Millwall has reclaimed the second spot in the Championship standings and secured a playoff position after defeating Stoke 3-1 at the bet365 Stadium. Following a successful stint, former Stoke manager Alex Neil oversaw Millwall's ascent back into the top two.
Camiel Neghli initiated the scoring for the London-based team in the first half, with Femi Azeez adding a second goal in the 55th minute. Although Stoke briefly narrowed the gap with an own goal by Caleb Taylor, Josh Coburn sealed Millwall's win with a 69th-minute strike, capitalizing on Stoke's defensive lapses. This victory propelled Millwall three points above Ipswich, who are currently in third place and are set to face Charlton on Wednesday. Stoke, whose promising season is rapidly losing momentum with only two wins in their last 10 games, gave first starts to academy players Pijus Otegbayo and Syd Agina.
The home team almost took the lead in the 12th minute, but Anthony Patterson made a smart save to deny Robert Bozenik. Millwall swiftly counterattacked, with Coburn missing an early chance after a cross from Tristan Crama. Neghli demonstrated his finishing prowess by netting his second consecutive goal after 20 minutes, courtesy of a superb left-foot drive. Zak Sturge provided the assist with a teasing cross from the left, which Eric Bocat failed to clear, allowing Neghli to score.
The opportunity for a second goal arose four minutes later, but Coburn blasted the ball over from seven yards after Neghli turned provider. As the half drew to a close, Crama's misplaced pass presented Lewis Baker with an unexpected chance, only for Patterson to equal the City skipper's 25-yard effort.
After the break, Patterson was beaten but his right-hand upright kept out Tatsuki Seko's volley. Stoke maintained the pressure, with Patterson intervening to deny Million Manhoef. The relief among the 1,302 traveling fans was palpable when Azeez doubled Millwall's advantage with a fiercely struck left-foot shot that proved too potent for keeper Gavin Bazunu.
Stoke responded immediately, aided by a slice of luck, as substitute Lamine Cisse's dinked ball into the six-yard box led to Taylor's unintentional touch wrong-footing Patterson. However, Coburn ultimately made it third time lucky, claiming his 10th goal of the season after Bocat gifted the ball to Neghli. Stoke manager Alex Neil expressed his frustration, stating, 'I am sick of teams coming here, looking ordinary, and taking the points.
This is a team going for automatic promotion, which gives me plenty to think about.' In contrast, Millwall's Alex Neil emphasized the club's determination, saying, 'We will fight to the end and see where it takes us. The fact that we are in the fight for automatic promotion is an incredible achievement for this team, this club, and everyone connected with it.'