Shattered dreams

By Jr
November 28 2004

After beating West Ham United 1-0 the week before, dreams of storming up the table were shattered by last Saturday’s defeat by the same scoreline at Burnley. Robbie Blake scored for the third successive match as the injury-ravaged yet in-form Burnley clocked up their third 1-0 win in succession.

Burnley 1 Millwall 0 27-11-04

After beating West Ham United 1-0 the week before, dreams of storming up the table were shattered by last Saturday’s defeat by the same scoreline at Burnley.

Clarets skipper Robbie Blake scored for the third successive match as the injury-ravaged yet in-form Burnley clocked up their third 1-0 win in succession, leaving Millwall cursing their luck.

Blake's 60th-minute penalty was awarded for handball against defender Mark Phillips and, though it seemed to be a case of ball-to-hand, referee Eddie Ilderton was unmoved.

Despite that setback, the Lions had done enough to earn a draw and should have snatched a point in the closing stages.

Jo Tessem - on loan from Southampton - missed a gilt-edged chance as, after rounding Burnley keeper Brian Jensen, he failed to find the back of the unprotected net.

Millwall continued to curse their luck when David Livermore’s long range effort smashed against the post.

Naturally, Burnley boss Steve Cotterill was delighted that his well-drilled side managed to hold out against the Lions.

He said: “Given the circumstances, it counts as an unbelievable result and the players showed great character when they were under the cosh.”

On the controversial penalty award, Cotterill said: “I didn't get a clear view of the penalty offence, but I was glad to take the decision and Robbie Blake dispatched it magnificently.”

Millwall player boss Dennis Wise - confined to the dugout due to injury - had a less flattering view of the referee’s performance.

Wise said: “As for the penalty, maybe it was and maybe it wasn't. But we didn't get much from the referee all afternoon.

"Any little push by us and he was blowing and any little push on us he was waving play on.

"I was disappointed to come away with nothing.

“I dread to think of how many shots we had on their goal, yet they get one penalty and that’s the game.

“It was one of those decisions where if the referee wants to give a penalty, he does.
“A lot of decisions went Burnley’s way.”

On the near misses at the end, Wise commented: “It was a wonderful opportunity for Jo Tessem and I expected him to score.

“Livermore’s shot hit the post at the death and it’s exasperating and really disappointing.

“We were feeling confident and expected to get something. Yet we finished with nothing.”

Millwall had introduced striker Daniel Dichio and long-throw exponent Adrian Serioux in a last ditch effort to get something from the game.

But the statistic of only managing four goals away from home this season needs to change for Millwall to sustain a push for a top-six finish.

Once new signing Scott Dobie settles and his former West Bromwich Albion team-mate Dichio returns to full fitness, perhaps goals will no longer be in short supply.

While also competing for a place upfront will be Barry Hayles, Neil Harris and Mark McCammon, so Millwall can hardly complain of a lack of strength in depth.

After a Tuesday night trip to Crewe Alexandra, the Lions face Sheffield United at the Den on Saturday (kick off 3pm) hoping to get their promotion hopes back on track.