Millwall boss Gary Rowett: Empty Pride Park helped us – the game just fizzled out
BY ALEX GRACE
Gary Rowett felt the lack of fans had a big effect on Derby County’s second-half performance as Millwall secured a seventh Championsihp away win of the season.
The Rams dominated possession but failed to regularly test Lions stopper Bart Bialkowski.
Millwall manager Rowett said: “Apart from the shot that hit the bar, a little melee in the box, I didn’t think that Derby really created too many chances and we were actually pretty comfortable in the second half.
“It was strange – last year, we came here with the team and won 1-0 and the last 15 minutes with the fans here, we were under unbelievable pressure, having to head it out of the box. With fans here it’s a very different game today but, as it is, the game just sort of fizzled out and got away from Derby which, at the moment, I think a lot of teams are finding. It’s really difficult to create any sort of momentum but it was good for us as it meant we saw the game out fairly comfortable.”
The Lions chief was also full of praise for his back three which was changed once again with Alex Pearce coming back in as George Evans moved into midfield.
“We had to change it again, Pearcey coming back in – he’s our captain and he defended Kazim-Richards really well. He’s a danger with balls wide.
“Byrne kept getting up against Murray and you could maybe see just a lack of match sharpness from Muzza which we knew he’d have. They got a few crosses in from that side but we defended those pretty well. Forsyth got a couple of headers on Mahlon early on but then Mahlon just adjusted his position and got a little bit closer and it didn’t happen again.
“We more or less dealt with what Derby threw our way, even the changes late on and changing to a four didn’t really have much impact on what we had to do.
“I’d like us to play better than that, I’d like us to use the ball better than that but to come here and keep a clean sheet and win the game 1-0 – I’m never going to be too fussy about how we do it.”
PHOTOS: SEAN GOSLING
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