Millwall head coach Neil Harris on victory in his first game back at The Den – says atmosphere was “really positive”

Millwall head coach Neil Harris made a winning start to life back at The Den but admitted he ideally would have seen his side show greater composure in possession during today’s 1-0 victory over Watford.

The Lions made it back-to-back victories with Zian Flemming’s deflected free-kick ensuring that Harris maintained his 100 per cent record after replacing Joe Edwards last week.

Results at the bottom meant that the South Londoners are still only a point above the relegation zone.

Watford had long spells of possession but found it difficult to break down Millwall as they kept a clean sheet for the first since New Year’s Day.

Edwards had lost six of his last seven in charge – drawing the other one.

Harris has had an instant impact.

The Lions’ record all-time goalscorer, said: “We didn’t take care of the ball well enough at times. We lacked a little bit of confidence and belief at The Den which we showed at Southampton.

“That is something we have got to drip feed into the players. But as for spirit and character – plus atmosphere in the stadium – that was really, really positive. It was really good.

“I was probably more comfortable at Southampton because I thought we were quite controlled in what we did. Today, probably because of the home pressure – myself and also the group – were so desperate for my players to thrive in a home win, to build the confidence.

“That was probably where the pressure was. If you look at the saves that Matty Sarkic had to make, three were on target but all from outside the penalty area. We have controlled – and Watford are a very talented group of players – where the ball was around our penalty area. That credit goes to the players.

“We started brilliantly. I’m so pleased for Zian Flemming. I’m talking to him all the time about confidence and belief – reminding him on what a good player he is. Would he have had the belief to hit that from 35 yards a month ago? I don’t know. But you need a bit of luck sometimes and he had that. It was because he had the confidence and belief to do it.

“When Watford had spells in the game we stood strong and didn’t panic. Defensively outstanding – one-v-one duels. Ultimately if you look at the chances in the game, we had the better chances.”