Millwall boss Gary Rowett: We seem to take two or three matches to really hit our stride

Gary Rowett reckons that his Millwall side tend to need a few matches before they get back fully in their groove.

The Lions were poor in a 2-1 loss to Coventry City earlier this month – their first fixture back after an enforced lay-off following a Covid-19 outbreak in their squad.

But Millwall followed up with a 2-0 FA Cup victory at non-league Boreham Wood last weekend and then deservedly claimed a 1-1 draw at promotion-chasing Bournemouth.

The SE16 side were left to rue missed chances on the South Coast which could have made it an even better result.

Lions manager Rowett: “Whenever we come back from playing after a break, maybe we’re just the type of team who start slowly. We maybe need two or three games to get back in our stride again.

“It’s frustrating but it’s just reality.

“After the Coventry game we spoke about the possible effects of our covid cases. I don’t want to use it as an excuse but the physical levels for Bournemouth were vastly different.

“The players are in a good place. We created some very good chances against Bournemouth, who have probably got the best squad in the division.

“To go there and play like we did – we are a little disappointed with a draw, we felt like we probably should’ve won the game.”