Millwall's cup dream

Paul Ifill today looked forward to Millwall's FA Cup tie against Burnley by describing it as a 'fantastic chance' for the club to reach the quarter finals.

The Lions midfielder capped a fine performance with a goal last night as his team won 2-0 at non-league Telford United in the twicedelayed fourth round clash. Millwall now play Stan Ternent's side at The Den on Saturday and Ifill has already set his sights on getting in the hat for for the last eight draw.

He said: 'I think it's the greatest chance the modern Millwall team have had to reach the quarter finals. I've been at Millwall seven years and this is the furthest I've got so far.

'You couldn't ask for more than a home tie against a team in your own division. But it will be hard against Burnley. We've been up there earlier this season and they're a good side.'

Millwall last reached the final eight in 1985 when they lost the infamous match at Luton. This Saturday Division One Burnley stand in their way but assistant manager Ray Wilkins is aware of the knock-on effects of a good cup run.

He said: 'I honestly believe it helps your league form. There's a terrific buzz around the place when you have a cup run. After performing like they did last night, the lads will be really looking forward to Saturday.'

Under the guidance of Wilkins and player-manager Dennis Wise, who scored the second goal last night, Millwall are starting to look the part.

The Bucks Head pitch, which was more like Beachy Head because there was so much sand on it to ensure the game went ahead, made passing difficult but Millwall dug in and created enough clear chances to have won by a bigger margin.

Three-times FA Cup winner Wise was the game's outstanding performer but he was closely followed by the energetic-Tim Cahill and the skillful Ifill. Wilkins said: 'It was a very professional performance and after the first 20 minutes we controlled the match. We should have scored more. The second goal was the most important one as someone can always nick one from 30 yards and it is 1-1.

'The lads are used to playing on bowling greens but we played some good football in the conditions.'

Telford manager Mick Jones was magnanimous-enough in defeat to praise his opposite number. He said: 'I'm a big admirer of Dennis Wise. He's taken a lot of stick but he's a bit like me. He likes competing against the odds. I hope the lad does well in management.'

Millwall have now won five of their last six games and suffered just one defeat in their last 11 matches.

Key to that revival, which has put the Lions within sight of the play-offs, has been the form of striker Danny Dichio, who surprisingly played last night after his loan spell from West Brom was extended for another month.

The south London club are determined to deal a permanent deal for the giant forward but do not want to pay more than £500,000.

Wilkins said: 'Theo Paphitis is still in negotiations with West Brom. It's difficult financial times for everybody concerned at the club. It's not easy to bring players in.'