Alex Grace’s takeaways from Millwall’s 1-1 draw against WBA: Missed opportunity for Lions as work-rate frustrates Baggies

Millwall were denied the chance to move seven points clear of the Championship bottom three on Good Friday after West Brom came from behind to earn a point.

The Lions took the lead in the 22nd minute, Duncan Watmore latched on to a long ball forward from Ryan Leonard, his calm and collected finish past Alex Palmer took the roof off The Den.

The Baggies took a lot more control of the contest in the second half and got themselves level. Joe Bryan’s foul on Grady Diangana resulted in a penalty kick which substitute John Swift confidently stuck away.

Here are Alex Grace’s takeaways from the match.

A POINT EARNED BUT CHANCE MISSED IN THE RELEGATION BATTLE

Millwall knew that playing before their relegation rivals gave them the chance to really up the pressure on all of the clubs around them to get a result. With a sold-out Den behind them, they were right at it from the get go against a side at the top end of the table that also needed the points.

The battle to avoid relegation in the second tier is huge – there are so many teams in the battle. The result moved them a further point clear of the dreaded bottom three. The league is so tight, and a run of results either way can alter a season.

WATMORE TAKES HIS CHANCE AS LIONS GET PRESSING GAME RIGHT

Neil Harris made one change to the side that lost 2-0 at Leeds before the international break, bringing in Watmore for Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

The former Sunderland man has been on the receiving end of criticism from sections of the Millwall fanbase for his scoring record and inability to finish off chances. However, he took his chance well here.

Watmore defied his critics and finished really smartly past the onrushing Alex Palmer after Ryan Leonard’s pass dropped nicely into his path.

But he would have been disappointed with himself early in the second half. The ball was handed to him on a plate in front of goal but he was unable to convert.

Millwall made life very hard for their visitors by pressing them very high. Michael Obafemi’s match fitness continues to improve and that was evident with him leading the press from the front. Billy Mitchell and George Saville were both pushing high as well, forcing the visitors out of their comfort zone and trapping them in their own half.

LIONS SUPERB OFF THE BALL ONCE AGAIN

Towards the end of the Joe Edwards’ reign Millwall’s play and discipline off the ball had been really poor. There seemed to be a real lack of cohesion at the back – at times looking very. very soft. Since Harris’ return the Lions have looked very solid and conceded a lot fewer goals.

Jake Cooper and Japhet Tanganga have excelled in defence and, for the most part, were untroubled against the Baggies. West Brom played with three different players up front and none of them managed to get the better of the two centre-halves who were strong and solid. George Saville and Billy Mitchell have come under criticism from the fanbase at times, but again showed why they are getting the nod in the middle of the park.

ROTHERHAM AWAY NEXT

Most people think this is an easy game – far from it.

Yes the Millers are rock bottom of the table and a million miles from safety – with just three wins all season – but it’s when a team is in that situation they can actually be quite dangerous. Rotherham are 19 points adrift of safety and their relegation to League One will be officially confirmed if they are beaten by Millwall.

What is safe to say is that the Lions must go there with the same mentality, knowing they need to win. Ensuring they keep their own fight in their own hands is what remains important as the final weeks of the season approach.

A win in South Yorkshire followed by another win at home could well be enough to keep the Lions in the Championship for another season.