THE Advertiser takes a look at Charlie Austin's Wembley shift in fine detail:
3 mins: Closes down Tony Craig and forces the Millwall man into an error.
6 mins: Just misses a good ball from Jon-Paul McGovern at far post.
7 mins: Shows good strength to lay ball off to Danny Ward whose cross into the box comes to nothing.
9 mins: Holds the ball up nicely before laying off for a teammate under pressure from Liam Trotter
20 mins: Exhibits great composure to find Ward.
29 mins: First shot of the game. A good effort to turn his marker on the edge of the box, but his shot goes high and wide.
31 mins: Links up superbly with Ward and Billy Paynter to create chance for Alan Sheehan but his shot goes over the bar.
39 mins: Continues to work hard defensively chasing back and forcing an error out of Scott Barron.
47 mins: Good take from Austin on right-hand side to find Kevin Amankwaah resulting in a free-kick in a dangerous position.
52 mins: Looks dangerous for the first time in the match when he almost scores a Paul Gascoigne-esque goal.
Like Gazza did against Scotland in Euro ’96, Austin lifts the ball over the defenders but unfortunately the ball just didn’t break for him and the chance goes.
60 mins: Turns and shoots but his shot is deflected.
62 mins: Links with Paynter and McGovern well to eventually earn a corner.
65 mins: Tries a shot from the edge of the area but it is blocked.
73 mins: His big chance. Latches onto a mistake from Paul Robinson and is clean through on goal.
Town fans are anticipating a trademark Austin finish but the youngster blazes wide.
At first glance it looks a glaring miss but video replays showed the ball took a horrendous bobble and cruelly bounces off his shin.
Austin had done everything right to get into the position and open up the far right-hand post until the finish.
90 mins: Not even had a touch of the ball for over 15 minutes as Millwall dominate proceedings.
Injury time: Threatens to grab an equaliser just inside the box but his shot is deflected and then desperately tipped wide by David Forde in the Millwall goal.
Final whistle: Austin sinks to his knees, crying. Is comforted first by team masseur Mark Webb and then Danny Wilson and teammates.
The striker dons a towel around is head and is just seen wandering around the Wembley pitch despondently.
Eventually has a moment with a section of supporters before watching agonisingly as Millwall lift the trophy.
Is still visibly devastated as he leaves the changing room and is too upset to talk to the press.
Austin verdict: In fairness to Austin he had hardly any service from his teammates but was more effective than strike partner Paynter.
Worked tirelessly when needed to try and make things happen.
It just wasn’t really his day. Austin didn’t really put a foot wrong and you can’t blame him for ‘the miss’ - that was the fault of the pitch.
He did well to get into goalscoring positions against a resilient Millwall defence, and on another day may have grabbed a couple of goals.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel