Millwall

Lions and Lilywhites share the spoils

A late goal from Callum Robinson saw Preston North End come from behind to gain a point this afternoon at The Den.

Millwall made five changes following their 4-1 win over Barnsley last time out. With Jordan Archer, James Meredith, Mahlon Romeo, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Lee Gregory all coming back into Neil Harris’ starting 11. Similarly, Preston welcomed back five players into the starting line-up, with Chris Maxwell, Ben Davies, Ben Pearson, Paul Gallagher and Jordan Hugill all returning to the side. There was also a first for Alex Neil’s team as Billy Bodin made his first start for the club.

Millwall played their 2000th league game at home today. However, it was the visitors who had the early attack with Bodin narrowly missing the chance to take the lead for the Lancashire side. Millwall also came close through talisman Steve Morison when James Meredith’s long throw found him in the box, nothing came of it.

However, two minutes before half time, the hosts took the lead after Jed Wallace’s cross found Aiden O’Brien to net past the keeper from long-range, giving Millwall the lead going into the break.

Millwall had chances to double their lead in the second half when Wallace managed to get the ball through the Preston defence but could only force a save from Maxwell. Then George Saville tried his luck from outside the box with his effort going just wide of the post. Millwall did have the ball in the back of the net for the second time however, Lee Gregory was judged to have been offside. A decision manager Neil Harris would later disagree with.

The visitors however, didn’t give up in search of an equaliser and with 10 minutes left they got it after Callum Robinson connected with Greg Cunningham to slot the ball past Jordan Archer in front of the travelling fans. Both sides pushed to find a winner but neither side were able to and had to settle for a share of the spoils. Neil Harris stated in his post match interview his frustrations with the referee’s decisions throughout the game.

“I thought there were two very fine calls today, firstly young Ben Pearson should have been sent off because it was identical to Jake Cooper’s second yellow at Sheffield Wednesday.”

“Secondly Lee Gregory scores through one on one and was clearly three yards onside. I’ve watched it though two different angles and he was clearly onside.”

However, Preston boss Alex Neil was quick to defend his player.

“I think it’s harsh to say Ben Pearson should have seen a red card. I thought the first booking was really disappointing and he really didn’t deserve it and I think Ben’s frustration was the same as mine.”

“I don’t think there was any dirty tackles in the game whatsoever. I think we certainly did enough to get something from the game.”

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