Reaction from Alex Neil as Millwall take Championship play-off prospects to final day at Burnley

Millwall head coach Alex Neil admitted that he did not experience his most enjoyable 90 minutes of football as his side edged past Swansea City 1-0 at The Den to keep their Championship play-off hopes alive.

The Lions secured a vital three points thanks to George Saville’s first-half goal, moving them up to seventh in the table ahead of a decisive final day.

The atmosphere inside The Den was electric following Luton Town’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City in the lunchtime kick-off and Millwall’s bright start only added to the charged environment.

Josh Coburn had an early chance to give Millwall the lead, but the on-loan Middlesbrough striker was denied by Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

Saville and Jake Cooper both threatened from set-pieces before Millwall finally found the breakthrough.

A free-kick routine saw Saville play the ball short to Femi Azeez, whose powerful shot was blocked and deflected back to Saville at the far post. The midfielder made no mistake, finishing calmly to give the home side the advantage.

Despite a nervy second half, Millwall held firm to claim a fifth consecutive home victory.

“It wasn’t my most enjoyable 90 minutes,” said Neil. “We can play better, that’s the first thing. But I think in the first half we had numerous chances to score — and we did — but equally, we could have scored more goals.

“You could sense the tension in and around the stadium. The fans were in fine voice and brilliant, and in certain ways that really helped us. But in other ways, we lacked a little bit of composure, taking our touches and passes.

“It’s difficult as a player in those moments because you can’t hear yourself think, so information to each other becomes a bit of a problem at that stage.”

The Lions’ boss emphasised that the result, rather than the performance, was the priority.

“Let’s be honest, today was all about the result and getting closer to giving ourselves an opportunity and a chance for next week. I believe the results have gone in our favour again but, as I say, if we don’t do our bit the rest doesn’t matter.”

Neil had nothing but praise for his team who despite several injuries have taken their play-off battle to the final day however, he did admit they will have to play better at Burnley next week.

“I think that’s five wins on the bounce at home, he said.

“We’ve just beaten a team that had won five in a row in the league, so it’s certainly not any small feat what we have done in the last 12 weeks.

“I’m extremely proud of the players for what they have offered up. I’m not naive — I know we are going to have to play better than that next week if we want a result. But if you look at what we have done as a whole, then I think it’s been extremely impressive.”