Nicky Maynard blew a glorious late chance to snatch victory for Bristol City against in form Millwall at the New Den.
The £7 million-rated frontman was put clean through on goal four minutes from time only to stumble as he was bearing down on goal, allowing to Lions ‘keeper David Forde to make the save.
Maynard, Marvin Elliott and Brett Pitman all went close for the Robins in the first half.
The ex-Crewe striker sent a header wide after a direct run and cross from the lively Albert Adomah, while Elliott missed a free header from Jordan Spence’s right-wing cross.
Millwall dominated possession in the second half, but City continued to carve out the better chances with Forde forced into an excellent save to keep out Martyn Woolford’s 20-yard drive.
The Lions frustration was compounded when top scorer Steve Morison was given a straight red card for a wild lunge on Jamal Campbell-Ryce in stoppage time.
MILLWALL (4-4-2): Forde; Dunne, Mkandawire, Robinson, Craig (Barron ’46); Ward, Trotter, Henry, Townsend (Bouazza ’82); McQuoid (Harris ’62), Morison.
CITY (4-4-2): James; Spence, Stewart, Nyatanga, McAllister; Adomah, Skuse (Cisse ’71), Elliott, Woolford (Clarkson ’86); Maynard, Pitman (Campbell-Ryce ’74).
REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Dorset)
* Match ratings provided by The Trusted One.
Player Ratings
David James – 7
No mistakes and didn’t have a difficult save to make all night. That said, he dominated from crosses.
Jordan Spence – 7
Fantastic tackle stopped Millwall from scoring in the first-half. Solid display and linked well with Adomah.
Lewin Nyatanga – 7
Solid defensive display and brave at set pieces.
Damion Stewart – 8
See MOTM.
Jamie McAllister – 6
Defended well, but produced a series of poor set piece deliveries.
Albert Adomah – 7
Strong overall performance and threat. Lasted right to the end.
Cole Skuse – 7
Looked fit and linked well with Elliott in an industrious and often dominant midfield.
Marvin Elliott – 7
One of his better displays. Worked hard and helped Skuse maintain possesion.
Martyn Woolford – 7
Produced our best on target effort and worked harder, resulting in a booking, which I didn’t mind because it came from closing down and working hard. Probably his best overall performance yet.
Brett Pitman – 6
Worked hard in a more central role, but fluffed a good chance in the first half when he had time.
Nicky Maynard – 7
Tireless shift with some quality battling and touches. He fluffed a one-on-one when he had just too much time.
Jamal Campbell-Ryce – 6
Suprisingly left out and played in the hole to start with as City switched to 4-4-1-1. Switched to LW when Woolford was replaced.
Kalifa Cisse – 6
Solid replacement and kept City tight at the back and solid in midfield.
Cameo.
Two points dropped…
Be in no doubt, we should have won and Maynard’s one-on-one was one of those when he was caught in two minds whether to chip it, blast it, round the keeper and didn’t look sure whether or not he was onside!
Millwall bettered City in only set piece delivery, although Spence’s blinding tackle robbed the Lions of their best chance of the night in open play.
