Post Match Reactions - Round 1

[JB@Norwich]

Champ
Missing
NONE


Errors - No error watch until R4

bir
Error: The PK taker, S_Hagan wasn't listed in the teamsheet
mid
Error: Player A_Mowatt wasn't found in the roster
sto
Error in conditionals (line 2)!!
Reason: Condition type missing after IF
bou
Swap your subs around mate, its reading it and trying to put on a 6th DF

[Hoa@Forest]

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Middlesbrough

Well played Cliff

Press Conference

Reporter: Despite the efforts, the game ended in a goalless draw. How do you feel about your team's performance today?

HD: I feel the team put in a strong performance defensively against a talented side in Boro. M_Turner was exceptional in goal, making crucial saves. We had 11 attempts and 8 on target: we were unlucky not to convert. It was a tough game, and I think a draw reflects the balance of play.

Reporter: Serge Aurier received a yellow card today, and there were some intense moments on the field. Do you think the team's discipline was an issue?

HD: Football is a passionate game, and sometimes emotions run high. Serge's booking was a result of that passion. But we're always working on balancing aggression with control on the field.

Reporter: The team played a 4-4-2 diamond formation today. Do you feel this was the best strategy against Middlesbrough's back five?

HD: Our formation was chosen to provide stability and create opportunities up front. Middlesbrough's 5-3-2 P is a solid setup, and we wanted to disrupt their defensive line while ensuring we weren't exposed at the back. It's a game of fine margins, and today, it was about who could capitalise on their chances - and the answer was neither of us!

Reporter: Callum Hudson-Odoi had opportunities but didn't score. What's your take on their performance?

HD: Callum showed he was able to get in the right positions to create chances. Finishing was a challenge today, but his work rate was exactly what I expect from my players and our captain. We'll continue working on our attacking play to ensure we convert chances in future games - we can't just rely on Callum to score.

Reporter: The game saw some controversial moments, especially the challenge on Hudson-Odoi and the spitting incident involving Joe Worrall. What are your thoughts on these incidents?

HD: Football is a contact sport! You've got to understand that in the heat of the moment, sometimes you might go slightly over the limit. It's part of the game's physical nature, but we're pleased that it didn't result in a serious injury to anyone. Having said that, we will address the incident with Joe Worrall internally.

Reporter: Looking ahead, what are the main areas you'll focus on improving before the next match?

HD: Our focus will be on converting our chances and maintaining our defensive solidity. We'll analyse the match, work on our finishing, and continue building our play to be more incisive in the attacking third.

[Gary@Millwall]

Match Day 1

New Years Day Massacre At Edgeley Park

Stockport County 1 Millwall 4

Scorers

Mileta Rajović (3rd Minute)
Dane Scarlett (56th Minute)
Simon Terodde (62nd Minute)
Billy Mitchell (70th Minute)
Owen Dodgson (73rd Minute OG)

Edgeley Park played host to Millwall for the opening day of season 3 on New Years Day 2024.

Mike Bridge and his scouting team looked like they had done their homework on Millwall during the pre season competition and setup to match the South London outfit with 4-4-2 but gained tactical advantage by deciding to pass the ball rather than the normal tactic Windebank deployed.

This worked a treat as Stockport dominated the opening three minutes and were rewarded with a 3rd minute opener after Gnonto played a perfect pass to Mileta Rajović who unleashed a terrific drive. James Trafford was in a panic a fell over but somehow got his fingertips to the ball but the ball hit the post and the back of the net.

Windebank shouted at his players to attack and attack they did the next nineteen minutes of action but could not get the equalising goal.

The rest of the half was very even with both sides creating lots of chances but both keepers were equal to everything thrown at them and the half ended 1-0 to the home side.

The Millwall fans were loud with the Monk chant cascading around Edgeley Park and the home faithful were getting nervous as Millwall created wave after wave of attacks from the 2nd half whistle a goal surely would be coming. With Millwall fans singing "we're going to score in a minute" Ander Guevara found the rampaging Dane Scarlett with a fantastic pass with Scarlett unleashing a thunderbolt to grab a 56th minute equaliser.

The away end went mental but even they could not sense what was about to occur especially following the 60th minute substitution with Dane Scarlett, Ander Guevara and Leif Davis being replaced by Simon Terodde, Billy Mitchell and Axel Disasi.

Within in two minutes of the substitutions Danny McNamara threw the ball to Simon Terodde who made the score 2-1 to the away side.

Stockport were rattled and Mike Bridge ordered his side to attack which played into the Lions hands as they gained tactical advantage.

In the 70th minute Billy Mitchell was called Marco Van Basten by the commentators after he volleyed Millwall into a 3-1 lead.

The embarrassment of Stockport County's 2nd half collapse was complete in the 73rd minute when Owen Dodgson deflected a Millwall shot off of his panicked shin to make the score 4-1.

Millwall saw the game out with great game management to secure a great opening day victory and win the one game trophy as they sit proudly at the top of the table.

Stockport edged possession with 52% but Millwall created 28 shots to the home sides 22 with the rampant Lions having 14 shots on target to County's 12.

Windebank's Post Match Comments

Happy New Year what a fantastic performance and result and I could not be happier. Mike is a top bloke and a tough manager to beat so I am over the moon with the three points today.

James Trafford after a shaky start was phenomenal today between the sticks and the outfield players were on their game where both sides showed how football should be played.

The fans were also brilliant and I hope they realise today was something special especially the 2nd half and those sort of spells between the 56th and 73rd minute don't happen every game.

Great game Mike and best of luck for the season mate.

[Timbro]

Sunderland(0) 1 Bristol City (0) 2

Carroll (57) Naismith (63), Williams (80)

Bristol City faced a stern test at The Stadium of Light against David Gooch's Sunderland, but came through the test with flying colours and secured a decent away win after coming back from a goal down.

The teams were evenly matched in the first half, Pedro going close with a header early on, and Cadden making some strong tackles at the back to deny Evanilson and Carroll, and City had a strong claim for a penalty when Naismith was taken down by Mbemba, but the teams ultimately went in at the break goalless.

David Gooch lost his cool just after half time when he was convinced Evanilson had scored, but he only needed to wait another few minutes before the veteran Andy Carroll converted a perfect cross from Granit Xhaka to score and put the home side ahead to a huge reaction from the fans.

Bristol City responded quickly, Taylor pushing forward and Conway coming off the bench - and Kai Naismith who drove City all through the game charged through and hit a superb shot to equalise and silence the home fans. Joao Pedro missed a couple of opportunities to put the robins ahead before Sensi was fortunate only to see yellow after a nasty tackle on Mbemba. Pedro then turned provider as his cross was met by Joe Williams who scored with a bullet header to take all 3 points back to Bristol. Gudelj had a late chance to equalise and on balance City were just about the better side on the day.

Good game David , unlucky - great to be back at FFO!

[Freddie]

Norwich 1-1 Birmingham

Not a bad result to start the season. Quite evenly matched teams on paper and the game showed that by being very even.
We're going to be up against it this season to do well so every little point will count. We've also got one aim on making Brum a young team for any prospective future manager so lots of work to be done!
Well played John.