Matt Smith reveals “weapon” for Millwall to use in Championship play-off chase

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Matt Smith reckons the pressure is off Millwall as they look to stay in the Championship promotion chase.

The striker’s treble earned a superb 3-0 victory at Forest to keep them firmly in striking distance of the  top six.

“We’ve gone above and beyond what people would’ve expected of us,” said Smith.

“The pressure was probably on Forest more.

“We can probably use that underdog mentality as a bit of a weapon this sason.

“All we can do is worry about our own form. With nine games to go it is all to play for.”

Millwall had won one of their last seven league fixtures before Friday night’s success.

But Smith said: “If you look at the results since the manager came through the door it is play-off form. So we can’t be too despondent about recent results – as a collective it’s been very positive.

“The Championship is a tough league – you’re going to have spells and streaks where you’re hot and where you’re not.”

Smith is on 12 goals for the campaign – four more than he managed for QPR in 42 appearances last season.

“The onus is on the likes of me, Bradders [Tom Bradshaw[, Jon Dadi [Bodvarsson] and Jed [Wallace] to chip in with goals,” said Smith.

Smith’s only other hat-trick came in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy for Bristol City in January 2015 – he scored all four as they won 4-2 at Gillingham.

Asked if he kept his last matchball, the former Fulham striker replied: “Yes, it is in my house. So this one can join it.”