At a time when Millwall are embroiled in a potentially terminal battle with the local council, they continue to impress on the pitch, writes Ben Smith.
Neil Harris commended his team’s attacking display as Millwall pulled off a comfortable 3-0 win over Peterborough United on Saturday.
The Lions returned to winning ways at The Den after their surprise 2-0 defeat by Scunthorpe United on Tuesday, and boss Harris was “delighted” with the quality the south-east London side presented going forward.
Attacking Prowess
Lee Gregory registered his 20th goal of the season with a second half header that was sandwiched in between two efforts from Steve Morison, who took his season goal-tally to 12.
“In so many ways it was a proper Millwall performance,” Harris told Millwallfc.co.uk.
“We didn’t get too down after what happened on Tuesday against Scunthorpe because you can’t play well every week. But credit to the players because they have shown a real response today by putting in a terrific performance.
“I think our all-round attacking play was excellent, and probably as good as it has been this season. We did really well to get the ball into wide areas and the front two, with and without it, were excellent. They gave us a defensive shape and their quality is there for all to see with their goal tallies.”
The Lions have kept four clean sheets in their five games in all competitions this month, and Harris, who has been full of praise for his team and their stability in recent weeks, highlighted the importance of their defensive work at the weekend.
He added: “The first goal is really important for us, especially here at The Den. Once we got it today the players really showed their quality. They were disciplined, well organised and diligent in their defending, just as we asked of them before the game.”
Fight for Survival
The contrast between the Lions’ steadiness on and off the pitch could not be starker. Lewisham council is set to decide whether land around The Den is to be sold to property development company Renewal.
Millwall fear that if a deal – delayed due to a legal investigation – goes through, then the club’s future is in doubt. More than 15,000 people have signed a petition opposing the deal.
The team, doing their best to remain unfazed by the saga, are handily placed in fifth in League One, five points above Sheffield United who are one position below the play-offs.