What a run it has been, and somehow its still going!
Millwall have gone from being relegation fodder to being one of the form teams in the league, the Lions are now unbeaten in 10 thanks to a late 1-0 at home against Leeds on Sunday.
After Leeds 6-1 defeat last week at home to Watford, they came to the Den to frustrate, leaving many men behind the ball meaning that chances were few and far between.
Chris Taylor had the best chance of the opening minutes, but was tackled by Tom Lees just as he was ready to shoot. Leeds struggled to get a shot in on target, and the Lions finished the half stronger and could have had the lead when Mark Beevers headed towards goal from a corner, but was hacked off the line.
The half ended with Andy Keogh fizzing a shot just wide to keep it goalless.
In this tight game either a moment of class or stupidity could sway it and it turned out to be the latter as Luke Varney was rightly sent off after an elbow on loanee right back Adam Smith. This made Leeds even harder to break down though, they were now just aiming for a point. But the Lions still made chances with James Henry and Chris Taylor causing problems on the wings.
It looked like the game would remain goalless; but finally a breakthrough came in the 85th minute. A fantastic cross from Shane Lowry found Chris Wood unmarked to not home at the back post to win the game.
Leeds arguably had their best chance in injury time, but Michael Tonge blasted high and wide from the edge of the Millwall penalty area.
1-0 To the Lions it finished.
But of course another game another accusation.
This time it came from Mail-online, accusing Millwall fans of racially abusing Leeds player El-Hadj Diouf. This was only based on twitter accusations; so how refreshing that Diouf came out and said that there was no racial words used.
The piece was taken down and Mail-online apologised to Millwall but yet again it is just another example of lazy journalism and stereotypes towards Milwall. It may have been taken down from the site, but mud sticks no matter what, this has been proven especially this season, thanks to incidents like Marvin Sordell abuse and “independent” writer Yasmin Alibhai-Brown saying Millwall fans act like “animals” when it comes to black players.
Back to the football. This win now leaves ‘Wall two points outside the play-offs and in 9th place. There has been talk from players and Kenny Jackett himself saying that Millwall could be the surprise package in this division. I think this could happen, but for me it all depends on one factor, the January transfer window. Signing Mark Beevers and Chris Wood would make this team into top 12 contention.
I believe the next two games will define whether we are ready for a play-off challenge or not, two tough away games at Blackburn and Wolves. I would happily take two draws out of these games., but anything less will show we are maybe not ready. Considering we are financially one of the smallest teams in the division I would be more then happy to finish in this position.
Lions fans, where do you think ‘Wall can finish?
COYL
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