A Statement Win for Millwall at The Den
Millwall delivered a commanding performance at The Den, securing a 3-1 victory over Preston North End in a thrilling Sky Bet Championship encounter. The Lions showcased their attacking prowess, with summer signing Macauley Langstaff netting his first goal for the club, while George Honeyman and Romain Esse also found the back of the net. This win marks Millwall’s second league victory of the season, propelling them up the table and leaving Preston to rue missed opportunities.
Key Moments That Shaped the Match
Honeyman Breaks the Deadlock
Millwall started brightly, with Casper De Norre coming agonizingly close in the 10th minute, rattling the crossbar with a thunderous volley. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Jake Cooper flicked on George Saville’s free-kick, allowing Langstaff to tee up Honeyman for a composed finish—his first goal since August 2022.
Preston responded with a chance of their own, but Lukas Jensen denied Brad Potts with a crucial save. However, Millwall doubled their lead before halftime through Romain Esse, who calmly rounded Freddie Woodman and slotted home from a tight angle.
Langstaff Seals the Deal
Preston looked to regroup at halftime, but Millwall struck again just two minutes after the restart. Honeyman turned provider this time, setting up Langstaff for a clinical finish—marking his first goal since joining from Notts County.
Despite late pressure from Preston, including a Jordan Storey consolation goal in the 87th minute, Millwall’s defense held firm. The only blemish for the hosts was Aidomo Emakhu’s late red card for an altercation with Liam Lindsay and Robbie Brady.
Manager Reactions: Confidence vs. Frustration
Neil Harris (Millwall)
Harris praised his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of his goalscorers:
“It’s a really good day for us. Delighted for Macauley, George, and Romain—they’ve all needed those goals. The link-up between Honeyman and Langstaff was excellent, and Esse continues to impress with his movement.”
He also reserved praise for goalkeeper Lukas Jensen, whose saves kept Preston at bay.
Paul Heckingbottom (Preston)
The Preston boss admitted his side’s slow start cost them:
“We got what we deserved. Conceding from a set-piece we’d specifically prepared for is frustrating. Millwall outworked us, and at 3-0 down, it’s always an uphill battle.”
Marvelbet Key Takeaways
- Langstaff’s Arrival: The striker’s first goal could be a turning point in his Millwall career.
- Esse’s Emergence: The youngster’s composure in front of goal signals a bright future.
- Preston’s Defensive Woes: Conceding three goals from defensive lapses is a concern for Heckingbottom.
What’s Next?
Millwall will look to build on this momentum, while Preston must regroup quickly. For more in-depth Championship analysis, stay tuned to Marvelbet—your go-to source for expert football insights.
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