Millwall Post-16 academy hosted Charlton Athletic in a South London derby at St Paul’s sports ground yesterday, as our boys look to make it five matches unbeaten after recent incredible form. The young Lions setting up with a 4-2-3-1 for this clash.
The game would start slowly, as both teams would need a bit of time to grow into it. Charlton trying to cross it into the box for the first few minutes however Danny was there to pick it up.
The intention from the team was clear from the get go, try and beat your man. That is exactly what David would do, flicking it over two Charlton players in an audacious way before placing it over the bar.
Charlton couldn’t find a clear cut chance at goal, with Millwall standing firm it would return to be in the balance. Both teams needing to step up their game if they wanted to win.
Millwall started to click, quick dynamic football would start to overwhelm Charlton. Justin would twist and turn in the box before batting one over the bar. His presence was really starting to be felt in this affair.
With plenty of attacking football and high intensity pressing, it wouldn’t take long for Millwall to start winning set pieces. Unfortunately, none converted.
Charlton couldn’t get a grasp on this fixture, their best chance of the first half up to this point being a well worked chance into the box before Danny tipped the effort onto the post, a brilliant piece of goalkeeping.
Half-time quickly approached, The young Addicks had to start pressing at a high tempo to try to get a foothold in the game. Charlton's number nine was starting to give Millwall a real headache, as he was starting to twist and turn his way past the defence.
That was the last action at end of the first half, both teams not necessarily at their best but a fascinating high tempo half nonetheless.
Millwall needed to lay a marker down fast when play was restarted and that’s exactly what they did! Justin bombing down the flank as he had done a few times in this contest, his shot rebounded into Mustafa who took a touch and finished emphatically to secure The young Lions’ first of the game. What a start to the second half!
Justin definitely was in the mood today as shown by the amount of times he would find free space down the left hand side of St Paul’s, his dragged ball back needled through an open sight of goal, unfortunately no one could react in time to finish.
With the chances starting to flow, Millwall were certainly getting in the mood. A shot pushed towards the left hand side of goal found Justin, who slotted the rebound home! He had done everything apart from slot it in the back of the net, but he soon did that aswell!
Millwall firmly in the driving seat for the remainder of the contest, or so we thought.
Charlton's number nine was having a terrific game himself, his strength and the strikers ability with the ball causing the back-line some serious concerns. He would be key in a chance for Charlton, however a deflected shot fell nicely into the hands of Danny.
Millwall intended to hit back. The whole attack starting to pile on pressure again. Delano would fire wide while Justin would bomb down the left flank again, however would smash it straight into the side netting. The same scenario would come moments later, this time dragged wide across the face of goal.
Set pieces were not exactly the best highlight of yesterday's affair, Charlton coming closest with a perfectly placed header shaking the bar.
Charlton would eventually pull one back, smart play being utilised out wide before yet another shot fell to the hands of a teammate who slotted it in. Both keepers playing very well but rebounds being the ultimate cost.
The heat of the situation started to get to The Addicks, after the goal they couldn’t really get in behind the firm Millwall defence, who went to a back five by the games closing stages.
Millwall wanted a third and were definitely looking more likely than their opponents. David and Justin would try their luck from far out but the Charlton keeper would be there to deny both.
Millwall eventually would get their third of the afternoon right at the end. Kamiron turning before finding space in the box and pulling the trigger to score a fantastic goal. One to remember for the substitute!
Reece Endicott
Millwall Community Trust
AP Academy Student trainee football reporter
