Cyrils review - WFC 3-1 Millwall
Date Sat 13 Sept 03
Venue Liquorice Toad
Kick Off 12:30
Opponents Millwall
Score 3-1
Scorers Dyer, Cox, Young
Cyril's critical review
Another four goal thriller, our first home win, sunshine, SkySports and a two great debuts.
Don't get me wrong, we still have a
LOT of work to do, but at least we are progressing. The defence looked stronger and more organised than in the Gillingham game, that said, Millwall still had a too many chances for my liking.
We also were an attacking force down both wings - which was nice! On the down side there were still too many punts up field. That is almost acceptable when we have H in the team. But Danny and The Bruce are more efficient when the ball is played on the deck. With H being out for a good while, we will have to amend our style.
I did say in my preview that the game would be won in the middle so given that we won I have to praise the midfielders. Well done Jamie! Well done Gavin!
So, now the game...
During the warm up I noticed the white shorts, and indeed, when the teams ran out we were in all white. Perhaps it was a cunning plan and Ray had brought a hynotist in. Playing at home, wearing all white, Sky Sports, a tall bald central midfielder. Think about it!
Anyway, the first proper move ended with another early Hornet's goal. Zinedine ZiMahon put in a lovely cross to the back post, Lee Figo headed it across the face of goal and The Bruce was there to poke it in. Get in!
1-0!
After a dozen minutes Jamie Hand was booked for what I believe to be persistent fouling. Given that the ref was handing out cards quicker than a desperado at a singles bar it looked as though the reigning Young Player of the Year was going to be heading for an early bath sooner or later. Amazingly, Jamie kept up his all action style, while keeping it clean.
On 19, The Bruce was booked. Again a harsh decision. Especially given some of the challenges, fouls and handballs that weren't punished as severely..
Captain Cox had a header deflected from a Cook cross as the not-so Golden Boys kept up the pressure. And ZiMahon tried to catch the keeper unawares with 40 yard effort. Sadly, he dragged his shot and it didn't cause any concern.
Oh, and Captain Cox was booked for a tussle in the corner. Another harsh decision.
On 28, Jamie Hand played a lovely ball through to Danny Dub. His shot was blocked and Lee Figo's chipped follow up was headed away, even though it probably wasn't going in.
It was a minor turning point. Four minutes later, as Millwall left winger progressed down the line it appeared that the ball had strayed into Bushey. However, the
eagle-eyed officials, (a blind eagle mind), failed to see any infraction. The quick Lions throw was flicked on by Gulliver Peeters and turned in by Paul Ifill.
While the actual move was harsh on Watford, Millwall had been pushing for the equaliser and arguably deserved their goal.
Not much happened towards the end of the half. The Bruce dragged a shot wide and the ball was immediately changed.
Then the bloke sitting next to me went to the food outlet/toilet. So for him I will explain what happened next.
Dub went down in the area under pressure from Kevin Muscunt, who then stamped on his leg. Even the inconsistent Mr Knight couldn't miss it. Red card for Muscunt and a penalty for the 'orns.
Captain Cox stepped up.
2-1. Goal! Amusingly the half time whistle went as soon as the Lions had restarted. Ha, ha.
The second half should have seen us really pressure them with our wide boys and extra man. But we didn't really.
The half started with a Robbo overhead kick which suggested that the hypnotist had being doing his business in the dressing room.
Devlin, the debut boy, who had looked impressive in the first half tormented the left back and got a couple of crosses in. H must be cursing his ligament. Dub had a header pushed wide from one of the crosses.
The hypnotist effect was again in evidence as Coxy turned winger and megged his marker.
Keen to impress Devlin snatched at a chance and sliced it high, wide and ugly when he really had more time on the edge of the box. Still, a midfielder who is willing to shoot. The novelty!
But what am I saying? Minutes later, just after the hour mark ZiMahon released a rocket that warmed and probably bruised Warners hands. This shooting lark is contagious.
Dyer's header across the face of goal was in vain as the third and definitive goal still refused to go in. Nerves were starting to jangle and the Lions created a few chances on the counter attack. They weren't going to throw it away again were they?
With a quarter of an hour left Cook departed and Young came on for his debut. He looks bigger than when i saw him in the reserves last year.
A piledriver from the edge of our box had Alec scrambling, and he had to be alert to save an acrobatic effort from Neil Harris.
With 85 mins played Fitz came on for The Bruce.
Then, to make the early rise really worthwhile, Young Ashley Young popped up at the far post to score his first ever goal!
Player Ratings
Alec - 7.4 did well, not much he could do about the goal. Some great claims for crosses and some good saves towards the end.
Cox - 7.4 good performance by the captain. Played at right back. Looked strong, and a great penalty.
Robbo - 7.5 looked awful at the start of the game. Was caught out of position a couple of times. Sorted himself out, supported the attack well and looked a lot more acomplished. Very unlucky to get booked.
Gayle - 7.4 another good game for Marcus. Dealt with Peeters.
Dyche - 7.4 nice for Sean to come back against his old team. Did very well considering the time he has been out.
ZIMAHON - 7.7 great game for Gav. Broke up the Millwall attacks. Imposed himself physically. Made a few bad passes but we can forgive him that. Needs a song, perhaps cheering his name to the tune of C'Mon! C'Mon! by Gary Glitter. Gav Mahon! Gav Mahon! You get the idea.
Hand - 7.6 well done Jamie. Kept control of himself and didn't go AWOL chasing the ball. Needs to improve his distribution, but match practice is what he needs. Watch out Micah.
Devlin - 7.6 great debut. Showed his Premiership experience. Tormented his man. Tracked back. Got crosses in. And was generally up for it. More of the same please Diablo.
Cook - 7.6 I hope he doesn't get an assist bonus cos he'll bankrupt us! Still crosses it too early for my liking. When up against an aged Dennis Wise he should be skinning him and whipping the ball in. Looked at home on the right wing too.
Webber - 7.5 no goal, but never stopped running. won us the penalty albeit unintentionally. the goals will come if he keeps the workrate up. well done Dub.
The Bruce - 7.4 scored but didn't do much else for the rest of the first half. As we pressed in the second he looked like a good outlet.
Subs
Young 7.4 if Macca is becoming a Lee Sharpe, then Ashley must surely be Ryan Giggs. Great debut, should fill him with confidence.
Fitz only played 5 minutes so no rating. Lots of running.
Anecdote of the Game
Dyche was desperate to be the first into the dressing room as usual, but the Millwall players all wanted to shake his hand. Did they remember his ritual and decide to try and stall him? Unfortunately for them, the performance earned a lap of honour from the rest of the lads and Sean was back in time.
Watford 3 Millwall 1
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