Manager Neil Harris has spoken of his pride following the performance and victory over former club Southend United on Monday and Fred Onyedinma came in for special praise given his performance on the day.
Speaking to the official site following the four nil victory that saw goals come from Joe Martin, Omar Cummings, Fred Onyedinma and Aiden O’Brien – although it appears since following initial credit Cummings’ goal has now been classed as a Daniel Bentley own goal – Harris couldn’t have been prouder of the performance of the side.
In fact he thought it was the best of the season so far and the perfect way to bounce back from the disappointment against Walsall on Boxing Day.
‘As ever we had a game plan but it is always about how the players execute it. The quality in the final third was brilliant from us today. We took our chances when they came and we could easily have had a few more goals. But I thought our all round display, from box to box, was outstanding; winning first headers and second balls. I thought we dominated. We talk about standards individually and collectively and that was right up there as far as I’m concerned. We’ve set our standard again and it is up to us to repeat that level of performance week-in, week-out.’
With the hosts at Roots Hall having opportunities of their own, Harris was then pleased with the defensive organisation of the side.
‘Even when Southend did get a couple of opportunities with shots in and around the penalty area I thought our desire to block was phenomenal. I’m delighted for our goalscorers but I’m equally delighted that as a team we kept the clean sheet.’
With four changes made to the starting line up to freshen things up – and in the search of a return to winning ways – the gaffer couldn’t have been more pleased with the way they came into the side.
‘We knew some players couldn’t go again after Walsall. Jimmy Abdou ran the furthest anybody has run for the club this season on Saturday so naturally he needs a rest. With our small squad a couple of others may have needed a rest but it wasn’t possible to do it. The fresh legs certainly helped us. The fact that Joe Martin and Fred Onyedinma came off in the second-half against Walsall certainly helped that freshness. Overall it was a fantastic display and I’m really pleased for the lads.’
As for Onyedinma more directly, Harris said of the 19 year old with his goal and involvement in two others.
‘Fred is in the same mould as Paul Ifill and Steven Reid. He is a wide player who we ask to be exciting. He is going to give the ball away; we understand that and Fred understands that. It’s my job and my coaches’ job to make sure he retains the ball more often than not but Fred is brilliant. He wants to play every minute of every game and he has got a bright future with us.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Harris On Southend & Onyedinma
