MillwallSport

The lowdown on Millwall 2 QPR 1 – Cundle enjoys dream start to Lions career and Connolly looks a shrewd signing

Millwall clocked up a third successive Championship win with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over QPR at The Den.

The home side motored into an early lead courtesy of Aaron Connolly after just 30 seconds. The Irishman’s strike was quickly cancelled out by Alfie Lloyd, though, before new boy Luke Cundle restored Millwall’s lead just before the break.

QPR made changes in the second half in search of an equaliser and went close when Sam Field’s deflected strike had Lukas Jensen backpedalling, but the Lions keeper made a fine stop.

Millwall rode out the storm late on to prevail with all three points and bragging rights over their London neighbours.

THE LINE-UPS

Millwall: Jensen, Crama, Tanganga, Cooper, Bryan, Saville, De Norre (Wintle 80), Bangura-Williams (Mitchell 89), Cundle (Watmore 80), Connolly (Honeyman 89), Ivanovic (Langstaff 89). Subs not used: Roberts, Wallace, Kelly, Harding.

QPR: Nardi, Edwards, Cook (Ashby 64), Fox, Paal, Varane, Field, Smyth (Frey 76), Morgan (Saito 64), Chair (Yang 76) , Lloyd (Kolli 83). Subs not used: Walsh, Colback, Morrison, Madsen.

SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME

The Lions started like a house on fire as Connolly finished smartly from a driven low cross by Tristan Crama. But Millwall’s lead lasted just seconds as QPR hit back.

Millwall played with the swagger of a team with two consecutive away wins under their belt in patches and it was no surprise to see them hit the front again through Cundle, who ghosted into the six-yard box to plunder a point-blank header after the woodwork had denied George Saville.

Alex Neil’s side produced some nice approach play after scoring again but didn’t overly trouble Paul Nardi in the visiting goal, while QPR upped the ante in a bid to grab a share of the spoils.

A deflected strike from Field was thwarted by Jensen late in the second half as the visitors built up a head of steam. But they were unable to muster the goal they desperately craved.

TACTICAL APPROACH

Luke Cundle was thrust straight into the action after signing for Millwall on Thursday and was given license to create in the number 10 role with Ra’ees Bangura-Williams and Connolly operating either side of him. He knitted things together nicely for Millwall, who produced some snappy football.

The challenge for Neil and the Lions now is turning that slick approach into more goals. But on this evidence – and with new recruits and other players coming back – there’s plenty to work with.

The R’s had plenty of early joy down the right-hand side as their wing-backs pushed on and had sporadic moments of joy when Illias Chair found himself in space. They changed shape in search of a leveller and looked far more dangerous.

STAR MAN

Aaron Connolly. Another impressive showing from the recent addition, who was well worth his goal and a constant thorn in QPR’s side. It’s still early days but the Irishman is looking like a shrewd recruit so far.

BEST MOMENT

Connolly’s strike after just 30 seconds lifted the roof off. It was a composed finish from a player who deserved a goal for the strong start he has made to his Millwall career. It proved to be the catalyst for a full-blooded and eventful London derby.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

The fact that Millwall’s initial lead only lasted less than two minutes. For a team that doesn’t tend to score a lot of goals, that could have been a problem. But it turned out to be the only blot on the Lions’ copybook.

A TALKING POINT DOWN THE PUB

We’ve only just put January to bed but already Crama is looking a bit of a steal. And he isn’t a right-back. He was a constant outlet here, though, and there was finesse to his play, too. Both Millwall goals came down his side and he was involved in both. Millwall are looking to add a right-back before Monday’s transfer deadline, but it’s looking more and more likely that Crama could make that spot his own.

WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY

Millwall head coach Alex Neil: “I didn’t say it to the players but winning at home was important. Most of our fans come here to watch us and the one thing you want to do is not go too long without picking up a win at home. We carried a threat throughout most of the game.”

QPR assistant head coach Xavi Calm: “I didn’t expect to concede in minute one. We normally defend this type of action better and today we’ve not done it. We have reacted in a top way I would say, scoring an amazing goal. It’s not easy after conceding a goal in minute one. The second goal again was maybe a sloppy goal but all the credit to the lads.”

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