Ravens view of Millwall

Last updated : 28 February 2005 By Mark R

We arrived just before kick off as usual and it was good to see McPhee back from him long term injury.

The match was played on a very bumpy surface which didn't help either team. The Millwall players appeared content to kick anything that moved or just try and wind up McCammon.

The first half saw no shots on target, Millwall had the only half effort but that ended up rolling into our keepers hands. Second half and it was more of the same.

We battled but seemed destined not to break through.

As the match was heading for a 0-0 draw, Knight got the ball out wide, put in a great cross, I thought Oatway was going to score but he caused chaos in the 5 yard box and as the ball pinged back to Hart he struck the ball hard and low from about 6 yards and it was 1-0.

Millwall had time for yet another player to see red a for a very bad late challenge. Knight almost ,and probably should, have made it 2-0 but put his shot wide of the keeper in a one on one situation, but as he had run his socks off for 90 minutes who cares as it didn't matter in the end.

It was a hard battle and we deserved to get something out of the game. I thought McGhee made good substitutions, with Mayo putting himself about on his 300th league game for the Albion.

Hart made his 300th appearance in total, and I think Chippy made his 200th appearance so a game of landmarks for the players.

The good news was Forest only drawing and Coventry, Cardiff and Rotherham losing. Gillingham spoiled things by Albion reject Henderson knocking 2 past Wigan, and Plymouth won 3-0 for the second consecutive game.

So we are 15th in the table, so do I look up the table with interest or down with a nervous laugh and think we are almost safe??

Good to see no major problems on Saturday, something was happening around Brighton station about 6.30 as we got a train home (one big lad handcuffed against the wall and lots of Police about in stab jackets and carrying video cameras), but out attention was diverted by a bus crashing into a police car parked outside the railway bell as the bus tried to turn into the bus stops outside the station avoiding the Police and people milling about!

Shaaban - 7 looked confident and good

Reid - 7 good solid display

Harding - 7 another good confident display

Butters - 8 another masterly display and my MOTM

Hinshelwood - 7 composed alongside Butters

Hart - 7 quiet game to start, but his never say die attitude was rewarded with a rare goal

Carpenter - 7 involved throughout

Nicolas - 7 more defensive role, but some crucial tackles and interceptions

Knight - 8 proved his value once again, great ball for the goal

McPhee - 5 looked short of fitness but good to see him back

McCammon - 6 put himself about and huffed and puffed, but seeing his face at the final whistle showed how much he wanted the win

Mayo (McPhee) - 7 got involved as soon as he was on and helped lift the game

Oatway (McCammon) - 7 as above

Mark R