Brave Lions Force Replay

Millwall conceded three goals at Walsall last month - but it never looked like the Saddlers would repeat that feat against a much improved Lions defense yesterday.

But as was the case three weeks ago, Kenny Jackett was forced to reshuffle his starting line-up and in the end, put out a make-shift team that looked capable of buckling under strong Walsall pressure, especially in the second half.

Andy Frampton made a surprise return to the side, although his comeback was short lived after he picked up a dead leg just 30 minutes into the match.

Ben May made the bench, while Ross Gaynor and new signing Adrian Forbes were drafted in to replace the suspended duo of Neil Harris and Dave Brammer.

Gary Alexander's broken nose kept him out of the squad altogether, so Bayo Akinfenwa started only his second game for the Lions upfront.

However it was the unfamiliar Millwall side that created chances early on, and Jay Simpson's rasping drive was tipped over the bar by a full-stretch Clayton Ince.

Fuseini then tried his luck from range, but his shot swerved away from goal at the last minute.

Scott Barron came on for Frampton and the left-back was immediately called into action as he deflected Nicholls shot behind for a corner.

Nicholls was involved again as his dipping volley flew over the bar from 18 yard.

Jay Simpson had the final attempt of the half, but he fired wide from Akinfenwa's flick-on.

Walsall game flying out of the traps, quite literally, after the break as Nicholls once again dribbled past the entire Millwall team with a bamboozling run, which was eventually halted by Pidgeley's save.

The Lions did create a good chance of their own soon after, but Zak Whitbread couldn't connect properly on Fuseini's free-kick.

The impressive Adrian Forbes, who was obviously not fully fit, was taken off just past the hour mark for Ben May, who did well on his return from injury in the final half an hour.

Rhys Weston's curling effort was watched wide by Pidgeley, and a few last ditch tackles from Robinson and Whitbread respectively prevented Walsall anymore goal scoring opportunities.

And the Lions could have nicked it at the death, but May's close range shot from Simpson's lay-off was blocked by Roper as the game ended goal less.

Paul Robinson - Him and Whitbread were outstanding, but Robbo's positional play and tackling makes him my MOTM. 6/10 - I don't know why Frampton was brought back, especially as Barron is better than him anyway. But we got the replay, which is a good result. 6/10 - Nothing to do really, his side didn't ever look like scoring. Ince, Weston, Roper, Dann, Fox, Nicholls, Wrack, Bradley, Demontagnac (Sonko 75), Deeney, Ricketts (Brittain 36).
Subs Not Used: Bossu, Hall, Taundry. Pidgeley, Bignot, Robinson, Whitbread, Frampton (Barron 26), Gaynor, Simpson, Fuseini, Hodge, Akinfenwa, Forbes (May 65).

Subs Not Used: Edwards, Shaw, Bowes. Walsall: Roper, Wrack

Millwall: Gaynor, Barron, Fuseini, Robinson

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