1 min
Millwall recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Stoke City at the Den to give Gary Rowett the perfect start as their new manager.
The Lions dominated the early exchanges with both Jed Wallace and namesake Murray seeing early efforts curl agonisingly wide as Stoke struggled to deal with the home side’s intensity.
Millwall weren’t to be denied for long though, opening the scoring in the 28th minute when Jed Wallace’s cross from the right was coolly volleyed home by Ben Thompson.
The second-half opened with a much improved Stoke seeing Lee Gregory’s turn and shot forcing Shaun Hutchinson into a last-ditch block just before the hour mark.
And just as Millwall looked to be under the cosh, Jed Wallace’s blistering run on the counter saw him beat three players before being brought down in the box for a 75th minute penalty.
The midfielder duly stepped up to fire the spot-kick high into the net, doubling Millwall’s advantage to ease them to an impressive win for the new regime.
It moves the Lions up to 15th in the table while Stoke City remain second bottom, four points from safety.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Jed Wallace winning and converting the penalty to double Millwall’s lead eased the nerves around SE16 at a time when Stoke were starting to threaten
Moan of the Match
The ball in the final third still needs to be worked on but it’s a minor criticism on a day of so many positives for the Lions.
Talking Point
An impressive Millwall performance all round but Ben Thompson continually brings an extra bit of stardust – should Rowett look to build his side around him?
Man of the Match
Jed Wallace – assisted for the opener and scored the second, the midfielder worked tirelessly throughout, continually taking the game to the opposition.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Darren England (South Yorkshire) – let the game between two physically- charged sides ebb and flow with minimum fuss.
Atmosphere
Vociferous home support gave the new boss a warm New Den welcome with the travelling Stoke City fans more than playing their part in the terrace exchanges.
Verdict
Just the start Gary Rowett would have wanted and a victory even sweeter being against one of his former sides.
