Millwall 1 Burnley 0
Daniel is at home in the Lions' den
The statistics said...
We lost 1-0 at the New Den, ending our FA Cup dreams.
Millwall's goal came in the 70th minute, Danny Dichio (on loan from West Brom) heading home from a Kevin Muscat cross.
Although Millwall were probably dominant, the Clarets did have a couple of good chances. In the first half, Ian Moore was one-on-one with Lions keeper Willy Gueret, but his weak shot was saved by the big Frenchman. And right at the death, Alan Moore could have forced a replay when it seemed that all he had to do was nod the ball into the net. It wasn't to be, though, and Millwall will be in the hat for the Sixth Round draw.
The game was an ill-tempered one, and Burnley had Paul Weller sent off in the 73rd minute after a clash with Dennis Wise. Weller had only been on the pitch for eleven minutes, after coming on to replace Robbie Blake. Subsequent TV replays have suggested that the decision was perhaps harsh, as there was minimal contact and Wise appeared to have tried to stamp on Weller immediately beforehand.
Most Clarets we spoke to after the game seemed to be of the opinion that Millwall had deserved their narrow win - had it not been for Brian Jensen's excellent performance, the margin of victory could have been greater. However, many were unhappy with what they perceived as Millwall's dirty tactics, with Wise coming in for particular criticism.
When interviewed on television immediately after the game, Stan Ternent had some harsh words for Wise. His comments could have been interpreted as implying that Wise was a less than honest player! However, he later toned his remarks down somewhat, and wished Millwall well for the next round.
The result is disappointing not only because it is the Clarets' first defeat of 2004, but also for the financial implications. Let's hope that the loss of hoped-for income from one further Cup round doesn't prove crucial in the Club's fight against administration.
Our survey said...
:
It was always going to be a tight game, and the difference was that Millwall wanted it more than we did. Dichio was a threat we never overcame.
At the end, we should have snatched an undeserved replay - but Alan Moore missed from two inches.
The referee, Dennis Wise, showed again his good and his bad points. Inspiring his team in midfield, but also trying to get opponents booked and sent off.
Indeed, if Dennis Wise is fit to be a professional football manager, I am the Smog Monster.
Michael:
I am deeply depressed and don't want to talk about it. Oh, if you insist!
Out of the Cup and into the financial doo-doo. Having just watched the highlights on the box I have to say that:
a) Ian Moore's first-half squandering of the one-on-one was appalling.
b) Alan Moore's miss at the end perhaps wasn't as bad as we thought - it wasn't quite the sitter we thought.
Editor's note: "Wasn't quite the sitter we thought"? Time for either a new TV or new glasses for Mr B, methinks!
Paddy:
A very disappointing performance in a game we couldn't afford to lose. Millwall were always the more likely to score, and once they had you couldn't see us coming back.
Having said that, we had two very good chances to score, but both Moores produced woeful attempts.
After the game, we were held in by the police for what must have been nearly half an hour. We were told that this was for our own protection, as there were "twenty thousand Millwall fans" waiting for us. Strange, as the total attendance was less than ten and a half thousand. Another fine example of 'police intelligence', I think.
Dermot:
We played well to begin with, and then Millwall gained the ascendancy. Unfortunately, we never got going in the second half, especially with the sending off.
Firmo:
We didn't play well, but at least it wasn't an embarrassing performance like at Watford last season. You have to wonder if Stan can motivate the players for the big games.
Count me in for Preston at home - we don't have to worry anymore about it being 'Sixth Round day'.
Pauline:
An ill-tempered affair, punctuated with shouting and bad language. That supposed assault was nothing but a gentle smack round the head.
The game? Oh - sorry, didn't go. Had a ticket, but was ill. I was talking about collecting Patrick from Colchester station.
Pic of the day: Howard's way - not
Today's ref was apparently Howard Webb, but from where we were sitting there was only one person running (ruining?) the game.
As with all articles on the site, the views expressed in the vox pop section are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Burnley FC London Supporters' Club.
