The Championship must be one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world…
Millwall epitomise this. Look at us the week before, there seemed to be no hope after the humiliation at the hands of Derby County, now two wins in a week have pushed the Lions up the table, and maybe they can start to look up, rather than down…
We had the win against top of the league Blackpool on Tuesday night, but the arguably "bigger" game was going to be away at Charlton on Saturday.
This game was always going to take on slightly more significance since Crystal Palace take their one year tour of the Premier League, but this game is only a rivalry by geographical sense.
But there is no real rivalry of hatred. The hatred only comes one way and that's from The Valley end. Charlton can't stand Millwall and it shows. Whereas Millwalll just see Charlton as something to laugh at and three points…
It was the same case yet again, as a deflected Scott McDonald goal saw the Lions claim three points..
Games recently against Charlton haven't been the most prettiest affairs, and neither was this one. The first half saw barely a shot on target. The second half opened up a lot more with Millwall have the majority of chances, Charlton not registering a major shot on target until the last fifteen minutes of the game.
The game for me highlighted three things. How bad Charlton are. I know they had vital players missing, but if they play like that this season it'll be trips to Oldham and Port Vale next year.
Also how good some of the football was at times from the Lions. From the highlights you'll see a late Scott Malone chance that hit the side netting, the build-up play to that was scintillating to watch. Maybe Lomas is getting somewhere where Jackett massively failed, a passing team.
Also, Lomas spoke last week about how he needed to include real Millwall players, I don't know why these players weren't starting before, but they're now in. Jimmy Abdou and Paul Robinson have been two of the best players in the revival of form. They might not be the best players but they bring real balance into the team, unlike the likes of Shittu...
Saturdays game see the Lions host Leeds United, now this is a "rivalry" that has more hostility compared to Charlton. Another chance for the Lions to continue the good form and the push up the table under Steve Lomas.
COYL
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