Silverlion’s report on Millwall 1 Ipswich Town 0
An exciting and pulsating game won through sheer endeavour and willpower (or should I say wallpower)
It was very clear from the start that everybody was totally committed to the cause with everything being closed down and the visitors allowed no time to dwell on the ball. They were bottled into corners and closed down consistently by every member of the team which forced them into errors. Their keeper was by far the busier with shots to save. We started brightly with some good attacking intent with Bailey looking strong alongside a rejuvenated Trotter who tackled and headed the ball as if he really meant it. Martin showed good movement on the left and was well supported by Malone who was his marauding best. Keogh supplied good support down the right and Fredericks had that touch of a prem player with strong runs. Morison gave it all up front and MacDonald was a handful as he turned midfield possession into attacking situations.
The midfield support was excellent and when the ball fell back to Trotter he stroked it just wide of the right hand post. A good run down the right from Fredericks saw a deep cross which the keeper misjudged and it sailed into the net. Forde got crocked making his only save and was forced off with a knock on the knee. On came Bywater for a big test.
The second half began just as brightly for us as the first half and we kept up a barrage of forward movement and attacking threat. The crowd got into it big time and were egged on by Ollie who never stood still on the line. From one of our many attacks Martin got the ball in their box, sidestepped their bloke and with only the keeper to beat from 12 yards blazed it over. It would have been easier to score. A tiring Bailey was replaced by Wright and then Trotter was replaced by Jimi to shore up our win. They huffed and puffed and almost got an equaliser but a good stop from Bywater followed by a goal line clearance averted the danger.
The back four were immense and the MOM was just shaded by Shittu for his dominance but was closely followed by Lowry who was an absolute rock in the middle.
Truly it was a team performance of the highest quality and Ollie hugged the whole team and all the groundsmen at the end before applauding all the crowd. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and the like of which we have not seen at the Den for a long long time.
3 points, a clean sheet and no red cards. Upwards and onwards from here Ollie.
