Andy Munro looks back at Blues’ timely 3-0 win over Millwall.

It was, even this early in the season, a must win game and with Braga on the horizon a confidence boosting three points was vital.

Millwall aren’t a particularly attractive proposition but somehow the games against them have a bit of extra spice. Maybe it’s the menace hanging in the air…..

Ziggy’s groin obviously wasn’t up to scratch and there was no sign of the new Senegalese giant in the squad. However, Redmond, Murphy, Elliot and King made up a very strong bench although it was Millwall who probably had a slight edge in the early exchanges. They were certainly a big physical side, most of them predictably built like dockers although, in fairness, I’ve yet to meet a docker wearing lime green boots.

Blues came more into the game as the first half progressed and Beausejour, who had an excellent game, laid the ball back to Chris Woods who powered the ball home. Blues continued to improve in the second half with another well taken goal by Woods following good work by Rooney. We still had a couple of scares but kept a clean sheet thanks to a brilliant save by Myhill of Banks–like proportions. The game was finally put to bed when Marlon King cleverly laid the ball to Chrissie Burke who ran 40 yards down the flank before sending over a cross for Woods to head home his hat trick.

It was a good win with the defence holding firm to keep a clean sheet and Beausejour and Burke a packet of trouble for Millwall on the flanks. In the middle Spector did a great deal of vital tracking back as did Gomes, who both put his foot in and moved the ball coolly around like Barry Ferguson…but with a forward gear. Up front Woods deserved his hat trick with Rooney working like a Trojan alongside.

Marlon King showed some real awareness and touches of class when he came on and looks like he can make a big difference. Overall it was a very encouraging performance.