The ACN Match Review – Milwall (a)

The line-up

The last line-up of the year, and hopefully the last time we ever see this set of players work together again. I was still in the Capital Canaries-dedicated pub (Southwark Brewing Company) when the team news came through, and I was tempted to stay there.

Against West Brom, it was clear Jonathan Rowe and Adam Idah were giving WBA some trouble even after the red card, so it was strange when both were subbed off relatively early. Wagner’s justification for this, I had assumed, was keeping them fresh for a fairer 11 v 11 contest away at Millwall a few days later. It seems that Wagner actually did this due to his perception of their performances, which is unfathomable.

I am sick and tired of Wagner giving Hernandez and Barnes countless opportunities regardless of performance, while Idah and Rowe are held to an incredibly high standard by comparison.

The atmosphere

Unusually, there were no songs before the game in the pub nor in the concourse. Some half-hearted chants at 0-0 and then very little after that from the away end, understandably. The loudest chant might have been “We want Wagner out” right at the end. I’ve also witnessed the home fans in much finer voice than that on previous visits too despite the healthy-looking attendance. It all seemed a bit flat, much like the football being served up.

Hurrah moment

Literally none. Uneventful. The only reason I will remember this game is because it was my first in four years.

Boooo moment

For me it was our experienced™ centre forward Ashley Barnes trying to get sent off around the hour mark by trying to prove he’s one of football’s hard men. It was a pathetic show of “leadership”, but one I’ve come to expect. He might be able to pull the wool over the eyes of the staff and players, but his bullshit bravado act doesn’t wash with many of the fans, especially being as anonymous as he was at The New Den.

Hero of the match

A couple of good saves from Angus Gunn kept us in the game. But other than that it’s a struggle to think of any positives, let alone an actual hero.

Our post-match takeaway

Mine was a very dodgy doner kebab in Reading at 1am. It was as disappointing as the football.

P.S. Wagner out.