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U21s Beat Millwall
Monday, 9th Feb 2015 15:33 by Blair Ferguson

First-half goals from Darren McQueen and Monty Patterson (pictured) saw Town’s U21s to a 2-1 victory over Millwall at Playford Road.

McQueen’s pace caused the Millwall defence problems early on and the diminutive forward made a strong direct run in on goal and latched onto the ball before calmly placing it past Lions keeper Denzel Gerrar and into the left corner of the goal.

Town keeper Michael Crowe faced his first test in the 11th minute, but easily collected Ben Thompson’s tame long-range shot.

Cory Galvin replaced Witham Town trialist, Tom Wraight after 16 minutes, the 20-year-old having been unable to make an impression on the game having sustained a back injury in the sixth minute defending a corner.

The substitute left his mark less than 10 minutes after coming on, playing a perfectly weighted pass into the path of New Zealand U20 international Patterson, who stroked the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.

The Lions started to show more attacking intent after going two goals behind but the Blues backline were up to the task.

Omar Sowunmi made a strong sliding block to prevent a cross from the right, whilst his centre-back partner, Joe Robinson, was on hand to close down Kris Twardek’s shot from inside the box after the ball had broken to him following a set-piece.

The visitors came out fired up for the second half with the strong words from their coach, ex-Millwall striker Neil Harris, still ringing in their ears.

Despite looking dangerous when on the attack, Ipswich were having to deal with Millwall’s increased numbers going forward. While the Lions got crosses into the box, keeper Crowe was on hand to collect at his near post inside the opening 10 minutes.

The visitors were rewarded for their attacking endeavour and reduced the deficit in the 56th minute.

Crowe looked to have saved Jamie Philpot’s back-post header but the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line.

Millwall’s high-tempo attacking play reduced Ipswich to operating on the counter-attack and they were put under heavy pressure as the visitors looked to draw level.

Although the Lions had the majority of the possession they struggled to make any clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity saw Philpot head over from a well-placed Dylan Casey cross with 20 minutes left to play.

The Lions continued to push forward but couldn’t find a way through Ipswich’s spirited defence, epitomised by sub Galvin’s harrying of Millwall giant Danny Shittu.

Blues new signing Dylan Connolly and the returning Kyle Hammond — who completed 90 minutes — combined well down the right wing, with great deliveries from both players causing the Millwall defence problem.

The pace of Connolly in particular caused Millwall left-back Casey problems, with the Irishman often powering past him during his 54 minutes on the pitch. The 19-year-old, who hadn't played a game since the end of the Irish season in November, was replaced as he had a slightly tight hamstring.

The confident display of Crowe in goal neutralised the threat of Danny Shittu from set-pieces, with the Blues keeper quick to collect anything that came his way.

U21s: Crowe, Hammond, Wyatt, Guldbrandsen, Robinson, Sowunmi, Connolly (Emmanuel 54), Benyu, McQueen, Patterson (Blanchfield 46), Wraight (Galvin 16). Unused: McDermid, Ramadan.


Photo: Action Images



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algarvefan added 19:53 - Feb 9
I'd like to see a few of these young players tried in the first team, our game has gone off the boil of late with the team seeming to pick itself, come on Mick competition in a team is a great motivator

Well done on the win lads!!
2

ashska added 20:39 - Feb 9
agree with algarvefan, would be good to see a couple of these lads in the first team to keep the the others on their toes. Especially since we have seemed to have stalled of late!
2

blueherts added 20:51 - Feb 9
Connolly will be play in next few games - CLASS ACT
1

Cakeman added 21:10 - Feb 9
Hopefully Connolly will turn out to be that quick pacey player we need, unlike Mr Henshall who for reason(s) unknown does not seem to fit the bill and for that matter the same could apply to Mr Stewart.
1

harlingblue added 01:07 - Feb 10
Great first half, Ipswich on the front foot, Connolly looking impressive, Benyu great in midfield and Hammond solid, Patterson looking good. Smart finish by Mcqueen gave us the lead, and then a fine move finished by Patterson to give us a 2-0 half-time lead.
Changes at half-time saw Connolly, Patterson replaced, and a sure up shop approach played, a boring second half ensued with the visitors getting a consolation goal.
Having watched this game, it is time for our first team to go for the jugular, go for it now...rap up the goals and want more, nothing to lose now, we have lost our chance of automatic promotion...unless you react NOW!
1

chorltonskylineblue added 19:47 - Feb 10
Folk in the know - how far is McQueen off the first team squad do you think?
0


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