Lions need Lady Luck to return
MILLWALL boss Neil Harris is already convinced his team are due a change of luck this season.
After seeing the Lions edge a high-tempo clash at Ashton Gate without being able to beat City goalkeeper Frank Fielding, the manager was in upbeat mood.
It still leaves Millwall searching for their first league win since returning to the Championship but Harris was convinced current performances indicated three points was not far away.
“I have just promised my players that if they keep playing as they have been victories are bound to come,” said Harris.
“We have deserved more from all the games we have played and it is only a matter of time before we reap our just rewards.
“That performance had everything but goals. I was so pleased with how we nullified Bristol City’s strengths and kept them under pressure.
“Steve Morison and Lee Gregory will score goals at this level, no doubt about that. They looked dangerous going forward and also contributed to the way we defended as a team.
“Bristol have scored first in all their games this season. We knew they like to make a fast start, but it was us who dominated early on and I felt we got stronger as the game progressed.”
Harris also felt the home side should have played the second half with ten men. Striker Famara Diedhiou was spotted raising an arm to an opponent just before the break, but referee Darren England decided a yellow card was sufficient punishment.
City head coach Lee Johnson admitted he substituted his £5.3 million club record signing in the second half for fear that he would collect a second caution.
But Johnson said: “I certainly didn’t think Famara should have been sent off because the Millwall player was invading his space and it was more of a push than anything. The referee was right on the spot.”
Joe Bryan went closest to a goal for City when rattling the crossbar on 74 minutes after a neat one-two with Bobby Reid.
Seven minutes later it was Millwall’s turn to curse their luck as substitute Tom Elliott headed against the far post from a free kick by Shane Ferguson.
City goalkeeper Fielding was in inspired form, diving to his left to parry a Jed Wallace volley in the second half and keeping out a low shot from Millwall substitute Fred Onyedinma in stoppage time.
Millwall keeper Jordan Archer had his best moment just after the break when palming a Reid shot around a post.
Johnson admitted. “I’m slightly disappointed that we didn’t get the ball into wide areas more often. The fans will think we were not as creative as in our previous home games.
“But I am still proud of my players. The commitment they showed to achieve our first clean sheet of the season was first class.
“It was a very tough game for us. Millwall are a difficult side to play against and you have to give them credit.
“I was vexed by the start we made. But we have had a busy opening to the season and I can’t fault the effort that the lads have put in.
“We have a Carabao Cup tie at Watford on Tuesday, which is a great chance to test ourselves against Premier League opposition.
“I will rest a few because some other players deserve a chance.”