Millwall 1 Reading 1 – Seventh draw of Championship season for Lions as they can’t hold on to a lead again

Millwall picked up their seventh draw of the Championship season – and fourth in a row – as they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils against Reading.

The Lions have only lost twice this season – the same amount as leaders Norwich City, Watford, Swansea and Middlesbrough – but have failed to hold on to leads in their last two fixtures.

Tonight it was Jed Wallace’s superb free-kick which gave them a lead just before the break. It was a first half that lacked any real drama apart from a moment of set-piece brilliance from Millwall’s top scorer.

But Lucas Joao made it 1-1 just eight minutes into the second period as his effort squeezed past Bartosz Bialkowski at his near post.

The home side had a couple of decent chances to regain the lead but Rafael Cabral tipped over to deny former Royals frontman Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

Then Matt Smith headed Jed Wallace’s cross back across the face of goal but an unwelcome bounce saw Ryan Leonard direct his effort over the top.

The Millwall scorer could also only slide in and poke another effort at the Reading keeper, on the stretch as he met a low Bodvarsson delivery.

Reading came close to a late winner but Joao’s right-footed effort flashed narrowly past the upright.

Millwall are still only four points adrift of the play-offs – no major obstacle to overcome – and are missing key first-teamers like Mahlon Romeo, Mason Bennett and Connor Mahoney.

One plus was a 64 minute run out for Troy Parrott, making his first league start for the Lions since his loan move from Tottenham.

PHOTOS: KEITH GILLARD