Millwall clinch national Professional Development League title

Millwall are the Professional Development League national play-off champions after a 2-1 extra-time win over Sheffield United last night.

Lions captain Chin Okoli headed the winner in the first period of additional time.

A crowd of 2,076 were in attendance at The Den including first-team manager Gary Rowett and club record signing Zian Flemming.

Romain Esse put Millwall ahead in the first half after the Blades keeper could only partially parry Aidomo Emakhu’s low shot, leaving the England U18 international with a simple finish.

Andrew Brooks came close to a leveller shortly before the interval with his ferocious strike crashing back off the crossbar.

Emakhu squandered a glorious chance to give Millwall a 2-0 lead early in the second half. The young Irish striker had a gaping goal from Nana Boateng’s low cross but his effort came back off the right upright.

Sheffield United made it 1-1 on 64 minutes. William Osula’s curling shot came back off the post and then clipped off Lions keeper Joe Wright to present Sydie Peck with a tap in.

Both teams were feeling the pace in extra-time, players going down with cramp a regular sight, but Kevin Nugent’s side found the third and decisive goal on a sapping evening.

Nino Adom-Malaki, impressive at left-back, chipped in a free-kick which Okoli met with a downward header that beat Blades stopper Luke Faxon.