Millwall kept their FA Cup hopes alive last Saturday with an impressive 1-1 fourth-round draw against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

Indeed, but for an undeserved last-minute equaliser from Kevin Davies, the Lions would be already through to a fifth-round tie against Norwich City.

Early on, the Lions looked as if they were set for a mauling as the Saints dominated. Yet it was Millwall who carved out the first chance when Paul Ifill intercepted a lazy back pass and rounded home goalie Antti Niemi.

The Saints keeper clipped the Millwall winger, who tried to keep his feet, but Steve Claridge was on hand to stroke the ball towards the empty net and had Francis Benali not intervened to clear the ball, the Lions would have taken an even earlier lead.

The close call seemed to unnerve the Saints, while Millwall grew in stature and they took the lead when Paul Robinson headed down Steven Reid's free-kick for Claridge to flick home.

Claridge celebrated by turning to the seats behind the goal and pointing down his back.

Millwall then survived an almighty goalmouth scramble when the ball hit the post and Tony Warner saved brilliantly, but the Lions were generally good value for their half-time lead.

After the break, Millwall went close to adding to their lead several times, with Ifill and Claridge causing the Saints plenty of consternation with their trickery.

Meanwhile, in the Lions' back-line, Darren Ward and Robinson had so successfully snuffed out the danger represented by James Beattie and Brett Ormerod that Strachan decided to replace both strikers.

It proved to be a masterstroke, as substitute Kevin Davies, who spent part of this season on loan at The Den, drove home a last-minute equaliser after fellow substitute Jo Tessem's shot had been superbly parried by Warner.

Despite the disappointment of conceding a late goal, the Lions, playing an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation, were a credit to Division One. Also, the replay should provide a financial windfall for Millwall as a large crowd is expected at The Den for the replay next Tuesday night.

Millwall boss Mark McGhee said: "I thought it was a good cup-tie. Although the equalising goal came very late in the game, they did have chances before that. But I enjoyed the game tremendously.

"I'd rather not have had the replay, as we've got a difficult game against Sheffield United beforehand.

"But now it's happened, we're looking forward to the replay. Our fans will be able to get the tickets they couldn't get for the away match, so that will be good."

On Claridge, who is still defying Father Time with his vigorous performances, McGhee said: "He's run himself into the ground, literally.

"I say it every week: he continues to confound you. Steve's contribution was more than just the goal, although he knows where the net is."

Millwall play Sheffield United at The Den on Saturday (kick off 3pm) ahead of Tuesday night's cup replay at 7.45pm.

January 29, 2003 09:00