We seem to play Millwall at academy level every other week. Millwall were in our group in the PDL Cup and we greeted their U18s on Saturday. A few players who appeared on Saturday featured again today for both sides.
We had a young side out today and set up as a fluid 4-3-3: Tom Wright; Sam Parker, Ben Phillips, Brogan Popham, Callum Deacon (s – Blair McKenzie 77m); Josh Pescatore (s – Kai Rhodes 77m), Bobo Evans (s – Alfie Jones 62m), Dan Watts (captain); Tom Woodward, Morgan Bates, Callum Jones (s – Josiah Kallicharan 67m). Unused sub: Evan Anderson (g/k)
Given the recent torrential rain, it was no great surprise that the Landore pitch today was visibly cut up and patchy, affecting the rhythm of play.
Bobo Evans, who had an influential game skippering the U18s on Saturday, was selected today to operate alongside Dan Watts, who pretty much ran the show for the Swans. On the left wing, Callum Jones was used as a frequent outlet and showed he had the early measure of Millwall’s right back Sacha Vieira, displaying variety in his approach and crosses. One move crafted by a lovely long pass from Watts to set up Sam Parker gave Jones the opportunity to deliver a cross that was hurriedly scrambled off the line. Jones continued to pose a threat, having a shot punched clear by keeper Lindner and Tom Woodward was unlucky with a header that was blocked. The sense was that, if we got one goal, we’d get more.
Naturally, things didn’t quite turn out that way. A slip in defence allowed Millwall through and Tom Wright had to produce two point blank saves to stop the visitors going ahead. That was a temporary relief, as minutes later, we lost the ball cheaply and Mansor hooked in neatly to put Millwall ahead after 43 minutes. Woodward had a chance to reply with a shot over the bar but we went into half-time behind, despite all the domination.
Woodward went close again just after the interval with a shot to the stanchion, Parker looked to have a reasonable case for a penalty disregarded and we continued to press until an amazing sequence saw Woodward strike the bar and Bates having his close range follow-up somehow deflected wide by a Millwall defender. Woodward launched a searing solo run and shot on 70 minutes that hit the side netting, but Millwall dug in resolutely and maintained their lead. With Callum Jones removed from the action, we looked less threatening over time and the game started to drift away from us.
It took a really impressive set of late interplay involving a number of our players to get us back on terms with 3 minutes to go. Josiah Kallicharan played a role in breaking clear to set up the advancing Sam Parker to strike sweetly home from the edge of the box.
There was still time for both Bates and Rhodes to have clear chances saved – and even for the Millwall keeper to be replaced on the cusp of full-time – but the sides had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
An entertaining game, if a frustrating one – we really should have capitalised on the first half performance rather than put ourselves under pressure to chase the game late on against durable opponents. Dan Watts was outstanding throughout, tirelessly making himself available to keep play moving. Tom Woodward deserved more for his efforts. More game time for our younger prospects.
Former Swan Kevin Nugent was once again in charge of the Millwall U21s and was a vociferous, guiding presence on the touchline.