Millwall. Historically, a notorious place for visitors. On a Tuesday night, no less. Against a team only two points off the pace in the Championship
At least it wasn’t rainy and cold.
Newcastle supporters under 50 may not understand or know about Millwall’s well-earned reputation from yesteryear.
Which may explain the surprising level of optimism from Toon supporters when United were drawn to travel to East London for a 3rd round tie against the Lions.
Mattias Jaissle, on the other hand, endeared himself
to Geordies and English football fans in general when he admitted knowing Millwall fans’ reputation.
MJ’s first-team choice backed up his pre-match words
There had been a lot of talk of starting some of the younger lads at the Den, but MJ must not have wanted to put their feet to that fire this early.
And though it wasn’t a sellout, the atmosphere from the official NUFC radio commentary sounded electric, with ~2500 traveling supporters doing their part.
The first match between the two sides since 1993 seemed sure to be a rollicking affair.
Alas, no. The match quality didn’t live up to the atmosphere.
Nor those lavender, er, lilac kits.
More on that another time…
United started pretty well, Barnes forcing a corner in the 6th minute…
He and Hall had a good time carving up the right side of the Millwall defense, but ultimately toothless in the end.
Overall, United was exerting pressure with possession… and much more comfortable on the ball since Millwall don’t press like Bournemouth do.
The Lions had only a couple of decent chances, but like United, they didn’t make the best of them.
Halftime: A 0-0 draw
Despite Newcastle’s dominance of possession and shots.
For the first quarter hour of the 2nd half, Millwall made United scramble on defense as they aggressively sought the opener, though Schar had a decent shout for a penalty in the 46th minute.
Then it got scrappy, choppy… until MJ brought on some pace with the introduction of Elanga and Fernandez-Pardo in the 66th minute.
Their pace and directness injected some needed energy into the match.
Still lacking quality in the final ball, but with plenty of possession and pushing the MFC defenders deep.
Yet, Millwall fought hard, looking dangerous at times on their counter.
In fact, Tino nearly the goat, as he misjudged a bouncing pass that Aconte latched onto, beating Hornicek, but not the post.
Not long after…
Newcastle finally broke their duck
A creative give-and-go between Hall and MFP freed Hall into the box, who cut back a crisp pass that Willockinho did well to guide slightly off the defender and into the net.
That’s what United need to see more of from Willock… and the rest of the squad.
Anyway, United don’t do things the easy way, so a tough go at the Den shouldn’t have been a surprise.
Still, on to Round 4 in about six weeks’ time… and to Elland Road next Monday night.
Player Ratings
Based on watching the TV broadcast and listening to NUFC radio commentary.
Hornicek – 7
Better, more confident-looking, several good, strong punches from corners or free kicks to get the ball out of the box. Either it was the toothless opponents or he’s growing into English football. Maybe both.
Dedic – 6.5
Pulled at HT for some type of hamstring injury, no details as of this writing. Played well defensively, but doesn’t have the connection with Murphy that he does with Elanga. Hope it’s nothing more than a niggle.
Schar – 7.5
A real shout for at least two penalties, he was solid on defense as well. Plus, his usual array of long crosses and a blistering shot that was deflected within centimeters of hitting the back of the net.
Botman – 6.5
Better than the last two times out, but still making silly passes he shouldn’t be making. Held the line well defensively.
Hall – 8 (MotM)
The form United supporters are so used to seeing. Ate up everything defensively, put in work upfield, and cut back a beauty for Willockinho to coolly finish after a great hookup with MFP.
Nico – 6
Another tepid performance after his solid debut. Didn’t have the composure seen in that debut. Where are the long balls and moving goal-bound with pace?
Ramsey – 6.5
Was on the ball a lot as United dominated possession, but not quite the quality in passing or finishing as last time out against the Cherries.
Willock – 7
A helter-skelter shift elevated by a smartly taken goal. His most difficult shot, by the way, as he bottled a couple of easier chances earlier. Still, he’s active and getting to spots. Just needs to convert more consistently.
Barnes – 6.5
Linked up well with Hall, as usual, and tormented the right side of Millwall’s defense. Unfortunately, missed a chance to terrorize them with some awry shots or passes no one took advantage of.
Murphy – 5
Didn’t link well with Dedic at all. A couple of breaks doomed because of a failed first touch or errant pass. Needs to pick up his game.
Wissa – 6
Captained the lads well, with a couple of swervy runs and no shortage of effort, but like his teammates all evening, short of quality in the end. Still, good to see him fit and getting himself in the right positions.
Tino – 6
On for Dedic at half, he’ll have gotten some kinks out of the way against a lower-tier team. Was not in sync with Murph, though maybe not Tino’s fault.
Elanga – 6.5
On for the ineffective Murph. Ran well, more direct with his pace, helped spring Tino to life a bit more. After his cool finish against Spurs, will have thought he could’ve done better on his one decent shot on goal.
Fernandez-Pardo – 7
On for Wissa, helped changed the match. His pace and creativity gave Millwall fits, and his cheeky pass against the grain to Hall for the latter’s assist on the winning goal was a thing of beauty and originality.
Lewis Miley – 6
On for Ramsay in the last few minutes. Played his role at holding the fort to see out the tie.
Steur – NR
On for Willock in stoppage time, but not long enough to rate. Surprised not to see him earlier.
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