WeAreMillwall.co.uk

23/10/06

Millwall crashed to their first defeat under Willie Donachie on Sunday against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans scored twice, one in each half.

Goals from Dennis Lawrence and Leon Britton gave Swansea the victory they needed to lift them to fifth place in League One.

Lawrence headed home in the 17th minute while Britton settled the outcome six minutes into the second half.

The Swans had Rory Fallon in the starting line-up after he passed a late fitness test, but Jody Morris and Darren Byfield, both long-term absentees, were once again missing for the Lions.

The home defence was under pressure as early as the second minute when a first-time shot from Danny Haynes struck the woodwork, with Willy Gueret beaten.

Lee Trundle had Lions keeper Lenny Pidgeley scrambling to save a low shot after he outwitted Richard Shaw and cut inside.

A free-for-all on the touchline in the 11th minute led to Alan Tate and Tony Craig receiving yellow cards from referee Bill Jocelyn.

The Swans took the lead in the 17th minute when Millwall failed to clear a corner and Lawrence was perfectly placed to head in from close range.

Trundle's trickery almost set up a second for Swansea as his cross into the danger area was narrowly missed by Andy Robinson's slide at the far post.

There was a second flare-up in the 41st minute with Haynes involved, but once again only a yellow card was produced by the referee.

Millwall made a change for the start of the second half with Mark Phillips replacing Craig in the back line.

Six minutes after the re-start the Swans deservedly went further ahead when the Lions failed to clear and Britton, running in at the far post, slotted the loose ball into the net.

Willie Donachie threw his other two substitutes on in the 55th minute in an effort to get his side back into the game.

The Swans were now well on top and Owain Tudur-Jones had a goal-bound header brilliantly pushed away by Pidgeley.

On the hour, the busy Trundle shook off a tackle by Shaw and raced half the length of the pitch before being brought down by Derek McInnes. He took the spot-kick himself, but Pidgeley dived to his right to push the ball away.

That miss seemed to take the sting out of the Swans' play and in the last quarter Millwall enjoyed their best spell without ever looking as though they could claw their way back into the match.


Swansea City: Gueret, Tate, Iriekpen,  Lawrence, Williams, Pratley, Britton,  Tudur Jones, Robinson (Butler, 83), Trundle (Jones, 89), Fallon (Akinfenwa, 87). Subs not used: Oakes, Austin. 

Millwall: Pidgeley, Senda (Zebroski, 55), Ross, Shaw, Craig (Phillips, h-t), Hackett, Elliott, Mawene (McInnes, 55), Trotter , Hubertz, Haynes. Subs not used: Day,  Morais.

14/10/06

A revitalized Millwall team scrapped past Bournemouth courtesy of a Chris Hackett goal in what was a tense affair at The Den. The performance may have been sketchy in parts, but the team are showing much more conviction in the final third in recent games.

The last time Millwall played Bournemouth, Jermaine Defoe was playing. Unfortunately, there was certainly very little to liken to the class of the now-England striker during today’s game.

Bournemouth will feel hard done by after squandering good chances during the game, but how many times has that been said about Millwall?

The home side started the brighter, with Mawene testing Gareth Stewart in the Bournemouth goal early on.

Lenny Pidgeley was lucky that no one in a Black and Red shirt was ready to pounce after he spilled a bobbling shot from Best.

Millwall then enjoyed a good spell of possession with Hackett coming close after Hubertz fired over from a tight angle.

Bournemouth nearly took the lead however. But Cummings saw his effort tipped onto the post by a full-stretch Pidgeley.

But a minute into first half stoppage time, the lively Chris Hackett lead a Millwall break-away which gave the Lions the lead.

Hackett spread the ball out to Haynes on the overlap who forced a great save out of Stewart, but the former was on hand to squeeze the ball home from 15-yards.

Millwall squandered a fantastic chance just seconds after the break.

Dunne whipped in a free-kick from the touch line and found the unmarked Haynes, but the on-loan striker could only glance his header wide of the Bournemouth goal.

Millwall then switched off allowing Bournemouth to pile on the pressure and if it hadn't been for a last-ditch tackle from Ross, Best may have found the net with a low shot.

Anderton forced Pidgeley into a snap save to divert his fierce free-kick over and the Millwall keeper was forced into action again, this time through Foley whose half-volley look destined for the far corner before Pidgeley's excellent intervention.

Steve Fletcher missed another good chance for Bournemouth - he put his header over.

The Lions held on for 3 minutes of added on time, to record their third straight win.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Senda (Phillips, 67mins), Craig, Elliott, Ross, Shaw, Dunne, Mawene, Hubertz (Zebroski, 83mins), Haynes, Hackett (McInnes, 90mins). Subs not: Day, Trotter.

AFC Bournemouth: Stewart, Young, Purches, Maher, Best, Fletcher (Pitman, 86mins), Hollands (Foley, 78mins), Anderton, Cummings, Gowling, Hayter. Subs not used: Moss, Hart, Cook.

7/10/06

Poul Hubertz scored his fourth goal of the season to give Millwall a second win on the spin, as the Lions ran out 2-1 victors against Carlisle. Alan Dunne gave the South Londoners the lead, before Beckford equalized for Carlisle.

Played 3, Drawn 1 and Won 2. That is Willie Donachie's record as Millwall manager.

Paul Robinson was out with a slight hamstring strain while Marvin Williams and Fusini were rested.

Danny Haynes had the first chance when he tried his luck from distance , while Elliott was inches away from connecting with Hackett's teasing cross.

Hubertz somehow missed a free header, following a superb run and cross by the impressive Hackett.

Haynes went close again with a fierce drive that flew over as The Lions continued to pressurise Carlisle.

Millwall finally got their noses infront on 26 minutes. Hubertz cut the ball back leaving Dunne with a simple finish to put the Lions 1 up.

Millwall's lead was short lived however when Jermaine Beckford fired home from close range.

The scores were level for only a matter of minutes, a defensive error let in Hubertz, who kept his cool to slot home.

The game took another turn when Hubertz was penalised for handball in the area. Up stepped Chris Lumsdon, but he smashed the ball against the post.

Tony Craig fired inches over Woodward's cross bar just before the break.

Carlisle introduced the burly Derek Holmes for Chris Billy at half time, as the Cumbrian's switched to a 'long ball' tactic.

Carlisle may have been reduced to 10 men on 50 minutes, if the referee had seen Beckfords hack on Mawene.

For the first time this season, Millwall had a huge slice of luck go their way.

Craig dived at a shot, which clearly hit his outstretched arm. Lenney Pidgeley would have been proud of that save.

At the other end Haynes headed wide, while Zebrowski fired tamely at the Carlisle goal.

Millwall had to hold on for five minutes of extra time, but held on for a deserved win.

Carlisle United: Keiren Westwood, Chris Billy (Derek Holmes, 46mins), Danny Livesey, Kevin Gray, Chris Lumsdon, Paul Thirwell, Paul Arnison, Simon Hackney, Zigor Aranalde, Jermaine Beckford, Kevin Gall. Subs not used: Anthony Williams, Simon Grand, Glenn Murray, Stephen Hindmarch.

Millwall: Lenny Pidgeley, Mo Ross, Tony Craig, Marvin Elliott, Alan Dunne, Chris Hackett, Danny Senda (Mark Phillips, 65mins), Richard Shaw, Samy Mawene (Derek McInnes, 74mins), Poul Hubertz (Chris Zebroski, 80mins), Danny Haynes. Subs not used: Chris Day, Liam Trotter.

30/9/06

A brace from Danny Haynes, plus a last minute winner from Alan Dunne, meant Millwall went back to South London with all three points after a 3-2 victory over Rotherham. The Lions found themselves 2-0 down, but fought back magnificently to record their first away win of the season.

Nigel Spackman must be sitting there wondering what he did wrong.

The two games since his departure have churned out 4 points for the Lions, with three of those coming today at Rotherham.

Rotherham debutant Ryan Taylor set up the games first chance on 11 minutes, but fellow frontman Hoskins shot wide.

Lee Williamson should have done better for the Millers 10 minutes later, his shot flew straight at Pidgeley.

Millwall's first chance was speculative to say the least, when Haynes tried an unsuccesful overhead kick.

But with 30 minutes on the clock, Hoskins fired home Rotherham's opener. Paul Robinson missed a simple header and the ball fell kindly for the Rotherham striker, who fired past Pidgeley with ease.

Millwall looked out of it on 40 minutes. Pidgeley appeared to have gathered the ball following a cross from the wing, but Sharp got there just before the ex-Chelsea keeper to bundle the ball home.

Deep into first half stoppage time Millwall were given a life-line when Haynes was brought down by Sharps. The striker, on-loan from Ipswich, got up and took the penalty himself, but the Lions still went into the break 2-1 down. Another away day defeat was on the horizon.

Caretaker boss Willie Donachie made two changes during the interval, bringing on McInnes and Hackett for Ross and Fusinni respectively.

However it looked like Rotherham were going to increase their lead as the opening exchanges of the second period were all in Millwall's half.

Martin Woods had two good chances, but failed to capitalize on both occasion.

Millwall fought back first through Dunne, who forced Cutler into a full stretch save while Hackett's long range drive needed to be tipped over the bar as the Lions went in search of a goal.

They left it late though. Dunne's ball into the box was well converted by Haynes, who was now on a hat-trick, but time was running out.

Provider turned goalscorer 4 minutes late when Dunne headed home Chris Hackett's fine cross, to complete a fantastic comeback.

Willie Donachie is certainly staking a claim for the manager's job, and if he can keep Millwall unbeaten in their next few games, surely he deserves it?

Rotherham: Neil Cutler, Scott Wiseman, Gregor Robertson, Pablo Mills, Ian Sharps, Michael Keane, Lee Williamson, Justin Cochrane, Martin Woods, Will Hoskins, Ryan Taylor.

Millwall: Lenny Pidgeley, Maurice Ross, Tony Craig, Marvin Elliott, Paul Robinson, Alan Dunne, Richard Shaw, Poul Hubertz, Marvin Williams, Ali Fuseni, Danny Haynes.

26/9/06

Alan Dunne scored Millwall's first goal in 3 games, but the Lions had to come from behind to salvage a point against Brentford at The Den.

Alan Dunne scored his first goal of the season as Millwall shared the points with Brentford in the London Derby at The Den last night.

Millwall started the brighter of the two sides, Hubertz glanced his header inches wide.

However, it was Brentford who took the lead through Calum Willock, who's well placed header went in off the post.

However 15 minutes later the Lions got what they deserved when Dunne lashed home after keeper Stuart Nelson had parried Poul Hubertz's fierce shot.

Haynes nearly marked his debut with a goal on 34 minutes, but his looping header bounced against the top of the bar following good work by Ali Fuseini and Hubertz.

Fuseini was forced off injured 10 minutes after the restart, while Haynes was taken off for Zebrowski.

Zebrowsk nearly scored with his first touch when Elliott put the striker through on goal, but his effort was turned behind for a corner.

However a point was a fair result, and Millwall will be looking for more points on Saturday, against Rotherham.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Ross, Craig, Elliott, Robinson, Shaw, Williams (Grant, 67mins), Fuseini (McInnes, 55mins), Haynes (Zebroski, 56mins), Hubertz, Dunne. Subs not used: Day, Bakayogo.

Brentford: Nelson, Heywood, Griffiths (Charles, 65mins), Brooker, Kuffour, Cox (Tomlyn, 74mins), Tillen, Willock, Mousinho, Osborne, Winhard (Peters, 85mins). Subs not used: Carder-Andrews, Masters.

23/9/06

Millwall slumped to their fith succesive defeat, and this result surely puts manager Nigel Spackman's head on the line. Over to you Mr Till.

Nigel Spackman was too ashamed to come out and talk to protesting fans after another home defeat.

Instead he sent Ray Wilkins, but even he was keen to make a quick exit - to McDonald's he said. I guess this shows how low the Lions have sunk.

The Lions showed plenty of fight but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Not much changes at the Den,
and another mistake by Zak Whitbread's let in Bojic. But the reliable Paul Robinson slid in superbly to deny Northampton a dream start.

Millwall burst into life and dominated the game from then on.

With nine minutes gone Chris Zebroski climbed well to meet Alan Dunne's corner but his header was cleared off the line.

By 19 minutes the Lions were spreading the ball around with ease and a 40-yard pass from Maurice Ross typified the Lions first half display.

Millwall should have gone ahead through the lively Zebrowski. Denied one, denied twice. The second time by the crossbar.

They say lightning never strikes twice, but Millwall fans will find it hard to agree, as out of the blue Northampton took a shock lead.

Like so many times before, a defensive era let in Cole who left Lenney Pidgeley with no chance.

An awkward ball into the box bounced comically over Maurice Ross's head, and Cole did the rest.

Robinson had his shot cleared off the line, as the Millwall fans were begining to show their frustration.

By 60 minutes the anti-Spackman banners were flying around the Den - the natives were restless .

Millwall's best chances in the second half came from Marvin Elliott and Gavin Grant.

They say to much time is a bad thing for a striker, and Gavin Grant proved this on 79 minutes.

Through on goal, seemingly certain to score, Grant tried a cheeky lob, failed , and sent the Millwall fans home disheartened again.

Click for match photos

Millwall: Pidgeley, Ross, Robinson, Shaw, Whitbread (Senda 73mins), Bakayogo (Grant 59mins), Dunne, Elliott, Fuseini, Zebroski, Braniff (Hubertz 46mins). Subs not used: Day, McInnis.

Northampton: Bunn, Crowe, Chambers, Doig (Hunt 46mins), Dyche, Bogic (Quinn 83mins), Taylor, Jess, Cole (Watt 60mins), McGleish, Kirk. Subs: Harper,  Gilligan.

20/9/06

Millwall's recent form is that of a club in a relegation battle. On recent performances, that is a real possibility for the Lions. As for Nigel Spackman its a case of : Sort it out, or get out. Millwall were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Southampton, who put four past the South-East Londoners.

'We want Spackman out' was the chant at The Den last night.

Millwall were roundly booed off the pitch at the interval and at the full-time whistle – the fans were making their point perfectly clear.

However, Millwall fans will be much more concerned with the performance and more importantly the result on Saturday against Northampton - a League fixture.

Southampton started the brighter and almost went in front from the kick-off.

Kenweyne Jones squeezed a shot past Chris Day, but thankfully for the Lions the shot bounced off the post, and away to safety.

This early chance appeared to have woken up the Lions.

Hubertz should have scored on 15 minutes, but he headed at Davis, when he had all the time he wanted to pick his spot

However, Southampton took the lead when Djamel Belmadi fired home from six yards following good play from the lively Wright-Phillips.

Provider turned scored minutes later when Wright-Phillips fired home Kenwyne Jones' knock-down, 2-0 at the break.

Gavin Grant came on for his first senior appearance and fellow frontman Kevin Braniff came on as Millwall went in search of a goal.

Chris Baird nearly scored in his own net while Paul Robinson mistimed his header from a Dunne corner.

Southampton killed off the game in the dying minutes, Wright-Phillips and substitute David McGoldrick getting on the scorsheet.

Millwall: Day, Ross, Elliott, Whitbread, Shaw, Robinson, McInnes, Dunne, Bakayogo (Grant 46mins), Hubertz, Zebroski (Braniff 67mins). Subs not used: Pidgeley, Senda, Mawene.
Southampton: Davis, Ostlund, Pele, Sarmiento, Wright-Phillips, Wright (Licka 85mins), Jones (McGoldrick 65mins), Belmadi (Dyer 69mins)., Baird, Bale, Surman. Subs not used: Miller,  Cranie.

16/9/06

Nigel Spackman's sorry Lions can not seem to buy a win at the moment. Millwall's away day misery continued as they went down to a solitary Crewe goal at Gresty Road.

17 shots, 7 corners and 23 crosses. Those were Millwall's stats after another dissapointing defeat at Crewe. But as those figures suggest, Millwall were by no means the worst side, infact they had the majority of the play. However, just like too many times before, the opposition only needed once good chance to steal away the three points.

Played 9, Won 1, Lost 6 and Drawn 2. Those are Millwall's stats which accompany their name at the wrong end of League 1- and unfortunately those are the facts that count.

"Gel' is a word Nigel Spackman will undoubtedly use in his post match interview, and his continuous excuses are beginning to run thin.

The Lions threatened first and on 12 minutes Zebrowski's header forced Williams's in the Crewe goal into a fingertip save.

Crewe came back and threatened through Garry Roberts who shot wide.

Hubertz was first denied on 32 minutes before he dragged a long range effort off target as the Lions went into the break dominating.

The impressive Fuisini drove wide from 20-yards just after the interval before Crewe had their best chance up until then.

Varney broke through the Millwall rearguard, but failed to beat Chris Day with the goal at his mercy.

However Varney didn't miss again. He found space before driving the ball into the roof of the net on 68 minutes to give Crewe the lead - against the run of play.

Williams failed to reach Zebroski's low cross with 16 minutes left and it soon became apparent that it wasn't going to be Millwall's day

Just to rub salt into the wound the referee denied the Lions the most blatant of penalties with 5 minutes to go, and another shortly after when Hubertz was dragged to the ground.

Bakayogo could of earned a deserved point, but his shot rattled off the bar and away to safety.

Millwall: Day, Ross, Elliott (Bakayogo 85), Robinson, Whitbread, Dunne, Zebroski (Braniff 86), Shaw, Hubertz, Williams, Fuseini

12/9/06

Despite a late Poul Hubertz goal, Millwall were condemned to yet another away day defeat against Gillingham. The Gills won 2-1, goals from Clint Easton and Matt Jarvis proved to be enough at the Priestfield Stadium.

Nigel Spackman's honeymoon period is over - his Millwall enagement hasn't been a great one anyway.

From a Millwall fan's point of view, five points from seven games is an abysmal start to the season and things got no better at Gillingham on Tuesday night.

Nigel Spackman had rung the changes, sending in Ali Fuseini, Zoom Bakayogo and Chris Zebrowski for the first team debuts.

However, it took just 13 minutes for Gillingham to take the lead.

BBC's David Croft was quick to point out that a shot like Clint Easton's found the back of the net "1 in a 100 times", Millwall's bad luck is never ending.

But the Gillingham midfielder should never have been alowed to shoot, after the Lions failed to clear the ball twice before Easton let fly with a wonder strike.

Straight from the restart Millwall should have been level, but Zak Whitbread could only head wide from Dunne's corner.

The Gillingham goal appeared to have sparked the Lions into life and Millwall had the majority of the play for the remainder of the first half.

Fiuseini fired inches wide from Dunne's corner but the best Millwall chance fell to Bakayogo.

Be it at a tight angle, the midfielder found himself through on goal, but Gillingham keeper Flynders was equal to his near post shot.

Maurice Ross came on two minutes after half-time for Whitbread, who was poor once more. The word 'hoof' springs to mind.

Bakayogo found himself in crossing positions following good play from the impressive Fuseini, but failed on both occasion to cause any problems.

But despite continuous Millwall pressure, a rare Gillingham attack made it 2-0, killing off Millwall's comeback.

Jarvis played a neat one-two and with the ball back at his feet, dispatched the ball into the net.

Here lies Millwall's problem; the Lions can't put the ball in the back of the net. Gillingham only needed one chance to double their lead.

Hubertz and Williams came on to good effect, and it was the latter that provided his fellow frontman with the cross for Millwall's goal.

Beating his man, Williams delivered a marvelous cross to find Hubertz who glanced the ball home.

But the Gill's held on for the three points and Millwall's season must pick up soon or this could be another relegation battle.

Gillingham: Flinders, Jupp, Flynn, Cox, Crofts, Bentley, Mulligan (Spiller, 85mins), Easton, Ndumbu Nsungu (McDonald, 78mins), Jarvis, Johnson. Stone.

Millwall: Day, Senda, Robinson, Shaw, Whitbread (Ross, 49mins), Bakayogo (Williams 68mins), Elliott, Fuseini, Dunne, Zebroski (Hubertz 71mins), Byfield.

9/9/06

Marvin Elliott handed 10-man Brighton all three points with a last minute own goal to give the Seagulls a 1-0 victory at The Den. Richard Carpenter saw red for the away team 10 minutes before half-time.

If there is any luck in football, there certainly isn't any at Millwall. Two players sent off so far this season - both dubious decisions, both appealed and both proved costly for the Lions.

However, it appeared Lady Luck was smiling on SE16 when Brighton's Richard Carpenter was dismissed mid-way through the first half for a clear two-footed challenge on Filipe Morais.

Earlier in the match, Millwall had made the better start.

Whitbread fed Ardley, who drove wide, while Whitbread himself headed over.

Marvin Elliott's half volley flew a foot wide just after the 15 minute mark and Derek McInnes fired at goal just moment later.

On 23 minutes, Elliott headed wide as the Lions began to take control of the game. Ten minutes later and things got even better for the Lions when Brighton were reduced to 10-men with just under an hour of the game left.

The game was goalless at half-time.

After the restart Millwall failed to create an opening so Spackman threw on Darren Byfield and Poul Hubertz for Braniff and Ardley respectively, to try and liven things up for Millwall.

And in a sense it worked. Danny Senda had successive shots blocked on the line before referee Andy D’urso waved away a clear penalty after Hubertz was dragged to the ground.

Brighton should have been reduced to 9-men when 'keeper Michel Kuipers clearly handled outside the area - the Seagull's were riding their luck.

Darren Byfield's downward header was cleared off the line via the crossbar but time was running out for the Lions.

Brighton made sure to that. The away side wasted a good 10 minutes of the match using pathetic and frustrating time wasting tactics to wind down the clock.

And somehow the Seagull's ended up with all three points. Cox whipped in a low free-kick and the unlucky Elliott got the final touch to deflect it past Day.

Millwall: Day, Senda, Whitbread, Elliott, Robinson, Shaw, Ardley (Byfield, 53mins), McInnes, Williams, Braniff (Hubertz, 64mins), Morais. Subs not used: Pidgeley, Ross, Dunne.

Brighton & HA: Kuipers, Reid (Fraser, 62mins), Lynch, El-Abd, Hart, Hammond, Carpenter, Revell, Santos, Rents (Mayo, 46mins), Cox. Subs not used: Henderson, Frutos, Robinson.

2/9/06

For the first time in four games, Millwall failed to score and were forced to settle for a point against a stubborn Blackpool. Kevin Braniff had the game's best chance, but his header came back off the cross-bar.

During the first half, a couple of long-range efforts from Kevin Braniff and Marvin Elliott were all the Lions could muster as Millwall struggled to break down a stubborn Blackpool defense.

Danny Senda made his debut at right-back, and was soon into the action in first-half injury-time, a fierce shot forcing Blackpool keeper Rhys Evans into his first save of the match.

Braniff did come close to breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, but his header from a Neal Ardley corner clipped the top of the bar and bounced to safety.

The second-half saw scoring opportunities few and far between; Blackpool's Kieran Parker managed to miss an open goal on 52 minutes however.

Pool 'keeper Evans did well to block Lions sub Poul Hubertz effort from close range

Williams fired wide from 8-yards, the extra two points going with it.

Millwall: Day, Senda, Whitbread, Elliott (Dunne, 85mins), Robinson, Shaw, McInnes, Ardley (Trotter, 72mins), Braniff, Williams, Morais (Hubertz, 46mins). Subs not used: Edwards, Craig.

Blackpool: Evans, Tierney, Southern, Vernon (Burgess, 69mins), Jackson (Joseph, 40mins), Morrell, Barker, Parker, Evatt, Gillett, Bean. Subs not used: Edge, Hoolahan, Fox.

22/8/06

Millwall were denied a third win on the spin when Cheltenham scored an 82nd-minute winner to clinch the points at Whaddon Road. The Lions had battled for the best part of an hour with 10 men after keeper Lenny Pidgeley was shown a straight red card for handling outside the area.

Millwall had to weather early Cheltenham pressure, the home team forcing succesive corners in the opening exchanges. But it was Millwall who had the first chance of the game; Zak Whitbread's header from Filipe Morais' corner was deflected wide on 10 minutes. Derek McInnes fired wide from 25-yards just seconds later.

But on 14 minutes Paul Robinson was penalised following a tussle with Steve Guinan and to the amazement of the entire Millwall team, the ref pointed to the spot. 'Keeper Pidgeley dived the right way, but McCann managed to squeeze the ball past the former Chelsea man.

Five minutes later, Marvin Williams had a great chance to level , but had the ball stolen away just as he prepared to shoot.

But just moments later,the ball fell to McInnes, who hit a magnificent piledriver into the top right of the goal to level the score.

Cheltenham began to look shaky at the back problems for the home side.

But just as Millwall were beginning to dominate, what can only be described as a 'rush of blood to the head' meant Pidgeley was shown a straight red card. Caught in no-mans land, Pidgeley stuck his hand in the way of a goal-bound Cheltenham shot, warranting a straight red.

Filipe Morais was sacrificed, meaning sub keeper Chris Day was given his first appearance of the season.

The sending off simply spurred on the Lions; Kevin Braniff's long ball was picked up by Williams on the right, who cut inside and fired home to give Millwall a half-time lead.

Kayode Odejayi tested Day with a fierce drive after the break ; Cheltenham were struggling to break down 10 men.

In the end they opted for a 'hoof and hope' tactic and it came off on 67 minutes when Odejayi's broke clear and slotted past Day.

Day made a fine save to keep the scores level with 14 minutes left when he blocked Odejayi's goalbound header.

But Cheltenham's man advantage finally told when they grabbed a third; the comeback was complete.

But they needed two Millwall players off the pitch to do so; Williams was having treatment on the touchline, typical of Millwall's luck.

A slip by Robinson enabled Odejayi to shoot, Day blocked, but Melligan pounced on the rebound.

Cheltenham Town: Shane Higgs, Jerry Gill (Ashley Vincent, 62mins), Jamie Victory, Gavin Caines, Brian Wilson, John Finnigan, Steve Guinan (Steven Gillespie, 62mins (Mickey Bell, 75mins)), Grant McCann, Kayode Odejayi, Craig Armstrong, JJ Melligan. Subs not used: Scott Brown, Michael Wylde.

Millwall: Lenny Pidgeley, Maurice Ross, Zak Whitbread, Marvin Elliott, Paul Robinson, Richard Shaw, Filipe Morais (Chris Day, 38mins), Derek McInnes, Kevin Braniff, Chris Hackett (Neal Adley, 48mins), Marvin Williams (Poul Hubertz, 71mins). Subs not used: Tony Craig, Sammy Mawene

22/8/06

Poul Hubertz has become somewhat of a savior for Millwall. He scored another important goal to give the South-Londoners their second win in a row as the Lions beat Gillingham 2-1 in the 1st round of the Carling Cup.

Millwall boss Nigel Spackman made three changes to the side that beat Oldham on Saturday. French duo Samy Mawene and Zoumana Bakayogo came in for Richard Shaw and Derek McInnes who were rested. Chris Hackett came in for Marvin Williams, who was also rested.

Zak Whitbread returned to the centre of defense alongside Paul Robinson, who captained the side.

With five minutes on the clock, Millwall had the first sniff of goal. Brent Sancho did well to block Kevin Braniff's lack-luster shot.

Despite early Millwall pressure, it was Gillingham who had most of the play during the first half.

Bakayogo made an important block on nine minutes to deny Matt Jarvis following good play by Gillingham's Mark Bentley.

Although Gillingham had most of the play, the Gill's never looked like scoring as a well drilled Millwall defense continued to close down any threatening attacks.

One of these followed an Easton corner, which was half-cleared before Paul Robinson closed down Flynn's shot.

The closest Gillingham came to a goal was a long range effort from Easton, which, despite beating a diving Pidgeley, flew wide of the target.

Moments later Zac Whitbread made a good tackle to deny McDonald a route to goal.

Despite Gillingham pressure for most of the first half, it was Millwall who took the lead going into half time. Brent Sancho's slip allowed Kevin Braniff to race through, before slotting the ball confidently past Darren Randolph in the Away team's goal.

Neal Ardley had to be replaced at half-time by Filipe Morais, after a consistent rib problem caused him discomfort during the first period.

Morais made his first impact on the game with 57 minutes gone, curling a cross just inches over the head of the lively Braniff.

Gillingham became more urgent in their search for a goal and on 69 minutes a whipped in corner found Ndumbu-Nsungu, who forced a good save from Pidgeley.

Croft came close with another header, which sailed over the bar.

After causing so many problems through corners, Gillingham finally drew level from another set-piece.

Crofts got in front of Tom Brighton to head home Easton's cross to level the scores.

Enter Poul Hubertz. Having scored the winner on Saturday, it was a case of déjà vu for the tall Dane as he headed home Filipe Morais' corner, to give Millwall the win.

It took a great save from Pidgeley to preserve Millwall's advantage however. Gary Mulligan picked up the loose ball but the ex-Chelsea man managed to palm away the ball to safety.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Ross, Bakayogo (Craig, 77mins), Elliott, Robinson, Whitbread, Brighton, Ardley (Morais, 46mins), Braniff, Mawene (Hubertz, 65mins), Hackett. Subs not used: Day, Fuseini.

Gillingham: Randolph, Jackman, Flynn, Sancho, Cox, Jupp, Bentley (Crofts, 57mins), Jarvis, Easton, McDonald (Mulligan, 72mins), Ndumbu-Nsungu. Subs not used: Johnson, Pouton, Clohessy.

19/8/06

Millwall bounced back from a disappointing defeat at Chesterfield last weekend to beat Oldham 1-0 at The Den. Danish striker Poul Hubertz fired home Millwall's winner 11 minutes from time to give the Lions a deserved victory.

After scoring against Chesterfield, striker Kevin Braniff started for the Lions along with Paul Robinson who came in for Tony Craig.

After some disappointing performances, Zak Whitbread moved to left back and Maurice Ross returned for the Lions in place of the injured Mark Phillips.

Millwall's Neal Ardley created the games first chance on two minutes. A neat touch from Braniff found the midfielder, but he could only fire high and wide from long range.

Oldham goalkeeper Chris Howarth was forced into an acrobatic save on 15 minutes, tipping over a deflected Tom Brighton free kick.

Oldham created their first opportunity of the match on 17 minutes. Marvin Elliot's sliced clearance fell to Warne, who unfortunately for Latics fans, miss-kicked, allowing the ball to roll through to the grateful Lenney Pidgeley.

Marvin Williams found space just moments later, but skewed his shot far wide of the target.

On 25 minutes, a Liddell free-kick went just wide from all of 30-yards.

On 37 minutes Kevin Braniff managed to turn past his marker but could only shoot straight in to Howarth's arms.

Millwall had began to take control of the game leading up to half time but Oldham so nearly went into the break ahead.

Paul Robinson over hit his back-header which flew over the onrushing Lenney Pidgeley, but thankfully for Millwall fans the ball landed on the roof of the net.

From the resulting corner, Haining headed wide for Athletic.

Minutes after the break, Marvin Williams found space yet again, but Tierney came across to block his fiercely hit shot.

Oldham striker Paul Warne could only fire his header over the bar from point-blank range following a Paul Edwards cross on 54 minutes.

Millwall brought on Filipe Morais for Neal Ardley to try and liven things up as the Lions went in search of a goal.

Oldham could have gone ahead against the run of play just after the hour mark, but Derek McInnes managed to clear a free-kick off the line.

But following sustained pressure for long periods of time, Millwall finally got the break through on 79 minutes.

Filipe Morais whipped in a free kick, but Howarth in the Oldham goal could only parry Marvin Williams' effort leaving Hubertz with an easy chance to score from 6-yards.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Ross, Whitbread, Elliott, Robinson, Shaw, Williams, McInnes, Brighton, Braniff (Hubertz, 71mins), Ardley (Morais, 54mins). Subs not used: Day, Hackett, Dunne.

Oldham Athletic: Howarth, Swailes (Wood, 84mins), Haining, Stam, Taylor (Tierney, 46mins), Liddell, McDonald, Wellens, Molango (Grabban, 61mins), Warne, Edwards. Subs not used: Smith, Rocastle.

12/8/06

Millwall will soon want to forget today's performance as they were thrashed 5-1 by Chesterfield at Saltergate. Kevin Braniff scored a late consolation for the Lions, but Millwall must improve if they want to make an impact on this league.

Nigel Spackman was forced into a trio of changes following the defeat to Leyton Orient. Filipe Morais, Mark Phillips and Chris Hackett started for the Lions in place of Darren Byfield, Maurice Ross and Neal Ardley respectively.

Millwall began poorly and in just the third minute Tony Craig was forced to turn the ball behind for a Chesterfield corner.

In the sixth minute Richard Shaw recovered well to make two successive blocks after handing possession to Folan.

Millwall's first chance of the game came on ten minutes but Williams failed to see Hackett in acres of space and took it upon himself to have a shot, which flew a few feet wide of the target.

Folan headed over for Chesterfield but his fellow strike partner Paul Hall had no problems converting following some comical defending from Whitbread - and not for the first time this season either.

The ball went straight through Whitbread's legs following a mix-up with Richard Shaw and Hall converted from 8-yards out, to give the home side the lead.

Pidgeley was called into action on 18 minutes as he kept out a fierce shot from Kevan Hurst; the signs were not good for Millwall.

Chris Hackett mustered an effort on 20 minutes but his side foot went a good foot wide and just moment late it was 2-0.

More bad defending let in Allison who had no problems firing the ball home and just moments after the restart Folan compounded Millwall's misery giving the home side a 3-0 lead going into half-time.

At the break Nigel Spackman brought on Kevin Braniff for Tony Craig but within six minutes Millwall's slender hopes of a comeback were demolished as Hall curled in his second and Chesterfield’s fourth, leaving the few Millwall fans still watching gob smacked.

The abysmal Whitbread, who put in another poor performance, was belatedly replaced by Paul Robinson on 52 minutes as Millwall tried to stop the flow of Chesterfield goals.

Hall came close to his hat-trick moments later but Pidgeley was equal to his long-range effort; the Chesterfield pressure was continuous.

Nigel Spackman began to toy with his formation and by the end of the game Filipe Morais had gone from right wing, to left wing, then to the centre of midfield and finally back to right wing meaning Millwall were unable to settle and try and create chances.

Chesterfield however could, and on 63 minutes the un-marked Allison headed home his second of the match as the Spireites showed no sign of stopping their demolition of Millwall's defense.

Millwall did muster a consolation ironically through Kevin Braniff, who rarely features for Millwall; the young Irishman fired home a well placed half-volley from the edge of the area.

The Lions will need to pull their act together and quick because today they were outplayed, outscored but more worryingly, outclassed.

Chesterfield: Barry Roche, Alan O'Hare, Phil Picken, Derek Niven, Mark Allott, Wayne Allison (Alex Bailey, 70mins), Paul Hall, Aaron Downes, Caleb Folan, Reuben Hazell, Kevan Hurst (Jamie Jackson, 90mins). Subs not used: Michael Jordan, Adam Smith, Janos Kovacs.

Millwall: Lenny Pidgeley, Mark Phillips, Tony Craig (Kevin Braniff, 46mins), Marvin Elliott, Richard Shaw, Zak Whitbread (Paul Robinson, 52mins), Chris Hackett (Poul Hubertz, 38mins), Filipe Morais, Tom Brighton, Derek McInnes, Marvin Williams. Subs not used: Chris Day, Neal Ardley.

9/8/06

Tony Craig became the first Millwall player of the season to be sent off last night as Millwall crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Leyton Orient.

Referee Lee Probert unbelievably sent off Craig for a high tackle on Shane Tudour, but replays suggested that a red card was extremely harsh considering there was minimal contact anyway.

From then on Millwall were always going to struggle, but for periods of time they more than held their own.

Things didn't get much better for the Lions midway through the first half when striker Darren Byfield collapsed in pain and was later taken to hospital to have scans on his ankle.

Leyton Orient thought they had taken the lead on 37 minutes, but the referee ruled out the goal for a foul on Lenney Pidgeley.

Three minutes later Poul Hubertz, who came on for the injured Darren Byfield, forced a save from Glyn Garner following a shot from a tight angle.

But the O's eventually made their extra man count just before the break. Whitbread's clearance was intercepted and Lee Steele had no problems lashing the ball home from 10 yards.

Millwall almost equalized immediately but Marvin Elliot could not find the net after good play from McInnes.

Millwall started the second half well and had two golden opportunities. Marvin Williams cut through the Orient defense and fired his shot low and hard, but a smart save denied the youngster.

The ball fell to Hubertz who’s curling effort was deflected away and behind the goal.

From the resulting corned Richard Shaw's header was stopped on the line by Garner, who was on top form.

Morais and Hackett were brought on for Williams and McInnes respectively and Morais almost made the break-through with a 25-yard bullet which slammed the outside of the post.

Orient killed off the game minutes later as Alexander tapped in Tudors’ cross and Hackett's dreadful miss moments later summed up Millwall night.

Leyton Orient:  Garner,  Lockwood,  Simpson,  Fortune,  Mackie,  Tudor,  Easton,  Alexander, Steele (Ibehre 85),  Keith, Tann.
Subs not used: Barnard,  Morris,  Partridge,   Corden.
Millwall: Pidgeley,  Ross, Craig,  Elliott,  Whitbread,  McInnes (Hackett 63),  Byfield (Hubertz 23), Brighton,  Ardley,  Shaw,  Williams ( Morais 53)

5/8/06

An 82nd minute header from Darren Byfield earned Millwall a point against Yeovil on the opening day of the season. Yeovil lead 1-0 at half-time, but Millwall struck back ten minutes from the end to level the score.

Seven debutants started the match for Millwall in a game which was delayed 15 minutes due to crowd congestion.

Millwall had the best of the early exchanges, but it was Yeovil who created the first clear-cut chance on 17 minutes.

Davies charged into the box but failed to force Pidgeley into a save as he dragged his shot wide.

And it was Yeovil who took the lead on 34 minutes. The Millwall defense failed to clear a cross into the box and the ball fell kindly for Wayne Gray who powered home from close range.

Nigel Spackman brought on Neal Ardley five minutes before the break and it proved to be a turning point in the game.

Yeovil began the second half as they had ended the first; Harrold fired his header over the bar on 47 minutes.

Ten minutes later Byfield tried a curling effort from outside the box, but the referee called play back for a Millwall free-kick. However, Morais' shot was comfortably collected by Mildenhall in the Yeovil goal.

Millwall began to dominate proceedings and went close twice in the space of ten minutes. First Elliot fired wide after neat play from Byfield and then Ardley, who like Elliot, missed the target.

The Lions thought they had drawn level on 74 minutes but the fingertips of Mildenhall preserved Yeovil’s slim lead. Byfield also went close with a curling effort which rolled a foot wide.

But Millwall were not to be denied and on 82 minutes the Den erupted as Darren Byfield met Neal Ardley's cross to turn the ball in at the far post.

Millwall should have taken all three points but Marvin Elliot could not find the net following another excellent Neal Ardley delivery.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Ross, Craig (Ardley, 42mins), Elliott (Hackett, 88mins), Whitbread, Shaw, Brighton, McInnes, Morais (Hubertz, 78mins), Byfield, Williams. Subs not used: Day, Robinson.

Yeovil Town: Mildenhall, Jones, Skiverton, Forbes, Terry, Barry (James, 66mins), Davies, Gray (Poole, 72mins), Cohen, Harrold, Lindegaard. Subs not used: Guyett, Kalala, Morris.

29/7/06

Nigel Spackman will be keen to add another striker to his squad as his Millwall side failed to score yet again; the Lions played out a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

Filipe Morais returned for the Lions after recovering from a slight knock and French triallists Zoumana Bakayoko and Samy-Oyame Mawene were also included in the squad.

Millwall threatened first through Marvin Williams, but he failed to force Kiraly into a save after waltzing past three Palace defenders.

Two minutes later McInnes set Morais off down the wing, but the winger's effort was deflected past the post for a corner.

On 15 minutes John Macken created the Eagles first opening, but he could only fire his effort into the side netting from a tight angle.

But another Millwall attack saw McInnes fire wide before Elliott created the best chance of the half .

Brighton's neat back-heel found Byfield who fed Elliot, but Gabor Kiraly made a smart save to deny the Lions.

Zoumana Bakayoko and Samy-Oyame Mawene were brought on at half-time as the Lions went in search of a goal.

And it was Bakayoko who set up Byfield for the games best chance, flying down the wing he delivered an inch perfect cross, but Byfield could only head straight at Kiraly from no more than four yards out.

Tom Soares volleyed over for Palace before Jobi McAnuff tested Lenney Pidgeley in the Millwall goal for the first time, but the ex-Chelsea man was equal to the shot. Play became stop-start among a number of substitutions and the game petered out into a draw.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Ross, Craig (Bakayoka, 46mins), Elliott (Malwene, 46mins) Shaw, Robinson, Williams, McInnes, Morais, Byfield, Brighton. Subs not used: Day, Whitbread, Lawrence, Dunne, Hackett, Braniff, Cogan, Phillips.


Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Butterfield, Granville, Hudson, Torghelle, Soares, Watson, Hughes, Reich, Macken. Subs: Freedman, Morrison, Scowcroft, McAnuff, Black

26/7/06

Two triallists were on show last night but they could not stop Seol Ki-Hyeon capitalizing on some poor defending to give Reading a 1-0 victory over the Lions.

Millwall made five changes to the side that lost to Charlton, with Lenney Pidgeley, Mark Phillips, Paul Robinson, Alan Dunne and triallist Paul Hubertz all starting for the Lions.

Millwall's first half performance was sluggish and the Lions found it hard to play flowing football and create chances, in what was an uneventful opening to the game.

With 13 minutes played, Reading created their first oppertunity of the match, but Lenney Pidgeley made a comfortable save following a Lita shot.

Millwall created their first chance on 17 minutes, when triallist Paul Hubertz tried his luck with a cheeky lob which was palmed away for a corner by Federici in the Reading goal.

Reading however began to dominate possession and Seol nearly broke the deadlock on 20 minutes, but his effort rolled wide of the post.

As half-time drew closer Reading went in front. A sloppy back pass from McInnes allowed Seol to race through, round Pidgeley and slot the ball home.

Nigel Spackman made two half-time substitutions, bringing on triallist Maurice Ross and Chris Hackett, who expects to complete his move to the club in the near future.

Hackett made an immediate impact on 47 minutes when his cross was tipped over by Federici as the Lions began to take the game to the Royals.

Hackett turned provider moments late but his well delivered cross could not be turned in by Darren Byfield - his header rolled wide of the post.

Alan Dunne went close twice for the Lions, but he could not find the net on both occasions.

Marvin Williams nearly equalized for the Lions, but a last-ditch tackle denied him his first goal of the season, after being put through on goal by Maurice Ross.

Millwall: Pidgeley, Phillips, Robinson, Whitbread (Lawrence, 82mins), Craig (Ross, 46mins), Dunne, McInnes (Hackett, 46mins), Elliott, Brighton (Cogan, 46mins), Byfield (Williams, 67mins), Hubertz (Braniff, 75mins). Subs not used: Day, Shaw.

Reading: Federici, Murty, Gunnassson (Pearce, 70mins), Ingimarsson (Ujah, 88mins), Makin, Little (Davies, 75mins), Halls, Sidwell (Osano, 54mins), Oster (Shorey, 54mins), Seol, Lita (Cox, 65mins). Subs not used: Stack, Long, Cox.
Scorer: Seol (39mins)

22/7/06

Millwall will be left to rue missed chances as the Lions went down 4-1 to Premiership Charlton in what was an exciting encounter at The Den. Millwall’s only goal came from want-away midfielder Marvin Elliott with a stunning strike in the first half.

Millwall started brightly and created the first opening of the game on six minutes when Darren Byfield teed up Filipe Morais, but his shot curled wide.  

Charlton’s new summer signing Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink made a quick impression on the game and it was his fierce free-kick on nine minutes which created the Addick’s first opening, but his effort ended up in the side netting. 

Hasselbaink made no mistake the second time after he ran onto a long ball before rolling the ball into the back of the net on 11 minutes. 

Despite Hasselbaink’s opening goal, it was Charlton goalkeeper Anderson who impressed the most for the Addicks with a string on fine saves. The first of these came on 14 minutes as he dived to his right to deny Filipe Morais his first Millwall goal. 

Anderson had to be alert again to keep out Darren Bayfield’s effort on 20 minutes after he had blocked a Morais shot moments earlier. Tom Brighton raced through the Charlton rearguard before offloading the ball to Byfield, but his shot was tipped  past the post. 

The Addicks keeper was equal to Tom Brighton’s fiercely hit shot on 34 minutes as Millwall continued to mount the pressure on Charlton. A mistake from Fortune in the Addick’s backline allowed Darren Byfield a shot on goal, but an inspired Anderson once again denied Millwall. 

After dominating proceedings for most of the first half, Millwall deservedly drew level through a sublime strike from Marvin Elliott, who incidentally is on Charlton’s summer shopping list.  

Elliott picked up the ball on the edge of the area and struck the ball hard past Anderson for the equaliser on 41 minutes.  

With half time drawing closer, Charlton regained the lead against the run of play thanks to Ambrose who met Luke Young’s cross with a firm header past Day in the Millwall goal. Despite their efforts, Millwall were 2-1 down at half time. 

Charlton manager Ian Dowie changed his entire team in the second half and two quick goals from Charlton in just three minutes, ended Millwall’s hopes of a comeback. 

On 56 minutes a superb free kick from El Karkouri after a foul from Matt Lawrence, left Chris Day stranded in the Millwall goal and just moments after the restart Millwall were 4-1 down; James Walker the scorer for the Addicks on 59 minutes. 

It could have been 5-1 ten minutes later, but another Walker effort curled over the bar. Millwall continued to press as the games conclusion drew closer but long-range efforts from Derek McInnes and Marvin Elliot did not test Charlton keeper Darren Randolph, as his side killed off the game and ran out 4-1 winners.  

Charlton (first-half): Andersen; Young, Youga, Sorondo, Fortune; Ambrose, Hughes, Holland, Sam, John, Hasselbaink.

Charlton (second-half): Randolph, Walton, Ashton, Hreidarsson, El Karkouri; Kishishev, Thomas, Euell, Rommedahl; Djedeje, Walker.

Millwall: Day; Lawrence, Craig (Robinson 65), Shaw (Phillips 65), Whitbread; Williams (Dunne 68), Elliott, McInnes, Morais (Braniff 68), Byfield (Cogan 68), Brighton.