Millwall's Harris: League the priority but we want cup run
NEIL Harris wants his side to build on the win at Shrewsbury on Saturday, even if it is likely there will be some changes against Barnet.
Harris confirmed the squad came through the weekend unscathed, but he will rest some of his first-choice 11 with a hectic period ahead.
After the Bees tonight, Millwall play successive home games against Coventry and Barnsley before travelling to Scunthorpe on Saturday week.
That could mean opportunities to impress for the likes of Sid Nelson, Jack Powell and Paris Cowan-Hall, while Shane Ferguson could be handed a first start.
“It’s all good after Saturday,” Harris said. “Everyone who was fit at the weekend is fit now.
“I was really pleased with our all-round game on Saturday, apart from the slow start to the second half.
“It wasn’t even particularly that slow but we didn’t get into our rhythm quite as quickly as we did in the first half. I thought we were outstanding in the first 15 minutes.
“I was delighted with the whole game really apart from not controlling the 15 minutes after half-time.
“I thought we controlled the game well and were dangerous from set-pieces. The shot stat of ten on target to their one was quite telling about how the game went.
“We probably just about shaded possession but it was effective possession. We were quite relentless about getting into wide areas and getting crosses into the box.
“We have to have a think about what team we put out tonight. It’s about getting that mix between building consistency and being careful with players who haven’t played that many minutes in pre-season.
“What I also have to consider is we’re playing four games in a short space of time. I’ve got to think ahead but certainly if I want to change it I’ve got the personnel that I can bring in who are capable of continuing the good work we did on Saturday.”
Although Harris says the league is the priority, he admitted that he looks forward to big cup occasions.
He said: “I want to win every game, every game is important to me. We want to continue with what we built on Saturday.
“This is a big week. I want the boys to perform and win some home games.
“It would be nice to have a run in the League Cup and it would be nice to have a run in the JP Trophy and the FA Cup as well.
“For me the cup games are a welcome distraction.”
Barnet arrive at The Den after losing 2-0 at Leyton Orient on Saturday, their first game back in the Football League for two years.
But Harris is far from expecting a straightforward evening against Martin Allen’s side.
“They’ll be very competitive,” he stressed. “Martin’s a great guy and he did really well last year to get promoted. I was really pleased for him and Barnet is a good club.
“They’re a physical side with some pace and it’s definitely going to be a very tough fixture for us.
“Hopefully we can get through the first round and then turn our attentions to Coventry on Saturday.”
Any Martin Allen side will always be competitive so it'll be no walk in the park, saying that though they should worry about us and not us about them which was the ginger t***** & the carrot cruncher's way!
Let's have it tonight boys! 2 wins in 2 and Coventry will be number 3. Trust in Harris! COYFL
@icemark100:
No argument here mate, COYL!!
@Millwallsteve1972: my team if i was harris:
archer
siafa nelson webster fergerson
PCH upson powell fred
marquis morrison
I'm sure siafa was let go.my team would be
Archer
Cummings,Nelson,Beavers,Romeo
Paris,Powell,Upson,Ferguson
Marquis,philpot
@bluelion10: siafa is no longer with us..so your have pick another Rb
@bluelion10:
I'd go with Archer to give Fordey competition as we have to blood him sometime and tonight's a perfect opportunity. Cummings at RB as Saifa's gone. Deffo rest Greggs as he run himself into the ground at the shrews.
You would think the ideal game to give Archer and Marquis a run out.
I would also expect Ferguson and Powell to get a go.
Gotta give Archer a go and put Forde on the bench. Forde's been awful for the last two seasons at least. Too comfy with no real threat from the bench. Drop him to keep him on his toes.
@southlondon1885: Couldn't agree more, last time Forde was dropped for a string of games a couple of seasons back he was a lot better when reinstated as he had to fight for his place. Hopefully Archer can give him a run for his money.
@southlondon1885:
No argument here mate.
Forde
Cummings Webster. Craig. Beevers
Paris g hall. Abdou Powell. Ferguson
Marquis. Morison
I think Cummings is a weak link, always drifts to the middle, gives to much space to wingers,?
JPT Cup and League one should be the main concentration. Forget about First Capital Cup and aim on FA and JPT. Archer should start this Saturday against Coventry and have Carlos Edwards if fit enough