Millwall boss Neil Harris unhappy at defensive display as unbeaten record at Den since return is ended by Watford

Millwall head coach Neil Harris was left disappointed with his team’s defending in today’s 3-2 loss to Watford and was particularly cutting on their opening goal at The Den.

Edo Kayembe’s corner kick went directly in to open the scoring for the Hornet with goalkeeper Lukas Jensen, making his debut, not appearing to be impeded.

Georgian international Giorgi Chakvetadze produced an excellent 30-yard free-kick early in the second half to make it 2-0.

Duncan Watmore pulled it back to 2-2 near the end of normal time. He showed quick feet to convert after Aidomo Emakhu’s cross was only partially blocked and then was super clinical from George Saville’s excellent pass.

But Watford had another twist to the tale as substitute Mileta Rajovic headed in from Tom Dele-Bashiru’s deflected shot in the 90th minute.

George Honeyman and George Saville both hit the woodwork for the South Londoners.

It ensured a first home loss for Harris since he returned to the club in late February.

Millwall had paid their respects to goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who passed away in June, before the game started. The Montengro international’s family were in attendance.

Harris – asked if Rajovic’s clincher was offside – said: “There has not been a lot of noise in the changing about it being offside. I’d need to see it again.

“I don’t think we settled very well at the start. We looked very emotional in our decision-making and I really understand that – it was tough for all of us today.

“We went behind to a goal that doesn’t belong in U12s football, let alone first-team football at The Den. But then we played really well up until half-time, we found a solution to playing around the outside of Watford to create chances.

“We should’ve scored when we hit the post – but if it’s not a goal then it should be a penalty (for a challenge on Watmore).

“I spoke to the boys about a little bit more bravery and second half we were excellent.

“We played really, really well. The second goal was a suckerpunch – like the first – because they hadn’t got in our final third until that moment.

“Getting back to 2-2 we were bold and brave with the ball. You think here we go, we’ve got the momentum, have scored two really good goals and the place is rocking. I’m just really disappointed with my group for the manner of the third goal as well – it’s really poor by us.

“I won’t make excuses for people. Obviously it was an emotionally difficult today, did we get wrapped up in that at the end? Possibly.  But I do expect better traits from my Millwall team than that.

“It was a really strong individual performance by Duncan Watmore. He was exceptional – the best player on the pitch by a mile.

“We played really, really well with the football at times and that was a huge step forward for us. We created some really good chances and were the dominant team – the best team out of the two – but ultimately the scoreline doesn’t suggest we deserve to win the game. That is all that matters in football.

“I’m not naive enough to think we play like that and we’re going to win every week. No, no, no…we have to make sure we’re better in both boxes. We have to find the balance to being attack-minded and as open as we were with the ball to making sure we don’t get punished down the other end.

“Ultimately the punishment today came from individual errors. We need to be better on them.”

Ryan Leonard needed lengthy treatment – and a bandage – after a clash of heads in the second half. The right-back was subbed off late on.

“It just shows his character – what a lad,” said Harris. “To come back on and battle away like he did, brilliant.

“It shows the character of our group and his mindset – why he was voted Player of the Season by our fanbase. He played really, really well.”

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS