So after the midweek disappointment of Doncaster, Cotterill made a few changes, as we lined up in an orthodox 4-4-2, with each player in their natural position. Even more amazing, given we had lost our left-back, Elokobi, to injury, we actually managed to replace him with a left-back, Cunningham. Strength in depth. Or something like that.
Millwall have been on a roll recently – six goals in two away games – so today was likely to be tough. But the first twenty minutes had not much going for it. When we finally managed to get the ball on the deck, things started happening – but not before Millwall had somehow contrived to fail to score. Our first came when Reid crossed and McCleary came in at the far stick, just as a winger should. Our second came from a free-kick – again Reid placed it in, it deflected out and Higginbotham got an amazing shot in from an impossible angle. Also in the first half, Millwall hit the post again and had a good shout for a penalty.
The second half started somewhat flat – and we had a defensive mixup between Reid, Cunningham and Mooose, allowing their sub, Henderson, to score. It could have been nervy, but Gunter picked out Reid, who took his time, realised our forwards were all offside and so hit a rocket from 30 yards into the top corner. An amazing goal and the perfect way to cap off a man of the match performance.
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Comments
Great game – lots of positives. Guediora is the new Cohen and takes the pressure of moussi by being equally adept at breaking up the play as picking out the space finding pass, Reid looks on the way back to his best, Blackstock and Tudgay put in a shift, and Higginbottom made a real difference at the back (despite Chambers being a bit wobbly) Even good to see Miller stretch his legs for 5 minutes at the end – which gives us some options when Dex tires. A McCleary header too – whatever next?
We have to be honest and acknowledge we gave the visitors lots of shots on goal and 3 times they were unlucky with the woodwork so the 4th time it was no more than they deserved to finally get the bounce of the ball.
Derby will be a different prospect. Shame big George won’t be fit, as he’d have seen em off. I suspect it will be an unchanged 11.
Let’s hope we can hold on to Guediora. I heard a Wolves fan on the Saturday R5L phone-in saying he is better than O’Hara, and that he should not be out on loan. Is there a recall clause in the deal?
I think there’s a recall clause on Elokobi but not on Guedioura (not 100% on that though).