Millwall boss Neil: Our game plan worked…we just didn’t take our chances

Alex Neil believes Millwall’s tactical approach came close to paying off, despite a 3-1 defeat to Burnley ending their hopes of reaching the Championship play-offs for the first time since 2002.

The Lions needed a win at Turf Moor today – coupled with favourable results elsewhere – to break into the top six on the final day of the season.

Things started promisingly for Neil’s side as Mihaiio Ivanovic fired them into an early lead with his 12th league goal of the campaign.

Burnley equalised almost immediately through Josh Brownhill and the hosts took full control in the second half.

Jaidon Anthony put them ahead before Brownhill’s second sealed victory for the Premier League-bound Clarets.

“We’ve done alright,” said Neil. “We’re not kidding ourselves that we came here and outplayed Burnley. Burnley were the better side.

“But what we do know is, you don’t need to be the best team in the game in terms of moving the ball, to be the most effective and win. We were always going to come here, play on the counter, try and frustrate, and make sure we created opportunities to see if we could get ourselves in front. We made those opportunities.

“In terms of the game plan, if you like, it worked. We just didn’t really take them when they came our way. Unfortunately, Burnley were more effective in terms of where their chances came and put the game beyond us at the end.”

Despite the scoreline, Millwall stayed competitive throughout the second half, thanks in large part to goalkeeper George Evans, who made several crucial saves to keep his team in contention.

“You’re going to have to do that coming here,” Neil acknowledged. “They’ve not got 100 points for no reason. They’ve just come down from the Premier League. They’ve got far more resources than a lot of teams.

“I’m not trying to diminish our play or their achievement. It’s an incredible achievement for Scott and his players, and they deserve to be promoted. So, from their perspective, well done and good luck with that.

“For us, yeah, we are frustrated – we fell one step short — but we can be extremely proud about how we’ve done our work since January onwards.”