Millwall vs Brentford. Sky Bet Championship.
The DenAttendance15,464.
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at The Den
Sunday 29 December 2019 19:02, UK
Aiden O'Brien scored his fourth goal of the season as Millwall stunned play-off chasing Brentford with a 1-0 victory to go within two points of the Championship's top six.
The Bees began the afternoon third in the Championship table, eight points behind Leeds, but could not cope with Millwall's fast start as they went behind inside eight minutes.
After Murray Wallace's goal was ruled offside, Jayson Molumby harassed goalkeeper David Raya into a mistake before O'Brien slotted home into an empty net.
The Lions' fine run of form has got them dreaming of the play-offs as well since Gary Rowett took charge, and they twice went close to doubling their lead during a frenetic start at The Den.
More high pressing saw the ball break to the in-form Jed Wallace, who lashed a volley over the bar, before Shaun Williams' long-range drive drew a fingertip save from Raya.
Brentford eventually began to show signs of promise and registered their first shot of the game after half-an-hour when Bryan Mbeumo's left-footed effort forced Bartosz Bialkowski into his first save of the game.
The visitors threatened again as half-time approached, following some combination play down the left side, Rico Henry saw a deflected effort easily gathered by Bialkowski.
Brentford eventually produced some bright moments, with the Millwall defence put on high alert when Ollie Watkins' inviting cross from the byline came zipping across the Lions' goal.
And as the game entered a minute of added time, scuffles broke out when referee Robert Jones booked Said Benrahma for kicking the ball into Jake Cooper after the whistle had already been blown.
Millwall began the second half much like they did the first, as Jed Wallace and Mahlon Romeo went close, but were forced to cling onto their lead following the restart.
Mbeumo's header from Watkins' cross was thwarted by Murray Wallace before Bees skipper Pontus Jansson headed over the bar from Josh Dasilva's corner.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium in the cross-London clash and Brentford were left ruing the one substitute Jan Zamburek had near the end when he shot wide at close-range.
As Brentford piled bodies forward, Millwall dug deep and had to survive four minutes of added time to seal their first league win at home in three attempts.
For Brentford, the narrow defeat means they have failed to win on their past four trips away from Griffin Park.
Millwall's Gary Rowett: "I thought the first half had some really good stuff. It's the first time we've played a five (at the back) system at home, we've obviously played it very effectively away, and I felt as though we nullified their clear chances very well.
"They are a good side, Brentford. For them to be so free-scoring - probably the form team in the division, I'd say - he's (Thomas Frank) done a brilliant, brilliant job. I know they had a slow start to the season but they have really kicked into gear so they're a difficult side to stop and it causes you one or two problems in terms of how you structure your own team."
Brentford's Thomas Frank: "I think Millwall created several chances in the game, we gave them the goal. It's no secret that David made a mistake but I think he's been absolutely amazing this season. For me, he's potentially the best keeper in the division. Football is a game of mistakes, that happens, we'll move on.
"I think we've played out from the back so far in, what, 25 games? We made one mistake that cost a goal and I'd happily take that risk because it gives us an advantage. The rest of the game we were chasing and Millwall made it difficult for us. We also need to give them a bit of credit for that because normally we are extremely dangerous going forward."
