Millwall boss Neil Harris gives verdict on 3-1 win over Preston North End

Millwall produced an excellent home display as they cruised to a 3-1 win over Preston North End at The Den.

The Lions led 3-0 after 47 minutes and it was nothing less than they deserved.

George Honeyman put them ahead in the 24th minute. The midfielder had been guilty of a close-range miss at QPR last weekend but made no mistake this time, sliding in to convert Macaulay Langstaff’s low cross.

Romain Esse scored his third goal of the campaign in the 38th minute. Honeyman hooked the ball over the top of the Preston defence for Duncan Watmore to race on to. Although the attacker had to check his run, he slid in the teenager on the left of the box to go past Freddie Woodman and slot home.

Langstaff then bagged his first goal for the club since his summer move from Notts County. Joe Bryan, just one of a number of excellent performers, intercepted Woodman’s long kick before Watmore fed Honeyman, who turned provider as the Lions number 17 pounced from six yards out.

Jordan Storey rifled a consolation for Preston before Millwall substitute Aidomo Emakhu saw red for an off-the-ball clash with Robbie Brady.

Lions head coach Neil Harris said: “I was delighted with the three points. Overdue here, again, from the two defeats we’ve had. I know we spanked Sheffield Wednesday but we were really disappointed recently that we hadn’t picked up more points.

“We felt like that could come again – goalscoring opportunities and us winning the game. I’m delighted with large aspects of the game – the first half in particular – a couple of sour moments at the end for us to deal with conceding the goal poorly and the red card incident. Ultimately it is a really good day for us – a really strong performance.

“I’m delighted for the goalscorers. Macaulay and G to get off the mark with Romain getting his first home goal. The confidence is really high in the changing room.

“He (Honeyman) has been exceptional. I keep talking about it. I put a case across that he has been our best player but there might be a few players knocking at my door in saying that – because they have been really good as well.

“Ultimately the three of them – Romain, G and Duncan behind the nine – have been exceptional this season.

“It will be the weight of the world of G’s shoulders, as it will be for Macaulay as well.

“Romain keeps lighting the place up, doesn’t he? With his movement and use of the ball. He is challenging and has the work ethic. First half we dominated proceedings.

“I’m really pleased with my goalkeeper. I felt he kicked well, was assured on crosses and two really big saves – the one in the first half with his foot was a really good and instinctive save at a key moment as well.”