Lions’ Den roar in the face of adversity

Most of the talk regarding Millwall Football Club in recent weeks has been about off the field matters.

Whilst I – along with everyone else – have my own opinions on the matter, I feel that there is already more than enough channels covering such events, therefore, if it’s alright with you, I’ll stick to the football.

In the face of adversity, the Lions stretched their home league game unbeaten run to 12 last Saturday, courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Coventry City.

Neil Harris’ outfit have not tasted defeat on their own patch in League One since a 0-2 defeat to Scunthorpe United on February 16 – quite the contrast to recent years.

Harris’ Lions currently sit fifth in the League One table, just three points adrift of leaders Bolton Wanderers – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The record of 59, set 50 years ago (ironically a campaign that Millwall are paying homage to this season) is a long way into the distance, but if they can keep picking up results along the way, who knows – we may be talking about nearing that achievement in years to come.

The last pair of Den matches have seen two sides visit SE16 with differing fortunes under their belts so far this season.

Bradford City, who were second in the table when the Lions came calling, proved to be the polar opposite to the team that graced the hallowed turf in the play-off semi-final tie in May.

The first-half saw Stuart McCall’s men knock the ball around at will, using the big Den pitch to their advantage, repeatedly cutting the home defence apart. In the second-half, however, Millwall took their game to their opponents, forcing the issue and gaining a deserved point in an absorbing 45 minutes.

Coventry, meanwhile, arrived at The Den struggling for points – and goals. A strong first quarter of an hour seemed to point to their record staying their way, but the lacklustre Lions dropped off the pace they had set early on, allowing the Sky Blues to gain confidence by the minute.

Marvin Sordell inevitably gave the visitors the lead with a sweet strike, but Millwall stepped up a gear in the second-half and gained another point through Aiden O’Brien’s finish.

As good of a watch as the match-up with the Bantams was, the clash with Tony Mowbray’s Sky Blues…. well, wasn’t.

Millwall goalkeeper, Jordan Archer, has failed to keep a league clean sheet since their season opening 3-0 win against Oldham Athletic – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

But, if both games did prove one thing, it was that the Lions will not settle for rolling over and having their bellies tickled at home any more.

It may be tempting fate by saying that (and the following), but you feel like you can now go and watch a home game and expect Millwall to draw at the very least.

Most say that the league table begins to take shape around six to eight games in; with seven games played, the Lions currently sit in fifth position, three points off the leaders, Bolton Wanderers.

If the home form can be kept up and points can be picked up here and there on the road, then another successful season at the summit can be expected by fans and players alike.

Along with this weekend’s clash at Southend United, a Den meeting with Rochdale awaits in the next fortnight.

Whilst the Lions will be hoping to maintain their recent successes at Roots Hall, the Lancashire outfit could present a potential banana skin as Harris’ charges will look to make it a lucky 13.

If they overcome that, it’s just the small matter of Charlton Athletic next up…