Bart Bialkowski answers critics with strong display – as Millwall’s issues are at other end of the pitch in Blackburn Rovers loss
Williams 18 Dack 74
MILLWALL 0
BY ALEX GRACE AT EWOOD PARK
This was a fourth game without a win for Millwall but perhaps a more concerning statistic is that they have found the net just 11 times in the last 14 Championship matches, dating back to April’s 2-0 win over West Brom.
That match against the Baggies was the last time the Lions have scored two goals in a Championship fixture.
Once again Millwall’s centre-backs earned their money on Saturday, as they have done all season. Jake Cooper and Alex Pearce were solid throughout, with both making vital challenges on Bradley Dack that prevented him getting on the scoresheet earlier than he did.
One player who answered some of his critics is Bartosz Bialkowski.
The Poland international was on the end of criticism from some sections of the fanbase, perhaps harshly after Hull City’s Kamil Grosicki’s free-kick ended up beating him in the 1-1 draw in SE16 before the international break.
But if Bialkowski had not been on form at the weekend then the scoreline could well have been a lot worse than just 2-0.
The on-loan Ipswich Town stopper made three good saves, keeping Dack out twice and making a smart stop to deny Joe Rothwell.
Millwall have found Blackburn a tough nut to crack.
The sides have met three times since Rovers returned to the Championship and the Lions are yet to find the back of the net against them.
In fact, it’s now four consecutive blanks on the goalscoring front and no wins in eight against the Lancashire outfit.
Neil Harris admitted afterwards that he was “surprised” by Blackburn’s formation.
Rovers chief Tony Mowbray went with three central defender.
“They made it difficult for us in the final third to create chances,” said Harris.
Millwall struggled to get support up to lone striker Jon Dadi-Bodvarsson. The Icelandic international started his first league game for the club and looked a frustrated figure for the most part, having been marshalled well by the trio of centre-halves.
Fans had been calling for Jayson Molumby to start and they got their wish, the on-loan Brighton midfielder came in off the back of a successful international period in which he skippered the Republic of Ireland U21s to positive results.
But it was tough afternoon for him and his midfield partner Ben Thompson – both were restricted to little time on the ball.
This was a different kind of performance to the ones witnessed at West Brom and Middlesbrough, more akin to the display against Hull. The Lions had 45 per cent possession, the most in any of their games on the road in the Championship this season.
Harris had been critical of his side for not putting the ball into the box against Hull and that reticence was again evident at Ewood Park.
Connor Mahoney had a perfect opportunity to deliver but chose to cut inside and instead play a safe pass into the centre of midfield, rather than take the crossing opportunity.
It would be fair to say that Millwall’s aim this season will be to stay out of a relegation battle and in the current crop of players they have the ability to do just that. Jed Wallace and Mahoney are by far Millwall’s most creative players and have the ability to unlock defences.
In Matt Smith and Tom Bradshaw, they have two proven goalscorers at this level and Bodvarsson showcased his scoring ability in the League Cup tie at Oxford United last month where his smart double opened his account for the club.
But to avoid being dragged into another mentally sapping battle again this season they need to get their strikers firing – only Barnsley have scored fewer goals after seven league games.
Football is about progression and Neil Harris can point to the fact his side are still three points and four places better off than at this stage last season.
Millwall (4-4-1-1) Bialkowski 7, Romeo 5, Pearce 6, Cooper 6, M Wallace 5 (Ferguson 76), J Wallace 6, Thompson 6, Leonard 5 (Bradshaw 76), Molumby 5, Mahoney 5 (Smith 58, 5), Bodvarsson 5. Not used: Steele, Williams, Hutchinson, O’Brien.
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