ISSUE
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MARK BEEVERS
ONE ARMBAND, BUT WE NEED ELEVEN CAPTAINS
CONTENTS INTERVIEW
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PREVIEW
MARK BEEVERS: ONE ARMBAND, BUT WE NEED ELEVEN CAPTAINS
AFC FYLDE
OPINION
NEWS
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MILLWALL’S O’BRIEN RECOGNISED FOR BRILLIANT FORM WITH AWARD
FRAMPTON: LEADERS IN MILLWALL DRESSING ROOM WILL STEP UP
INTERVIEW
MATCH REPORT
MILLWALL BOSS HARRIS HAS DECISION TO MAKE OVER CAPTAINCY
ARCHER: ANYTHING OTHER THAN TOP SIX IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR MILLWALL
INTERVIEW
MATCH REPORT
MILLWALL PLAYERS DESERVE CREDIT FOR IMPROVEMENT, SAYS BOSS
0 MILLWALL 0 BRADFORD 3
MILLWALL'S BEEVERS: ONE ARMBAND, BUT WE NEED 11 CAPTAINS By John Kelly
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“I’ve played over 200 league games now so I should be in a position to take on that kind of responsibility,” he said. “And I’m ready for it.”
ARK Beevers would be happy to take the skipper’s armband at Millwall – but insists it’s more important every player acts like a captain on the pitch.
“That’s not to say I’m going to be the captain this week or anything like that. Obviously anyone would like to wear the armband but, in my opinion, you get one player wearing the armband but there should be 11 captains on the pitch.
Beevers, who was voted NewsAtDen’s player of the month for October after a string of commanding performances, could be handed the responsibility of leading the side out this weekend against AFC Fylde.
“You should really command your position and talk to the players around you to tell them what they need to do to help you, and vice-versa. If you get that then you’ll have a successful team.”
Manager Neil Harris didn’t name a vice-captain during the summer after he chose Tony Craig as this season’s captain, and there are other senior figures such as Steve Morison and Shaun Williams who would also relish the role.
Beevers began the season at leftback but but was left out of the squad for the 3-2 defeat to Barnsley in August.
But Beevers believes it’s crucial there are leaders in every area of the pitch.
He was then linked with a move back north but had clear-the-air
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talks with Harris to resolve his future. The manager moved him to centre-back for the league game with Chesterfield and since that 2-0 defeat Millwall have lost just two of their last 13 in all competitions.
tell the players around me what they need to do and what I want them to do, and I listen to them as well.” Craig’s words of encouragement before Saturday’s game will be missed, and Beevers gave an amusing insight into what happens in Millwall’s famous pre-match huddles.
The former Sheffield Wednesday defender had recently formed a solid centre-back partnership with Craig, but could be joined by either Byron Webster or Sid Nelson against Fylde.
He explained: “It’s always the captain that has a scream-up before the game. It’s all TC in the huddle. Sometimes it goes smoothly, sometimes it doesn’t.
Beevers has been the one constant in the centre of defence since that Chesterfield reverse, but he has faith in both of Craig’s potential replacements.
“I remember in one game it broke down, it might have been Port Vale away. He started off on this little rant and then halfway through forgot what he was going to say. It broke down so he said ‘eff it, let’s just get on with it’.
“I’ve played with Webs a few times and I think we complement each other really well,” he said. “Whoever’s come into the team at centre-half has done a really good job. Sid came in for a few games before he got injured and did well.
“I don’t know if he thinks about what he’s going to say, it doesn’t seem like it! He just seems to stick his head in there and say a few words and away we go.
“Webs has got bags of experience and is a good player. In that position I don’t think we’re short on experience or ability.
“But it’s certainly worked the last few weeks and it’s something Millwall have always done so we’ll stick with it.”
“Sid told me that I’m a calming influence, so that’s nice to hear! I’m vocal enough on the pitch, I can
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FA CUP PREVIEW: AFC FYLDE By John Kelly
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We’re respectful of them because they’ve got some really good young players and they’ve scored a lot of goals this season.
EIL Harris is warning his players they need to be “fully focused” to avoid a shock result in the FA Cup first round this weekend against AFC Fylde.
“Nothing changes for my players. They have to be mentally right and fully focused on the job at hand to come out winners.”
The Lancashire club are currently top of the National League North and defeated Stalybridge Celtic 5-0 last weekend to extend their winning run to nine games.
Harris is hoping to have Sid Nelson available this weekend or for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Plymouth on Tuesday night.
Dave Challinor’s side will also present a threat to a Millwall defence that will be without captain Tony Craig as they have scored 31 goals during that winning run.
George Saville and Shane Ferguson will sit the fixture out as they have not been given permission to play by Wolves and Newcastle.
Harris could restore Byron Webster to the side in Craig’s absence, but has other options in the centre of his defence.
But Harris has the option of handing winger Paris Cowan-Hall his first start of the season.
“It’s always a blow to see your captain go off, but Byron has been brilliant for me,” Harris said. “We’ve also got Shaun Williams, Joe Martin and Shaun Cummings who can play centre-half so we’ve got plenty of players who can play in that position.”
The other decisions to be made concern the captaincy, with Lions chairman John Berylson hinting that striker Steve Morison could be given the armband, and whether to give David Forde a start (though that would cup-tie the player) for the first time since August 18.
Fylde will have Sam Finley back from suspension and Josh Langley is included after recovering from a fractured metatarsal.
Others such as Jack Powell and Alfie Pavey who are on the fringes of the first team could also figure in Harris’ thinking.
The Coasters are an ambitious club and are well ahead of schedule to be in the Football League by 2022, a target chairman David Haythornthwaite set in 2007.
Meanwhile, Fylde have had to put on extra coaches to cope with the demand from fans who want to witness the biggest fixture in their history and a first meeting between the clubs.
Fylde hope to move to a new 6,000-seater stadium next year, and Harris stressed his players won’t be taking the challenge lightly.
Form guide: Millwall: WDWWD AFC Fylde: WWWWW
He said: “They are difficult games. We’re very respectful of the opposition – they’re top of the league for a reason. Any team that’s flying high in the National League North or South could easily compete in the top 10 in the National League.
Match odds: Millwall 2/5 Draw 7/2 AFC Fylde 13/2 Probable Millwall team: Archer; Cummings, Webster, Beevers, J Martin; Onyedinma, Thompson, Williams, L Martin; Morison, O’Brien.
“We’ve see year in, year out, teams who come out of that division are competitive in League Two. There’s not a great deal between leagues. 9
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POTENTIAL CUP UPSET There will be shocks this weekend, of course, but how to spot them? Nothing in the Millwall camp this week suggests they are vulnerable to a surprise result. Steve Morison, however, mentioned that at the level of AFC Fylde any player has enough ability to play in League One, but just not on a consistent basis, which marks the difference between those in League One and players in the National League North. Fylde’s recent form suggests they have seven, eight or nine player who could produce that oneoff game at League One standard this weekend. If that happens then this could be an awkward fixture for the Lions. They are three divisions below Millwall but the confidence inspired by their nine wins in a row is a bulwark against that reality. Confidence is confidence, and they have nothing to lose. That makes them a danger. They have also been in free-scoring form and could fancy their chances against a home defence that isn’t over-loaded with real pace. Neil Harris has been really keen to emphasise that the preparation this week has been the same as it was before league games.
By John Kelly
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There have been no signs of any complacency at Calmont Road this week and shocks tend to be thunderbolts out of a clear sky when they do occur. If there is to be some kind shock in store, perhaps an away goal, Millwall will hope it comes early enough to jolt them back to life.
KIDS IN AN FA CUP CANDY SHOP? Harris hasn’t altered his side dramatically for cup games so far this season, but this fixture would seem to give him the opportunity to do that. Much has been made of the rebuilding work at the club centring on re-mapping a pathway from the underage sides to the first team. The evidence so far this season suggests it could be a fruitful policy, with Ben Thompson, Sid Nelson before his injury and, most obviously, Aiden O’Brien, making important contributions as Millwall recovered from their poor form earlier in the season.
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THE GAFFER AND THE CHAIRMAN
Lions fans will have read and heard dispatches from the Professional Development League this season and the fine form of Justin Skinner’s side.
AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor knows all about what it takes to execute an upset: Between the 1999-00 and 2000-01 seasons he was part of a Tranmere squad that knocked higher league opposition in Coventry, Middlesbrough, West Ham, Sunderland, Leeds United, Everton and Southampton out of cup competitions.
Nelson was working his way back to full fitness in that environment until another setback when he injured his foot, as has Kris Twardek, the exciting central or flank attacker who offers unpredictability, verve and just general excitement on the pitch. He might be quite a bit away from being a regular in the first team at this stage, but how exciting it would be to see him in a game like this at The Den.
That Tranmere team were unfashionable outsiders and their style not everyone’s cup of tea. Fylde are a quick, attacking side with bundles of goals in the squad.
There are others, such as left-back Noah Chesmain and the highly rated goalkeeper Harry Girling who will probably need at least another season of U21 football before they can think about challenging for a first-team place, though Chesmain featured in pre-season and Girling has already been on the bench twice for the senior side this season. Mahlon Romeo could also figure.
And they are a club with big ambitions. They are looking to move to a new stadium next season and their average attendances have risen with their progress through the divisions, though those numbers are still in the hundreds and it remains to be seen whether they can continue to create new demand.
Then there is Jack Powell, who could get another opportunity in midfield after two starts so far this season didn’t quite go his way. This could the opportunity he needs to get back on course.
They are aiming to replicate the success of Fleetwood Town, located less than 20 miles to the north but with the distance between them set to be reduced further next season. Ten miles to the west is Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool, a club in freefall for the last number of years and under the ownership yoke of the Oystons, who occupy a place at the opposite end of the spectrum to the ambitious David Haythornthwaite.
Arguably the player Lions fans would most like to measure the progress of is big striker Alfie Pavey, who after a couple of seasons of getting used to the technical and physical demands of professional football after a relatively late entry into its ranks, has really come into his own for Skinner’s side.
Even if we don’t see any more of Fylde in the FA Cup after Saturday, it’ll certainly be worth keeping an eye on their league progress this season and beyond.
He has come on twice this season, too late to make an impact, but it would be intriguing to see how he would do against the non-league opponents.
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MILLWALL'S O'BRIEN RECOGNISED FOR BRILLIANT FORM WITH AWARD By John Kelly
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ILLWALL’s Aiden O’Brien has been named the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for October.
and the former Republic of Ireland underage international is the club’s top scorer this season with seven goals.
The 22-year-old attacker scored three league goals last month and finished ahead of Coventry’s Adam Armstrong, Bradford defender Reece Burke and Jon Taylor of Peterborough who had also been nominated.
O’Brien told the club’s official website: “It is a great moment for me to win this award but I wouldn’t have been able to without my teammates. We have managed to start climbing up the table in recent weeks and it is always good to play your part by scoring goals.
As well as his excellent league form, O’Brien netted against Northampton in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy to help the Lions through to the area quarter-finals.
“Quite a few of the lads have been chipping in so far this season, which is always important, and hopefully that will continue. October was a good month for us and we need to carry on playing in the same way.”
Neil Harris has used O’Brien on both flanks and up front recently
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STAT'S THAT... BY JOHN KELLY
1st 534 1.4k 2000
2/13
21 11
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This is the first time Millwall and AFC Fylde have met in their history. Fylde’s average home crowd last season at their 3,180-capacity stadium was 534.
7TH
The record attendance at their current home, Kellamergh Park, is 1,418 – against FC United of Manchester. Their manager, Dave Challinor, was part of the giant-killing Tranmere squad earlier this century that was involved in controversial 1-0 over Sunderland in an FA Cup third round tie in 2000 when they briefly had 12 players on the pitch when they brought on a substitute for a sent-off player.
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Millwall have lost just two of their last 13 games in all competitions – and are aiming for five wins in a row at home for the first time in more than five years.
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Fylde, then known as Kirkham & Wesham F.C., went 21 months unbeaten in competitive games between January 2003 and October 2004. The Lancashire side are currently on a nine-game winning run and are unbeaten in 11. 14
They won the West Lancashire Football League Premier Division seven times in eight seasons between 1999 and 2007. This is the 135th season in the history of the FA Cup. Although most people’s interest in the competitions isn’t piqued until the League clubs enter in the first round proper and Premier League and Championship teams in the third round, this weekend is actually the seventh round of the competition this season. A total of 368 teams, from levels nine and 10 of English football, competed in the extra preliminary round back in August. This will be Millwall’s 330th game in FA Cup history. Their record is: 130 wins; 117 losses; 82 draws. Curtis Weston became the youngest ever FA Cup finalist when he came on as a substitute in the 2004 decider against Manchester United. The current Barnet player was 17 years and 119 days when he came on for Dennis Wise in the 3-0 defeat.
Aiden O’Brien is the third Millwall player to win the League One player of the month award when he was recognised for his form in October. Steve Morison was the last winner when he claimed the prize in March 2010. And the month before? His current manager, Neil Harris. ŠMillwallFC
FRAMPTON: LEADERS IN MILLWALL DRESSING ROOM WILL STEP UP By John Kelly
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He said: “Tony, with the experience he’s got, will be able to cope pretty well with this disappointment. I spoke to him about it (Monday). He’s an important piece of the puzzle at our club and we’re fully in support of what he’ll have to go through.
ILLWALL coach Andy Frampton believes the potential absence of Tony Craig with a knee injury is an opportunity for other players to step into the breach and show they have the leadership skills to minimise the effect of the loss of the captain. The Lions will give an update on the defender’s injury this week after he has seen a knee specialist.
“We’re going to be here to help him as much as he needs it. With his experience he knows what it’ll take to come back fitter and stronger.
It’s an important week in cup competitions for Millwall with AFC Fylde visiting The Den this Saturday in the first round of the FA Cup before Neil Harris’ squad travel to Plymouth on Tuesday for their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area quarter-final.
“The main reason for bringing him back was to bring that type of leadership into the group. We have some very good leaders in that group now and they’re going to have to step up and fill the void in the time that Tony is out injured.”
It’s not the first time Craig has had to deal with serious injury, but Frampton believes the Millwall skipper has the character to deal with this latest setback.
Meanwhile, manager Harris will have to plan without George Saville and Shane Ferguson for the fixture against AFC Fylde. The on-loan pair haven’t been given permission to play in the cup tie by Wolves and Newcastle.
Frampton admitted, however, that the former Brentford defender’s leadership in the dressing room will be missed. 16
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MILLWALL BOSS HARRIS HAS DECISION TO MAKE OVER CAPTAINCY By John Kelly
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ILLWALL manager Neil Harris hasn’t decided yet who will captain the side in the absence of Tony Craig.
to be patient with Tony and wait to see the news on him.” Harris and his management team significantly trimmed a bloated squad over the summer and he accepts that leaves Millwall vulnerable when they are hit with injuries and suspensions.
Steve Morison took the armband when Craig was substituted with a knee injury against Bradford and the 32-year-old centre-forward has previous captaincy experience with Stevenage Borough.
The Lions have coped with the absences of Ed Upson and Jimmy Abdou, going unbeaten since the pair were injured at Peterborough last month.
But Harris said Morison won’t necessarily continue in the role this weekend against AFC Fylde.
Craig’s knee problem now depletes another area of the squad, but Harris is hoping that Sid Nelson will be an option against either Fylde this weekend or Plymouth in the Football League Trophy next Tuesday night.
He explained: “Steve was the natural decision at the time but I’ll have to give it some thought. I never named a vice-captain because I don’t think there is a need to. “I’ll make a decision towards the weekend as to who will captain the side on Saturday.
He said: “We’ve a small squad so we’re always an injury or suspension away from being a bit light. We continuously monitor the centre-back situation. We’re hopeful that Sid will be back in contention for one if not both the cup games.”
“It will depend on team selection as to who takes it on. I think it’ll be a lot clearer who that will be, if Tony is out, against Colchester in the next league game. We’ll have 19
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MILLWALL BOSS HARRIS: WE'LL TAKE STOCK OF SAVILLE IN JANUARY By John Kelly
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said no decision will be made on his long-term future until next year.
ILLWALL boss Neil Harris says there is no agreement in place to sign midfielder George Saville on a permanent basis in January.
“I think with George it’s just continuously monitoring his development,” Harris explained. “Thanks to Ken and to Wolves for allowing Sav to get out and play some first-team football and for appreciating that he’s in a good place to learn.
The Lions reached an agreement with Kenny Jackett’s Wolves to extend Saville’s loan with the club until January 6 having initially signed him on a 28-day deal at the beginning of October.
“He’s certainly enjoying himself and we’re pleased to have him.
The 22-year-old made his debut in the 2-0 win over Northampton in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and some impressive performances and injuries to key midfielders convinced Harris to request an extension.
“There isn’t any agreement that he’ll become our player. We’re pleased to have him until January and we’ll take stock as a when.”
Saville is unbeaten in a Millwall shirt in six games and Harris
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Archer:
ANYTHING OTHER THAN TOP SIX UNACCEPTABLE FOR MILLWALL By John Kelly
©Charlie Compitus
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ORDAN Archer said he had “goosebumps” such were the noise levels at times during the 0-0 draw with Bradford last weekend.
Most of those were also singing his name when he let rip at his defence after an error that almost led to Kyel Reid giving Bradford the lead in the first half.
The goalkeeper kept his seventh clean sheet in 16 games since he claimed the number one jersey from David Forde in an intense and physical clash in front of 9,367 fans at The Den that moved the Lions up to seventh in the table.
But Archer was keen to highlight the defensive effort of those in front of him after another relatively trouble-free afternoon at The Den. “It was nice to hear my name chanted,” Archer said. “You don’t get a
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much better feeling than when fans sing your name. “Our fans were different class on Saturday – it gave me goosebumps. It is the first time I have heard it that loud. “If you do keep a clean sheet, keepers get the credit. But the other players do the work, too. I don’t think Bradford had one shot on target. “(The defence) give me a bit sometimes, and I give them a bit. But everyone is committed to the cause. Talking is something I have tried to improve on. I learned it from David Forde – he is very vocal. “You give and you take it – but it is not just me. It is like a kick up the backside to get players going. “It’s about concentration. Sometimes you might not have much to do, but it only takes a second of not being focused and the ball can be in the back of the net.” Archer says Forde has been giving him invaluable advice since he made his competitive debut for Millwall in the 0-0 draw with Scunthorpe in August. He explained: “Fordey has been brilliant. Complimenting me if I do well but telling me if he sees something I can improve on. He is not the sort of guy to give bad advice. Our coach Kevin Pressman is great like that, too.” The 22-year-old also admitted that it would be “unacceptable” were Millwall to finish outside the top six this season given the quality he feels they possess within their squad. “We had a tough month and sticky start, but thought it would turn around. “The play-offs are a realistic target. Anything less than that is unacceptable with the squad we have got. I am sure we will be in or about the top six.”
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MILLWALL BLOW AS CRAIG SUFFERS LIGAMENT AND TENDON DAMAGE By John Kelly
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ILLWALL have been dealt a huge blow with the confirmation that Tony Craig has sustained lateral ligament and hamstring tendon damage.
“He is currently in a protective brace and on crutches and will see the surgeon later in the week. This will allow the swelling and pain to settle so the surgeon can fully evaluate the knee and decide the best course of action. We will update everyone later in the week.”
Club captain Craig suffered the injury in a block tackle on Bradford striker James Hanson during the 0-0 draw with the Bantams on Saturday and a scan yesterday confirmed the extent of the damage.
Craig joins midfielders Ed Upson and Jimmy Abdou on the sidelines, while Millwall’s centre-back options are further limited by a foot injury suffered by Sid Nelson.
The news is a big setback to Millwall boss Neil Harris who has seen his side develop a defensive resoluteness built on the centre-back partnership of Craig and Mark Beevers.
Upson, who suffered a knee injury in the 5-3 defeat to Peterborough last month, could be back in training next week but Abdou, injured in the same game, is still a month away from a return.
Craig, 30, will see a specialist later this week when a timeline on a period of recovery and return will be clearer.
UPDATE: Millwall have confirmed that Tony Craig is to have surgery on the injury he suffered in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Bradford.
Millwall physio Bobby Bacic told the club’s official website: “Tony Craig has suffered an injury to his left knee whilst performing a heroic flying block during the Bradford match. He has escaped cruciate ligament damage, but has significantly damaged his lateral ligament and hamstring tendon.
The Lions captain will undergo the procedure next week after he sustained lateral ligament and hamstring tendon damage making a tackle on James Hanson. 27
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MI LLWA LL PLAY ERS DE S ERVE C RE D I T F OR IMPROVEME NT, S AY S B OSS By John Kelly
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EIL Harris says his squad’s willingness to work hard is the key element in their recent good run of defensive form.
Millwall have conceded just two goals in six games since they leaked five at Peterborough on October 3 and it’s now over 400 minutes since they let in a goal at home when Peter Vincenti scored for Rochdale on September 26.
“It’s not just the back four – it’s their desire, the team shape and bravery and aggression. We speak about that a lot at this football club. It’s also their determination to keep a clean sheet. “We’ve adjusted a few things since the start of the season when we were conceding goals. Peterborough probably just highlighted it and we decided we needed to change.
Saturday’s clean sheet came at a cost, however, with Tony Craig set to see a specialist this week after suffering an injury that looks like it will rule him out of Saturday’s FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde and probably beyond.
But it’s the players, my staff – Andy Frampton and Dave Livermore in particular with the defensive side of things.
Byron Webster came on for the club captain against Bradford and Harris was pleased with his contribution.
“It all comes down to the players. You put on whatever session you like and ask them to do certain things but they have to do it themselves.
The Millwall boss also highlighted the roles of his coaches in tightening up the defence.
“I thought Byron Webster was brilliant when he came on. I thought he showed aggression. It’s a difficult time for a centre-half to come on without a warm-up.
“It’s a lot of work on the training pitch, but it’s down to the players,” Harris said.
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But he went out there and I thought he was a man mountain when he came one.”
“We need to grow as a team and a club again and build the foundations. We’re certainly doing that and getting better all the time.
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson felt the clash was the most physical his side have been involved in this season with Harris saying “there was a lot of cancelling each other out”.
“But we’re not getting carried away. We’re starting to develop into a good squad of players.” Meanwhile, defender Carlos Edwards has had his contract extended until the end of the season.
Shaun Williams made his return after two games out with a back injury to come closest to breaking the deadlock and his manager revealed the midfielder’s determination to be involved in the game.
Edwards initially signed a deal until January after he had proven his fitness following almost a year out with a knee injury.
Harris explained: “Shaun Williams trained for 20 minutes (Friday). That’s it, that’s all he did before the game. But he knocked on my door and he wanted to play. He wanted to be in the team and that’s a nice conundrum for a manager.”
The 37-year-old told the club’s official website: “They say hard work pays off and the contract extension was something the club and I were working towards for some time.
Millwall now face two cup fixtures in quick succession as they attempt to progress in the FA Cup this weekend before they visit Plymouth in the area quarter-finals of the Football League Trophy next Tuesday.
“The club has kept its promise and now I’m looking to help Millwall back to the Championship. “I had no doubt that once I got my head down I would be back playing and now I’m enjoying every moment.
After climbing eight places in October to seventh in the Sky Bet League One table the Lions will also face two stern tests of their promotion ambitions this month against two of the season’s surprise form sides, Burton Albion and Bury.
“I’m not someone who suffers from selfdoubt. I want to play and I was determined to force my way back into the team. I’m not going to take my foot off the pedal because I’ve got a deal to the end of the season.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Harris added. “I said at the start of the season we had no expectation level this year.
“I’m looking for us as a group and as a club to push on and try to win promotion.”
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MILLWALL BOSS HARRIS PRAISES “OUTSTANDING” CAPTAIN CRAIG By John Kelly
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has been exceptional since he moved to centre-back.
EIL Harris paid tribute to his captain Tony Craig after the defender was forced off with a leg injury in the 0-0 draw with Bradford on Saturday.
“We need a little bit of rest and recovery now going into next Saturday. We’ve used a lot of the same players in the last month, really, and particularly in the last five games.
Craig didn’t get to his feet after a lastditch block tackle on James Hanson as the big striker shot from the edge of the box in the 55th minute of the game.
“It’s been a consistent side and it’s been a big effort. They’ve given me everything, as they always do. We’ve moved small steps in the right direction every single day, even (Saturday).”
The defender was unable to put any weight on his left leg as he was helped off the pitch. Byron Webster came on in his place and also earned the praise of his boss for a physical display.
Meanwhile, after goalkeeper Jordan Archer remarked on the noise levels at The Den against the Bantams, Harris wants his side to aim to elicit the same atmosphere at home for the rest of the season.
Harris is pleased his squad have a full week to recover and prepare for this Saturday’s FA Cup first round fixture against AFC Fylde at The Den after a congested recent run of fixtures involving three Tuesday night games this month.
He said: “I didn’t think there was a lot of frustration in the ground, it was them willing their team to win. I think the atmosphere in The Den was fantastic and it reminded me of days when I played.
But Craig is now a major doubt for that game. “It was a great tackle, a great tackle,” Harris said. “He’s an outstanding captain who’s played really well this season and
“I said to the boys that’s what we’ve got to re-create from now on.”
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HARRIS PLEASED WITH MILLWALL FORM SINCE PETERBOROUGH DEFEAT By John Kelly
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EIL Harris is “delighted” with how much Millwall have improved since the 5-3 defeat at Peterborough earlier this month.
Craig went off injured in the second half after what Harris described as a “brilliant” block on Hanson’s shot from outside the box and the Millwall boss said the extent of the defender’s injury isn’t yet known.
Harris’ side kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet at The Den in a bruising contest with Bradford that moved the Lions up to seventh place in the Sky Bet League One table.
Harris was pleased with his side’s overall performance and striker Steve Morison’s display, but felt tiredness was a factor in failing to work Williams on more occasions.
Shaun Williams had the best chance to seal the three points for the home side but Ben Williams in the Bantams goal produced a superb reaction save to tip his shot over the bar.
He said: “I’m delighted with the clean sheet, the effort, determination, the defending was fantastic at times, but maybe we just lacked a little bit of quality, all over the park, really. We lacked a little bit of composure.
There were few other chances between two well-drilled sides as Millwall extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.
“We put a lot of balls into their backline and into their box and I thought Steve Morison put in a terrific performance as a target man today, used his experience well, won a lot of flick-ons, a lot of knockdowns.
Millwall shaded the second period but couldn’t break through a resolute Bradford defence. The Bantams could have taken a first-half lead when Devante Cole scooped a half-chance over the bar.
“But as a team I thought we weren’t always proactive onto the next ball, we were a little reactive. Maybe it was a sign that it was just a game too far for a few of the bodies today.
James Hanson, who was a target for Harris in the summer, also looked like he would be a danger for the afternoon after a bright start, but Tony Craig and Mark Beevers eventually nullified his threat as Millwall pressed higher up the pitch after the break.
“But on a whole I’m delighted with a clean sheet and a point and how far we’ve come since October 3 at Peterborough.” 35
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But Millwall imposed themselves much better after the break, without creating any real clear-cut chances apart from Williams’ shot.
ILLWALL kept a fourth straight clean sheet at home to make it six games unbeaten after a tight, tense encounter with Bradford at The Den.
Neil Harris introduced Fred Onyedinma in an attempt to break the deadlock but both defences were generally on top and restricted shooting opportunities.
Shaun Williams had the Lions’ best chance in the second half but Bantams goalkeeper Ben Williams reacted brilliantly to tip the midfielder’s effort from 10 yards over the bar.
Harris will be pleased with the endeavour of his side, but he was handed another injury headache when Tony Craig had to be helped from the pitch after a challenge on James Hanson.
Bradford could have gone in front in the first period after some hesitancy in the Millwall box gave Devante Cole a chance but he shot over Jordan Archer’s crossbar.
HANSON ROUTE The big striker constantly sought to isolate Craig and Carlos Edwards and get flick-ons towards Kyel Reid or knockdowns for his central midfielders. Reid had Edwards in trouble a couple of times in
The away side shaded the opening 45 minutes in a physical contest between two evenly matched sides.
36
the first half, but the 37 year-old showed a real flash of pace when he raced from his own half past a couple of challengers to shoot over. He has remarkable energy levels.
The Bantams also denied their opponents space on the flanks, with Shane Ferguson not as prominent as he had been against Doncaster last Tuesday night. Bradford’s two midfielders, Lee Evans – like George Saville, on loan from Wolves – and Gary Liddle were also disciplined to force their direct opponents to look sideways when they attempted to pass forward.
Hanson turned down a move to Millwall in the summer and you could see why Harris had targeted him. Bradford’s defenders targeted him as well a number of times in the opening period with long balls and, but for a better touch towards the end of the first half when he didn’t quite set himself up ideally for a shot, he might have worked Archer rather than seeing his effort deflected wide.
The second half was like a boxing bout with Millwall slowly turning the screw on their opponents to seemingly have them on the ropes before Bradford would rally and remind Harris’ side to maintain vigilance at the back.
Bradford had clearly been warned by their manager about the need to stick close to Steve Morison and Lee Gregory and Morison in particular was getting little change from Rory McArdle as Millwall attempted to engineer crossing opportunities.
MORE INJURY WOE You could almost feel the impact of Craig’s block on Hanson that left the centre-back crumpled on the edge of his own box.
Hanson was less of an attacking threat in the second half as Millwall pressed forward in search of a goal.
After physio Bobby Bacic came on to treat him it was quite quickly evident he’d have to go off, and the way he couldn’t put any weight on his left leg is a real worry.
BRADFORD PHYSICALITY From the opening stages these sides looked really well matched. Eight of Bradford’s starters were over six foot tall, matching the number in Millwall’s side.
He and Mark Beevers have formed a solid partnership in the centre of a Millwall defence that has looked much more secure in recent weeks.
Morison owned the attacking air space in the last two league home games but it was altogether a different story here.
Byron Webster came on and while he and Beevers performed well when Millwall initially turned around their form in September, Craig’s leadership cannot be replaced.
©MillwallFC
©MillwallFC
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CLASSIC NEWSATDEN
MATCH REPORTS A YEAR AGO 4TH NOVEMBER 2014
MILLWALL MARTIN 72’ WILLIAMS 88’
FORDE WILKINSON SHITTU BEEVERS BRIGGS UPSON WILLIAMS WOOLFORD MCDONALD L MARTIN FULLER
M
2-2
BLACKBURN D U F F Y 3 7 ’ GES T ED E 65’
30 15 5 22 14 10 25 29 12 11 39
1 29 3 16 14 15 6 11 27 7 19
STEELE BAPTISTE HANLEY DUFFY OLSSON CAIRNEY TUNNICLIFFE EVANS MARSHALL RHODES GESTEDE
atmosphere.
ILLWALL fought back from two goals down to draw with ten men on a night of high drama at The Den.
But the Lions regrouped and Lee Martin’s low strike reduced the deficit to one in the 72nd minute.
Lions manager Ian Holloway and assistant Marc Bircham were sent to the stands after Andy Wilkinson was shown a red card in the 61st minute, with Blackburn leading 1-0.
And 90 seconds before the end of normal time, Shaun Williams arrowed a powerful drive beyond Jason Steele and into the far corner to spark wild scenes of celebration.
The Stoke loanee’s dismissal, for a studs-up challenge on Ben Marshall, prompted a mass brawl on the touchline in which both benches were involved.
Seven minutes were added on by referee Darren Deadman, who was booed off at the end, but Millwall withstood a late flurry of Blackburn chances to claim a point.
Rudy Gestede then headed Rovers further ahead, adding to Shane Duffy’s first-half opener, as tempers continued to flare in a poisonous
As expected, Danny Shittu and Mark Beevers
40
©MillwallFC
the second period.
were back in Millwall’s starting line up having sat out Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Watford.
Williams and Upson both had efforts on goal from the edge of the box before Martin’s goalbound effort was deflected over by Ryan Tunnicliffe.
The rest of the team was unchanged, although strikers Lee Gregory and Mathias Ranegie were passed fit to return to the bench. Scott Malone was missing through injury.
But when Wilkinson slid in with Marshall for a 5050 challenge, ref Deadman brandished the red card after encouragement from the Blackburn bench.
Blackburn had the first chance of the game in the sixth minute when Jordan Rhodes picked out the advancing full back Alex Baptiste, who lashed the bouncing ball into the side netting.
Holloway and his staff were furious with the away dugout and a huge melee ensued, with Bircham given his marching orders.
Millwall started the game poorly and their only sight of goal in the opening 20 minutes was a speculative Matthew Briggs drive that drifted well over.
Back on the field, and with the hosts in a temporary state of disarray after going a man down, Gestede headed in a free kick to make it 2-0. But after excellent hold up play from Ricardo Fuller, Martin dragged a low shot into the corner to pull one back.
Rhodes then spurned a good opening for the visitors when he beat David Forde to Markus Olsson’s cross only to head wide of the target. With the Lions struggling to break down a welldrilled Rovers defence, Shaun Williams took the direct route to goal when he blasted a 35-yard shot at Jason Steele, who tipped over. Scott McDonald also saw an effort kept out
Holloway was then ordered to leave the touchline after making one complaint too many to the fourth official and took a seat in the directors box.
by Steele but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 37th minute when Marshall’s free kick was put in by Duffy.
He quickly disappeared again, though, and revealed afterwards that he watched the closing minutes of the match on a monitor in his office.
Tom Cairney could have made it 2-0 on the stroke of half time but his strike, intended for the bottom corner, flew narrowly past the frame of Forde’s goal.
And he “hit the ceiling” when Williams blasted in from the edge of the box to draw Millwall level. Gestede wasted a guilt-edged opening in the fifth of seven additional minutes as a pulsating match was brought to an end with the score at 2-2.
Having been booed off at the break, Millwall came out with renewed energy at the start of
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SHAUN
BATT © Millwall FC
Š Barnet FC
LEAGUE ONE TABLE P W D L F A G D PT
1 Wa ls a l l 1 6 9 5 2 28 14 14 32 2 B ur t o n A l bi on
1 6 1 0 2 4 1 6 1 3 3 32
3 Gillin g h a m
1 6 9 4 3 31 1 8 1 3 31
4 C o v en t r y C i t y 1 6 9 4 3 2 9 17 1 2 31 5
W iga n A t h l e t i c
1 6
7
6
3
2 6
18
8
27
6 B ur y 1 6 7 6 3 28 24 4 27
7 Millw a l l 1 6 7 4 5 24 2 3 1 25 8
Sh e f f i e l d U n i t e d
1 6
7
3
6
2 6
22
4
24
9 B r a d for d C i t y 1 6 6 6 4 1 7 1 8 -1 24 10 Scun t h or p e U n i t e d 1 6 7 2 7 2 1 1 8 3 23 1 1 C h e s t e r f i e l d
1 6 7 2 7 2 2 2 3 -1 23
1 2 So ut h e n d U n i t e d 1 6 6 5 5 1 7 1 8 -1 23 13
P e t e r borou g h U n i t e d
1 6
6
3
7
32
2 7
5
21
14 Ro c h da l e 1 6 5 6 5 2 0 18 2 21
15 P o r t Va l e 1 6 5 5 6 18 18 0 20 16 C o lc h e s t e r U n i t e d
1 6 5 5 6 2 5 34 -9 20
17 Sh re w s bu r y Tow n
1 6 5 2 9 1 9 2 3 -4 17
18
1 6
D o n c a s t e r R ove r s
4
5
7
1 3
22
-9
17
19 O ld h a m A t h l e t i c
1 6 2 1 0 4 1 7 2 3 -6 16
20 B la ck p ool
1 6 4 4 8 1 5 2 3 -8 16
2 1 F le e t w ood Tow n
1 6 4 3 9 1 9 24 -5 15
22 B a r n s l e y 1 6 4 2 10 1 9 2 7 -8 14 23
Sw in don Tow n
24 C re w e A l exa n dr a
1 6
3
4
9
2 0
2 7
-7
13
1 6 3 4 9 1 4 24 -1 0 13
FIXTURES AFC FYLDE T HE DEN S ATU RDAY 7 T H N OV E M B E R
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE H O ME PA R K TUESDAY 1 0 TH N OV E M B E R
BURTON ALBION PI REL LI STAD I UM
POSTPONED
S ATU RDAY 1 4 T H N OV E M B E R
COLCHESTER UNITED T HE DEN S ATU RDAY 21S T N OV E M BE R
FLEETWOOD TOWN H I GHBURY STAD I UM TUESDAY 24Th N OV E M BE R
PLAYER STATS LEAGUE ONE
Ap p
Sta r ts
Assi sts
Go als
D. F or de 3 3 0 0 J. Ar c h e r 1 3 1 3 0 0 S. Cu mmi n g s 7 6 1 0 T. Cr a i g 1 6 1 6 0 1 S. Ne l s on 4 4 0 0 M. B e e ve r s 1 5 1 5 0 4 B. We bs t e r 1 2 7 0 1 S. Fe r g u s on 1 4 7 4 0 M. R ome o 0 0 0 0 C . Pa r r 0 0 0 0 C . Edw a r ds 1 0 1 0 1 0 J. M a r t i n 5 5 0 0 S. Wi l l i a ms 1 3 1 3 2 1 E . U p s on 9 8 1 0 L . M a r t i n 7 2 1 0 J. P o w e l l 1 1 0 0 B. T homp s on 9 4 0 0 N. A bdou 9 9 0 1 J. P hi l p ot 0 0 0 0 K . Tw a r de k 0 0 0 0 G. S a vi l l e 5 5 0 0 P. Cow a n H a l l 3 0 0 0 L . G re g or y 1 5 1 1 0 3 F. O ny e di n ma 1 6 1 1 1 3 J. M a r q u i s 4 0 0 0 S. M or i s on 1 6 1 5 1 4 A. O ’ B r i e n 1 4 1 1 4 6 A. P a ve y 2 0 0 0
ACADEMY ROUND-UP
UNDER 21S
LAST GAME
MILLWALL 1-0 COLCHESTER
Under 21s RESULTS:
MFC GOALSCORERS: WOOD
AUGUST Nottingham Forest (A) 3-1 (Pavey)
MILLWALL LINE UP:
Crewe Alexandra (H) 1-0 (Philpot)
Girling,
Charlton Athletic (A) 0-1 (Abandoned) (Romeo)
Parr,
Ipswich Town (H) 3-0 (Philpot, Pavey, Okenabirhie)
Chesmain, Wood,
SEPTEMBER
Nelson (Brown),
Leeds United H 3-1 (Pavey 2, Wood)
Mbulu,
Bolton Wanderers (A) 0-2
Cowan-Hall,
Coventry City (H) 4-1 (Wood, Pavey 3)
Romeo,
Hull City (A) 0-0
Ndjoli, OCTOBER
Eze,
Plymouth Argyle (H) 1-0 (Wood)
Twardek.
Huddersfield Town (H) 0-2 QPR (A) 0-4 (Eze 3, Ndjoli)
Subs not used:
Colchester United (H) 1-0 (Wood)
Sandford, O’Donnell,
TOP SCORERS:
Bray.
Alfie Pavey - 7 Keaton Wood - 4 Ebere Eze - 3 Jamie Philpot - 2
47
LAST SEVEN GAMES DAT E
3 - Oc t-15
6-Oct-1 5
1 7-Oct-15
CO MP E T IT IO N
L e a g u e One
J PT
Lea g u e O ne
OPPO N E N T
P e t e r boroug h ( A)
Nor tha mp ton ( H )
Sw i nd on To wn (H)
RESU LT
5-3 L
2 -0 W
2 -0 W
G O AL K E E P E R
Archer
Archer
Archer
DEFEN DE R S
E dw a r ds
Cu mmi ng s
Ed w a r d s
We bs t e r
Cra i g
Cra i g
Be e ve r s
B eever s
B eever s
Craig
J M a r ti n
J M a r ti n
Ony e di n ma
L M a r ti n ( 60)
O’ B r i en
W i l l i a ms
Sa vi l l e
Wi l l i a m s
A bdou ( 5 )
Pow el l ( 60)
Sa vi l l e (60)
U p s on ( 6 2 )
O’ B r i en
Ferg u so n (66)
O’ Br i e n
M ori son
M ori son (91)
M or i s on
G reg or y
G reg or y (7 9)
S UB
For de
G i r l i ng
Ford e
S UB
J. M a r t i n
Nel son
Cu mmi ngs
S UB
L.Martin
Thomp son ( 60 )
Web ster
S UB
G re g or y ( 7 5)
Onyed i nma ( 60 )
Thomp s o n
S UB
Fe r g u s on ( 62 )
M a rqu i s
L M a r ti n (7 9)
S UB
Marquis
Onyed i nm a (66)
S UB
T h omp s on ( 5) ( 75)
Pa vey ( 9 1)
M IDFIE L DE R S
AT TAC K E R S
2 0-Oct-1 5
24 - Oc t-15
2 7-Oct-1 5
31 -Oct-1 5
L e ague O n e
L e a g u e On e
Lea g u e One
Lea g u e O ne
Bl ackpo o l ( A)
S h e ff U t d ( A )
Donca ster ( H )
B ra d ford Cit y (H)
1-1 D
1- 2 W
2 -0 W
0-0 D
A r ch e r
Archer
Ar cher
Archer
E d w ard s
C u mmi n g s
Ed w a rd s
Ed w a r d s
Crai g
Craig
Cr a i g
Cra i g ( 56)
Be evers
B e e ve r s
B eevers
B eever s
J Mar ti n
J Martin
J M a r ti n
J M a r ti n
O’ Brie n
Ony e di n ma ( 9 1)
O’ B ri en ( 8 6)
O’ B r i en
S a vi lle
S a vi l l e
Sa vi l l e
Sa vi l l e
W iliams (50 )
T h omp s on
Thompson
Wi l l i a ms
Ferguson (8 3 )
O’ B r i e n ( 8 7 )
Fer g u son ( 92 )
Ferg u son (62)
Mo ri so n
M or i s on
M or i son
M ori son
G re go r y ( 63 )
G re g or y ( 7 3 )
G reg or y ( 69)
G reg or y (90)
F ord e
For de
For d e
Ford e
Cu m m in gs ( 83 )
R ome o
Cu mmi ng s
Cu mmi ngs
Webste r
We bs t e r ( 9 1)
Web ster ( 92 )
Web ster (56)
T homps o n ( 50 )
P ow e l l
Pow el l
Pow el l
L Mar ti n
L Martin (87)
L M a r ti n ( 8 6)
L M a r ti n
Onyedin m a ( 63 )
Fe r g u s on ( 7 3 )
Onyed i nma ( 69)
Onyed i nm a (62)
P avey
P a ve y
Pa vey
Pa vey ( 9 0)
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