Millwall's Hopes of Automatic Promotion Take a Hit with Loss to Norwich

Substitute Oscar Schwartau scored the winning goal as Norwich defeated Millwall 2-1, dealing a significant blow to the hosts' automatic promotion aspirations and giving their rivals Ipswich a boost in the process. Millwall, who had started the day in second place, took the lead through Mihailo Ivanovic shortly after half-time but were pegged back by a stunning long-range strike from Pelle Mattsson and Schwartau's decisive goal. Norwich, who have now won seven of their last nine away league matches to keep their play-off hopes alive, started strongly and created several early chances, with Anis Ben Slimane and Mathias Kvistgaarden both seeing shots blocked by Millwall's defenders. When Slimane did manage to break through, his shot was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. The visitors had two gilt-edged opportunities to open the scoring, with Jack Stacey dragging a shot wide and Kenny McLean failing to convert Ali Ahmed's cross. Millwall's first-half performance was lackluster, with their only notable chances coming when Femi Azeez fired off target and Tristan Crama headed wide. The introduction of Ivanovic for Luke Cundle at half-time paid immediate dividends, as he headed home from close range after 56 minutes. However, Norwich equalized eight minutes later through Mattsson's spectacular strike, and Schwartau sealed the win with a simple finish in the 76th minute. Millwall boss Alex Neil attributed the defeat to his team's lack of energy in midfield, while Norwich manager Philippe Clement hailed his side's performance as their best of the season.