Harris says only hard work will end dismal Millwall run

Neil Harris
© Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Millwall boss Neil Harris insists only hard work will put an end to his side’s wretched away form after they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at London rivals Brentford.

Second-half strikes from Sergi Canos and Ollie Watkins made it six defeats and two draws for the Lions on their travels and ended the Bees’ nine-game winless run in all competitions.

“We don’t overthink this lack of an away win, but we have to have a bit of luck and we need to find that mentality of getting back to winning ways on the road,” he said.

“At this level, you have to work at it to make it happen and as a group I don’t think it’s a major issue that hard work won’t resolve.

“For 45 minutes we showed we can defend very well on the ropes and be strong against good sides, but ultimately we paid the price because we gave two goals away.

“I’m frustrated with the performance and away form in the sense that I thought we showed in the first half we can dig in, grind it out and limit our opponent.

“But we weren’t good enough with the ball so credit to Brentford for a strong defensive display, but at the same time we need to find ourselves in better areas of the pitch.”

He added: “What we can’t do is go up there in terms of performance one week and then go back down there the next.

“It was annoying because at half-time I said we needed to do the same again after the break, then spent three minutes in their half and then we’re one down and that’s unacceptable.”

Harris claims his side have created 90 chances in the last five games but need to learn when to put their foot on ball, starting with the next game at new leaders Norwich.

“We create chances but we didn’t build enough pressure or momentum and didn’t make good enough decisions. That has to end.”