That was as good as I have seen us play for a long long time - we were excellent, the scoreline totally flattered them and 5 -1 would not have been inappropriate. The bus to the ground was held up at the roundabout to let the Millwall convoy through - about 5 or 6 motorbiike outriders and then 3 vans of riot \ video police then the Millwall fans - two minivans followed by 4 coaches (one a double decker) then 4 more police vans and a couple more motorbikes. Not bad bit of overtime for police for a total of 550 fans. Cannot blame them not coming in more numbers - who wants to travel in a bubble trip especially for an early kick off ?? Anyone on to the match. We began with the same line-up as for the other league games, but once it kicked off it was clear that Johnson was wide left with Watt playing centre midfield and getting forward to support Becchio on every occasion , so it looked a lot of the time like it was 4 4 2 as opposed to 4 5 1.Watt looked like he really wanted a goal and had a couple of shots blocked and one went just over We started OK, passing the ball around and having most possession, then disaster struck. Bessone was in the left back position facing towards his own goal \ dead ball line when instead of playing an easy ball to Collins who could have then cleared it, decided to turn and clear it himself, his clearance hit the onrushing forward who then took it on and crossed it, Kasper stayed on his line and Naylor and the Millwall centre forward both jockeyed for position under the swirling ball. Naylor got to it first and headed home - but wrong net and suddenly we were one nil down. This was the cue for the most dominate 30minutes I have seen for ages. We battered them, we hit the post, had one cleared off the line, the keeper made 2 great saves, How son and then Becchio managed to mess up a glorious chance with Becchio hitting it high over the bar when it looked easier to score (the big screen replay did show that the defender was making it difficult for him). Watt was everywhere taking players on and he did one turn with the ball that would definitely be on soccer ams showboating piece (if they still do it) - it was pure class. Sam was matching Watt,running at defenders and causing havoc. Johnson, despite a few awful passes, was dominating down the left (our main tactic was the big kick from Schmiechal down the left wing) and Howson and Kilkenny were pulling strings. Becchio was making a nuisance of himself and despite a few instances of poor control was mainly linking up the play quite well. A goal had to come and it did so,Watt pulled the ball across to Sam who hit it well and in it went (seemed to go through the keeper a bit). We continued to press and Millwall were very relieved to hear the half time whistle and could not believe they were on level terms. We came out the second half still in control of the game but without quite creating real chances and the atmosphere , which had been excellent, began to drop. There still looked to be only one winner (despite one good stop from Kasper and then later a points saving tip over the bar from a deflected shot - he looks very good) but we started to huff and puff a bit without getting anywhere. Then came the Grayson master stroke.He subbed Bessone (today is not the time to criticise any of the players but I do have my doubts about him) and brought on Somma with Johnson dropping to left back.When Somma come on the lad behind likened him to Viduka - what "fat" I said - but we settled on well built \ a big unit. He had not been on long when the ball was put across by Watt straight to Somma who was unmarked on the penalty spot (the keeper was nowhere having been dragged out in the passage of play) and Somma hit it very hard and very true into an empty net. We all went wild - justice was being done and the 3 points would surely be ours. Then deep into stoppage time Howson through himself into a tackle, stormed forward with the ball and played a beautiful cross field pass (think the one to Beckford at Old Trafford) straight to the feet of Somma, Somma controlled it like a real footballer turned the last defender inside out and lashed it home with his left - a great goal and a fitting way to end a great performance. A most enjoyable early afternoon. All the players deserve 10 out of 10 for sheer effort and commitment.We did look a bit shaky at the back on the rare occasions Millwall came forward and there are doubts about certain players but overall we were very good and if we can play at this tempo and with this level of skill we could make the play offs this season. Watt was just about our mom but Somma could be a real find and with Max to come back (on Tuesday, I expect) we do have genuine competition for places. Dave Good to be back _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman-new.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected]
MARCHING ON TOGETHER
