The talking points from Millwall’s 1-1 draw at Preston – Ivanovic set for free-kick duties as Coburn return a boost as Lions need more goal power

Millwall collected their 12th draw of the Championship campaign as they settled for a 1-1 draw at Preston North End on Tuesday night.

Here are Richard Cawley’s talking points from the match.

SERBIAN SHARPSHOOTER

When a game has so few highlights then let’s start with the big one from midweek – Mihailo Ivanovic’s free-kick goal.

It was interesting to hear Lions head coach Alex Neil reveal afterwards that he did not know the Serbian international took free-kicks.

But after the way in which Ivanovic superbly lifted his effort over a four-man North End wall and into the top right corner of Freddie Woodman’s net, it won’t be the last time the summer signing takes on the responsibility.

Millwall had already had a free-kick in a similar position which Joe Bryan took – Ivanovic also standing over that one as well – but it hit the wall.
The decision to let the 20-year-old have a go paid off handsomely as he scored his sixth goal since signing from Vojvodina at the end of the summer transfer window.

Ivanovic also had a header from a Bryan delivery which clipped the top of the crossbar.

It was not a night where he had much service to work off.

TYPICAL CHAMPIONSHIP FARE

So often matches at this level can become attritional and that was certainly the case for large swathes of this one.

Preston’s threat in the first half came from corners and Femi Azeez was required to clear off his goal-line with Lukas Jensen unable to claim some testing deliveries.

There were some grumbles on social media about the Dane not keeping out Emil Riis’ long-range shot but the image below shows that he did not have sight of the ball before it was struck.

Jensen also made a save from Riis early on, low to his right.

Preston were definitely the side showing more desire to find a winner in the closing stages with Kaine Kesler-Hayden pulling a chance wide in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

COBURN BOOST

Josh Coburn replaced Ra’ees Bangura-Williams in the 58th minute – making his first appearance under Neil but also ending a lengthy absence.

The Middlesbrough loanee had not featured since sustaining a foot injury at Oxford United on November 30.

Coburn had one run and shot which was blocked by Liam Lindsay but he also gave Millwall another focal point to hit as Neil switched shape to play him alongside Ivanovic.

For a side that has struggled for goals this season, Coburn being back can only be good news for the Scottish boss.

SAME OLD CHALLENGE

If Millwall fade away from the Championship play-off chase, which looks likely, then once again it will be down to not scoring enough goals.

Defensively they are in far better shape than at the same stage of last season, conceding 12 fewer, but how many times have we talked about a lack of firepower meaning they do not crack the top six?

The Lions have scored 33 goals in as many league matches.

The most they have scored in a campaign since gaining promotion is 57 – twice – also managing 56 and 53.

Their lowest total since winning the League One play-off final was last time around – 45.

Millwall have splashed out on attacking players in both recent windows, but are on course for another underwhelming haul.