Jed’s red leaves Harris all blue

BOSSES Neil Harris and Nigel Clough both expressed their surprise at a red card for Millwall midfielder Jed Wallace that saw his side crumble and Burton Albion snatch their first away win of the season.

After a forgettable first 58 minutes, Wallace scythed down Brewers left-back Tom Flanagan on the halfway line and referee Tony Harrington quickly pulled out a red card.

Burton had failed to register a shot on goal – no surprise when you consider they had only hit the target four times in their previous six away matches, failing to score.

But they capitalised on their numerical advantage and Sordell drove in the game’s only goal on 70 minutes, after Matty Palmer’s initial effort was blocked.

Harris was in no doubt that the red card changed the game, but was as frustrated with his own players as he was the referee. “I’ve left the players in no uncertain terms about how I feel,” he said.

“In the heat of the moment I couldn’t believe it when I saw a red card, I thought he’d pulled the wrong card out. I’ll have to see it again on a big screen before I decide on an appeal.

“It was pivotal because it was 0-0 at home and we were on top. We never looked like conceding.

“There was no lack of effort, but we weren’t brave enough with our decision-making. I’m disappointed with the quality and my frustration is borne out of the fact my players let themselves down.

“We have to be more clinical. It wasn’t good enough from our forwards. We’ve been in every game this year and people have to take responsibility, we should have been in front.”

Clough agreed his team were fortunate.

The Burton boss, who triumphed 5-1 on his last visit to the Den as manager of Derby County in September 2013, said: “We were surprised (about the red card), but I haven’t seen the tackle back so I don’t know how high it was.

“We’re extremely relieved. We’ve played much better at home and away and got no points.