Millwall produce once again when the odds are stacked against them – relishing underdog tag

BY DANIEL MARSH

If there was ever a performance that typifies Millwall football club, it was Wednesday night’s 1-0 win against Coventry.

The majority of Gary Rowett’s depleted Lions had barely kicked a ball together as a result of the Covid outbreak that rocked the South Londoners’ camp over Christmas.

But it’s these types of scenarios that often bring out the best in Millwall, who were forced to play the game by the EFL despite having just 14 senior players available.

The last time Millwall were hit hard by Covid, they put in a heroic performance at Preston last year to emerge 2-0 victors without Rowett and a host of staff on the touchline.

A similar situation inspired a near-identical result in the Midlands in midweek.

After a shaky start, which was understandable given the circumstances surrounding the game, the Lions grew into proceedings in Coventry.

Neither side really threatened the other in the first half, but it’s fair to say the majority of the play came in Millwall’s half as they struggled to make the ball stick up front.

But, somehow, the Lions found an extra gear in the second half. And Coventry simply couldn’t handle them.

Millwall did not pepper Ben Wilson’s goal with endless attempts on goal but there was only one team that looked likely to win after the break. It was even less of a surprise that it was Tom Bradshaw who broke the deadlock.

The ex-Barnsley striker has been red-hot in recent weeks and is fast becoming one of the first names on Rowett’s teamsheet.

If we’re being brutally honest, there would have been plenty of Lions fans who maybe wouldn’t have been too critical had the club not taken up their option to extend Bradshaw’s deal midway through the previous campaign.

But he has banished his barren spells from last year by netting four goals in as many games and six overall this term – eclipsing his total in the 2020-21 campaign with half of the season still to play.

His poacher’s goal in the 79th minute was his reward for his thankless task of chasing down lost causes and harrying Coventry’s defence in a difficult first half.

Bradshaw was more than worthy of the standing ovation he received from Lions fans when he was replaced in the dying embers of the game – by a player almost half his age.

Zak Lovelace, 15, made headlines prior to the match when it emerged that the Lions had received permission from the youngster’s parents and school to include him in the matchday squad.

And the talented teenager made history by becoming the Lions’ second-youngest player ever after entering the fray late on. Lovelace’s cameo capped a perfect night for the Lions – and it hopefully will be the first of many appearances in SE16 for the England youth international.

Lovelace’s emergence means he’s the latest academy product to muscle in on Rowett’s first-team plans this year.

Billy Mitchell, who was excellent again in the middle of the park, and Danny Mitchell have become first team regulars this year with the likes of Tyler Burey, Isaac Olaofe and Alex Mitchell all thriving in the EFL on loan spells away from the Den this year.

It’s hard to remember the last time that Millwall have had this many exciting prospects on the cusp of the senior squad.

It should bode well for the Lions, who have traditionally enjoyed their best spells in recent years when a clutch of homegrown talent is at the core of the team.

Millwall’s exciting group of youngsters may not realise their potential swiftly enough to fulfill the club’s lofty play-off ambitions this year – even though the Lions clawed themselves back to within three points of the top six with a game in hand on Huddersfield, who occupy the final play-off berth.

But they are in good stead for the future. In fact, they may be better off resisting the urge to recall the likes of Burey and Olaofe in January.

The Lions are far more likely to benefit from leaving their fledgling stars alone for the remainder of the season before allowing them to challenge for a first-team spot with a full year’s experience of league football under their belts.

Based on the evidence of Wednesday night, Millwall can afford to do that.

Rowett has already hinted that he’s keen to be busier than usual in the January transfer window, and it feels like the right additions could aid the Lions’ traditional second half of the season surge.

Especially if they can replicate the grit and character that they showed to upset the odds on a famous night in Coventry.

If history repeats itself, and Millwall can catch fire in the new year, then there’s every chance they could make this a season to remember.

But, looking at the bigger picture, it still feels like something special could be brewing in SE16 even if they don’t.

STAR MAN
Alex Pearce. The Lions skipper has been starved of action this season but rolled back the years to stifle Coventry’s dangerous frontline with an excellent display.

BEST MOMENT
Tom Bradshaw’s predatory finish to seal a famous win, coupled with 15-year-old Zak Lovelace’s late cameo.