Leicester City 4:2 Millwall
City emerged from an eventful and hugely entertaining encounter with Milwall with a 4:2 victory at Filbert Way on Saturday…
Sven made three changes to his FA Cup line-up with Yakubu in for Howard, Vassell returning from injury and taking the injured Gallagher’s place, and Mee making his debut with Hobbs demoted to the bench.
Mee’s League career didn’t get off to a great start, a clumsy challenge on Robinson gifting Millwall a penalty in th esecond minute. Mee’s blushes were spared as Morison sent his spot-kick sailing a foot over the bar and into the Family Stand.
That blip aside, City had a good start to the game and it was no surprise when they took an 8th minute lead. A precise ball from King saw a lightning fast run from Dyer who reached the ball a fraction ahead of Lions’ keeper Forde to nudge it past him and into the net.
But City’s lead only lasted a minute… as the ball was only half cleared from City’s area it sat up nicely for Henry 22 yards out and he arrowed an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner.
City restored their lead in the 23rd minute. Yakubu, in on the left, twisted and turned until he had made enough space for a low shot across keeper Forde who, deceived by the bounce, allowed the ball to creep in at the far post.
Ten minutes before the break City added a third, a quickly taken Wellens free-kick catching the Millwall defence out. Yakubu’s wayward shot was defelcted into the path of Bamba, who guided it over the line.
He leapt over the ad hoardings to celebrate with the front row of the Kop and was booked for his trouble.
There were further chances for Naughton and Dyer, but City were content to go in 3-1 up at the break and were warmly applauded off the field.
Millwall began the second half with a spell of attacking moves, though no one was on hand to make use of Hackett’s good work down the left.
The game then saw a controversial minute which punctured City’s two goal cushion. There were loud appeals for a penalty when Vassell was brought crashing down in the box, but referee Eddie Ilderton ignored them. Less than minute later play switched to the City end where Hackett, surrounded by three blue shirts, tumbled over and Ilderton pointed to the spot. Smith placed his spot kick low to the left just beating Weale’s outstretched palm.
A couple of minutes later Millwall were reduced to ten men was Askou was dismissed for a violent challenge on Yakubu. Wellens floated a free-kick over the Millwall defence and Bamba was on hand to bundle his second goal of the game in off the left hand post.
Mee, who had recovered well from a bad start, produced a fantastic tackle to deny Morison a goal and there was no way back for the Lions.
Wellens, particularly, was enjoying himself in the closing stages playing keepy-uppy while sat on the turf and attempting a 45 yard lob over the keeper.
It had been a tremendous performance from that that had the fans buzzing as they made their way home.
Sven, who is unbeaten in nine home games in charge, even mentioned the P-word: “We played good football and deserved to win, absolutely. We have made a good start to 2011. I still believe we can at least reach the play-offs. I want to take this club up to the Premier League and stay there.”
Leicester: Weale, Berner, Bamba, Naughton, Mee, King, Dyer (Waghorn 84), Abe, Wellens, Yakubu (Howard 87), Vassell (Oakley 75). Subs Not Used: Logan, Hobbs, Moreno, Moussa.
Millwall: Forde, Smith, Barron, Berthel Askou, Dunne, Abdou, Henry, Schofield ( Lisbie 76), Hackett, Robinson (Purse 46), Morison. Subs Not Used: Mildenhall, Trotter, Grabban, Harris, Marquis.
Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear). Attendance: 23,347.
