward and pointing the crowd.



Cannon 6/10 – Bit like O’Hare, might be harsh as his general play and work ethic impressed. Looked stronger than he has before and won a few challenges and pressed well, as the lone striker. His link play was ok too. He did miss two very good (not as good as O’Hare’s) chances though – they were snap shots with the overhead in a crowd of players a harder opportunity. The second I thought he should do better and it was too close to the keeper. He has missed three good chances in London now the last few weeks. His performances continue to improve and now looks a viable option up front.



Subs -



Burrows 6/10 – Did alright against a tricky opponent. He got beat a few times but mainly when the winger came inside and at least stuck to it and won a few tackles too. He had a spell of attacking play but one shot he kind of shanked when he needed to find more power. Few decent balls that came across too that we did not get on the end of. Needs to now find some form and get back to near his levels of last year – as he will now be back in the team.



Arblaster 4.5/10 – Thought it was a real struggle again sadly. We did play well 45-75 mark but he was not involved in any attacking moments or made any what I would call, key passes. I barely noticed him apart from when he was at full stretch defending – twice he barely got back to kick it out for corners and when they moved it on, he struggled to keep up with the runners. He was not awful but he did not offer much and I am concerned he cannot run in the same way he used to (he was never fast but used to come out of tight pockets and carry it for a period – we do not see that- he has no burst of acceleration at all). Hopefully the talk of him needing a summer and pre season means he can improve and get back to where he was but I am concerned about the way he runs/moves around. It remind me of Coutts when he came back who never was the same.



Campbell –Did he touch the ball? Caught offside twice and barely moved. Team was working so hard and he comes on and ambles about. He is definitely down to our third option now up front. Lpoks totally disinterested.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A good performances. Picked the side most would have chosen except maybe Mee for McGuiness but rightly saw we needed more height due to their strengths in this area. We attacked them and did not sit back and created enough chances to win. Be disappointed we did not keep the lead and how we conceded but we bounced back and with clinical finishing, we deservedly win the game. He also had injuries to contend with but we continued to be positive and look for the win. No issues with him at all today and his team gave a solid account of themselves at a tough venue. Sense he is frustrated we have not brought others in but the awful recruitment (do not blame Selles for the Chong/Matos/Ings/McGuiness/Zatterstrom signings as doubtful he had anything to do with them and was half way out of the door) means he will not have much to play with.
Click to expand...
Surprised at the mark for Sereki. Clearly at fault for their goal by not even attempting to challenge.( he did this a few mins earlier as well) On top of that, in the first half he kept losing possession and kicking the ball out of play. Improved in 2nd half but mo more than a 5 out of 10 for me. Re Campbell, within the first few seconds he cushioned a header down for Peck
 
bartman said:
Surprised at the mark for Sereki. Clearly at fault for their goal by not even attempting to challenge.( he did this a few mins earlier as well) On top of that, in the first half he kept losing possession and kicking the ball out of play. Improved in 2nd half but mo more than a 5 out of 10 for me. Re Campbell, within the first few seconds he cushioned a header down for Peck
Click to expand...

Thought Seriki had a ropy start but played well after that and a massive threat. My main issue was the crossing which hit the first man too much but his energy was incredible.

The goal is tough as the guy is much bigger. They had a number of mismatches with a big CF and two huge CBs. We surely thought should had our two CBs and McCallum on those three, not Seriki?

I think 5/10 is harsh personally.
 
Dkc said:
Crowd: Top backing from the Blades fans. Singing all the way through the game. Bannon of course had the reception you'd expect. Millwall fans were decent too, but they don't seem to have much of a variety of songs.

Stadium was full and there was even a sort of fanzone behind the stand with a variety of different beers. Cheapest pint I had in London was actually at the ground.
Click to expand...
Bannan not Bannon.

Cannon not Cannan.
 



Millwall big strong team at home - constant route one. Feared the worst but elated with how we went about our business. Thought no one deserved less than 7/10 lots and lots of energy and endeavour on show. Brooks 9/10.

Wilder post match was excellent full of honesty and exactly why I wouldn’t swap for any other.

Great point - must make sure we consolidate with a win Tuesday.
 
Good assessment DB , just a couple of points.
McCallum brought his own injury upon himself unfortunately.
There was no contact at all in the decisive moment.
It was his ball going towards the touchline.
He made a hash of guarding it and had a tussle which he just managed to win.
At that point he should have put it into Row Z which was an easy & safe option.
But he lunged for an extreme L foot clearance up the field and did a Basham to his standing R ankle.
I feared there could be a break there , but the ligaments must have been strained to their absolute limit.
Poor kid , suffered from his pride reacting to almost losing the ball.

CoH chances were not easy - don't forget how short he is for the first and for the second it came at him at speed and he was crowded by the GK.

I think people are stretching themselves to find improvement in Canon.
He's a hapless player - always a bit too late arriving or late into the challenge or slightly out of position or - when he gets the clear chance from a peach of a cross , puts it straight at the GK.
Edwards or Sharp would have buried that one today.
He never chooses which part of the goal he's going to put it in order to beat the GK. Just a hit & hope.
In a tight game , he's useless.
I can't believe he wasn't hooked earlier.
How Wilder can play him to lead the line as a solo striker v Jake Cooper reflects very badly on our manager.
Without Moore or Bamford , we have 3 poor articles for solo striker.
Campbell NEVER heads the ball , never even challenges for a header and Ings is just too old.
We are crying out for an effective striker and yet we send One out on loan , who is the ideal cover for Bamford.
If we don't bring in a striker on Monday , this is a very short sighted decision
 
Re Millwall I thought their number 24 had a very good game, bossed their midfield in the first half, could play, got stuck in and was everywhere.
 
Really good report and rankings.

Hate to say it but I think I’m done with Campbell, whole team put a shift in and put their bodies on the line and that lazy get shuffles round waiting for the ball to his feet. Doesn’t press, doesn’t push, doesn’t make runs. I’d be livid if I was Brooks are there were a couple of locations he ran past in him in both directions going after the ball.

Been watching some clips of Hamer when he played in Holland and I don’t know if we’d be better moving him to the middle and having O’Hare’s running and creativity out wide.
 
KMC-1889 said:
Really good report and rankings.

Hate to say it but I think I’m done with Campbell, whole team put a shift in and put their bodies on the line and that lazy get shuffles round waiting for the ball to his feet. Doesn’t press, doesn’t push, doesn’t make runs. I’d be livid if I was Brooks are there were a couple of locations he ran past in him in both directions going after the ball.

Been watching some clips of Hamer when he played in Holland and I don’t know if we’d be better moving him to the middle and having O’Hare’s running and creativity out wide.
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I do think that Hamer and O'Hare are great - but not great - in a standard 4-4-2. One of them has to do the winger duties which neither are good at.

Bothe of them are essentially Attacking Midfielders, interchangeable in that role. and dangerous enough to support a single attacker. We had that with N'daiye and MGW a few seasons ago and bloody hell, was it effective? Both would collect the ball and drive headlong into the oppositions' defensive lines, bringing the rest of the team up with them.

Hamer and O'Hare are totally misused in a 4-4-2 and are best used in a 3-4-2-1 or a 4-3-2-1 as the launchpad for attacks
 
A good report and a good point. Seriki first half had a bit of a mare – and probably an earful from Wilder on the touchline – cheaply conceding possession and positionally a bit all over the place. Had been pleased to see Bindon back in but that was up there with Wrexham as his poorest performance under Wilder.

Brooks was a delight to watch yesterday – such a threat throughout. I fear he and Seriki both got knocks that might rule them out starting Tuesday, as both limped through moments in that 2nd half. If so, and with McCallum and Davies definitely out, think we might see about 6 changes with Taranga & Bamford returning…
 
Brooks and Seriki again showing what a bright future they have and surely have to be regulars now. Him and Seriki have everything the top league looks for in terms of that pace, athleticism, and ability to go both ways. They just need to get a run and show some consistency but both are doing that now – must be mainstays moving forward.

The long overdue upturn in Hamers form and the continuing impressive performances from Brooks and Seriki have been the difference last two games. We need to tie Brooks and Seriki down now with improved contracts. The owners need to get hold of this. Be decisive, make the decision not rely on the dysfunctional recruitment team.

Getting a point against a very good Wall team and astute tactical manager was for me the best so far under CW mark 2. Neill has out thought CW last 2 seasons. The improvement second half away from home was something we haven't seen since CW returned. A huge step forward imo. We have to build on this. We have the ability to go on a long winning run. The only person who can de rail this is CW himself. He has to ditch his 3 game week obsession and stop tinkering. Play the strongest team every game for the last 17 games. Put the sick notes Davies and Shackelton in the departure lounge and just accept Arblaster is going to take until the end of the season to be playing regularly.

Oxford will be no push over.
 
BazWainwright said:
It was Peck's mark who escaped him.

But Cannon was the player who should have read the game better and pushed up. He played them onside.
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Correct. Our centre halves get blocked by Millwall players, leaving Seriki and Brooks to deal with the tall centre back Taylor:

1769942195139.webp



The photo below shows Cannon plays Ivanovic onside, and some said he should have pushed up. In my opinion it is to risky for the backline to stay so high following such an aerial challenge. I think the entire backline should have dropped deeper, so if the header was lost, we had people in front of the box to deal with the knock down:

1769942478194.webp
 
Deadbat said:
Fair enough. Thought Bindon was the closest. Stand corrected. We cannot lose the first ball and the second. Awfully basic goal to concede.
Click to expand...
I think their goal against us at the Lane was very similar but I may be getting confused.
 



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