Millwall 1-0 Bradford Seven Things: cutting edge the key

Morison nets the winner – dailystar.co.uk

Millwall are in the Championship after a 1-0 League One Play-Off Final victory over Bradford City. But what have we learnt from the game?

Set piece threat

In an exciting start to the game, Millwall threatened from set plays with target man Steve Morison often the reference point. The 33-year-old headed Shaun Williams’ corner wide as Bradford looked nervy when forced to handle a succession of early corners.

Clarke’s big moment

One of those corners however led to a Bantams breakaway. Williams was caught in possession and Mark Marshall, one of the brightest first half performers, timed his pass well to play Billy Clarke through on goal. Jordan Archer sensibly stayed on his line and, helped by the recovering run of Shaun Hutchinson, tipped the ball away to deny his opponents a 13th minute opener.

Fluid Bradford

After Clarke’s chance, the attacking midfielder grew more involved. He got into pockets of space just behind Millwall’s four-man midfield, which was stretched by Tony McMahon and James Meredith hugging the touchline. Tony Craig ceded ground against the dangerous Marshall and needed cover from midfielder Nadjim Abdou, thus giving more space for Josh Cullen and Nicky Law in midfield.

Dogged defending

Despite Bradford’s territorial dominance, it was a centre-back that had two of their best chances. Rory McArdle had scored the winner in the semi-final and from Cullen’s corner, he strained to nod straight at Archer at the back post on 31 minutes, then headed over a curling free-kick early in the second half. The fact those half-chances stood out says much about the commanding performances of Millwall’s centre-backs, Hutchinson and Byron Webster.

Second half push

In the final half hour, belief began to coarse through Millwall veins. The team got further up the pitch as a unit and attacked down the right, Mahlon Romeo combining well with Jed Wallace. The latter was slid through by Lee Gregory but could not find the composure to finish before Morison had a 79th minute shot blocked by McArdle.

Cutting edge

It was Morison who got the winner on 85 minutes, escaping Nat Knight-Percival’s attentions to rifle home Gregory’s flick-on from close range. Though the game was otherwise closely-fought, the experience and bravery of Morison and Gregory in dangerous areas saw Millwall profit where Bradford couldn’t.

What it means

Millwall have recovered a sense of identity under club legend Neil Harris, but this victory means they have also recovered their Championship status. Another club legend, Stuart McCall will be confident of taking his beloved Bradford City to the same level. To do so, his side must maintain performance levels next season and be a little more clinical in the final third.