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Vinny 12:52 Sun Feb 5
Vinny's Millwall Report
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West Ham United 2 Millwall 1
Despite being reduced to ten men within the opening stages, West Ham battled to a fine victory over rivals Millwall in what was surely the most satisfying display of the season.
Forget promotion, forget where we are in the league, forget Sam Allardyce and the ambivalence towards many of the players and forget about the Olympic Stadium – as West Ham moments go, this was a pretty special one and a game we will fondly look back on years down the line.
It wasn’t a rout and I felt like I had been through an exhausting ordeal when the match ended but to have beaten Millwall gave me much satisfaction.
We have had a number of seasons where the team have been criticised for a lack of effort and perhaps desire but there could have been no such criticism during this one as having gone down to ten men in just the 9th minute after Kevin Nolan’s silly challenge the players had to work extremely hard and really dig in.
I cannot deny that I loved this game and am on a bit of high with the result. It has been quite a while since we have beaten Millwall in the league (February 1991) and I was only six years old.
Coming out of Upton Park station Green Street was reminiscent of the 2009 Cup game and was a sea of high visibility jackets as the Police presence had been understandably kicked up a gear. Many fans were loitering about and soaking up the tense atmosphere that only a game against Millwall can bring.
With no pubs open in the local radius and the weather bracing itself for snow it was an early entrance into the ground. The Millwall fans were already largely present and located in the Trevor Brooking Upper with the lower tier being virtually empty other than some police.
Having been crushed by Ipswich in midweek with a quite shocking performance we certainly needed to get back on track and there was surely no better game to do so than against a team who are struggling to avoid relegation from the Championship.
The Team
There was much disappointment with the starting line-up that Sam Allardyce announced. We had been unhappy with the negative tactics employed last Tuesday night at Portman Road but it seemed as though we had actually put out a team even more defensive.
Abdoulaye Faye came in for Matthew Taylor who dropped to the bench which saw us start the game with three centre halves with Winston Reid and James Tomkins also in the side.
When the game began it was evident that James Tomkins was actually going to play as a defensive midfielder, much in the same role Papa Bouba Diop has been playing much of the season.
With Faubert on the right, Collison took up his place on the left with Nolan and Noble in the middle. Carlton Cole was again up front on his own.
Joey O’Brien was also back in the team at right back. The other starter from the previous game Henri Lansbury was dropped from the squad completely.
Having signed Nicky Maynard from Bristol City, Ricardo Vaz Te from Barnsley and Ravel Morrison from Manchester United on transfer deadline day it was a disappointment to have not seen one of them start the game. Maynard and Vaz Te were both on the substitute’s bench which did not include a goal keeper.
First Half
We began the game slowly and Millwall gave us an early warning when Dunne won a header and flashed the ball across the goal.
A minute later we won a corner after a cross from O’Brien was deflected. It was taken by Collison who continues to float his corners into the area which amount to little.
Despite forcing a couple of corners Millwall were having more of the ball and we hadn’t managed to settle and play any sort of passing football.
The game took a massive turn on the 9th minute which would shape the rest of the game as the captain Kevin Nolan went in two footed on Jack Smith and the referee Jones produced a straight red card. There has been much debate regarding this type of challenge in recent weeks but at this moment in time you cannot go in like Nolan did and looking at the challenge first time I was not surprised to see the red card given.
With the negative team that Allardyce has started with we did not need to shuffle the pack too much as we still had Tomkins and Noble in the middle. The latter would really take on the task of driving our team forward for the remainder of the game.
Our first half chance came when Faubert did well to win a free kick on the right and this was put into the area by Noble for Tomkins to head tamely at the keeper.
We struggled to keep possession and Millwall were looking brighter. There was a sense of dread that they would take the lead and all my hopes of finally getting a win against them seemed to be on the rocks.
An over hit cross from Faubert saw Collison retrieve the ball and put it back into the area for Cole to eventually see his header go just wide in a much better move.
Most of our attacking play was being carved out by Julien Faubert who was doing his best to make the most of high and hopeful balls forward. One of these passes saw Faubert win a header and run on to his own flick, crossing low but the defender cut his cross out at the near post.
Faubert was in the thick of things again when McCartney put a low cross into the area which Faubert met as he slid in with the defender but he could only stab the ball wide.
A long ball forward to Cole saw the striker bring the ball down, hold off two defenders but could only drag his left foot shot wide.
Two minutes of added time were awarded and even the most confident West Ham supporter could not have thought that we would be able to take the lead before the half was up.
But it did happen.
A high ball forward to Carlton Cole saw the striker fouled and a free kick awarded. The set piece was played into the area by Noble which saw Reid meet the ball with a flick which went high into the air and Carlton Cole met the ball with a powerful header which went over Millwall keeper Forde to put us 1-0 up.
Cole managed to get a lot of power on the header when this did not look to be the case as the ball dropped to him and it was this power which got him his 9th goal of the season.
Shortly after the restart the whistle blew for half time which the West Ham fans taunting the Millwall support with chants of ‘We’ve only got ten men’.
Second Half
Allardyce made a smart substitution at half time with Jack Collison being replaced by Matthew Taylor. This would give us more shape and a chance to get the ball wide as Collison tends to drift into the centre and gets a bit lost.
Taylor was involved early on in the second half when he was taken out by a strong challenged by Lowry. On the Football league Show they showed highlights of this incident as they tried to show examples of strong challenged which should have seen players booked or even sent off.
What they failed to point out that despite this strong challenge the free kick was given to Millwall. I don’t know about anyone else but I find this a glaring omission when trying to show an example of a foul only to miss out that it was given the other way.
This was though an example of how poor the referee was in this game and I am not talking about our sending off as I can agree with that as it was a silly challenge but the amount that he missed for both sides was quite startling.
We came so very close to scoring a second goal when a lovely move saw Tomkins play the ball into Noble who dummied for McCartney who put in a terrific cross for Faubert to meet the ball with a glancing header which beat the keeper but thumped off the crossbar.
Lowry was booked for Millwall after tripping Julien Faubert in a challenge which was identical to one which took place in the first half but no booking was given on that occasion.
A corner played into the area by Noble saw the Millwall keeper Forde apparently fouled when I saw very little to suggest this had happened. This proves to be almost farcical when you see what happens for the goal which proved to be the winner. More about that in a moment.
Millwall nearly found themselves back in the game when Keogh got in behind Reid and his cross was destined for the substitute and Tottenham loanee Harry Kane but James Tomkins just got back to divert the goal away. Superb from James Tomkins.
Three minutes later Millwall did equalise and it was out of nothing.
We had done well to close the ball down and send Millwall across the pitch in search for some space. O’Brien made a good tackle which went out for a throw in.
The throw into the area saw Faye up against Henderson but instead of clearing the ball Faye attempted to see the ball out but Henderson got a toe to the ball and knocked it back for Liam Trotter who which the ball on the half volley into the top corner.
The Millwall fans went mad, the West Ham fans looked shocked.
But we were not to be downbeat for too long.
A very poor challenge on Cole saw the ref play the advantage but the cross into the area was flicked away for a corner.
The corner from Taylor saw Faye and Tomkins go up for the ball and it was cleared off the line and away. The ball was played back into the area for Faubert to challenge the keeper and punch only as far as Winston Reid who took a touch and thumped the ball into the back of the net. It was a fantastic finish and the Boleyn Ground erupted in jubilation.
We go to football for moments like this one and the ten men had again gone into the lead.
Millwall will of course argue that Faubert fouled Forde and I have no doubt that this was the case but what they need to realise is that no one at West Ham gives a fuck.
It was a nervous final twenty minutes and I felt like I aged during this time.
On 81 minutes Allardyce made his second change with Julien Faubert coming off and Gary O’Neil replacing him. Faubert was given a standing ovation and rightly so as he put in the type of effort we really needed and he played very well.
A poor goal kick from Green saw the ball go straight to Keogh but he was fouled by Faye in what I would consider a necessary foul given that a chance would have surely presented itself.
The free kick was taken by Kane but curled well wide of the goal with Green looking on with comfort.
It was all getting very tense and it was hard to look especially at one incident when Mason put the ball into the area which Green spilled and then it hit Faye only to come back to Green. I was fortunate to be wearing gloves as I would have bitten every nail.
Millwall just seemed to be getting too many corners and those final few moments were a whirlwind of emotions. Ricardo Vaz Te came on for his debut as he replaced the hardworking Carlton Cole.
Five minutes of injury time were awarded and in the final of those minutes Millwall won a corner. I had convinced myself that they were going to equaliser. I was preparing for the disappointment and that sinking feeling I have had far too many times over the years but it was headed clear and eventually the referee did blow the final whistle.
A brilliant victory.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Despite us being down to ten men for so long, Millwall did not pile on the pressure in terms of chances on goal and Green did not have to make too many saves. He claimed a few corners really well at times in the second half when we needed him to do so.
Joey O’Brien
His form has been patchy of late but this was a display like earlier in the season which forced me to refer to him only as ‘Super Joey O’Brien’. And he did do well, he got forward and his tackling was spot on when defending.
Abdoulaye Faye
His hesitance caused the equaliser and he needs to take responsibility for that. But he did play very well for the rest of the game and was again a beast in the air.
Winston Reid
He has added a toughness to his game which is developing as the months go on. He is more physical than he was and this stint in the Championship could well be the making of him. Oh and he scored the winner with a quite superb finish. I won’t get tired of watching that goal.
George McCartney
He was certainly a contender for Man Of The Match and was always involved in the game making sure he covered as much ground as possible. Going forward is something he has struggled with but he did well in this one and that cross for Faubert in the second half which saw the header hit the bar was excellent.
Julien Faubert
A wonderful display from Faubert. He is not a player I have enjoyed over the last few seasons but despite me questioning his attitude previously I cannot have anything other than praise for the way he approached this game. We may have been down to ten men but he did the work of another player and he just kept going.
Kevin Nolan
A poor challenge, unnecessary and stupid from one of our most senior players. Out for the next three games.
James Tomkins
In an unfamiliar midfield role and took a little while to get used to it but in the second half he was immense and one of the many reasons we managed to get the result.
Mark Noble
I really enjoyed the performance from Faubert but Noble just edges it for me. This is how you would have wanted your captain to approach the game and Noble controlled everything in our midfield. His set pieces caused problems and like the other night against Ipswich the ball into the area for the first goal was begging to be put away. Noble continues to impress me.
Jack Collison
Not really in the game during his half on the pitch and it was the correct decision to take him off.
Carlton Cole
His goal was a much better finish than he will get credit for and his performance was also much better than fans will give him. Cole was isolated up front but he worked hard, showed good movement and was a handful for the Millwall defenders.
Subs Used
Matthew Taylor (on for Collison 46 mins)
Having looked unfit the other night he looked sharp in this one and put in a very pleasing display. He got stuck in and gave us balance.
Gary O’Neil (on for Faubert 81 mins)
Attempted to get involved and is a player that many have forgotten but for me he offers more than Lansbury who I have seen very little to suggest brings much to the team.
Ricardo Vaz Te (on for Cole 89 mins)
Gave us a bit of energy and looked lively.
Subs Not Used: Baldock, Maynard
Bookings: Faye, Cole
Sent Off: Kevin Nolan (9 mins)
Man Of The Match: Mark Noble
Millwall: Forde, Barron, Dunne, Ward, Smith, Adbou, Lowry, Feeney, Trotter, Henderson, Keogh
Subs: Allsop, N'Guessan, Mason, Kane, Wright
Attendance: 27, 774
Overall
Forgetting that this was Millwall for a moment this was a very important result especially after being crushed by Ipswich in midweek.
With Southampton only drawing and Cardiff getting beaten at home by Blackpool this has been a very good weekend for West Ham.
We now have a four point lead at the top of the league and stay on track for automatic promotion. With this type of desire and effort we should be just fine.
Next Game – Peterborough United (a) Saturday 11th February 3pm Kick Off
A ground and place I have never visited and am extremely looking forward to being on the terraces in a league game. This is a game we should be winning (they all seem to be) and we need to get our away form back on track.
I still believe we should be playing with two up front and looking to be more positive going forward especially with the signings of Maynard and Vaz Te.
People can moan about being in the Championship but when you get days like this I can easily forget what league we are in because at the end of the day beating your local rivals no matter what league or what type of game is always satisfying, and this was a very good day.
The View From Sam
"I that is probably the best win I've ever had as a manager, wherever I have been" Big Sam told West Ham TV. "We went down to ten men after nine minutes on what I thought was a very harsh decision by the referee. It was not endangering the opposing player and it was not out of control or with any great force or velocity and there was no intent because that has been taken out [of the rulebook].
"The character of the players at this club and the will to bounce back after a very disappointing defeat on Tuesday [at Ipswich Town] was there for all to see. With ten men, we began to control the game, to probe and put Millwall under pressure rather than sitting back and waiting to play on the break and catch them out.
"We took the game to them, we got the ball into their box and were producing quality balls. We got another outstanding set play and Carlton scored for us. We could have scored more.
"In the second half, we came out and went on the front foot. Julien Faubert produced a great header and I was up because I thought it was in but it hit the bar and came out. Then we had the disappointment of their goal and then Matt Taylor put a great corner and we only had to head it in from a yard out but we missed it.
"Then we got Reidy producing what you'd like your centre forward to do with a stunning volley from the edge of the box. We even had some chances after that and out-chanced Millwall with ten men and thoroughly deserved the win."
While his ten men continually created chances against the Lions, Big Sam was equally pleased with the organisation, tenacity and discipline shown to keep the visitors' chances to a minimum.
"The discipline of the side to nullify the 11v10 situation, we made life extremely difficult for them. They scored a great goal, but that was the only way they were going to score."
Big Sam also hailed the performance of Man of the Match Mark Noble and fellow Academy graduate James Tomkins, who played in a new defensive midfield role for the first time. Cole, Julien Faubert and half-time substitute Matt Taylor also drew praise from the manager.
"Everybody did their job In and out of possession, we were superb. As a manager, when you see your team go down to ten men and you see that spirit and desire to commit everything that you've got for themselves and the fans it is absolutely magnificent."
Season 2011/12 Scorers and Red Cards
Carlton Cole - 9 (9 League)
Kevin Nolan - 7 (7 League)
Mark Noble - 6 (6 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Jack Collison - 3 (3 League)
Winston Reid - 2 (2 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 2 (2 League)
Own Goal - 2 (2 League)
James Tomkins - 1 (1 League)
Papa Bouba Diop - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frank Nouble - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)
Red Cards
Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (vs Reading away)
Jack Collison - 1 (vs Reading away)
Kevin Nolan 1 - (vs Millwall home)
Email: vinnywhufc@hotmail.com
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Replies - Newest Posts First ( Show In Chronological Order)
stapes
3:59 Tue Feb 7
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Great report, thanks mate
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Lily Hammer
12:04 Tue Feb 7
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Superb write up, Vinny.
You're right when you say that that was a special West Ham day. Folkloric match. Not just who it was against , but how, and when. Massive result and performance that made me proud of those wearing the shirt. If we keep that momentum, we really will piss this league. They need to get the 11th man putting in the same shift and we'll end on more than 100pts.
I too believe it was a legitimate goal. Faubert saw the ball coming in and chased it, without taking his eyes off it until the very last moment when he saw the keeper and it looked like he even tried to pull out of the collision. It wasn't a shoulder barge or anything nasty. If the keeper had been standing on the spot before jumping to punch, it would have been a foul if Faubert had made that kind of contact, eyes on ball or not, in this case it was a 50/50 ball they both had a right to go for and they both did, and because the keeper jumped across Faubert, I think the ref got it right and said no foul.
Forde fucked up.
Reid made no such mistakes.
UP THE HAMMERS!
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I.want.that.one
11:32 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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never realised you were in the younger generation vinny, a testament to your writing.
Excellent report
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Admiral Lard
9:46 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Well done Vinny a report good enough to match the victory it describes, great stuff mate!
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Gazza_AZ
8:32 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Thanks for the report Vinny. I did see the game and agree with everything you said.
The referee was a pratt - at one point a long punt forward from Millwall went through to Rob Green, but because the lino put up his flag - the ref gave us an indirect freekick for offsite just outside the box. What an idiot - ignore the flag and let Greeno punt it to CFC...
5 minutes was a mystery at the end - I dont really remember an injury - did Forde get treatment ? he didnt leave the field,
As a long time Faubert hater - I would have to vote him MoM - I have seen Super Mark run the midfield before - and he was certainly on the day the Captain and played the Captains role - but this was a Super Julien that I had never seen before - and not just one or two good crosses - but a solid shift for most of the game (80 mins or so) - very impressive - I shall expect him to be that good everytime now - or I will go back to booing him very quickly (Toute Suite).
Excellent report Vinny, and thanks for braving the cold to watch the game - I stood outside to watch the game here in Phoenix - and it was a very mild 56 degrees (old money) - but still couldnt mimic the weather in London. Still it didnt snow... Wait for Peterborough.
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Josh
9:10 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Cheers Vinny.
Can't see me getting bored seeing Reids goal over and over again.
Millwall fan here going mental that it wasn't given a foul on the keeper. I think it makes it all the sweeter he thinks injustice has been done.
Highlight of the season. Thank You West Ham United Football Club.
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Mex Martillo
6:23 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Thanks Vinny
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Ozziehammer
5:10 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Thanks for that Dublin, I'll look in future.
Funny enough when the Arsenal game came on my first venture into Viewers choice came up with basketball.
A minute later I got the game; never thought about checking the cricket but I will try all three next time; thanks for the tip.
Ozzie
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DublinHammerInExile
4:14 Mon Feb 6
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Ozziehammer. The game was on in full. It was on the Fox Sports channel that was showing the England cricket game as viewers Choice. I was expecting it on Fox Sports 1, but at 11.30 just gave it a go that it might be on one of the other stations and it was.
I agree with the Faubert challenge. forde came out to where he was, faubert can't disappear and I don't think he actually did anything to foul him. Lowry's challenge was a definite red also.
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Ozziehammer
10:54 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Finally we got a game on TV in Oz albeit minus the first 24 minutes.
It was a further 10 minutes before we found out we only had 10 men; until then it looked an even game.
Your report is absolutely spot on Vinny with one exception. I still don't think Faubert fouled their goalie.
Looking at it a couple of times, Faubert did not get off the ground, he merely took a backward step.
The goalie had every chance to come out and punch clear, it was inevitable no matter what Faubert did that the goalie was going to end up going over the top of him.
Problem was he didn't do a good job of the punch and Reid did the rest.
I'm going to tape it again tonight and have another look at it but I think it was a fair goal and a goalkeeper error.
Bottom line though, as you quite eloquently put it Vinny is , either way, who gives a Fuck.
Great game, great result and hopefully Fat Sam will now see what we can do without Nolan for 3 matches.
Thanks as always Vinny an absolute pleasure to read.
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fred flinstone
10:21 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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If you're not happy as a West Ham fan today then you never will be.
COYI
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The Mutts Nutz
9:38 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Excellent write-up - agree with everything apart from your age....
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young woody
8:19 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Great report.
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jimbo2.
8:04 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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When was the last time we won with ten men? It was a bloody long time ago! Now for a far more attack minded line-up against Posh (well we can live in hope anyway). Lets put some more distance between us and the chasing pack!
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North Bank
7:25 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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bolty does
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gph
7:24 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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"Cool".
Kids always say "cool" - it's traditional.
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Vinny
7:23 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Then it is time to get 'hip' from now on in these reports.
Do kids still say cowabunga?
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gph
7:22 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Alvin - when was the last time we appeared to benefit from a man being sent off?
It's a regular thing for other teams to get fired up over it, but we haven't had the guts to do that for bloody ages.
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Northern Sold
7:22 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Great report Vinny..... back that all the way....
* thumbs up *
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chim chim cha boo
7:21 Sun Feb 5
Re: Vinny's Millwall Report
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Thanks Vinny, a great read.
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