Millwall vs Bournemouth. The FA Cup Third Round.
The Den.
Saturday 7 January 2017 18:18, UK
Sky Bet League One Millwall reached the FA Cup fourth round with a 3-0 home win over a much-changed Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe gambled by making eleven changes to his team, who were outclassed and outfought as goals from Steve Morison, Shaun Cummings and Shane Ferguson secured a deserved victory.
In only the fifth minute, Morison wasted a fine chance when, after Lee Gregory unexpectedly won possession from Bournemouth goalkeeper Adam Federici, he struck wide despite a near open goal when rushing a first-time shot.
Morison in turn soon created a chance for Gregory when chipping towards him in space in the area but when the striker's inability to control allowed the visitors to smother clear.
They eventually did break the deadlock in the 26th minute and it was a goal they deserved with Morison rising highest to head home Shaun Williams' corner.
From Fred Onyedinma's 34th-minute run and pass Gregory was again played into space, but this time, he struck just wide of the post.
Bournemouth offered little in response to Millwall's intensity and pressing and Emerson Hyndman's 40th-minute shot into the side netting from the edge of the area went against the hosts' momentum.
It was in the 49th minute that the hosts doubled their lead. Federici unconvincingly pushed Morison's dangerous shot as far as Cummings, who from five yards scored with a routine finish.
Howe had introduced top goalscorer Callum Wilson at half-time, and first-team regulars Steve Cook and Dan Gosling soon followed amid the manager's attempts to inspire a comeback.
As Millwall tired, Bournemouth began to stretch the hosts and passed the ball with greater confidence. But an away goal was not forthcoming. Wilson eventually forced the ball in from a rebound in stoppage time, but it was ruled offside and the hosts responded by scoring their third.
Morison and David Worrall combined to create space in the area for substitute Ferguson, who comfortably finished inside Federici's near post.
