Coming up against Neil Harris’ Millwall was always going to be tough for Boro, especially seen as it was his last game for the club following his resignation. While it certainly wasn’t a vintage display from Boro, a gritty 1-0 victory secured another crucial three points. Carrick praised the result, calling the hard-fought win “one of his favourites.”
Match Report
Boro didn’t get off to a flying start in the game with Hackney and Borges both giving away possession within the first couple minutes of the game, representing Boro’s wastefulness in possession.
Millwall piled the pressure on Boro as Langstaff challenged Edmundson, allowing him to get 1 on 1 with Brynn. Luckily for Boro, Sol Brynn, who Carrick chose over Dieng, came to the rescue with an outstretched foot.
Boro’s big chance then came only a few minutes later as they strung a few good passes together and Azaz played a careful through ball into Latte Lath. Clinically, Latte Lath hit his shot across the keeper and into the back of the net.
A setback came for Boro as Luke Ayling when down twice, forcing Dijksteel to replace him after only 22 minutes. Moments later, Boro endured another scare as Azeez was played through on goal from the left flank, only for Brynn to pull off another brilliant low save.
While Boro managed a few good chances too, with Azaz slicing a shot wide at the end of a quick counter attack, they were thankful to still have a clean sheet.
In the opening stages of the second half, the Millwall threat subsided and a defensive intervention from De Norre stopped Latte Lath from potentially making it a brace.
Boro were unlucky not to be given a penalty too as Doak was held back by NcManara, but the referee waved it away.
There was concern though for Boro as Millwall seemed to get control in the game almost quarter of an hour into the second half, prompting questions of whether the team needed a freshen up. The changes finally came with 15 minutes left, as Jones and Conway came on for Latte and Doak, but it did not stop Millwall who kept on pressing.
Conway came closest to getting Boro’s second in the closing stages but had his shot blocked, while Millwall were denied a penalty shout for handball deep into injury time.
Player Ratings
Sol Brynn-9 (MOTM): Carrick’s gamble on starting Brynn definitely payed off as Brynn made big saves to keep Boro in the game, and get a well-earned clean sheet.
Neto Borges-6: Borges wasn’t outstanding and did get beat a few times down the left flank but was comfortable for much of the game.
Rav Van Den Berg-7: A good, solid performance from Rav in his first game back, as he stopped Millwall counter attacks and used his strength to shield the ball.
George Edmundson-6: Stopped a few counter attacks and while he did look solid for much of the game, he was lucky not to concede as he was challenged by Langstaff.
Anfernee Dijksteel (Subbed on 22th minute)-7: Solid for much of the game, making a few challenges and very few mistakes. Luke Ayling performed well but was replaced by Dijksteel after only 22 minutes.
Jonny Howson-7: Commanded the midfield, and for the first time this season, looked pretty comfortable in the centre of the park, playing balls through the channels.
Hayden Hackney-6: While he did play a nice ball through to Latte, starting Boro’s attack which they scored from, he struggled to have an influence on the game and did give the ball away a few times.
Finn Azaz-7: Had a couple chances of his own, however he played a well-timed through ball into Latte Lath for the goal.
Delano Burgzorg-7: Looked dangerous on the break and switched very well with Latte Lath, creating problems for the Millwall defence.
Latte Lath-7: Got Boro’s winner after only 10 minutes, with a clinical finish across the keeper. It was a good afternoon for Latte, looking like he could’ve scored more.
Ben Doak-6: Didn’t look as dangerous as he usually would, as the full back would not let him get to the byline. This meant he would cut inside more often, giving the ball away.
Opinion: It was definitely nice to see Boro on the right side of a 1-0 result, but there were definitely concerns among game management. However, they were always going to face tough opposition seen as it was Neil Harris’ last game for Millwall, having seen them rise from a relegation scrap to playoff contenders.
