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Millwall looking forward to cup test against West Ham
Ben Hunt13.08.09
Millwall are relishing this month's Carling Cup clash with West Ham but don't think the Hammers will be so keen.
They last played each other in April 2005 - the Championship match ended 1-1 - and will meet again at Upton Park as a result last night's second-round draw.
Millwall managing director Andy Ambler said: "This is a chance for our emerging side to test themselves against Premier League opposition.
"We are looking forward to the squad showing off what they can do - though our players will be looking forward to it more than their's will."
There has been trouble between the fans in the past but Ambler said: "We have a very experienced security team who are used to staging these sorts of games and we will make sure [with West Ham] the match passes off with as little disruption to fans and the community as possible."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola wants a better performance in the competition this term after getting knocked out by Watford last season.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace take on big-spending Manchester City at Selhurst Park.
The clash could be televised, which would bring in extra funds for the cash-strapped Eagles.
Draw (to be played week starting 24 August): West Brom v Rotherham, Norwich v Sunderland, Tranmere v Bolton, QPR v Accrington, Bristol City v Carlisle, Leyton Orient v Stoke, Port Vale v Sheffield Wednesday, Hull v Southend, Leeds v Watford, Cardiff v Bristol Rovers, Portsmouth v Hereford, Crystal Palace v Manchester City, Wolves v Swindon, Gillingham v Blackburn, Blackpool v Wigan, Southampton v Birmingham, Preston v Leicester, Newcastle v Huddersfield, West Ham v Millwall, Hartlepool v Burnley, Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough, Reading v Barnsley, Swansea v Scunthorpe, Doncaster v Tottenham, Peterborough v Ipswich.
Reader views (8)
The trouble at last night's match is undoubtedly helped by internet sites that encourage fans to post abusive comments about each others teams and even go so far as to put fight scenes on You-tube.
The football authorities (surely a misnomer, because they have no actual authority) should get in touch with the people in charge of the internet and try and prevent what is an abuse of the services offered.
Robert Murray
- Robert Murray, London, England
Just what is wrong with the Met and West Ham??? One day after announcing Millwaal's ticket allocation (and after starting to sell tickets), the Met feel that the allocation is too many and want to restrict the number. Wasn't the conversation held before the initial allocation? I suppose every club, even the big clubs have the same allocation??????
- Brian, London
And not many people know that, Michael!
- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England
Watch Green Street the night before just to get you in the mood for a calm, relaxed sporting atmosphere.
- Melly, Cartagena, Colombia
What a delightful evening awaits the police & local residence. There will be clashes, fights, stabbings between fans.
- 3p, London
Must take the children.
- Grim Reaper, Hell
Not sure where the dockers story started, but a docklands historian has said theres no substance to the story. Not that it'll make any different to the atomsphere.
- Michael Caine, Kent
The West Ham v Millwall match will be a great event with lots of tension and passion but i suspect west ham wont risk playing their 1st eleven, it's more likely their reserves will be playing. I wonder if Gianfranco Zola understands the rivalry goes way back to the 1920's? It concerns strike action started by the East End (perceived to be West Ham fans) which Isle Of Dogs-based companies (i.e. Millwall fans) refused to support, breeding illwill between the two camps.
- Paul R, London
