LAMPARD AT A LOSS AS LIONS GO UNTAMED
TWO first-half goals secured Millwall their first three points of the season as they saw off Derby, despite facing a late rally from Frank Lampard’s side.
For Lampard, it was second successive defeat as Rams boss, having replaced Gary Rowett in the summer.
But the former Chelsea midfielder felt his side deserved a share of the spoils.
He said: “We knew what to expect from Millwall. They are very effective at what they do.
“We deserved a draw. But it’s always difficult when you are 2-0 down, because you become desperate as the game goes on.”
Derby started the brighter and created the best chance in the opening exchanges. Tom Lawrence went close with an early free kick – only to be denied by Millwall keeper Jordan Archer.
It was Millwall who took the lead in the seventh minute when Shaun Williams fired in a free-kick in from the right-hand flank, which took numerous deflections, but was eventually guided home by Lee Gregory.
The home side built on their momentum with George Saville firing just over Scott Carson’s bar.
But Millwall did double their lead after 20 minutes with Williams capitalising on some poor Derby defensive work to fire home from long range.
Derby pushed for a reply instantly, with Lawrence firing in to the side netting as well as slamming a free-kick into the wall.
Derby’s Bradley Johnson saw his header sail wide whilst Gregory fell foul of the offside trap – or so he thought he had – as he halted his run before the whistle had even been blown.
Derby opted to change their shape in the second half with Craig Forsyth replacing Scott Malone, and this eventually led to a sustained period of attacking pressure from Derby.
Craig Bryson fired a volley high over the bar early into the second half. Martyn Waghorn then had the ball in the back of the net after being played through neatly, but saw his effort ruled out for offside.
With 20 minutes to go, Mason Mount dragged a shot wide, but just minutes later David Nugent found a way back into the game as he fired a long-range effort home from 30 yards.
Millwall had an opportunity to put the game to bed with Steve Morison failing to convert when it would have been easier to score.
As the game neared the end, Derby ramped up the pressure with Archer remaining strong despite consistent airborne pressure on his goal.
Lawrence went close for the visitors, testing Archer with a deflected volley from inside the area. Lawrence continued to press for an equiliser, but was unable to get an effort on target.
Millwall boss Neil Harris says his side were worthy of their win.
He said: “We knew exactly what Derby were going to do. It’s difficult executing the game plan for 90 minutes. We did it brilliantly for 45, but in the last half hour we got tired. That’s the battle.”