Millwall manager Gary Rowett on Scott Malone’s scoring start, praise for Ryan Leonard and Mason Bennett’s withdrawal

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett was pleased to see Scott Malone open his goal account for Millwall in today’s 3-1 EFL Cup win at Crawley Town.

The recent loan addition from Derby, in his second spell with the Lions, cooly converted Ryan Woods’ cross to put the South Londoners on their way to victory in West Sussex.

But Millwall manager Rowett was also pleased with the performance of Ryan Leonard, down the opposite flank. The club record signing featured at right wing-back with Mahlon Romeo, Jiri Skalak and Billy Mitchell all unavailable.

Asked about Malone’s finish, Rowett said: “When you see the goal it’s a perfect example of what we need a little more of this year.

“Woodsy puts a great ball in and our left wing-back is high up the pitch, threatening the back post. We did that really well.

“Lenny got really high a lot of times and almost allowed us to switch play and put him [Malone] into good areas. I thought he [Leonard] was really good. It’s a bit of a problem area for us at the moment and he excelled in that role.

“Scottie’s an excellent player, I knew that. He goes and links play, he’s bright on the ball and there were some really good moments, but also from a lot of other players.”

Mason Bennett played the opening 45 minutes but was replaced by Jed Wallace at the start of the second period.

Rowett admitted that change was planned in advance.

He said: “It’s a shame we couldn’t have used more substitutes because we would have used a few more.

“He [Bennett] got a little bit frustrated first half when he got fouled and didn’t get it. I think he started trying too hard and got a little tense. I don’t think it did him any harm to come off a little early.”

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS