Millwal 4 Wigan 1
MILLWALL posed problems by Wigan for the first 25 minutes, soon solved them to
sweep to victory in majestic style.
With better finishing and a bit more tuck they could have increased the
margin of their best win of the season by four more goals.
Wigan, who had not scored away from home before this match, were unfortunate
not to go ahead in the first eight minutes.
Keith Stevens cleared off the line from Steve Johnson and then Les Briley
repeated the feat when Paul Sansome and Dave Cusack were caught out of
position.
Gradually, Millwall found their rhythm and in the 29th minute, from only their
second corner of the game, Kevin Bremner headed home Nicky Chatterton's
accurate
centre.
Wigan's Graham Barrow was booked after crashing with Anton
Otulakowski, but in
the 38th minute Dean Neal with his sixth goal of the season -
finished off a brilliant move with an equally brilliant shot, turning in
the goalmouth to place the ball wide to Roy
Tunks.
Bremner increased the lead in the 56th minute. Tony Kelly and Steve Walsh made a
hash of things and Bremner took advantage, placing the ball through the
goalkeeper's legs for his fourth of the season.
Wigan were now under pressure and Neal and Steve Lovell both went close before
Sansome made another good save from from Newell.
However, in the 85th minute, Lovell scored the goal he deserved. A minute later
Mickey Nutton conceded a penalty - although the Lions players claimed the offence was outside
the box - Johnson scoring from the spot.
Referee Ken Baker of Rugby, should have awarded Millwall a penalty immediately
afterwards for handball offence in the Wigan box.
Much of the credit for this win must go to the brilliance of skipper Les Briley in midfield,
and the way Dave Cusack marshalled the
defence.
Manager George Graham said: "I thought Briley was excellent. He is a
good pro. It was exciting stuff with Bremner and Neal always dangerous.
In the second half we had four men up on their two midfielders and this
paid, good dividends.
"I thought Dave Cusack had one of his better games for us. With Steve
Lowndes and Lindsey Smith. pushing for their places, everyone has to
keep on their toes.”
Millwall:
Sansome, Stevens, Roffey, Briley, Nutton,
Cusack, Lovell, Bremner, Neal,
Chatterton, Otulakowski. Sub:
McLeary.
Wigan Athletic: Tunks, Butler,
Comstive, Kelly, Walsh, Methven, Bailey
(Cribley 60 mins), Barrow, Johnson, Newell, Langley.
Ref K W Baker (Rugby) Att 4,400