Millwall takeaways from 1-0 win at Cardiff – Bradshaw’s graft and goals appreciated as Championship play-off chase set to be a thriller again

BY ALEX GRACE

Millwall secured their fourth away victory of the season as Tom Bradshaw’s first-half strike was enough to earn a first-ever victory at the Cardiff City Stadium and a first league double over the Bluebirds since the 1974-75 season when both sides were in the old Division Two.

Here are Alex Grace’s takeaways from the contest

BRADDERS BACK IN THE GOALS

It was just his third goal in the last 12 games, but Bradshaw gives so much more to this Millwall side than just scoring. He has started 14 of the last 15 Championship games, it has been a case of him having to keep going. The Lions are very short in the striker department. With Benik Afobe leaving the club this month, Bradshaw is now the only recognised striker at The Den.

His work-rate and effort are like that of a former Millwall favourite, Lee Gregory. Both players who run and run and are prepared to sacrifice their goal tally to help the team.

It was his incredible work ethic and perseverance that led to this goal. After a poor clearance, Jake Cooper picked the ball up and fed it into the Cardiff box. Cedric Kipre thought he had a lot more time to deal with the threat, but the menace that is Bradshaw seized on the defenders’ hesitancy to sneak in and put the ball into the net.

He took his tally to seven for the season and made it three goals in three games. Obviously, the Lions need to strengthen in those attacking areas, but in the former Barnsley striker, they have someone who will nick goals.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FIRST GOAL IS EVIDENT AGAIN

It is often said how important it is to score the first goal in a game. You hear managers talking about how key it is to get your nose in front in a Championship game.

This hypothesis has been proven to be correct, particularly with Millwall. Counting the victory in South Wales, it’s the 10th time that Millwall have taken the lead in the league this season they have gone on to win every one of those games. The Lions have won 12 games this campaign – meaning they’ve come from behind to win just twice, both of those wins came at The Den against Coventry (3-2) and West Brom (2-1).

Millwall do not score many goals. Equally they don’t concede many either, which makes that first goal so important for Rowett’s side.

CAPTAIN LEADS BY EXAMPLE

Shaun Hutchinson is a rock at the back. We have known that for several years. He was hugely important at the back in the second half in Wales.

Cardiff started the half with real intent and created several opportunities. Hutchinson led the defence superbly alongside his centre-half partner Cooper. They blocked and cleared everything that came into their box.

It’s that level of grit and determination that they will need when they come up against those sides who have the greater quality. February is a very hard month for the Lions, with games against Sunderland, QPR, Sheffield United and Burnley all to come. The leadership from their captain will be vital in those strict tests to come.

STILL IN THE PLAY-OFF HUNT

I say this every year, but the Championship play-off race is once again proving to be one of the best in recent history. Millwall are eighth in the table, two points off third place, with a game in hand. Win that game in hand at Luton, and they will rise as high as third.

Middlesbrough, Watford and Blackburn all failed to win this weekend, leaving just three points separating Watford in third (44) and West Brom in tenth (41).

It’s impossible to predict what will happen in the Championship. However, the one thing you can predict is that whatever happens, it will be full of drama.