Millwall and Charlton friendly decision pays off as South London friendly action delivers entertainment
Millwall scored twice in the second half to haul back Charlton Athletic in an entertaining pre-season friendly at The Den.
So many of the warm-up fixtures can be mundane matches but the decision to stage a South London derby in July proved an inspired one.
And it really looked at half-time as if the League One visitors could be on their way to victory as they led 2-0.
Charlton started on the front foot from the off and totally merited their sixth minute lead.
Corey Blackett-Taylor found space on the left of the box to send over a cross which Karoy Anderson headed home from close range.
Millwall’s passing was ropey and they had a distinct lack of penetration – not something Dean Holden’s side had any issues with when they extended their lead on 25 minutes.
Scott Fraser played a one-two with Charlie Kirk to find an entry point on the right of the penalty area and the Scot’s low cross was tucked away by Charlie Kirk.
Millwall’s first effort on target came after Charlton keeper Harry Isted had a pass intercepted. Kevin Nisbet’s shot had plenty of power but was straight at the former Luton keeper, who pushed over.
Lions left wing-back Joe Bryan had success winning the ball off Nathan Asiimwe in the opening 45 minutes. One of those interventions led to an dangerous whipped cross by Casper de Norre which Ryan Leonard was unable to steer on target.
Millwall had more success in the final third after the restart. Zian Flemming failed to apply the finish in the 53rd minute, arguably Nisbet’s flick on Andreas Voglsammer’s low cross not helping the Dutchman.
Charlton were punished on the counter attack, Billy Mitchell weighting his pass perfectly for Nisbet. The former Hibernian striker took advantage of Lucas Ness being unwilling to engage, producing a precise low finish across Isted.
Isted needed treatment after rushing out of his penalty area to just about deny Tom Bradshaw before Isted used his legs to keep out another Millwall sub, Romain Esse.
Picture : Keith Gillard
The hosts got their leveller in the closing stages. Esse’s ball unlocked Aidomo Emakhu’s pace and the young Irishman had the edge in a footrace with Zach Mitchell before threading a finish past Isted.
Millwall were finishing strongly in the ascendency and Isted was grateful to drop on the ball before it crossed his goal-line after Esse’s shot nearly squeezed past him.
Jack Payne held his head in disbelief as a late chance curled wide of the left upright, his reaction suggesting it was close to being a late decider.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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