Millwall were held at home by a struggling Derby side, despite the away team being reduced to 10-men, after two goals in quick succession on the brink of half time.
Derby took the lead on 44 minutes following Festy Ebosele’s strike but were pegged back two minutes later by Millwall left-back Scott Malone.
High-Intensity Midfield Battle
The game started off with a high intensity, but with few chances to speak of, with much of the first half an hour played in the middle of the park.
It took until the 17th minute for a goalkeeper to be called into action. Bartosz Bialkowski came to the rescue after Sam Baldock’s shot was deflected off Jake Cooper and heading goalward.
The game continued to be a dull affair until a sudden period of drama right before half-time.
Ebosele Sparks Game Into Brief Life
Derby were first to break the deadlock just before half time. Festy Ebosele was left with too much space and made easy work of his strike after being played in by midfielder Tom Lawrence.
Derby’s lead didn’t last long however as it took Millwall just over a minute to equalise. Ex-Rams player Scott Malone made sure he got revenge on his old club getting himself in a great spot along the left to level the playing field just before the halftime whistle.
Millwall Wasteful Against 10-Men
Early in the second half, Millwall had two clear chances that could have seen the team seal all three points for themselves.
Bennett fed into Jed Wallace shortly after the second half started but the unmarked Wallace was unable to hit the target.
Soon after, a Wallace cross was sent agonisingly wide by Benik Afobe at the 60-minute mark.
Nathan Byrne sent Derby down to 10-men just after the hour mark when he collected a second yellow for a foul on former Derby player Mason Bennett. Coincidentally, his first half yellow card was also a foul on Bennett.
A total of six minutes of extra time was played out after a clash of heads between Daniel Ballard and Lee Buchanan, with the former having to go off with a small concussion.
Derby managed well with just 10-men, but it was all Millwall with the possession. Chance after chance came but Millwall weren’t clinical with their possession and the Lions just couldn’t find a way to break down Wayne Rooney’s Rams.
Speaking to Millwall TV after the game, manager Gary Rowett believes his side was the better of the two, “We created lots and lots of chances in the second half. I think we were the better side, even before the sending off, I don’t think it made a lot of difference.”
Racist Abuse Further Mars Disappointing Draw
The game was marred further due to alleged discriminatory abuse aimed at a Derby player.
Millwall released a statement that read, “the matter is under immediate investigation and the club will co-operate fully in the matter”.
Millwall and the Metropolitan Police are currently liaising to find the culprit with Millwall stating they will give a lifetime ban to the fan in question.
The draw leaves Millwall just outside of the play off positions in ninth, one point away from QPR who occupy sixth.
Their next game comes away at Middlesbrough on the 20th November.
