Harvey Wiles-Richards - 7
There were no spectacular, or even meaningful for that matter, saves to make as both Millwall and City toiled in the final third but Wiles-Richards’ handling was outstanding throughout, catching every cross and deep diagonal thrown at him while he swept up efficiently, both with his head and feet on a number of occasions.
Harry Leeson - 7
Tucked inside into a three-man defence with right-back his usual position, the young Welshman did what was asked of him and held his position well, without being able to make any forays forward. Although he was also probably the least involved of the Robins centre-backs and his passing into the channels went awry on a few occasions.
Duncan Idehen - 7
Captained the team and led by example with a strong defensive display, particularly in the air, as you’d expect given his relative seniority to the rest of the team. There was also a brilliant interception early in the second half when Millwall got round the back and a cut-back into the area looked destined to lead to a goal only for Idehen to read the danger and clear his lines.
Callum Wood - 7
Another full-back moved into the back three, collectively they performed well as a unit to keep that clean sheet intact and the fact two thirds were not in their specialist positions is admirable. Defensively, he was excellent in terms of nullifying what the Lions could offer but his distribution out from the back, similar to Leeson, wasn’t as efficient as it could have been.
Ewan Clark - 7
Grew into his role as a right wing-back as we’ve previously tended to see the former Oxford City talent as an attacking midfielder or out wide. His crossing let him down a little in the first half, failing to beat the first man, but after the break he found more joy and looked more confident moving forward, forcing Millwall back, and creating some pressure down his channel.
Ben Acey - 6
He’s certainly filled out since he first signed for City 12 months ago and technically there was nothing wrong with Acey’s game when he was on the ball as he tended to keep things simple, it’s just the Robins didn’t quite get a hold of the contest in the first half. He did, however, produce a delightful lofted through-ball into Pearson which the City forward couldn’t quite get under control.
Joe Porton - 6
Similar to Acey’s performance, really, and with his socks around his ankles ala Alex Scott. There was a lot to like about his game when he was exchanging passes and manipulating the ball into space but it unfortunately happened on too few occasions.
Elijah Morrison - 6
There were some really bright moments in the first half as he combined with Pearson to good effect down the left; the duo completing some quickfire 1-2s to play through the lines. However, the 16-year-old never quite had the beating of his opposite number, George Walker, who can reflect on a job well done for the Lions.
Sam Pearson - 6
A bit like Idehen at the back, who’s also enjoyed first-team minutes and time on loan, Pearson carried himself like a more senior figure in this City side and tried to make things happen in the No10 role, but whenever he got into good areas, whether to receive a pass or dribbling away from his man the final pass or shot wasn’t quite there and/or he overplayed it ever-so slightly; probably as he tried to force the issue.
Olly Thomas - 6
Started well, showing great physicality and tactical flexibility in the way he came short to receive possession or even drifted wide. He was also never afraid to take a pass under pressure and his body strength and ability to hold off defenders and either keep possession or win fouls is a real attribute and asset. Unfortunately, though, his best work was mainly outside the box as the Robins struggled to find the necessary penetration.
Ephraim Yeboah - 7
Outside of Wood’s header, he enjoyed City’s best chance as he span away from his man at the near post to connect with a side-foot volley from Pearson’s centre that was ultimately cleared off the line, albeit with the defender standing three yards in front of the goalline.
However, if there was one moment that emphasised Yeboah’s commitment, work rate and fitness, it was sprinting a full 50 yards in the 90th minute to chase a big boot downfield only to pressure Millwall goalkeeper Connal Trueman into having to hurry a clearance. Still only 16, that bodes very well indeed.
Substitutes
Kai Churchley (for Thomas, 66) - 6
Seemed to be moved into a deeper role than the man he replaced and put himself about in midfield.
Marley Rose (for Pearson, 79) - N/A
Jed Meerholz (for Porton, 79) - N/A
Subs not used: Josey Casa-Grande, Taine Anderson
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