Wise rues missed chances

By Jr
August 8 2004

After a goal-less draw at newly promoted Plymouth, Millwall player boss Dennis Wise is ruing a series of wasted goal opportunities but can take heart from the ability and spirit shown by his young Lions side.

Wise said: "Plymouth were very organised.

"They set their stall out and made it difficult. They were at home so it was always going to be a difficult game.

"They’re a team who have just come up and haven’t been beaten here for 8 months. Unfortunately though we had some good chances we couldn’t nick it.

"Sometimes you need a little bit of luck. I don’t think Stacky had too much to do apart from catching a few balls. I was quite pleased with that, to be honest."

L.O.T.S. Ratings

Stack 8 - dealt with crosses very well and when he fumbled shots he recovered qucikly. Distribution was excellent but had a few hearts in mouths when dealing with a tricky Livermore backpass.

Dunne 7 - stuck to his task doggedly and was just as disciplined as the more experienced defenders around him. Distribution was the only area he could have improved upon.

Lawrence 9 (MoM) - picked up where he left off last season. Completely awesome as a central defender, cool with poise, read the play brilliantly. Faultless performance.

Ward 8 - Quietly effective.

Livermore 7 - gave the ball away at times, but tackled as hard as ever.

Ifill 6 - not his day, injured after a couple of hefty challenges.

Morris 6 - couldn't impose himself on the game, but did deliver a couple of decent deadballs.

Elliott 6 - got a bit panicky at times, especially when played at right back. Battled very hard though.

Sweeney 8 - showed glimpses of genius, wriggling past defenders at will and retaining possession well.

Dichio 8 - worked very hard, nearly scored and set up a good chance for his strike partner.

Moore 7 - got stronger as the game went on and was closest to breaking the deadlock.

subs

Simpson 7 - after a shaky start began to cause Plymouth problems.

Wise 8 - inspirational. Sprayed passes around with precision and noticeably helped those around him to "up" their efforts.

Cogan 7 - though only on for a couple of minutes, managed to make a positive impression.