Millwall vs Watford player ratings as standout Zian Flemming nets winner in Neil Harris’ return to the Den
Neil Harris enjoyed a successful return to the Den as Millwall held on for a vital three points.
Millwall secured a second-straight win under new manager Neil Harris, beating play-off chasing Watford 1-0 on Saturday. Zian Flemming scored the only goal of the game at the Den in an attritional affair, albeit one that ultimately ended in three points.
Manager Harris made just one change from the excellent 2-1 win at Southampton last weekend, with Duncan Watmore coming in for Ryan Longman. It was Harris’ first game back at the Den, following his return to the dugout last week after Joe Edwards was sacked.
Millwall enjoyed a strong start to the game and took an almost instant lead through Flemming. The forward saw his speculative 30-yard free-kick deflect and wrong-foot Watford goalkeeper Ben Hamer before rippling the net.
Millwall continued to enjoy a decent spell in the immediate aftermath but Danny McNamara was fortunate not to receive an early booking after clattering Yaser Asprilla with a late challenge.
Watford managed to gather themselves after going behind but it was Millwall again who should have scored, with Watmore only able to hit the post from a tight angle following a mix-up between Hamer and his defenders. It remained relatively comfortable for the Lions, who went into half-time 1-0 up and deserving of their lead.
The away side came out much-improved after the break but despite enjoying more possession, were unable to create any clear-cut chances as Millwall absorbed early pressure. Jake Cooper saw a headed effort punched away by Hamer but Harris’ men never allowed their visitors to gain momentum and were good value for the three points.
A second straight win for Harris has pulled Millwall up to 18th, but they are just one point above the bottom three in an incredibly tight relegation battle, with Stoke and QPR both winning while Huddersfield took a point off Leeds United. It’s another excellent win for Millwall regardless, and here are your player ratings, courtesy of WhoScored:
