Tuesday night’s goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday means it is the third home league game in a row that the Lions have failed to score, causing concern for fans and manager Neil Harris.
Harris made one change to the lineup from the previous game where they lost to Swansea. Aiden O’Brien came in to replace Ben Thompson, who had shone in previous games since coming back from his impressive loan spell with Portsmouth.
Right Wing Dominance
Mahlon Romeo and Jed Wallace were proving to be a crucial duo down the right-hand side in the early stages. Romeo whipped in a delightful cross for Ben Marshall, who saw his header directed at goal frantically cleared by Michael Hector over the crossbar.
Millwall were playing good possession-based football in the early stages. Wallace was enjoying freedom on the right wing and struck a hard-driven cross into the centre of the box on 12 minutes. Lee Gregory, the Lions top goal scorer, latched onto the cross, but it was superbly blocked by Hector. The ball then fell to the feet of Marshall who also had his shot blocked by Wednesday right back Liam Palmer.
After the early exchanges in the first half, both teams seemed to lack any creators in the middle of the park as it became a midfield battle.
Frustrated Fans
The fans grew frustrated as half-time was approaching, moans and groans began to fill the ground as the Lions fans had seen it all too many times this season.
The visitors, who lacked quality and composure during the first half, were keen to put it right as they came out with a purpose in the second half. Jordan Archer in the Millwall goal pulled off a fantastic save to his right to deny a ferocious shot from Lucas João inside the box.
Gregory was a frustrated figure as he was left isolated all night with little support. However, the forward showed he is more than just goals, as he linked up well with the best player on the night Wallace.
The striker wriggled away from the defenders in the box to put in a looping cross it was headed back across goal much to the surprise of Marshall who saw his header at goal cleared of the line.
The injury to Lee Gregory towards the end of the game left a sour taste in the mouths of the Lions, as it was clearly not going to be their day.
Optimistic Boss
Despite the stalemate at The Den, Harris was full of optimism. After the game he spoke to the official Millwall website saying: “I said to the players that we just fell short, but it was a strong performance- Archer kicked the ball once in 26 first- half minutes before they forced a corner.
“We became a little edgy in the last 15 minutes, as did the stadium, which I understand because of the number of late goals we’ve conceded… the clean sheet is important- if you can’t win a game, you certainly can’t lose”