1 min
Millwall opened their 2019/20 Championship campaign with a 1-0 win over Preston North End courtesy of Jed Wallace’s first-half strike.
However, Neil Harris’ side will nervously await news of Frank Fielding’s injury after the goalkeeper was forced off just before the interval, giving Bartosz Bialkowski an unexpected debut.
The Lions deservedly took the lead in the 33rd minute when Wallace fired home a cracking volley after good approach play from Connor Mahoney and Ben Thompson.
And in a game of few chances, Preston’s Andrew Hughes was lucky not to have seen red for a late challenge on Mahlon Romeo early in the second period.
Nevertheless, after their struggles last term, Millwall will be delighted to kick-off the new season with victory, however it may have come.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Jed Wallace’s fine finish was the deciding factor in an encounter with little between the two sides.
Moan of the Match
The referee struggled to control the game, letting Preston’s players get away with far too much.
Talking Point
A win and a clean sheet on the opening day – but surely harder tests will come as Jake Cooper and Alex Pearce weren’t overly challenged throughout.
Man of the Match
Murray Wallace – dealt with everything Preston threw at him defensively and supported Connor Mahoney well down the left hand side.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Stephen Martin (Staffordshire) – should have sent-off Hughes for a second yellow and poor throughout.
Atmosphere
Started strongly and then dipped a bit before picking up when the Lions went ahead and decisions didn’t go their way.
Verdict
A good start but that’s all it is – the Lions still have work to do, still lacking some energy in midfield and at times shaky at the back against a Preston side who didn’t really threaten.
