Winning streak over

By Jr
September 12 2004

Millwall’s three game winning run came to an end on Sunday afternoon, as the Lions succumbed 2-0 away at Ipswich Town. The game seemed destined to end scoreless until 7 minutes from time when Darren Bent opened Ipswich’s account.

Ipswich 2 Millwall 0 (12/9/04)

Millwall’s three game winning run came to an end on Sunday afternoon, as the Lions succumbed 2-0 away at Ipswich Town.

The game seemed destined to end scoreless until 7 minutes from time when Darren Bent opened Ipswich’s account.

Town substitute Pablo Counago doubled the home side’s lead in the dying seconds of the game to kill off any Millwall hopes of a revival.

Bent’s earlier goal shattered Millwall’s record of not having conceded away from home this season, but it will be the loss of a point that will be more of a cause for concern.

The deadlock could have been broken earlier had referee Tony Bates awarded Ipswich a penalty when Shefki Kuqi was clattered in the box by Darren Ward, while at the other end Jody Morris was felled by Jim Magilton, but once again the official waved all the penalty claims away.

Without injured top goalscorer Danny Dichio - who was out with a groin problem - Millwall were expected to struggle upfront.

New £75,000 signing Barry Hayles took Dichio’s place to add extra pace to the attack, but his involvement was curtailed early in the second half after he damaged his ribs in a challenge with Ipswich keeper Kelvin Davis.

There was some better news on the injury front, however, as Kevin Muscat returned after a lengthy lay-off - making a cameo appearance from the bench.

Player boss Dennis Wise made way for Muscat with 18 minutes to go, but without their inspirational leader the Lions were unable to hang on for point.

Not that Wise could have done much about Ipswich’s opener.

Counago climbed above Ward to head a long ball on to Bent, and the young England Under 21 striker took advantage of Matt Lawrence’s stumble to deftly volley home.

Bent turned provider for his strike partner with a low cross from the left, which was gratefully accepted by Counago - who is apparently available on a free transfer.

Millwall’s lack of goals so far this season has been well-documented, but at least substitute Neil Harris put in a good shift setting up a couple of chances for team-mates.

Harris headed on a Wise free kick for Ward to hook just wide in 63rd minute, and three minutes later the same trick created a goalscoring opportunity for Stefan Moore, whose ferocious volley was parried by Davis.

With the Lions’ first foray into Europe beckoning, Millwall will hope to find the route to goal with greater ease against Ferencvaros in the UEFA Cup.

With away goals counting double if the aggregate score is equal, Millwall will be hoping to recover their much-heralded defensive discipline for the first leg at the Den on Thursday night.

The Lions’ league campaign resumes with a home match against Watford on Sunday, kick off 3pm.