Lions star Nicky has injury fright

by Brian Stater

Millwall midfield star Nicky Chatterton could he out of action until December. Manager George Graham is anxiously waiting for the verdict on Chatterton, who limped off with an injury to his right knee in Tuesday's win over Derby. 

The knee has swollen alarmingly and Chatterton sees a specialist today. Graham said, "Nicky never seems to get slight injuries they always seem to be serious." 

And Den physio Bryan Carnaby added, "We won't know exactly what's wrong until the swelling has gone down. There may be damage to the muscles. If it's serious he couldn't think of playing for at least six weeks. But I can't see him coming back inside three weeks even if it turns out to be less serious than we fear. " 

Chatterton, who missed the end of the 1982-83 campaign with kidney damage was also ruled out of much of last season with a severely dislocated shoulder. 

Gillingham are among the Third Division's early high fliers and a win here would give proof of Millwall's promotion potential. 

Graham said, "If we can show the same spirit away from home as we do at The Den we will be alright." 

Meanwhile injured midfield man Tony Kinsella was yesterday due to play in the reserves.

● Right: Nicky Chatterton sees a specialist today

by Brian Stater

HAVE Millwall broken their away day jinx? 

Millwall dispelled manager George Graham's fears over their away form with a dazzling 4-1 victory at Gillingham. 

A delighted Graham chirped: “That was our best away performance since I took over." 

Gillingham were stunned before the start when Martin Robinson, their new signing from Charlton, was ruled out because of an administrative mix-up. 

The Lions roared home with goals from Steve Lowndes, Steve Lovell, Dave Cusack and Lindsay Smith. Mel Sage hit a late consolation goal. 

That's the question prompted by their biggest victory away from The Den in almost six years. After only five Third Division trips this season the Lions have notched two wins - equaling the tally they managed from 23 attempts last time around. 

Millwall boss George Graham rated this the best performance on an opponent's ground since he took over in 1982. 

 The 24-year-old Welshman confirmed his comeback after a bleak 10-month spell by scoring the first goal and making the second for midfield partner Steve Lovell. 

Afterwards Lowndes said, “I'm really enjoying being back in the side - and this was a hell of a game”. 

Lowndes was playing only his second full game since hideously dislocating the big toe of his right foot at Bolton way back  in January. 

Lowndes ran through to fire Millwall's 12th minute opener after a mix-up between former Charlton defender Peter Shaw and Russell Musker, then coolly beat Mel Sage before crossing for Lovell. 

After the interval Millwall ravaged lack-luster Gillingham - who clearly need the width Charlton's Martin Robinson will provide when he makes his debut - and Dave Cusack grabbed the third. 

Lindsay Smith, Cusack's central defensive partner, got in on the act, shooting the fourth before Mel Sage hit Gillingham's consolation. 

Gillingham 1 Millwall 4 

by Peter Borrows 

A SPARKLING display of attacking football gave the Lions an emphatic victory and took them to third spot in Division Three. 

Gillingham were completely outclassed by Millwall's superb team performance which crushed them without trace long before the end.

Millwall boss George Graham has been worried in the past by his team's inconsistent form away from home. But after this victory he need have no fears. "That is the best  we have played away since I became manager," he said. The lads were terrific and we outclassed them."

Welsh international Steve Lowndes put Millwall in front after 12 minutes as he took advantage of a mix-up in the Gills defence to slot the ball home.

Although Gillingham threatened a couple of times through Dave Mehmet, a former Millwall player, goalkeeper Paul Sansome dealt confidently with their efforts.

Three minutes before half time Steve Lovell was left unmarked at the far post to head in Millwall's second from a perfect Lowndes cross.

The second half was only five minutes old when Millwall sealed the match with another simple goal, David Cusack heading in from a corner after being left unchallenged to pick his spot.

But it made little difference as Millwall continued to dominate the match. Ten minutes from time Lindsey Smith scored their fourth goal from close range after Dean Neal's cross had rebounded back off the bar.

Gillingham: Hillyard, Sage, Shaw, Oakes, Hinningan, Leslie, Johnson, Musker, Mehmet, Cascarino, Shinners (Shearer 60 mins) 

Millwall : Sansome; Stevens, Smith, Cusack, Roffey, Lovell,  Otulakowski. Briley, Lowndes, Neal, Bremner. Sub: McLeary

● Bottom: Welcome return for Steve Lowndes from his long injury nightmare

Millwall dispelled manager George Graham's fears over their away form with a dazzling 4-1 victory at Gillingham.

A delighted Graham chirped: “That was our best away performance since I took over." 

Gillingham were stunned before the start when Martin Robinson, their new signing from Charlton, was ruled out because of an administrative mix-up.

Martin's transfer paper work was complete but the club's bank failed to deposit the necessary cash in the League's account on time.

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