Millwall

Ground: The New Den

Visits: 1

Date: 7th January 2006

Match: Millwall - Everton 1-1 (FA-Cup)

Attendance: 16 440

Being on the Fulham stadium tour earlier in the day and that not ending until 1.35 I didn´t arrive at South Bermondsey until 2.40. However, having been there early in the morning to collect my ticket, I knew the way to the ground.

When I entered the ground just before kick-off the atmosphere was cracking. It must have been really intimidating for the away fans, since the most hostile Millwall fans seem to be in the upper wings in the West and East stand. Everton missed a really good chance in the beginning and looked the better side but Millwall played better and better and got the first goal just before halftime.

The atmosphere went from suberb to electric and I wondered how Everton were to react in the second half, if the atmosphere stayed like this. Even if Millwall had an early chance in the second Everton controlled the game more and more and the equaliser must come eventually. 11 minutes from the end Everton scored the important goal, after some stunning saves from the Millwall keeper. At that point I thought Everton would score again but Millwall hold out for a replay.

I, as a neutral fan, enjoyed the match and the atmosphere at the Den but if I had been in the away end I would have been a concerned for my safety after the game but the police seemed to know their stuff and as far as I know there were no troubles.

outside the den