On August 14, 2012, Millwall faced Crawley Town in the First Round of the League Cup at The Den. In what was an exciting and closely contested match, Crawley Town secured a 4-1 victory, knocking out Millwall and progressing to the next round.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Millwall: 1 (Liam Trotter 74′)
- Crawley Town: 4 (Kyle McFadzean 33′, Hope Akpan 57′, Gary Alexander 70′, Dannie Bulman 90+2′)
- Possession:
- Millwall held 58% of the possession, while Crawley Town had 42%. Despite Millwall’s dominance in possession, Crawley Town’s disciplined defense and clinical counter-attacks were key to their success.
- Shots:
- Millwall registered 11 shots, with 5 on target, showing their intent to break down Crawley’s defense but struggling to convert their chances. Crawley Town had 9 shots, with 6 on target, demonstrating their efficiency in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Millwall had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 360 passes out of 439 attempts. Crawley Town’s passing accuracy was slightly lower at 74%, completing 210 passes out of 284 attempts. Crawley’s approach was more direct, focusing on quick transitions and capitalizing on Millwall’s mistakes.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Millwall made 14 tackles compared to Crawley Town’s 19, reflecting Crawley’s determination to disrupt Millwall’s play and protect their lead. Crawley’s defense was solid, particularly in the second half, as they absorbed pressure and hit Millwall on the counter.
- Set Pieces:
- Crawley Town’s first goal came from a set piece, with Kyle McFadzean scoring from a header after a well-delivered corner. Their second goal was from open play, with Hope Akpan finishing off a swift counter-attack. Gary Alexander added a third with a clinical finish inside the box, and Dannie Bulman sealed the win in stoppage time with a well-taken strike. Millwall’s lone goal came from Liam Trotter, who scored with a powerful shot from outside the box.
- Individual Performances:
- For Crawley Town, Kyle McFadzean was outstanding in defense and scored the crucial opening goal. Hope Akpan controlled the midfield and added a goal, while Gary Alexander and Dannie Bulman both contributed to the scoring, ensuring a comprehensive victory. For Millwall, Liam Trotter was a key player, scoring their only goal, but his efforts were not enough to turn the game around.
- Tactical Overview:
- Millwall employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on controlling possession and building attacks through the midfield. Crawley Town used a 4-4-1-1 formation, with a focus on staying compact defensively and breaking quickly on the counter-attack. Crawley’s tactics were highly effective, as they absorbed pressure and exploited Millwall’s defensive lapses.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for Crawley Town (David Hunt 45′, Sergio Torres 67′) and one for Millwall (Shane Lowry 76′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at disrupting the opposition’s play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Millwall won 7 corners compared to Crawley Town’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage. However, they were unable to capitalize on these set-piece opportunities. Crawley were caught offside twice, while Millwall had one offside call, indicating Crawley’s focus on quick breaks.
Summary
Crawley Town’s 4-1 victory over Millwall in the League Cup First Round was a significant upset, as the League One side defeated their Championship opponents convincingly at The Den. Despite Millwall’s dominance in possession and a strong start, Crawley Town’s disciplined defense and clinical finishing on the counter-attack proved decisive.
Kyle McFadzean’s opening goal from a corner set the tone for Crawley, who then added goals through Hope Akpan, Gary Alexander, and Dannie Bulman. Millwall’s Liam Trotter scored a consolation goal, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
The result was a disappointment for Millwall, who were expected to progress but were undone by Crawley’s tactical approach and sharpness in front of goal. Crawley Town’s victory highlighted their potential in the competition and demonstrated their ability to compete against higher-division teams. The match is remembered for Crawley’s effectiveness and Millwall’s missed opportunities, as the underdogs advanced to the next round of the League Cup.
