Millwall were denied an unlikely three points after a stoppage time equaliser for Watford at Vicarage Road.
Just as at Preston in their last away day the Lions started in calamitous fashion. Just five minutes in, It was a shot from Edo Kayembe that was spilled by Bart Bialkowski and Yaser Asprilla was on hand to deflect home the ball for the opening goal.
But just as they did at Deepdale, the Lions hit back. Zian Flemming heading home after Casper De Norre’s cross had been headed on by Tom Bradshaw.
Millwall thought they had sealed the most unlikely of wins in the 85th minute when Wes Harding headed home George Saville’s corner.
But, in stoppage time. Mileta Rajovic broke free and headed past Bialkowksi to ensure a point for the hosts.
The opening exchanges were tentative. Both sides had spells of possession, Flemming forcing the first save of the day from Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann on his 100th appearance for the home side.
Just two minutes later, the home side were in front.
Millwall have conceded some interesting goals, this being the worst of the lot. Bialkowksi would have been very disappointed with the fact he was unable to hold Kayembe’s shot. Cooper also will feel he should have done better. He should have shielded and allowed his keeper to smother rather than try to clear which lead to Asprilla deflecting it in.
Millwall’s response was good. They did not allow themselves to become too frustrated. They settled down and created a good equalising goal.
Danny McNamara combined well with De Norre, the Belgian crossing for Bradshaw to head onto Flemming was well executed. Flemming’s finish was also a smart one. It’s two goals in two away games now for him as well. It’s also four for the season.
After the early excitement the game began to settle down. Both sides having periods of the possession but not causing any real problems. That was until the 26th minute. A Hornets corner was poorly dealt with by the Millwall defence and the ball fell to Asprilla, he was denied by a stunning stop from Bialkowksi.
Vakoun Bayo would have been disappointed he didn’t give the home side the lead before the break, his header from close range failed to test Bialkowksi.
The home side started the second half strongly. Bayo again in the thick of the action. His charging run towards goal ended with his shot deflecting off Wes Harding and past the near post.
Kayeme had caused problems in the first half but this time Bialkowksi was equal to his shot and the home side continued to press for that second goal.
However, Millwall’s ability to stay in the game meant they would always get a chance at some stage. Flemming was presented with a chance, some decent build up play on the left allowed the ball to reach the Dutchman who curled an effort over the bar just after the hour mark.
Two minutes later, a strong run from Norton-Cuffy saw him break into the box, the ball came to substitute Ryan Longman but couldn’t direct his effort on target.
In the 74th minute Matheus Martins was denied by Bialkowski, not in the most convincing way parrying the shot right back into the danger area but the Watford man could not convert the rebound. Imran Loser then pulled a shot wide from Norton-Cuffy’s clearance.
Out of nowhere Millwall took the lead.
For all of Watford’s efforts they were behind. Saville’s corner was headed home by Harding in front of the away end to send the fans into delirium. Moments later Harding should have had his second but his header hit the crossbar as Watford descended into chaos.
However, just as we entered stoppage time Watford got their equaliser. Millwall’s passive defending down the right was exploited. Louza’s cross was headed home by Rajovic after he broke away from Cooper and headed easily past Bialkowksi.
The result see’s Millwall extend their unbeaten away run to five games.
Image: Millwall FC