Millwall recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this year as they overcame Watford 1-0 at The Den.
Zian Flemming’s eighth goal of the season gave the Lions the lead inside three minutes to kick off Neil Harris’s return in the best possible fashion.
The Lions were forced to battle but defended their lives to secure a vital win in their battle against relegation.
Millwall got themselves in front inside three minutes. Flemming’s 25-yard free-kick took a big deflection and beat former Charlton goalkeeper Ben Hamer.
Watford’s first attempt came in the 7th minute. Vakoun Bayo broke through but fired his effort into the side netting.
In the 25th minute, a quick break from Millwall allowed Flemming to slip in Michael Obafemi; the on-loan Burnley man spotted Hamer off his line and tried his luck, but his effort from around 35 yards was well wide of the target.
Hamer was giving his defence nightmares as he came out of his area to deal with a long ball forward, missed the ball, and Duncan Watmore was away, but his shot hit the base of the post; there was a defender on the line who may have got contact.
As the half wore on, the visitors had more and more of the ball, and Millwall needed to be better in possession. However, out of possession, we were dealing with the Watford threats.
Yaser Asprilla curled an effort towards a goal at the half-hour mark, but Lions stopper Matija Sarkic saved his shot well. Three minutes later, Wesley Hodet curled a free-kick over the bar.
Watford started the second half on top, keeping the ball but doing little with it. Jamal Lewis was finding some joy; he found Bayo, but he skewed his effort wide of the far post. Ken Sema also missed an excellent opportunity as the hour mark was reached.
Ismael Kone and Jake Livermore had efforts; the latter was straight at Sarkic.
The Lions held on for a win that keeps them a point above the bottom three after wins for QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke.
Image: Millwall FC