Oxford went into this second leg with confidence, but knowing all the pressure was on them. A 2-0 victory away at The Den was impressive, with Roofe grabbing both goals. Millwall showed glimpses in the first leg of the goal scoring threat they had, so this was to be no easy ride to Wembley.
As we took our seats there were rumours of fan trouble, a pub had been smashed up in Blackbird Leys apparently. The policing operation tonight was unprecedented. Riot police stood poised throughout the game in the corner. A fight broke out in the North Stand midway through the first half as a Millwall fan was amongst the home support.
Tonight saw a debut given to 18 year old John Joe Kenny, on loan from Everton and George Baldock's replacement. He had big shoes to fill. In the early stages the youngster looked nervous, but he settled quickly and showed his defensive qualities.
Millwall had started the match confidently, they were aware the first goal was to be crucial on the night, and balanced attacking threat with defensive stability well early on.
The first half produced few clear goalscoring opportunities, this can be down to the performanceof Jake Wright in central defence, he had started admirably. A real captain's performance as he had to battle aerially with Gregory and Morison for long spells.
Oxford hadn't been able to keep possession in the first half like they'd been accustomed to this season. This meant Millwall created what half chances there were in the first half, Morison coming close with a header.
But that was half time, a fairly uneventful half, but Oxford will take that. An uneventful game is all they need to get through to Wembley.
However, The Lions struck early in the second half. After a period of Millwall pressure, Gregory poked the ball to the left of Buchel in the six yard box to send the travelling farms absolutely bonkers.
This meant the conclusion to the match was to be tricky for Oxford. That was for ten minutes at least, until Millwall centre back, Beevers saw a second yellow for a foul on Hylton.The defender pulling Hylton back on the edge of the area as he was through on goal, it could have easily been a straight red.
Millwall down to ten men settled the nerves of many home fans in the ground. But the sending off didn't change the fact that the ending to the game would see an aerial bombardment on the Oxford defence.
Oxford mustered few chances, but O'Dowda showed extreme maturity. The 19 year old tracked back and forth throughout the game, strength in defence and agility in attack, I was very impressed. The winger needs to improve his passing to become the winger so many hope he will be.
As Millwall piled forward time and time again, you just got the feeling Oxford would concede. Despite the attacking threat Millwall possessed up front, Oxford's defence quelled all attacks fantastically. A real testament to Wright, whom rightfully was awarded man of the match, the captain has been through so much with us. With central midfielder Danny Rose departing the club as he couldn't break into our team anymore, Wright has been an integral part of our seasons success.
After Millwall keeper Archer had been up for one final attack, that was it. WEMBLEY! What a moment. We're the famous Oxford United and we're going to Wembley......
Only the third time in our history, April 3rd is the date, and I'll be in America (boo). We will face Barnsley or Fleetwood. Oh, what a season this is becoming.
-Michael
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