Millwall manager Alex Neil witnessed his team reclaim the second position in the Championship and secure a playoff spot after defeating Stoke 3-1 at the bet365 Stadium. Camiel Neghli scored the opening goal in the first half, followed by Femi Azeez's ninth goal of the season in the 55th minute, making it 2-0.
Although Stoke briefly reduced the deficit with an own goal by Caleb Taylor, Josh Coburn sealed the win with a 69th-minute strike, capitalizing on the home team's defensive mistakes. The victory propelled Millwall three points above Ipswich, who are set to play Charlton on Wednesday.
Stoke, whose promising season is rapidly fading with only two wins in their last 10 games, handed first starts to academy players Pijus Otegbayo and Syd Agina. The Potters nearly took the lead in the 12th minute, but Anthony Patterson made a smart save.
Millwall quickly counterattacked, and Neghli demonstrated his finishing skills after 20 minutes, netting his second consecutive goal. Zak Sturge provided the opportunity with a cross from the left, and when Eric Bocat failed to clear, Neghli curled in a superb left-foot drive. It should have been 2-0 four minutes later, but Coburn missed from seven yards. As the first half drew to a close, Crama's misplaced pass gave Lewis Baker a chance, but Patterson was equal to the task.
In the second half, Patterson kept out Tatsuki Seko's volley, and Stoke maintained the pressure. However, Azeez doubled Millwall's advantage with a fiercely struck left-foot shot. Stoke responded immediately with a slice of luck, as substitute Lamine Cisse's ball into the box resulted in Taylor's unintentional touch wrong-footing Patterson. Coburn eventually made it 3-1 after Bocat gifted the ball to Neghli.
Stoke manager Alex Neil expressed his disappointment, stating that the team's performance was 'poor' and that 'summer can't come soon enough.' Millwall's Alex Neil, on the other hand, was pleased with his team's achievement, saying, 'We will fight to the end and see where it takes us.'