Stevenage v Millwall Player Ratings

Chris Day: 7. The experienced shot-stopper was as solid as ever – which is testament to his high standards and professionalism.

George Casey: 7. The young academy lad offers huge promise. Good to see his awareness in finding space when pushing forward – but equally being able to carry out the defensive duties expected of him when required. Encouraging to see he wasn’t afraid to be vocal in dealings with teammates. Keep an eye on this player.

Ryan Johnson: 6.5. Another academy lad who will have enjoyed the occasion if not the result. Made vital interceptions and blocks while holding his defensive shape well at this level. Not difficult to see why he was shortlisted as League Two Apprentice of the Year last term.

David McAllister: 6.5 His honest endeavours were sorely missed when he was forced off with a groin strain in the first half. The good news is Teddy Sheringham said in his post match interview he isn’t expecting it to keep him out for long.

Mark Hughes: 7: Solid and calm under pressure, good in the air, showed great concentration throughout and won his aerial duels. Will be glad to get another 90 minutes under his belt as he gears up for the start of the season.

Dean Wells: 6.5: Did the simple things well. Uncomplicated display and stood firm when facing danger.

Tom Pett: 6.5. This highly regarded player perhaps didn’t see as much of the ball out wide as he would have wanted – which stemmed from the narrow shape Stevenage adopted, certainly in the first half – but was always a lively presence, even if there is far more to come from him than he provided on today’s evidence.

Dale Gorman: 6.5. Another academy lad who battled gamely even if he looked raw on occasions. Keen to get involved at all times, put in a good shift and as he grew in confidence played the simple ball well.

Brett Williams: 6. Ploughed a lone furrow at times up front but never let his head drop despite not seeing – or being provided – with much of the ball.

Charlie Lee: 6.5. Whole-hearted player who is as committed and passionate as you would expect from someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. Always in the thick of the action even if he would have liked to be more influential.

Dipo Akinyemi. 5.5. Struggled to get into the game, but with his pace and undoubted talent he always looks dangerous when in possession and running at the opposition. Just a shame there wasn’t more of it today but that will come with experience. It’s a compliment to him that despite his rawness it’s sometimes forgotten he’s still an academy lad too.

Subs.

Dean Parrett for McAllister on 31 minutes. 6. Starved of the ball but never stopped working.

Tom Conlon for Gorman (68). 6. Battled gamely but was faced with a difficult match in which to make an impression.

Triallist for Willliams (56). 6.5. Harried as if his life depended on it.

Shaun Miller for Akinyemi (56). 6.5. Showed persistence during his time on the pitch.

Millwall

David Forde: 6.5. The experienced keeper will have had far more testing games than this.

Shaun Cummings: 7. Showed willingness to attack and provided good crosses which deserved better at times.

Jimmy Abdou: 6.5. Good honest commitment but lacked composure when venturing into the opponent’s box.

Tony Craig: 7. Looked to play the ball out from the back, but equally happy to fire it long if the situation required. A no-nonsense defender which every team needs.

Shaun Williams: 7. His good covering, effective distribution and defensive awareness helped snuff out danger from the Stevenage forward line. Hit the bar after a series of slide rule passes by Millwall forwards in Boro’s box that were positively Arsenal-esque in their reluctance to pull the trigger.

Paris Cowan-Hall: 6. A conundrum. Pacy but appeared slow to react at times. Appears to have a good technique but his first touch let him down when well placed. Dangerous but failed to capitalise when given the ball in and around the box. Looked confident but snatched at half chances. Will certainly have gained from the run-out – one to watch over the coming season, if only to gauge his progress.

Lee Gregory: 6.5. One tricky run in particular caught the eye, but wasn’t involved as much as he would have liked.

Lee Martin: 6.5. Always looked to attack and played in a positive fashion. Switched play across the park well at times.

John Marquis: 6.5. A threat even if the end product was not consistent. Relished the battle.

Mark Beevers: 7.5: Notched the winner with a header in a crowded box to put the Lions 1-0 up just after the hour mark. Was a nuisance to Stevenage throughout and showed a deftness of touch at times.

Byron Webster: 6.5. Will perhaps have been frustrated he couldn’t get into the game as much as he would have liked.

Subs.

Jordan Archer on for Forde on 55 minutes. 6. Difficult to assess his goalkeeping ability when tested so little in the time he did have on the pitch.

Joe Martin for Cummings (73). 6.5. Eager and full of running.

Ben Thompson for Williams (73). 6.5. Went close for the visitors as his low shot flew past the post. Showed nice touches, and pleasingly good close control.

Fred Onyedinma for Cowan-Hall (55). 6.5. Not afraid to drop deep to look for the ball and showed glimpses of a promising left foot. Exciting player who made the shortlist for Apprentice of the Year last season in the Championship.

Jamie Philpot for Gregory (55). 6.5. Strong performance and harried well.

Jack Powell for Martin (55). 6. Tried hard to get into the game and will have enjoyed his run-out.

Sid Nelson on for goalscorer Beevers (73). Needed more time to make an impact.