Millwall boss on opposition scoring with some spectacular long-range efforts

By Richard Cawley

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Millwall have been the victim of some long-range strikes this season – but Neil Harris reckons that reflects how difficult his defence is to break down.

Bryan Oviedo ruthlessly finished a short-corner routine in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland from 20 yards.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Joey Pelupessy and Cardiff’s Junior Hoilett have also spanked in from outside the box too in recent weeks.

“I’d certainly take people shooting from 20 or 30 yards rather than 12 or 18 yards,” said Harris. “Look at the goals in the Premier League – the ratio of goals to shots is very high. Chances come along and you get punished.

“In the Championship there is a little more leeway. On any given day you might not get punished for one or two mistakes.

“Our chances [against] to games ratio is very good, near the top. That is our diligence to our shape. If people finish in the top or bottom corner then there is not a lot we can do about it.

“We’ve not conceded many goals, so it tends to highlight the ones we do concede have been from distance.

“When you go down the leagues you see that goals are often mistakes or people getting into the box quite easily. I’ll certainly be talking to my players about getting out to stop shots a little bit quicker but quality players are going to shoot from distance and score goals.”