Millwall 0 Oxford United 1 (Basham)

Regular readers of this column will know that I am
often in total disagreement with Ian Atkins selections
and tactics. Well, this time Atkins got it completely
right and the players backed that judgement with
universally good performances. The only shame is that
only 4,781 saw it. Mind you, you'd have had a hard
time convincing me of that outside the ground after
the final whistle!
With Alsop injured Atkins brought in Whitehead, and
for the most part played with just Basham up front,
supported where possible by Townsley and Brown pushing
forward from the flank. Surprisingly Millwall rested
Dennis Wise, but then he does tend to get sent off
against us!! That decision was to cost them dear as
they were unable to compete in the midfield and tended
to massively over elaborate in possession.
That said, Millwall enjoyed a massive advantage in
possession, and as early on as 8 minutes, little Juan
saw has shot well caught by Woodman following a Craig
corner.
Millwall's best chance of the half fell to Roberts
whose saw his thunderbolt from 25 yards hit the left
post with Woodman beaten. Millwall pressed but I
always felt that the U's defence looked more than
capable of holding firm. Juan found Hearn on the edge
of the box but the resulting shot flew wide.
Oxford were happy to attack on the break and Townsley
beat Craig to set up McNiven. Brown headed his deep
cross wide.
On 33 minutes a ball into the Oxford box saw Harris
collapse under Crosby's challenge. I've seen penalties
given for less but Referee Hedgley waved away the
appeals.
Millwall's gamble with the semi fit Whelan failed as
he pulled up after disputing a ball with Crosby and
failed to appear for the second half. I've seen a
little of his replacement Braniff, playing for
Millwall reserves at Court Place Farm, and it's
obvious why Whelan was risked.
Millwall continued to attack and a Juan free kick flew
just wide of the left post before Roberts' shot found
the same fate. However, when Millwall reflect on this
defeat, they will look to Roberts' shot that hit the
post and the following chance.
A rare direct move saw a ball over the top find
Braniff whose shot was well blocked by Woodman. The
ball spilled out to Juan, 6 yards out but he leant
back and his shot went way over the bar.
To rub it in United took the lead 5 minutes later, on
59 minutes. Lawrence sloppily lost the ball, and
Robinson chipped forward to Basham on the edge of the
box. He hit the chance, on the volley, but Warner
seemed able to cover it. He got his right hand to the
ball but it looped up and agonisingly, joyously,
dropped into the net.
The U's tails were up and Townsley beat Ward before
crossing to the penalty spot. Warner came a long way
off his line to pluck the ball off of Basham's
forehead. Millwall were looking ponderous at a time
when a leader (Wise?) was needed to drive the team
forward. Oxford had found such a man, Wanless.
Half chances came and went and substitute Whitehead's
dipping volley produced a stumbling save from Warner,
before Cahill's deflected shot from 25 yards produced
a fingertip save from Woodman.
Roberts fired over before Woodman produced a diving
catch to deny Harris' header in injury time to
preserve United's victory.