One rule for United, one rule for Millwall

By Joe B
May 9 2004

Not content with an unequitable distribution of FA Cup final tickets in favour of the mighty Manchester United, referees seem to a have a different set of rules for the former champions if the leniency shown to Paul Scholes is anything to go by.

More comment on that to come, but first to the match...

After eleven games without scoring, Neil Harris ended his personal drought with the only goal of the game for Millwall against Bradford City in the final league game of the season at the Den on Sunday.

The goal came from the spot, after Wayne Jacobs handled in the area to prevent Harris tricking his way past.

Although hesitant to award a penalty, referee Rob Styles pointed to the spot after noticing his assistant Kevin Pike had raised his flag to indicate an infringement.

Harris quickly picked up the ball and after a minute’s delay coolly slotted home to put Millwall in front.

It was a lead that the Lions looked unlikely neither to surrender nor to add to, as the match continued at an almost pre-season tempo.

Tom Penfold went close for Bradford with a volley that clipped the crossbar just 5 minutes before Harris’ solitary strike.

Apart from the goal, the introduction of Joe Dolan - returning from injury - received the biggest cheer

The popular centre back looked sharp and apart from one poor clearance commanded the back four as well as the player he replaced: skipper Matt Lawrence, who has been a revelation since moving to that position from right back.

Ever-present defender Darren Ward, however, was the pre-match recipient of the Millwall Supporters Club player of the season award – an honour he richly deserved after displaying such a high level of consistency.

The match also marked the return from suspension of Tim Cahill, who also picked up an award, the Junior Lions player of the year.

Cahill had been walking a tightrope in the disciplinary sense, as for some time he had been just one booking away from missing the FA Cup final.

But against Bradford, the Australian international was unperturbed after he was booked for a foul on Danny Cadamarteri, as with the Millennium Stadium showdown less than two weeks away, any disciplinary action would come too late to effect his involvement in the next game.

The same could not be said for Millwall’s FA Cup opponents Manchester United, who played Chelsea the day before, knowing that any players dismissed would miss the final.

United midfielder Paul Scholes was mightily relieved not to receive his marching orders after a second yellow card offence and Millwall boss Dennis Wise was asked to comment on the leniency shown by referee Steve Bennett at Old Trafford.

Wise said: "The referee had to make a decision and he didn't make it. It wouldn't have been nice for United, but it would have been nice for my team to see him unable to play in the final. That's the way it goes."

Meanwhile Lions striker Danny Dichio, who was shown a red card for violent conduct against Nottingham Forest last month, will now complete his three-match ban by missing the final.

Wise admitted the harsh fate that befell Dichio has affected his team: "This was the first time I've seen Tim Cahill tackle anyone for seven games. He didn't want to miss the final and a few of my players were like that.

"When my players saw Danny sent off that thought went through all their minds. I think they found it extremely difficult."

Without Dichio upfront, the Lions will know the cup final against United presents an even more daunting prospect.

Despite the bookies’ odds though, Bradford boss Bryan Robson is refusing to rule out a shock result against his former club.

Robson said: "In a one-off game Millwall have got a chance. United are a great team and will be favourites, but Millwall are a strong side.

"I played in a couple of finals for United myself against underdogs like Brighton and Crystal Palace and they gave us a really good game. Millwall can do that to United.

"They will raise their game and it's not a foregone conclusion United will win the game. Taking the underdog's side I hope it's a close, tight game.

"United won't romp it and I know they will take it seriously. They will have watched Millwall and I know Sir Alex Ferguson won't underestimate them."