Millwall 4 - 1 AFC Wimbledon

November 9, 2009

League One Millwall secured themselves a second round tie away at giant killers Staines Town in the FA Cup after seeing off AFC Wimbledon on Monday night. However, Dons’ fans may be cursing the ‘what may have beens’ after their side missed a hatful of guilt edged chances that could have seen them progress.

Over 3000 fans travelled to the Den, for arguably the biggest game in the club’s short history. Although these sides were seperated by two divisions, the minnows knew they had a great chance of pulling off a cup shock.

A fairly open first half saw the Lions have plenty of possession, but lacked a killer instinct in front of goal. All-time leading goal scorer Neil Harris and his strike partner Steve Morison had half chances, but failed to seriously trouble visiting keeper James Pullen. At the other end Millwall’s David Forde was having a quiet evening between the sticks until midway through the first period. A cross from the right touchline wasn’t dealt with by the defence and allowed Don’s striker Danny Kedwell a free shot on goal. Kedwell may have thought he was offside though, as his side foot volley dropped just wide of the post, with Forde scrambling across his goal. A strong finish to the half by the Blue Square Premier outfit, left the score 0-0 at the break.

The second half began with a more threatening and determined Millwall side dominate the opening exchanges. Manager Kenny Jackett had obviously said something right at half time, as it took his side only four minutes to take the lead. A pass from the right by Morison found Harris, who let the ball bounce across his body before unleashing a fierce, left footed shot into the bottom corner. AFC Wimbledon could have folded after that, but Terry Brown’s men carried on pressing and hassling in midfield. They were nearly rewarded for their efforts, minutes after going behind. Leading marksman Jon Main, picked up the ball 25 yards from goal before going on a jinking run past two Lions defenders. However, after doing the hard work, Main could only watch as his feeble effort trickled agonisingly wide of goal. The Dons’ were made to pay for this fifteen minutes later. After winning a free kick just in from the left hand touchline, Millwall’s Chris Hackett whipped in a deep cross which evaded everyone. Not even a heroic goal line block could prevent substitute Jason Price from smashing in the rebound, with his first kick of the game to make it 2-0. AFC missed another good chance at the other end when Kedwell headed over from 6 yards following a corner. The Dons’ persistance eventually paid off though with ten minutes remaining. A slick passing move saw Kedwell’s delightful back heel play in Lewis Taylor, who angled his shot beyond the reach of David Forde to make it 2-1. Many fans may have been anticipating a tense finale. However, Lions’ midfielder Danny Schofield, who was arguably the best player on the night, extinguished any hopes of a dramatic late come back. After picking up a loose ball just outside the box, he weaved past two Dons’ players before curling a brilliant shot into the top corner. With the game now out of reach, AFC went for broke, trying to get the ball forward. Millwall then rubbed salt into the wounds by grabbing a fourth. An incisive counter attack by Schofield saw him burst through the centre of the pitch. With the Dons’ defence stretched, and support from either side, Schofield opted right, and sent Price through on goal. The Welshman had enough time and space to pick his spot,rolling the ball into the far corner to cap off a good night for the Lions.

The final result may have looked convincing, but Millwall knew they had to fight hard for the win. AFC Wimbledon fans and supporters can take heart from the performance and know that they certainly gave the League One side a game.

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