....... for what they are worth. Nice that my son wanted to go; he gave me a metaphorical kick up the ass and we enjoyed a good day out. Was good to meet Dyson before the game (great mag by the way) and as he says, always nice to put a face to a name. The game itself; I agree with Big Lil to a degree that at times we played some really good stuff, but I can't agree we played well ALL the game, at times we were dire and there for the taking, but when you have only won one in thirteen or whatever, I will put that down to nerves / expectation / fear ...... whatever. The good stuff though was controlled, thoughtful and well executed, without being breathtaking or Brazil-esque. So all in all, pleasing result and spirits should be well and truly raised in the squad and a bit of belief restored. We had to beat Millwall, and we did, so there has to be praise; each and every one did a job. Steele did well, the defence looked good (pleasing for me), midfield looked good, if a little overrun at times, and up front were effective if not spectacular. As a Paddy-lover, I would have liked him to have had a run at Millwalls defence - think he could have caused some damage. Millwall themselves played some decent stuff at times, but they lacked any cutting edge. When they played down the left in the first half I thought that was going to be our undoing. The lad with the yellow boots at the thick of things. The other lad with yellow boots up front (blond) looked as though he was up for it too; I liked the way he gave himself a run up to challenge for headers, rather than just stand his ground like COG and Nick Ze German. I will give brief rankings: Steele - some decent saves (esp in second half) but a couple of indecisive moments too. Solid enough. Kennedy - after a couple of howlers in the first 15, the crowd got on his back and he improved well. Still needs belief that he can carry another 20 or 30 yards at times. Crainie - Good solid performance. Strong. Ramage - ditto Hunt - looks a sound defender, played well. Frimps - contender for MoM - just wish he actually looked like he gives a toss, but I was impressed. Mellis - frustrating; we could build a team around him - superb at times, weak at others. The one player I hope proves himself next year if we stay up. Dawson - thought he was great; full of energy, good going forward - could have done better with a couple of shots O'Brien - probably deserved MOM on energy alone, though no shortage of skill on offer too. Took goal well and impressed me. Jennings - what a transformation from previous time I saw him. Class act at times - quick feet and good speed to leave his man standing a couple of times in first half. Confidence in abundance and really hope he can kick on once he has opened his account. COG - held ball up well a couple of times, willing runner. Looked tired in second half - can't help wondering if it is down to his numerous meanderings to the wing. Did OK though. Nick - not sure. Couple of nice runs and touches but could have attacked the ball more. Looked a bit pissed off in second half as he did when he got subbed. Shea - if I was hard on anybody it would be this lad, and not because of my Paddy bias. I can't see how Danny thinks he is more "up for the fight" than Paddy would be. Soft as **** in the tackle, not the quickest I have seen for a multi-million pound winger and though he will track back, he seems totally ineffective when he gets there. Maybe this is a case of "there but for the Grace of God". I'll explain - when I was a teen, I was tall, blond, skinny, bit of a Paddy type player, mercurial one game, dire the next. And the accusation constantly thown at me was that I was a 6' lightweight, scared to put a foot in and scared sh1tless when the going got tough. I didn't always like this accusation, but watching Brek, it was like I was taken back in time to watch myself and it clicked - they were right. Anyways, onwards and upwards, really enjoyable afternoon - bit of relief in the are at 4.45 and a bit of singing and blief that we are going to survive again. Looking forward to the battle.
