By Joe B.
March 29 2004

Consistent central defender Darren Ward may not have a headache as he avoiding getting kicked in the face, but by failing to clear the ball against Walsall who can see him avoiding an earache? Darren "Mr Consistent" Ward made an uncharacteristic error against the Saddlers, which could have been more costly had Paul Ifill not rescued a point. But judging by the post-match reaction, Wardy may have avoided a headache but who can see him avoiding an earache from the management?

An untidy 1-1 draw at Walsall last Saturday meant Millwall’s latest unbeaten run was extended to 6 games, a record they will hope to extend in the forthcoming FA Cup semi-final on Sunday against Sunderland (kick off 1pm).

For much of the match, the Lions were second-best to the struggling Saddlers, who seemed to have necessary self-belief if not personnel to win.

As Walsall boss Colin Lee admitted: “Everyone in the changing room fancied our chances of beating Millwall.”

The hosts’ ranks had been bolstered by the double signing of Lee Bradbury and Jermaine McSporran, yet with chances at a premium a nil-nil seemed on the cards.

But in the 78th minute, attacking midfielder Keith Andrews did what he was threatening to do all afternoon and that was break the deadlock.

Bradbury beat Kevin Muscat in the air and Andrews was first to the knock down, beating Darren Ward to the bouncing ball before driving past Andy Marshall – ruining the Lions keeper’s prospects of celebrating his permanent signing with a clean sheet.

Millwall assistant boss Ray Wilkins was less than pleased with Ward’s attempt to clear the danger: “That should have been cleared whether by foot or by head.

“Darren should have stuck his head in there and he didn’t, but Matt Lawrence did earlier on and prevented a goal.”

Lawrence briefly needed medical treatment after being kicked in the head by McSporran, but soldiered on bravely to complete the full 90 minutes.

Avoiding injury before the forthcoming semi-final would have been understandable consideration given the fate that befell David Livermore away against Wimbledon.

The tough tackling midfielder had to limp off with a shin injury, which marred the victory earned by Tim Cahill - who bagged the only goal.

Thankfully there were no more major injuries to report at the Bescot Stadium, though Wilkins did add on a precautionary note: “We’ve got some knocks and we’ve got three lads going away on international duty: Kevin Muscat, Tim Cahill and Peter Sweeney.

“We will be making contact with their respective international managers to ask if they’ll be kind enough to treat those three with kid gloves.”

Wilkins added: “Tim took a nasty knock on his backside. He’s got a bit of a lump, so we’ll just have to wait and see about him.”

Cahill was uncharacteristically quiet, but still played a major part in the equaliser, which the Walsall boss claims should not have stood.

Substitute Peter Sweeney’s near post corner was only half cleared as far as fellow sub Paul Ifill – who rifled home a technically superb volley.

Lee’s cause for complaint was that he maintained Cahill had impeded Ian Roper, but Wilkins wasn’t in total agreement: “You get some, you don’t get some. Such is life. It’s a physical game when those balls are flying about in the penalty box. I didn’t see much untoward in the challenge.”

The focus now turns to arguably the biggest game in Millwall’s history, as should the Lions make the FA final for the first time they will automatically qualify for the UEFA Cup (due to the position of possible opponents Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premiership).

Wilkins said: “I’m absolutely delighted that this week is actually upon us now and we’re undefeated, in that the lads can relax and I hope enjoy what is a very pleasant occasion.”