Millwall not at their best but Esse’s goal gets the job done in Plymouth win

Neil Harris was pleased that Millwall saw out their 1-0 win over Plymouth at The Den on Wednesday – but the Lions boss admitted it was not one of his side’s better performances this season. 

Romain Esse’s 13th-minute strike was the only goal of the game as Millwall moved four points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

Femi Azeez and Ryan Leonard both went close in the second half to adding a second, but the South Londoners controlled the match and limited Wayne Rooney’s side to just two shot on target.

“I’m really pleased for the players,” said Harris.

“People have seen us – we clearly don’t have the points return that we really deserve.

“We have made those chances and better chances all season. 

“We haven’t been clinical enough. Tonight wasn’t one of our better performances this season, but we still did enough to win the game.

“We grew into the game in the second half. I thought we dominated the first 35 minutes of it until they threw caution to the wind and we had to change shape.

“The second goal would have really helped to settle everyone down – we maybe would have gone on to get three or four. 

“We didn’t get that, but what we did show was a good mentality to show the game out relatively comfortably.”