Wigan Athletic 1 Millwall 0 – Lions end Championship campaign with a defeat
BY JAKE SANDERS
Millwall signed off their Championship campaign with a narrow defeat at Wigan Athletic.
Joe Garner scored the only goal of the game as the Latics continued their excellent home form to finish the season in 18th, three places above the Lions, who finished one place above the drop zone.
Millwall had chances to leave Lancashire with something to show for their efforts, but often lacked conviction – most notably Ryan Tunnicliffe, who failed to hit the target from close-range.
Neil Harris gave senior debuts to teenagers George Alexander and Billy Mitchell in the second period and both were heavily involved in the action late in the contest. The latter was fortunate to escape a booking after a strong challenge on Antonee Robinson.
In an entertaining opening 45 minutes, Lee Gregory went close to giving Millwall the perfect start before Dave Martin denied Garner at the other end after sloppy play from Steve Morison to concede possession.
Less than six minutes later, Garner did break the deadlock, tapping home into an empty net after Nick Powell’s initial effort was saved by Martin from just inside the Lions penalty area.
But Millwall responded and Morison went close with two headers, failing to hit the target on either occasion before Jake Cooper saw his poked effort cleared off the line by Powell.
That came moments before Ryan Leonard thought he given the Lions a deserved equaliser, but his header from a Shane Ferguson corner was ruled out for a foul, with two Latics defenders on the floor.
Millwall continued where they left off after the break and Gregory had two excellent opportunities to end his Lions career with a goal but was firstly denied by Christian Walton – with Ryan Tunnicliffe blazing over from the follow-up – before he failed to convert at the near post after a great cross from Tunnicliffe from the left-hand side.
On 67 minutes, Gregory would be replaced for what looked to be the final time in a Lions shirt and left the pitch to a standing ovation from the travelling fans and players before passionately hugging Harris on the touchline.
On came Alexander and them moments later another teenage debut as Mitchell was introduced.
But Millwall could not find a late equaliser that perhaps their performance deserved and they ended the season on a seven-match winless run.
PICTURES BY SEAN GOSLING
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