Former Millwall transfer target scores Coventry City winner – Harris says Lions “lacked quality”
Former transfer target Ephron Mason-Clark scored Coventry City’s winner at The Den to end Millwall’s lengthy unbeaten run in the Championship.
The Lions came into the contest looking to extend their undefeated record to 10 matches.
But Mason-Clark’s 63rd minute goal from a cross by former AFC Wimbledon youngster Jack Rudoni proved the difference.
It handed a first victory to Frank Lampard after his appointment as Sky Blues boss.
Coventry were the superior side in the second period with Lukas Jensen making two important saves – one from close range to deny Mason-Clark before he did break the deadlock – with a bullet header by Bobby Thomas crashing back off the left upright.
Millwall were depleted with Japhet Tanganga suspended and Romain Esse also not risked due to a groin complaint. With Jake Cooper (knee) also out it meant Lions head coach Neil Harris went with Ryan Leonard in the middle of his back four along with a rare start for Murray Wallace.
Leonard’s booking in the second half, for what appeared to be dissent, means he will not be available for Wednesday’s home match against Sheffield United.
“I’m disappointed with the result, obviously,” said Harris. “Just lacked quality, didn’t we? No problem handling the football at times, in the transition we gave it away a few times too cheaply which gave a problem in the first half. In the first half we were the slightly better team but with no end product and no creativity.
“Second half Coventry had a good 10-minute spell around the goal and looked dangerous.
“Their subs made a real difference. They had some really good players coming off the bench. We just looked like a team that was trying really hard and just lacked the moments.
“That is where people have to get their heads out of the clouds and realise how well we’ve done to achieve what we have so far. And how tough it is for us as a group.
“Right at the end we put the ball in the box and one of my young centre-forwards and young wingers are standing outside of the penalty area. It shows a lot of learning we have got in front of us.
“That’s levels, as we know. That is why you rely on players to have those moments and we lacked that level today.
“You miss Romain, you miss Japhet and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in any Championship team. Just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.”
Joe Bryan’s early corner ended up going directly into the net but official Thomas Bramall struck it off for a foul on keeper Bradley Collins.
“I thought the referee got it wrong,” said Harris.
PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS