NewsAtDen Magazine Issue 07

ISSUE

07

MARK BEEVERS The Den will be “rocking” if we maintain current run

CONTENTS INTERVIEW

4 8 18 26

PREVIEW

6 12 24 28

BEEVERS: THE DEN WILL BE “ROCKING” IF WE MAINTAIN CURRENT RUN

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

OPINION

INTERVIEW

THREE QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEKEND

DECISION TO REST ME RIGHT SAID FRED

MATCH REPORT

NEWS

ABDOU HAILS MILLWALL’S “CHARACTER AND SPIRIT” AFTER HOME WIN

2 WIGAN ATHLETIC 2 MILLWALL

INTERVIEW

MATCH REPORT

HARRIS “DELIGHTED” WITH MILLLWALL’S FIRST HOME WIN

3 MILLWALL 1 ROCHDALE 3

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BEEVERS: THE DEN WILL BE “ROCKING” IF WE MAINTAIN CURRENT RUN

BY JOHN KELLY

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ARK Beevers believes the disappointment in the dressing room after the draw at Wigan on Tuesday night illustrates how far the side has come in the last month.

Beevers’ 74th-minute goal looked like it would be enough to seal victory before Will Grigg’s stoppage-time equaliser denied them.

“We knew what they were all about and that they like to pass it. So we knew we’d have to be patient, that they’d have the majority of the ball and we’d have to keep our shape and hit them on the break.

The introductions of Fred Onyedinma and Steve Morison in the second half had swung the momentum Millwall’s way, but Grigg’s strike gave the Latics a deserved point.

“We had a couple of set-pieces where we nearly scored in the first half, but to go in nil-nil at the break was a good result for us. We’ve got subs that can come on and change the game. Fred came on and did well and Moro was a handful as well.

The result maintained Millwall’s unbeaten away record in the league and they have now lost just once in six games after losing four in six in August.

Beevers felt the possession-based ethos of Gary Caldwell’s side provided a difficult challenge for the Lions to deal with.

“That was the gameplan from us and it almost paid off but we were a bit unlucky to concede at the death. Their kid’s done well to get a shot away but it’s just one of those things, we can’t dwell on it.

“They’re a different team to what we’ve played against,” he said. “Obviously you’ll get different kinds of teams in this league, some will be direct and some will keep the ball. They’re a side that keep the ball and they’ve got players in their squad that can hurt you. So we had to concentrate for the full game and although we conceded two I thought we did quite well.

“I think before the game everyone would have said a draw would have been a decent result. But we’ve said in the dressing room we’re disappointed with a draw coming to Wigan away and that shows how much progress we’ve made over the last few weeks. We’re disappointed not to get the win which shows where we are at the minute.

“We had to sit off and just absorb the pressure because we knew they were going to come at us, but I thought we did really well.

“I thought we were unlucky with the goal, it was a bit scrappy. The ball has come in, we’ve not dealt with it and he’s got his shot away and it’s deflected in and gone in the top corner.

“I think it was four wins in five and four and a draw in six now isn’t too bad at all.

We’ve turned the corner massively now so if we can kick on at home as well and get a few wins at The Den then I think we’ll be rocking.”

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PREVIEW:

BY JOHN KELLY

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

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EIL Harris could decide to restore Fred Onyedinma and Steve Morison to the side for the trip to Peterborough on Saturday.

Jack Baldwin (knee), Kgosi Ntlhe (toe) and Joe Gormley (knee) are out, Erhun Oztumer starts a three-match ban after his red card against Bury and Jermaine Anderson serves the last game of his ban. Harry Beautyman could make a return after recovering from a thigh injury.

The pair were rested for Tuesday night’s game at Wigan but came on in the second with the Lions 1-0 down.

Peterborough are 15th in the Sky Bet League One table and haven’t won at home in the league since August 15 when they beat Colchester 2-1.

Onyedinma levelled six minutes after his introduction while Morison gave Millwall more of a physical presence up front.

And Westley expects a difficult test against Harris’ side.

Lee Gregory, who took a bang to the ribs late in the game at the DW Stadium effectively leaving Millwall defending their 2-1 lead with 10 players, will be assessed right up to kick-off this weekend.

He told the club’s official website: “It won’t be easy as Millwall are a good side. I watched them recently at Port Vale and they were very impressive on the night. They mix their game up well. They have some good footballers, but they are not afraid to hit the ball long and into the channels.

Centre-back Sid Nelson has missed the last four games, also with a rib injury, but could be available if he shows no ill-effects in training.

Paris Cowan-Hall is still out with a hamstring injury, while midfielder Shaun Williams will have to be careful against the Posh as he is one booking away from suspension.

“It’s another tough test for us, but it’s not about Millwall, it’s about how we play. My players know they are at a good club surrounded by ambitious people. It’s a club that’s been there and done it recently. My players are in a good frame of mind and we will be intent tomorrow on playing good football, scoring goals and entertaining and exciting our fans.”

Millwall are still unbeaten away from home this season and had sold 1,100 tickets earlier in the week for this fixture. They are expected to bring well over that number to London Road.

Sky Bet match odds: Peterborough 11/8 Draw 12/5 Millwall 15/8

Peterborough lost 3-2 at home to Bury on Tuesday night in Graham Westley’s first game in charge at home since he took over from the sacked Dave Robertson.

Probable Millwall team: 4-4-2: Archer; Edwards, Webster, Beevers, Craig; Onyedinma, Abdou, Williams, Upson; Morison, O’Brien

His first game as boss was an impressive 2-0 win at Bradford but he has a number of injury and suspension concerns to contend with this weekend.

Referee: Carl Boyeson 7

THREE QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEKEND

BY JOHN KELLY

WILL MILLWALL’S FORM CONTINUE TO IMPROVE, PLATEAU, OR FALL AWAY? October is set to be a busy month for the Lions with seven games in 28 days starting at Peterborough on Saturday.

Looking ahead and attempting to predict results or a spread of points expected over a number of games is more often than not a fool’s errand.

After August’s form maybe only the most optimistic of fans would have predicted four wins and a draw from six games in September.

October starts with a game against the same opposition against whom Millwall kicked off that run following Shaun Williams’ stoppage-time winner in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

After Peterborough Millwall play Northampton in the second round of the JPT before a home game against Swindon, who had been expected to be contenders but are currently struggling in 14th place in the table.

But it’s the run of fixtures towards the end of the month that will simultaneously whet the appetite of supporters as well as contain a certain measure of trepidation.

There are two away trips on Tuesday nights – at Sheffield United and the rescheduled Doncaster fixture – before Bradford, with whom Millwall were involved in protracted talks to bring their striker James Hanson to The Den in the summer, visit south London at Halloween.

Millwall went unbeaten in October last season, but then won just once in the last 10 games of 2014.

The form of Harris’ side is encouraging – but it will take a longer period of time to assess if a place in the top six is a viable ambition this season.

HOW WILL JORDAN ARCHER RESPOND AFTER TUESDAY’S ERROR?

WHICH PLAYER OR PLAYERS WILL STEP UP THIS MONTH?

One of the first things Neil Harris did after the final whistle the other night was to examine the events that led to Wigan’s equalising goal. After consulting with goalkeeping coach Kevin Pressman and video analyst Dan McLoone, Harris concluded Archer had made the correct decision to come for the ball but just didn’t execute the punch.

Fred Onyedinma and Archer were the obvious outstanding performers in August, despite the poor collective form.

Unsurprisingly, given his age, Onyedinma’s form tailed off a bit as September went on and he was left out of the first team at Wigan before showing commendable maturity to come on and take his first chance to level against Gary Caldwell’s side.

The former Tottenham keeper, who spent a spell on loan with the Lions last season without making a firstteam appearance before making a permanent switch in the summer, has made the spectacular, reflex save his signature move since taking over as number one from David Forde.

Archer made his first genuine mistake on Tuesday night to hand Wigan the chance to equalise which Grigg took and it is the first real test of his character to see how he will respond to that setback.

A feature of his saves has also been the variety of them. He is equally adept at getting down quickly to low shots to pulling off point-blank saves to presenting himself imposingly and keeping out one-on-ones.

And just 15 minutes before Wigan’s equaliser he needed all his agility and speed to brilliantly tip Michael Jacobs’ shot over the bar.

Four players in particular made eye-catching contributions to Millwall’s upturn in form in September.

Williams scored the winner in that cup tie and looked much more impressive and influential in those six games.

He scored another crucial goal to put Millwall 2-1 against Rochdale and has generally been more imposing recently, despite a mistake at Wigan that led to their opening goal. He has made more passes and successful tackles than any other Lions player this season and has participated in seven of Millwall’s goals.

Another of his attributes is his willingness to come for crosses, which contains inherent risks depending on the distance to be travelled from goal or the number of bodies that need to be negotiated under a dropping ball.

Edwards’ composure is invaluable while Beevers, linked with a move away in August, also contributed two goals and has become a strong and reliable figure at the back.

So mistakes will be inevitable and he was perhaps unlucky that the ball ended up dropping to Will Grigg who was able to react before anyone else to fire home.

O’Brien, meanwhile, was electric at times. He scored a superb hat-trick at Crewe before providing a hat-trick of assists against Rochdale.

Archer will have been assured by his manager and goalkeeping coach that his decision-making was spot on as Millwall defended their lead at the DW Stadium, which should also assure the goalkeeper that he needn’t tone down his instincts to come for crosses if he deems that to be the best defensive action to take.

Shane Ferguson has yet to really show the form he is capable of on a consistent basis while others like Joe Martin need to show that they can have an influence in a so far quite unpredictable League One season.

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STAT'S THAT...

BY JOHN KELLY

29 4-2 2-1 08/9 21% 6-0

Millwall and Peterborough have met 29 times previously with the Lions holding the historical edge winning 14 times to the Posh’s nine.

worst sequence in the league under Kenny Jackett.

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The clubs first clashed in December 1960 in League Division Four with Peterborough winning 4-2 at home.

481

The last meeting between the sides at London Road was in August 2012 when goals from Scott Malone and Darius Henderson gave Millwall a 2-1 win.

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The last meetings in League One were in 2008-09. Peterborough won 1-0 at home, while David Martin and Jason Price gave Millwall a 2-0 win at The Den.

47%

The most common result between the sides is 2-0 – that has occurred on six occasions (21%).

Peterborough have recorded the biggest historical home and away wins against their opponents this weekend: They annihilated Millwall 6-0 in League Division three in November 1962 and won 5-1 at The Den in February 2013. That was Millwall’s fifth consecutive league defeat which was their

400 10

Millwall are still unbeaten away from home in 2015-16. That’s a run of five games – last season their longest unbeaten run, home or away, was four games.

Shaun Williams (481) has made the most passes of any Millwall player this season, followed

by Tony Craig (449) and Shaun Cummings (284).

Steve Morison (24) has had more shots at goal, with 11 on target. His current strike partner Aiden O’Brien has attempted 22 shots (10 on target), followed by Williams (20/7).

Neil Harris’ side have averaged 47% ball possession in 10 games so far this season. Ironically Millwall have won just one of four games in which they have had 50% or more possession.

They posted their highest percentage (57) in the 2-0 defeat at home to Southend and their lowest (37) at Wigan on Tuesday night.

Millwall have averaged 400 passes per match this season (Highest: 536 v Southend; Lowest: 306 v Shrewsbury).

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DECISION TO REST ME RIGHT SAID FRED

BY JAY TAYLOR

F

RED ONYEDINMA said his goal-scoring exploits against Wigan was down to being a substitute.

“He was obviously disappointing that we drew from a 2-1 scoreline but if you had told me we would get a point against a really good Wigan side I would have taken it.”

The 18-year-old was on the bench for the Lions in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at the DW Stadium, but came on after 63 minutes before finding the back of the net six minutes later.

The attacker admitted it is still a step up for him from last season after his loan spell with League Two side Wycombe and felt Wigan were one of the best sides the Lions have faced so far this season.

It was the first time this season Onyedinma had been left out of the starting side and he said he was comfortable with the role as Millwall preserved their unbeaten away start.

“My preparation has to be better as I’m playing every single game and I have to be ready for Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday.

“I’m pleased with my goal,” Onyedinma told the News. “That’s what I had to do. I had to come on and try and do something - so I’ve done my job.

“I was okay with being a substitute, I think I needed a rest.

“In League One there have been a lot of teams trying to pass the ball compared to League Two.

“I was wandering around in the box when we went forward and luckily the ball came to me and all I had to do was pass it into the net.

“But it is a good point, they play good football and they were the best team we’ve played apart from Coventry since we’ve been in League One.”

“The manager said do what I can and I had 30 minutes to do it.

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MILLWALL CAPTAIN CRAIG: WE GO AGAIN AGAINST PETERBOROUGH

BY JAY TAYLOR

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APTAIN Tony Craig feels the point picked up against Wigan continues “a good week” for Millwall.

The Lions drew 2-2 at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night to maintain their unbeaten away start in League One.

Grigg, however, scored in added time to deny Millwall what would have been a hard-fought three points.

And Craig promised his teammates would bounce back after Will Grigg’s last-minute equaliser in a game in which the defender thought his side created the better chances.

“It’s been a good week so far,” Craig said.

“It’s one of those things,” Craig explained.

“The ball has landed right for him. It could have landed anywhere or hit anyone but it landed at his feet and he scored.

“It was a very good away performance. If you look at the stats, they had a lot of possession, although I don’t think they caused us that many problems with the ball.

“The win at home was very important and to get a point against Wigan, it shows the character and strength we have in the squad.

“I think we defended well, it was just unfortunate in the end that we couldn’t hold on.

“We had some good chances tonight – they had the possession but I think as an away performance it was a good one.

“They’re still unbeaten at home, and we haven’t lost away so far.

“We’ll come back from it, it’s life. It’s happened in the game but we will certainly be ready for the weekend.”

“We’re disappointed with the late goal but we go again on Saturday against Peterborough.”

Michael Jacobs gave Wigan a first-half lead but two goals in five minutes from substitute Fred Onyedinma and defender Mark Beevers put Millwall ahead.

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MILLWALL BOSS HARRIS HAPPY WITH POINT GAINED DESPITE LATE GOAL

BY JOHN KELLY

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ILLWALL boss Neil Harris felt an injury picked up by Lee Gregory late on against Wigan played a part in his side conceding a last-minute equaliser.

Harris brought on Ben Thompson for Aiden O’Brien in the 83rd minute just before Gregory fell under a challenge.

ed the best two opportunities in the opening 45 minutes.

He said: “We were happy for Wigan to have the football in the first half and pass sideways and backwards and as much as they had all the possession in the first half we had all the chances, so we weren’t overly concerned.

With all three substitutes used the striker was treated on the pitch by physio Bobby Bacic but stayed on despite being in some discomfort.

Millwall held out until the 92nd minute when the ball broke to Wigan substitute Will Grigg and he fired in to keep his side’s unbeaten home record intact.

“We adjusted slightly at half-time to stop the threat coming down the left side. I was frustrated with the first goal because we were in possession of the ball and we give it away.

“Losing Lee Gregory, being a passenger on the pitch really, was difficult because we’re a player short,” Harris said. “It was a shame because he played really well. It was just after the third substitution when he got a whack so we virtually played with 10 men for a period of time.

“But then we made the subs to get us further up the pitch, be more aggressive in our pressing and we certainly did that.”

Harris rested Fred Onyedinma and Steve Morison but both were introduced in the second period with Millwall chasing the game.

“Fair play to him, he didn’t want to come off and that shows his character as a person. But it’s difficult when you’re playing against a possession team with 10 men.

And Onyedinma rewarded that decision by slotting home Millwall’s eaqualiser.

“We’re frustrated with the last goal because in our penalty area we don’t quite get the break.

The ball falls to Will Grigg, he hits it and it hits two of my players before going in when it could have gone anywhere.”

“I learnt last week that it’s hard especially for our attacking players to play three games in a week,” Haris said. “Fred definitely looked like he might have needed freshening up.

“I play him because I trust him, he makes such an impact for us. He has a moment of brilliance in a game and it changes the game sometimes. “(Tuesday) night I felt we needed something

Gary Caldwell’s side dominated possession in the first half without testing Jordan Archer in the Millwall goal, but Harris felt his side creat-

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a bit different and with Lee Gregory and Ed Upson coming in it gave us a different outlet and fresh legs.

“But being able to bring on Steve Morison and Fred is a big bonus.”

After Mark Beevers had put the Lions ahead Wigan forced another corner in added tie and though Archer miscued his punch Harris felt his goalkeeper was right to go for the ball.

“Having seen it back I’m not massively disappointed,” he admitted. “We’re frustrated with both goals, they were avoidable. But I think for the second one the goalkeeper makes the correct decision but doesn’t quite execute the punch properly and the ball falls straight to their best striker.

“It could have easily not gone in our net, but I’m sure Gary would say the same about our two goals as well.

“We showed great spirit. In the first half we stayed strong, without being under massive pressure, but we had to work tirelessly to deny goal-scoring opportunities.

“The boys were confident at half-time we would get more chances in the second half and try and be solid and see the game out at the back.

“But it’s a point gained though, definitely.”

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WIGAN ATHLETIC MILLWALL

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In truth, Wigan deserved a point from a game that was scoreless at half-time but ebbed and flowed in the second half with the outcome remaining in doubt as the clock ticked past the 96th minute until referee Geoff Eltringham sounded his final whistle.

oments after the final whistle at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night Neil Harris was straining over a laptop with goalkeeping coach Kevin Pressman and video analyst Dan McLoone to determine the cause of the injury-time equaliser that denied Millwall what would have been a smash-and-grab raid on Wigan Athletic.

Wigan’s supporters, appreciative for the most part of their side’s commitment to passing the ball, had begun trickling towards the exits with the Lions leading 2-1 heading into added time. They would have felt it was harsh on their side after they had imposed their style on Millwall, pinning their opponents back in the first half but without really threatening to test Archer.

He concluded that his goalkeeper Jordan Archer had made the right decision to come for the corner that arced into the box in the 92nd minute, but that his execution of the punch was off.

As a result the ball had brushed off Archer’s glove before rebounding to substitute Will Grigg who turned to fire the ball past Byron Webster retreating towards the goal line.

Gary Caldwell had set his side up in a fluid 3-5-2 formation, but Chris McCann on the left side of the back three had licence to roam forward with Sean Murray often dropping back to cover.

It was tough on Archer who had earlier produced a fine save at full stretch to tip Michael Jacobs’ shot over the bar.

It was an imaginative gameplan, with left wingback Reece James in particular pushing well up on veteran Carlos Edwards and as well as testing the

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36-year-old’s powers of concentration and stamina, it also tested Millwall’s defensive shape.

past O’Donnell after Wigan had twice cleared the ball off the line following a corner.

The Millwall manager felt his side were comfortable allowing their opponents have the ball, and Wigan’s two best chances of the opening half fell to James but he sent both efforts over Archer’s crossbar.

Harris sent on Ben Thompson for Aiden O’Brien to rebalance the side after he had gone all-out attack to rescue a game that looked to be drifting away from his side, while Caldwell now introduced Sanmi Odelusi and Grigg to press Millwall back towards their own goal and further from the 238 Lions supporters in the away end.

With David Perkins linking well with Jacobs and striker Jordy Hiwula, Wigan constructed some fine moves but they often broke down after a little bit too much intricacy outside Millwall’s box.

And Odelusi should have equalised four minutes from the end but he sent a tame header into the arms of Archer.

Caldwell has a young side and can be pleased with their commitment to a more aesthetic approach.

Seven of Wigan’s starting team were aged 23 or under and that they were able to combine such attractive football with the resolve to rescue their unbeaten home league record this season is an encouraging sign that the manager’s rebuilding is on course.

Millwall looked like they had done enough when they pulled everyone back to defend Wigan’s eight corner of the game in the second minute of stoppage time, but Grigg was alert to swivel and turn home the equaliser.

Harris said afterwards his side were effectively defending with ten men late on after Lee Gregory suffered an arm injury that rendered him immobile with three substitutions already made, but he will reflect that in the context of the game a result against a side who look as accomplished as Wigan is a point gained rather than two dropped.

Millwall had gone into the game on the back of four wins in five and it was the decision to rest Fred Onyedinma and Steve Morison before introducing them in the second half that looked to have swung the balance in the away side’s favour.

Onyedinma had started every game this season but had also looked in need of a rest recently. And within six minutes of his introduction he had pulled his side level after showing the presence of mind to follow up in the box after Jimmy Abdou had been tackled and sweep the loose ball past Richard O’Donnell in the Wigan goal.

Ironically given all of Wigan’s careful approach play it was a mistake from Shaun Williams that had led to their opening goal 53 minutes in.

Williams, who had moments earlier won an important tackle in midfield to prevent a Latics breakaway, delayed a pass fractionally to allow Wigan regain possession 35 yards from Archer’s goal. The ball broke to Jacobs and he darted into the box to fire a left-footed effort that eluded the keeper’s dive and crept just inside the far post.

Millwall’s equaliser came out of nothing after Williams had threaded a ball through to Abdou, and their second arrived five minutes later when centre-back Mark Beevers pounced to divert the ball

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LEE MARTIN:

THE STANDARDS AT MILLWALL ARE GOING “UP AND UP”

BY JOHN KELLY

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EE Martin says the standard of training at Millwall is increasing all the time as the side bid to end September on a high with a result at Wigan tonight.

Martin was back in the team in the 3-1 win over Rochdale on Saturday as an 80th-minute replacement for Shane Ferguson.

Aiden (O’Brien), with Fred (Onyedinma) and with Shane (Ferguson), especially. With the senior pros as well there’s a good atmosphere and you can see it in training now.

The Lions started the month with a 1-0 win over Peterborough in the Football League Trophy and a win tonight would see them jump above Wigan in the Sky Bet League One table and edge closer to a top-six spot.

“The confidence is certainly up there so I think we’re going in the right direction.

“If you see something in training then nine times out of 10 it goes onto the pitch on Saturday. Certainly Friday’s training session was up there with one of the best we’ve had.

Everything’s coming together now.

And Martin now believes that the mix of younger and more experienced players is raising the standards of performance at the training base on Calmont Road.

“If we’d gone into Saturday on the back of a good training session and lost we’d have wondered what went wrong. Whereas we’d had a good training session so we knew we were doing everything right prior to the game. And we’re bringing it onto the pitch now and putting it into practice.”

“I said it the other day on Friday after training, the standard of training is going up and up and up,” Martin said. “I knew coming into Saturday, I thought we’re going to win here and win by quite a bit.

“I don’t think the youngsters have a fear factor, they just go out and play. You see it with

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O'BRIEN AND FERGUSON PERFORMANCES PLEASE MILLWALL BOSS

BY JAY TAYLOR

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EIL Harris has praised the contributions of Aiden O’Brien and Shane Ferguson in Millwall’s 3-1 victory over Rochdale.

“I just felt his left foot would be important against them and he is certainly a threat going forward.

“His delivery from set plays was outstanding, but then Upson came off the bench and he was very, very good when he came on.”

O’Brien set up all three of the Lions’ goals, with Ferguson a constant threat up and down the left side in the home win.

And Harris has said he will continue to pick the appropriate team to win any given game after Ferguson started in place of Ed Upson on the left of midfield.

Harris also commented on his delight at how Millwall were able to soak up several spells of Rochdale pressure.

And the Lions boss was pleased with his side’s response after he criticised their lack of cutting edge in the Southend defeat.

“Aiden O’Brien is an outstanding player,” Harris said. “He is an excellent footballer and he works tirelessly for the team.

“We knew Rochdale would have the ball because they are a good football side,” the Lions manager said.

“I think that is the biggest accolade I can give him. His team-mates appreciate that.

“Himself and Jimmy – we’ve got a good team – but they in particular certainly worked tirelessly for the side.

“What makes them a good side is that they can pass the ball and then go longer and get into the penalty area and a few times they mixed it well.

“Ed Upson has been one of our best players in the past few games but I felt we might have needed some more balance down the left side and I’ve told the team I’ll pick a team to win games.

“They got into good areas at times, especially down the left-hand side they created overloads with numbers, but we didn’t feel massively threatened as a side.

“Win, lose or draw, I’ll pick a team that is appropriate. I’ll watch training and monitor their body language, individually as well as a team and Shane Ferguson has been patient.

“I was critical with the team’s cutting edge and quality in final third last weekend, but today the boys responded in the right manner and they showed me that.”

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ABDOU HAILS MILLWALL'S “CHARACTER AND SPIRIT” AFTER HOME WIN

BY JAY TAYLOR

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IMMY Abdou has praised his teammates “character and spirit” after securing a first home league win of the season.

more is something he is working on with the advice of boss Harris.

Abdou has, however, refused to set a goal target after his scoring heroics in Saturday’s victory.

The midfielder scored the last time the Lions won at home in April and scored the opening goal in the 3-1 win over Rochdale.

“You could say it was going to be the same story,” Abdou said. “We did well to come back straight away.

And Abdou said manager Harris has asked the midfield to get in more advanced positions to try and score more goals.

“We responded well after that, we showed the character and the spirit we have. Hopefully, we can follow that and do well in the coming games.

“First of all we got the win,” Abdou said.

“That’s the main thing, but I’m very happy to get a goal.

“I don’t score a lot of goals, but the gaffer asked me to run forward more.

“We tried to get forward as and when we could as a midfield.

“Hopefully, with that type of running, I can get more goals. I’m just happy to score today.

“I scored and I’m happy. Shaun Williams scored a goal too, so that’s good for the team.”

“I can use my legs, I know I can run so it isn’t a problem and I can do it.

Abdou’s goal in the fourth minute saw the Lions leading for 39 minutes before Rochdale equalised.

“Especially if I can get goals – he (Harris) asked me to get forward more and I’ll try my best.

The 31-year-old admitted it could have been a case of deja vu for Millwall before Williams restored the Lions’ lead two minutes later.

“If you see my record maybe that’s it for the season if I’m honest with you! Hopefully I can get more goals, but I have no targets.”

And the midfielder said getting forward 25

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MANAGER HARRIS “DELIGHTED” WITH MILLWALL'S FIRST HOME WIN

BY JAY TAYLOR

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“What has been bizarre is as much as we want to win here it has been difficult, not just for me, my staff and the squad but for the fans. I understand that because I’ve got friends who are Millwall fans.

ILLWALL boss Neil Harris expressed his delight at securing a first home league win of the season.

The Lions had previously lost all four of their league games at The Den this campaign but saw off Rochdale 3-1 to secure their first of the new season.

“They get stick at work and things like that so I understand that, but as a group we’ve not felt pressurised that we haven’t won at home.

And Harris has said it was a “relief” to finally win at home but wants his side to take their recent good form into Tuesday night’s trip to the DW Stadium when the Lions face Wigan.

He added: “We played really against Southend last week and they scored two goals from two chances, so we knew it was coming.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be honest,” Harris said. “I thought my players were outstanding.

“I must admit it is a bit of a relief to get it today, but it is another massive step forward for us.

“We scored three high-quality goals. With the ball and without the ball I thought we were excellent.

“What we can’t do now is take two steps backwards, or even a quarter of a step backwards. We’ve got to go to Wigan on Tuesday, take the game to them and make sure we continue our good away form.”

“That is four wins in five for us so confidence is high. It is a weight off my mind because we are a long way into September and the first home win has not come.

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MILLWALL ROCHDALE AFC

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©MillwallFC

M

ILLWALL won for the first time at home in the league this season after overcoming Rochdale at The Den.

Shane Ferguson was industrial down the left wing floating in several dangerous crosses.

The lions would go on to dominate the majority of the half but, on 43 minutes Rochdale restored parity.

Goals from Jimmy Abdou, Shaun Williams and a Steve Morison gave the Lions their first three points on their own patch since they defeated Wigan 2-0 back in April.

There was a hint of offside as Ian Henderson was played in down the right, but the assistant referee’s flag stayed down.

Abdou, however, game the hosts the perfect start, albeit after some solid Rochdale possession.

Steve Morison played in Aiden O’Brien down the right-hand side before the latter’s lofted cross into the box fell to an unmarked Abdou who side-footed home from 12 yards.

The forward advanced and crossed for Lund to half-volley into the ground, and with the ball bouncing over Archer and Lions defenders, Peter Vincenti – a former Millwall player – was there to head home from close range.

After the goal, Millwall proceeded to slowly turn the screw and make their mark, forcing their way forward.

The visitor’s lead would be short lived when Millwall went straight on the attack from the restart and Carlos Edwards’ low centre found Shaun Williams

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in acres of space.

The Millwall defence dealt well with several spells of Rochdale pressure with Mark Beevers and Webster both doing well to shut out second-half sub, and another former Lion, Calvin Andrew.

Williams then rounded Lancashire before hammering into the roof of the net on the stroke of halftime to restore the Lions’ deserved lead.

Substitute Ed Upson almost made it four when his finessed effort from distance was parried by Lillis, with the ball then falling to Lee Martin, who followed the ball in, only for his close range effort to be saved and turned out for a corner.

Rochdale had another sustained spell of pressure but Webster, who was impressive throughout was at the heart of the Lions’ rearguard action.

The visitors would rue their missed opportunity to capitalise on their intense pressure when O’Brien turned provider again.

Millwall would ultimately see out the game to secure their first three points of the season at The Den to life them up to 11th in the League One table.

The youngster played in Morison towards the righthand side and the striker glided into the box before elegantly chipping the ball over an onrushing Josh Lillis in the Rochdale goal.

©MillwallFC

©MillwallFC

©MillwallFC

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CLASSIC NEWSATDEN

MATCH REPORTS 6TH MARCH 2012

PETERBOROUGH JONES LITTLE BRIGGS ZAKUANI ALCOCK MCCANN ROWE BOYD SINCLAIR BARNETT TAYLOR

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0-3 1 2 5 16 18 21 8 14 44 20 37

28 2 3 5 27 11 14 10 12 20 26

ILLWALL moved eight points clear of the Championship relegation zone with a crucial 3-0 win at fellow strugglers Peterborough.

MILLWALL

B O U A Z Z A 5 ’, K E O G H 7 0 ’, K A N E 8 9 ’

FORDE DUNNE ROBINSON BARRON WARD SMITH BOUAZZA ) HENRY WRIGHT KEOGH KANE

from time when Keogh diverted a looping header into the far corner from Henry’s wicked free-kick.

And with time ticking down, Harry Kane blasted in a ferocious drive off the post to put the gloss on another excellent away performance from Kenny Jackett’s side.

The Lions, who were without key players Darius Henderson, Liam Trotter, Jimmy Abdou and Shane Lowry because of injury, took the lead after just five minutes. James Henry won the ball in midfield, exchanged passed with Andy Keogh, and sent a precise cross over for Hamer Bouazza, who headed home.

With Portsmouth losing and Coventry drawing elsewhere, the win ensured Millwall extended the gap between themselves and the bottom three to eight points ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, who sit 21st in the table.

The visitors continued to carve out chances and finally doubled their lead 20 minutes 30

© Edmund Boyden

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KEVIN

MUSCAT

© Millwall FC

Š Melbourne Victory

LEAGUE ONE TABLE P W D L F A G D PT 1 B ur t o n A l bi on 1 0 7 1 2 1 2 7 5 22

2 Wa ls a l l 1 0 6 3 1 1 6 6 10 21 3 Gilling h a m

1 0 6 2 2 1 9 9 1 0 20

4 B ur y 1 0 5 4 1 2 0 1 5 5 19 5 Ro c h da l e 1 0 5 2 3 1 5 1 0 5 17 6 Sh e f f i e l d U n i t e d

1 0 5 2 3 1 7 1 4 3 17

7 C o v e n t r y C i t y

9 5 1 3 1 6 1 0 6 16

8 C o lche s t e r U n i t e d

1 0 4 4 2 1 7 1 7 0 16

9 W iga n A t h l e t i c 1 0 4 3 3 1 4 1 3 1 15 10 So ut h e n d U n i t e d

1 0 4 3 3 1 1 1 0 1 15

1 1 B a r n s l e y 9 4 2 3 1 3 12 1 14

12 Millw a l l 1 0 4 2 4 14 1 6 -2 14

13 P o r t Va l e 1 0 3 4 3 12 11 1 13 14 Sw in don Tow n 1 0 3 3 4 1 6 1 7 -1 1 2 15 P e t e rborou g h U n i t e d 1 0 3 2 5 1 6 1 6 0 1 1 16 Sh re w s bu r y Tow n 1 0 3 2 5 1 1 1 2 -1 1 1

17 C h e s t e r fi e l d 1 0 3 2 5 1 3 1 5 -2 1 1 18 O ld h a m A t h l e t i c

1 0 1 7 2 9 1 3 -4 10

19 B r ad for d C i t y

1 0 2 4 4 9 1 5 -6 10

20

10

F le e t w ood Tow n

2

3

5

14

18

-4

9

2 1 Scun t h or p e U n i t e d 1 0 2 2 6 8 1 3 -5 8 22

Do n c a s t e r R ove r s

10

1

5

4

7

1 3

-6

8

23 B lack p ool 1 0 2 2 6 8 1 7 -9 8 24 C re w e A l exa n dr a

1 0 1 3 6 1 0 1 8 -8 6

FIXTURES PETERBOROUGH UNITED LONDO N ROAD S ATU RDAY 3 R D OC TOBE R

NORTHAMPTON TOWN T HE DEN TUESDAY 6T H OC TOBE R

SWINDON TOWN T HE DEN S ATU RDAY 1 7 T H OC TOB E R

BLACKPOOL B LOO MFI E LD ROA D TUESDAY 20 T H OC TOBE R

SHEFFIELD UNITED B R AMAL L LA NE S ATU RDAY 24 T H OC TOB E 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 7 7 0 0 S. Cu mmi n g s 5 5 0 0 T. Cr a i g 1 0 1 0 0 0 S. Ne l s on 4 4 0 0 M. B e e ve r s 9 9 0 1 B. We bs t e r 8 6 0 0 S. Fe r g u s on 8 3 1 0 M. R ome o 0 0 0 0 C . Pa r r 0 0 0 0 C . Edw a r ds 5 5 0 0 J. M a r t i n 0 0 0 0 S. Wi l l i a ms 9 9 1 0 E . U p s on 8 7 1 0 L . M a r t i n 4 2 1 0 J. P o w e l l 1 1 0 0 B. T homp s on 5 2 0 0 N. A bdou 8 8 0 0 J. P hi l p ot 0 0 0 0 K . Tw a r de k 0 0 0 0 K . Fa r re l l 0 0 0 0 P. Cow a n H a l l 3 0 0 0 L . G re g or y 9 6 0 2 F. O ny e di n ma 1 0 9 1 2 J. M a r q u i s 4 0 0 0 S. M or i s on 1 0 9 1 1 A. O ’ B r i e n 8 5 3 3 A. P a ve y 0 0 0 0

ACADEMY ROUND-UP

UNDER 21S

LAST GAME

Hull city 0-0 Millwall

Under 21s RESULTS:

MILLWALL LINE UP:

AUGUST

Tom King, Nottingham Forest (A) 3-1 (Pavey)

James Brown, Noah Chesmain,

Crewe Alexandra (H) 1-0 (Philpot)

Keaton Wood,

Charlton Athletic (A) 0-1 (Abandoned) (Romeo)

Chris Parr, Ipswich Town (H) 3-0 (Philpot, Pavey, Okenabirhie)

Christian Mbulu (Alex Wiles, 58mins), Mahlon Romeo, Jack Powell,

SEPTEMBER

Alfie Pavey, Leeds United H 3-1 (Pavey 2, Wood)

Mikael Ndjoli, Ebere Eze.

Bolton Wanderers (A) 0-2 Coventry City (H) 4-1 (Wood, Pavey 3)

SUBS NOT USED: Hull City (A) 0-0

Rian Bray, Jack Howard, Harry Donovan.

TOP SCORERS: Alfie Pavey - 7 Jamie Philpot - 2 Keaton Wood - 2

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LAST SEVEN GAMES DAT E

2 9 -A u g -15

0 1 -Sep-1 5

1 2 -Sep -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

Chesterfield (H)

Peter b oro’ ( H )

Crew e A lex (A )

RESU LT

0-2 L

1 -0 W

1 -3 W

G O AL K E E P E R

Archer

Ar cher

Archer

DEFEN DE R S

C u mmi n g s ( 8 6)

Ed w a rd s

Ed w a r ds

N e l s on

Nel son

Nel son (51)

Be e ve r s

B eevers

B eevers

Craig

Cr a i g

Cra i g

T h omp s on

Onyed i nma ( 94 )

Onyedinm a (69)

P ow e l l ( 7 6 )

Wi l l i a ms

Wi l l i a m s

A bdou

Thompson

Ab d ou

Upson

Up son

G re g or y ( 46)

M a r q u i s ( 69)

O’ B r i en (84)

M or i s on

O’ B ri en ( 8 1 )

M ori so n

S UB

For de

G i rl i ng

Ford e

S UB

W i l l i a ms

Web ster ( 94 )

Cow a n-Hall

S UB

U p s on

Pow el l

G reg or y (84)

S UB

We bs t e r

G reg or y ( 69)

M a rqu is

S UB

Marquis (86)

Cow a n-H a l l ( 8 1 )

Web ster (51)

S UB

C ow a n - H a l l ( 76)

Ferg u so n (69)

S UB

O’ Br i e n d ( 46)

Thomps o n

M IDFIE L DE R S

AT TAC K E R S

Ony e di n ma

15 -Sep-1 5

19 - S e p -15

2 6-Sep-1 5

2 9-Sep -15

L e ag ue O n e

L e a g u e On e

Lea g u e One

Lea g u e O ne

P o r t Va le ( A)

S ou t h e n d ( H )

Rochd a l e ( H )

Wi g a n ( A)

0- 2 W

0-2 L

3-1 W

2 -2 D

A r cher

Archer

Ar cher

Archer

E dward s

E dw a r ds

Ed w a rd s

Ed w a r d s

Web ste r

We bs t e r

Web ster

Web ster

Be e v e r s

B e e ve r s ( 6 9 )

B eevers

B eever s

Craig

Craig

Cr a i g

Cra i g

Onye d in m a ( 7 6)

Ony e di n ma ( 68 )

Onyed i nma ( 61 )

Up son ( 63)

W il liams

W i l l i a ms

Wi l l i a ms

Wi l l i a ms

A bdo u

A bdou

Ab d ou

Ab d ou

U pso n

U p s on ( 5 1)

Fer g u son ( 8 0 )

Ferg u son (64)

O’ Bri e n ( 83 )

O’ B r i e n

O’ B ri en ( 76)

O’ B r i en (83)

Moriso n ( 67)

M or i s on

M or i son

G reg or y

F orde

For de

For d e

Ford e

Mar ti n

Martin

J.M a r ti n

J. M a r ti n

Co wan- H all

C ow a n - H a l l ( 68 )

L.M a r ti n ( 8 0)

L. M a r ti n

G reg o r y ( 67)

G re g or y ( 5 1)

Upson ( 61 )

M ori son (64)

Marqu is ( 83 )

Marquis

M a r q u i s ( 76)

Onyed i nm a (63)

Ferg uson ( 7 6)

Fe r g u s on ( 6 9 )

G reg or y

M a rqu i s

T ho m p s o n

T h omp s on

Thompson

Thomp son (83)

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