Simply not good enough

Jackett: Losing the plot?

"They definitely had the edge on us. I thought in midfield we were poor and Dean Hammond and Perkins had a bit too much for us." So said manager Kenny Jackett after Millwall slumped out of a second Cup competition at home in a matter of weeks. But although The Lions boss was quick to praise the opposition the fact remains that much of the blame for last night's defeat lies at the feet of the boss.

Colchester United may have impressed Jackett with their negative tactics - they had one shot on target all night - but Millwall made them look good, especially in the first half with a starting XI that consisted of a winger at right back, a left back in midfield, a striker on the wing and a second winger up front. What was going through the manager's mind when he came up with that formation is anyone's guess but he all but gifted the visitors the game.

As improved as he may be as a defender, Tony Craig possess neither the strength or tactical ability to play in midfield while Millwall's most impressive player was once again Chris Hackett, who was stuck at full back. Ashley Grimes showed fleeting glimpses of ability but was hauled off at half-time while poor Gary Bowes was brought on then removed by Jackett after just twenty minutes. The club's official site said it was an injury precaution but the young lad seemed to be running without any sign of trouble when he went off.

United enjoyed their fair share of luck in front of goal but The Lions didn't actually threaten much, pumping high balls into the air to no one in particular and apart from Hackett, no one really emerged from the game with any credit, particular the manager, who is beginning to worry one or two fans with his bizarre selections while ignoring the likes of Danny Spiller and Dave Brammer, two midfielders who could - and would - have made a difference last night.