Neil Harris: Japh Tanganga’s late goal was a typical Millwall-type victory

Japhet Tanganga’s late header extended Neil Harris’ unbeaten run since being appointed Millwall head coach to four matches.

The Lions have taken 10 points since the club legend replaced Joe Edwards and today’s 1-0 win over Birmingham City made it back-to-back successes.

Millwall are five points clear of the Championship bottom three with nine matches remaining.

Tanganga capped off an impressive display when he headed in George Saville’s deep corner in the 90th minute.

It is the Tottenham loanee’s second senior goal and both have not only come since signing on loan for the South Londoners in January but also since Harris returned to SE16.

Asked about getting a late breakthrough, Harris said: “That is Millwall like, isn’t it. That is so Millwall, in being so good in one half and so poor at times in the other. But finding a way to win a game has always been what this club is about.

“The most important thing is the result. Ultimately we got it in a real pressure situation. I tried to take the pressure off the players this week but we all knew the importance of the game today against a team that has been struggling. We knew the importance of trying to get three points and certainly not losing the game, at the very worst.

“I tried to take that responsibility on from the players and ask them to go and express and enjoy themselves.

“First 40 minutes were excellent. I think if G (George Honeyman) scores early or we score from one of the two set-plays we should score from then we probably run over the top of Birmingham in that first half.

“I was delighted with the first half but disappointed not to be in front. I knew Mark Venus (Birmingham interim boss) would get into them at half-time and they would come out better second half. We just went a little bit too much to Blackburn where we turned the ball over too cheaply, the front six players at the top of the pitch.

“We made some poor decisions – but we hung in there. We defended really well, we were resilient and then we grew back into the game.

“Good Millwall centre-halves – like your Jake Coopers, Murray Wallaces, Shaun Hutchinson, Paul Robinson, Stuart Nethercott, Sean Dyche and Darren Ward, just to name a few over the years – have been brilliant in their own area but also been really, really effective at the other end as well.

“Japhet Tanganga comes up with a moment to win us the game. Ultimately it is a priceless moment in the season.”

Tanganga has played every minute under Harris.

“Japh has got great pedigree and a great CV – in terms of games at the top level – playing in Europe and things like that,” said Harris. “It’s slightly different here, isn’t it? For a centre-half sometimes you need to be a different player at The Den. The reason I’m at the football club is to try and teach the players what a Millwall player looks like – whether that is a goalkeeper, a centre-half or a centre-forward. Try and pass on my experience.

“All I’ve said to Japh is not complicate his game. You make your decisions – I support you. You can be as aggressive as you like and a couple of his tackles have been a little bit dubious! Here at Watford and away at Southampton, in the first five minutes! But it shows he is buying into it. He’s showing his passing range at times. It’s not all about the short passes it is about going long as well and having the quality to do that. Heading the ball in both boxes. Ultimately he has headed the ball a lot – to be a good Millwall centre-half you have to be able to do that.”