On what was another predictably frustrating game at The Den on Saturday, Nottingham Forest managed to escape back up to the midlands with a useful point that their defensive performance deserved.
For Millwall however it was yet another case of being toothless in attacking areas, and not being able to make that final shot, cross or pass after getting into good positions in the final 3rd.
It will certainly feel like 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained for the players, especially given their opponents offered ZERO threat going forward, despite a wealth of talent at their disposal. When you have a bench that consists of Lyle Tylor, Anthony Knockaert, Joe Lolley, Harry Arter among others... You have to ask how and why they are stumbling near the bottom of The Championship table, But Millwall‘s defence still did well to keep them as quiet as they did.
The first half was about as entertaining as a night out with Gary Lineker and Lilly Allen. You just knew from the first 15 minutes that your preconceptions about this event were correct. You didn't want to be there.
Thankfully we didn't have to suffer it in person, saving ourselves a sore throat over the Christmas period in the process.
The second half started with a lot of promise however...
Millwall were quick out the traps and you could sense Mr. Rowett had given his players a kick up the arse.
Within 2 minutes of the re start, Tom Bradshaw did what poachers do best and tapped home from close range after good work from the Icelandic superstar that is Jon Dadi Bodvarsson. We were dancing in South London. Christmas had come early. Our shit form of late seemed to be turning after this goal and our 2-0 win at Bristol City in the week. FUCKING GET IN THERE LADS!
But.... No sooner had i finished singing 'No One Likes Us' with the dog, Our usually solid defence decided to act like total prats and let a simple ball over the top catch them out. The lad (Mighten) took the goal very well, But he was helped massively by a fuck up at the back between Hutchinson and Cooper who just decided that for this one moment in the game, they would allow a Sunday league punt up field catch them out.
I'm sure Forest fans will argue the pass was one that Xavi or Scholes would be proud of, But from a Millwall view it was an extremely poor goal to concede.
Jed Wallace missed the earlier mentioned sitter a bit later on for The Lions. He burst into the box 1 on 1 with Samba from the right hand side, The goal was there, We were already half celebrating again in SE16. But instead of just smashing home from 10 yards like he often tries to do from 30.... Jed decided to play a pass that was never really on for Tom Bradshaw, Who could only watch the ball flash past him for a goal kick. Ryan Lendog Leonard did test Samba late on from a dipping volley from outside the box. Either side of the keeper it would of had him in trouble, but it went straight down his throat and was tipped behind for 1 of 5 wasted Millwall corners that took place this afternoon. Former Lion Lewis Grabban (Wanker) being subbed in the 2nd half was a sign of relief for Millwall fans as he has scored against us many times since departing.. But that relief was short lived when we realised he was being replaced by another former player in Lyle Taylor. Taylor never got a chance at Millwall, So we could surely be forgiven for thinking the writing was on the wall and he would come on to do what former players usually do at their old clubs. Thankfully on this occasion he didn’t touch the ball I don’t think.
Millwall did have 15 shots if you believe the stats, But how many of those were really threatening you could count on 1 hand. And you wouldn't need all 5 digits. Forest had 4 shots and their only shot on target went in. They defended well to their credit, but that was about it from them. They have a lot of quality in their squad though and a very good manager. I would be surprised if they don't pick up eventually, Despite the fact they look awful at present.
Both managers will be glad to get another game out the way and be one step closer to January. It will be Rowett`s 3rd transfer window with Millwall, And we as fans are looking for some quality to come in and help a squad what's been depleted by injuries all season. We need to offload a few to free up some wages I'm sure, But i would like to think Rowett has a semi decent budget to get in at least 2-3 new players. We certainly need it.
Chris Hughton will be experiencing only his 1st transfer window as Forest boss, And I'm sure their fans would be very surprised if there wasn't a few players off to pastures new. Hughton will certainly know who he wants IN the door by now, And if allowed I'm sure will have several targets already lined up, ready to sign on the dotted line come the beginning of January.
MILLWALL 1 FOREST 1
Bradshaw (47) Mighten (49)
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