Millwall fall to home defeat against new Championship leaders Reading

Millwall lost their first home game of the season as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Reading.

The Royals took the lead in the 14th minute when Naby Sarr headed in at the back post from a free-kick. It was no less than they deserved as Paul Ince’s men did well to frustrate their hosts.

Reading had two glorious chances in the second half to extend their lead but failed to make the most of the opportunities. However, despite a chalked-off Millwall equaliser, they were able to hold on until the end and secure all three points.

They now find themselves top of the Championship table, while the Lions fall down to 16th.

Debut delight for Sarr

Millwall were the better side in the opening stages of the match, putting pressure on their opponents from the get-go. Tom Bradshaw was close to giving them the lead in the third minute, but Joe Lumley did well to save at his near post in the Reading goal.

Soon enough, the Royals would find their rhythm and begin to go forward in search of a goal for themselves. Tyrese Fornah, who scored the winner against Middlesbrough last weekend, had an effort from range blocked by the Lions’ defence.

Reading’s pressure soon paid off, and it was Sarr who gave them the lead. Tom Ince, who produced poor deliveries in his previous two set pieces, was able to cross into the area. The ball was headed towards the back post, where the visitors’ debutant was on hand to head in.

The home faithful called for a penalty up the other end soon after, but referee Chris Kavanagh ignored such cries. Millwall frustrations were soon very clear to see as their efforts going forward were unable to really test the opposition defence.

As the game approached half-time, there were more shouts for a penalty for the hosts, but Gary Rowett’s side suffered the same fate as the previous claims. Bradshaw headed over moments before stoppage time, and boos rang around the Den upon the referee’s whistle for the break.

Millwall unable to punish Royals

It was much of the same in the opening moments of the second half as it was in the first, with Millwall showing the desire to go forward. However, Reading soon regained control.

Jeff Hendrick missed the first sitter of the afternoon. He was played through into the box and only had Bartosz Bialkowski to beat, but he hit his effort straight at the Millwall goalkeeper. It was a glorious chance to double his side’s lead, although he ultimately failed to make the most of it.

Rowett soon made a triple substitution as the hosts continued to struggle going forward. However, the decision to take off Bradshaw was not a popular one amongst the Lions crowd.

Tyler Burey made a great run down the left and was able to hold off the challenges from Reading defenders. Although the ball went out of play, it was a small sign of improvement. Millwall soon thought they had scored an equaliser from a Benik Afobe header, but the celebrations were short lived as the linesman raised his flag and the goal was disallowed.

Zian Flemming also tried to create a chance on the left hand side of the hosts’ attack, but he was also unable to make the most 0f it as Reading continued to frustrate them. Afobe then ran through towards the goal and opted to shoot himself, but he really should have passed it towards Burey on his left instead.

Shane Long came off the bench with around 12 minutes to go and had a superb chance to make it game, set and match. However like Hendrick, he missed a sitter, this time racing through one on one and putting his effort wide.

As the game entered stoppage time, it was all Millwall as they searched for an equaliser. Their efforts were not rewarded though, with Reading happy to just clear the ball when they could and run down the clock. Shaun Hutchinson’s header over the bar was the closest they came in the latter stages.

Full-time soon came and there were boos from the home fans once again. Millwall now travel to Burnley on Tuesday night, with Reading making the trip to Sheffield United.

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