“I didn’t think it was a clear handball” – Millwall boss Rowett disagrees with Mark Bowen on Matt Smith’s goal

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett disagreed with his opposite number Mark Bowen that Millwall’s opening goal in today’s 2-0 win over Reading involved a clear handball.

The Royals chief said he was staggered that referee Keith Stroud didn’t blow up – feeling that Connor Mahoney clearly used his arm in the build up to Matt Smith’s opener.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson tucked away his first goal for the Lions against the club he left in the summer.

Rowett said: “I didn’t think it was a clear handball. I haven’t seen it close up. His arm moved but I don’t think it struck his arm. I’ll have to look at it again.

“But I could argue I felt we had a strong case for a penalty first half. I’m not sure Tom Bradshaw dived. I’m not sure it was a yellow card [for simulation]. I’d have to see it again.

“We should’ve scored first half. Bradders had a really, really good chance that he snatched at with his head – maybe he should have allowed it to land on his foot.

“We had lots of other chances first half and lots of territory. I felt the first goal was excellent. It ends up wide with Jed and he could try and force the cross but he ends up standing it into an area he knows Smudge can cause problems. Bradders took a couple of players away in the box and Smudge showed a different side to his game. We know how good he is aerially but it was a fantastic finish with his left foot – bottom corner.

“The second goal was a great counter attack. We’ve worked hard to time that final pass well. And Jed took a defender on, committed a defender and put Jon Dadi in – it was a brilliant finish. That goal will do him the world of good confidence wise.

“We could have had another goal. If we’d won it three or four today I don’t think anyone would have been overly critical.”

Millwall fans sang Rowett’s name at various stages in the contest.
Under his stewardship the South London club have climbed the table and are on the edge of the Championship play-off zone.

“The fans have been brilliant,” said Rowett. “It’s been a pleasure this job so far. It’s been a really easy job. I’ll never criticise the fans for chanting my name. But they equally got behind the players as well because they were working so hard on the pitch.

“The fans help us here – that’s the beauty of it. When the team need that bit of help the fans get behind the team. They aren’t a set of fans who get really disappointed if the team is not winning. They actually try to encourage the team and help them. That kind of energy transmits itself around the stadium. The players certainly appreciated it and I certainly appreciated it.

“It’s been a really good start for us.”