Millwall secured a long-awaited victory over Queens Park Rangers with a 2-0 win, leaving Joe Edwards feeling relieved and satisfied with the team’s performance. This win marked their first since Edwards took charge in early November, showcasing an impressive display of resilience and determination.
The goals from Tom Bradshaw and Murray Wallace in the latter stages of each half propelled the Lions to their first win at The Den since September 20 and lifted them six points clear of QPR, who currently occupy the last relegation position.
Edwards credited the team’s success to their unwavering spirit and praised the defensive efforts, particularly highlighting the outstanding performance of Aidomo Emakhu. Despite allegations of misconduct involving a match official and an incident targeting goalkeeper Matija Sarkic from the crowd, the victory reflected the team’s perseverance and strength in the face of adversity.
The manager expressed his relief regarding the end of their winless streak, emphasising the importance of maintaining belief during challenging times. He commended the team for their determination to secure a much-needed victory, especially when confronted with the pressure of a London derby against a struggling adversary like QPR.
Edwards stressed the significance of returning to the fundamentals of the game, underscoring the importance of a strong defensive performance and the need to build upon their recent successes. With a focus on cultivating a resilient and cohesive team, he lauded the defensive prowess displayed by the likes of Ryan Leonard, Jake Cooper, Murray Wallace, and Shaun Hutchinson.
Emakhu’s commendable performance on the pitch earned him the in-house man of the match award, with Edwards acknowledging and praising the young player’s contribution to the team. The decision to introduce Emakhu into the starting lineup proved to be a strategic and impactful choice, as his presence injected a much-needed spark and pace in the forward line.
In discussing the absence of Allan Campbell from the squad for the second consecutive match, Edwards conveyed his confidence in the player’s abilities while attributing the decision to the team’s selection process amidst a busy playing schedule. He praised Campbell’s professionalism and work ethic, assuring that his omission from the squad was due to tactical considerations rather than a reflection of his capabilities.
Despite the triumph on the pitch, the match was marred by unsavoury incidents involving objects being thrown from the crowd, with one of the assistant referees and goalkeeper Matija Sarkic allegedly targeted. Edwards unequivocally condemned such behaviour, affirming the club’s commitment to addressing and resolving such issues.
As Millwall celebrates their hard-earned victory, Edwards and the team remain focused on maintaining their winning momentum and building upon their recent successes. Their resolute performance and unwavering determination are a testament to the team’s unity and commitment to overcoming challenges, further solidifying their position in the league standings.
