Millwall too strong for Stoke City

Stoke could’ve played all day & Millwall would still have won, looking stronger than City overall. A mistake in midfield gifted Millwall a goal & thus the game. Manager Alex Neil will be frustrated by the failure to break through. Here’s how the game unfolded in real time:

–

They’re back! No, not Gary Rowett, but yes, the former-Stoke manager is here with his belligerent Millwall side – he’ll be gagging for 3 points against his former side where he only lasted 7 months. We’re talking about Capt Phil Jagielka (back from “illness”, or a jacuzzi as it’s also called) (only kidding!) and loanee Bersant Celina (back from tonsillitis), & on the bench Josh Tymon & Sam Clucas (surprise returns from injury). This is going to be tough for Stoke, with Millwall in 5th heading for the play offs. Or so they think!

–

0.00 Gayle & Honeyman clash immediately as Millwall’s kickoff occurs, with the ref having to divide them. Gayle trying to thwart an immediate attack from the kickoff. Alex Neil has done his homework.

–

8.06 0-1 !! Disastrous passing on the halfway line by Stoke (Dujon Sterling particularly to blame) and Zian Fleming runs through and plants the ball in the far corner past a diving Sarkic. City overwhelmed.

–

16.18 Gayle scores? No, he’s way offside, but Stoke should have put it away in the first place.

–

20.03 Gayle has a clear header on goal…well, you can guess the rest…

–

33.33 Crowd sarcastically cheer the ref after finally giving a free kick to Stoke. Physical game, but Millwall getting the decision.

–

36.14 ..and the ball falls for Gayle again, and he should score…and, well, you can guess the rest…again…

–

40.50 great Laurent shot deflected wide after great work by Brown on the right wing. Gayle even played a small part too!

–

45+1 HT City 0 Wall 1

–

Attendance 19773. Disappointing.

–

60.12 Gayle caught offside again!

–

61.30 Great punch by Sarkic, diving full length, leading to a decent break by City.

–

66.40 Ball falls for Gayle…oh, what’s the point!

–

68.20 Tymon and Clucas on for Gayle and Fox.

–

73.17 Tymon gets in one of his famous crosses, and suddenly Stoke look dangerous again. Then Laurent shies high into the skies, and normality is returned.

–

75.40 Smallbone gets applause when subbed for Lewis Baker. Appreciative crowd.

–

82.30 Danny McNamara booked for time wasting over his throw ins. He has been warned repeatedly, so no sympathy. His dad would be proud…

–

84.14 Jordan Thompson replaces exhausted Pearson.

–

86.25 Baker’s turn to blast into the rafters. Dear oh dear. Stoke could play all evening, and not get near to scoring.

–

88.56 Celina has a go at hitting the top of the stand…

–

90+2 Jagielka caught on the ball, Millwall waste loads more time.

–

90+4 FT City 0 Wall 1