Millwall boss Neil Harris labels their fixture schedule before international break as “bonkers”

Neil Harris has opened up about what he felt was a “bonkers” fixture sequence for his Millwall side after their 1-1 draw at Stoke City on Saturday.

The Lions are unbeaten in seven Championship matches.

Josh Coburn had put Millwall ahead in the first half before home captain Ben Gibson headed in an equaliser on the hour mark.

“It’s the seven points in the week that are massive for us,” said Millwall head coach Harris.

“I’ve been very careful what to say before this game – because I didn’t want it to affect my football club and my players – but we finished last Sunday at quarter-past five against Burnley. This is our third game in less than six days. It’s bonkers. We are put in a situation, so just huge credit to my players for a battling performance and some really good chances created.

“Stoke played really well, I’ve got to be honest. They have grown into a really good team. They move the ball really well and asked a lot of questions of us. We looked weary in the second half – we opened up spaces we don’t open up. That’s not because of the personnel on the pitch or knowledge, it’s probably just weary legs. So Stoke had a lot more of the football, especially second half, but we had really good chances. Femi Azeez is gutted not only to get on the scoresheet but the hat-trick.”

There were strong appeals for a spot-kick in the first half when Jake Cooper strongly tugged Wouter Berger’s shirt from a corner.

Berger was booked for his reaction to the offence going unpunished.

“From where I was stood it looked like a penalty,” said Harris. “A lot of managers will say they didn’t see it or they want to see it again. I haven’t seen it again but, at the time, I thought it was a penalty. We probably got away with it today. That probably balances off the three or four we should have had in previous games.”

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS