Former Stoke City manager Alex Neil watched as Millwall surged back into the Championship's top two and secured a play‑off berth with a 3‑1 victory at the bet365 Stadium. The London side took the initiative early, with Camiel Neghli opening the scoring and giving the Lions a first‑half lead. Femi Azeez, who was on a fine scoring run, doubled the advantage with his ninth goal of the season after the hour‑mark, making it 2‑0.
A defensive mishap from Stoke’s Caleb Taylor resulted in an own‑goal at the 60‑minute mark, adding further pressure on Neil’s side. Finally, Josh Coburn sealed the three points with a 69th‑minute strike, capitalising on a lapse in the home team’s defence. Millwall's win pushed them three points clear of third‑placed Ipswich Town, who will travel to Charlton Athletic on Wednesday. The victory also reinforced Millwall’s claim to automatic promotion, a goal that has seemed increasingly realistic after a series of strong performances this season.
Stoke City, whose campaign has begun to look increasingly bleak after only two wins in their last ten matches, gave first‑team debuts to academy prospects Pijus Otegbayo and 18‑year‑old defender Syd Agina. The Potters threatened to take an early lead in the 12th minute when Anthony Patterson, making his first start since the start of the year, denied Robert Bozenik with a well‑timed save. Millwall responded quickly, and although Josh Coburn missed an early chance from a promising cross by Tristan Crama, the Lions soon found the back of the net.
Neghli, who had already found the net in the previous game, demonstrated his finishing ability after twenty minutes. A clever centre from Zak Sturge on the left created space, and when Eric Bocat failed to clear the ball cleanly, Neghli curled a superb left‑foot drive into the top corner, giving Millwall a 1‑0 lead.
Four minutes later, Neghli set up a chance for Coburn, who struck the ball from seven yards but saw it sail over the bar. Just before the half‑hour mark, a misplaced pass from Crama allowed Lewis Baker an unexpected shooting opportunity, but the on‑loan Sunderland goalkeeper Patterson produced a fine save from the 25‑yard effort. Patterson was later tested again after 48 minutes when Tatsuki Seko’s volley struck the upright, and again when Millwall’s corner was cleared poorly, giving the Potters a chance to equalise. Stoke continued to press, and Patterson once more intervened to deny a powerful strike from Manhoef.
The atmosphere among the 1,302 travelling Millwall supporters brightened when Azeez doubled the Lions’ lead. The winger collected a pass just outside the penalty area and unleashed a ferocious left‑foot shot that left Stoke keeper Gavin Bazunu with no chance.
Stoke answered immediately, with substitute Lamine Cissé delivering a delicate dink into the six‑yard box. Taylor’s inadvertent touch mis‑directed the ball, wrong‑footing Patterson, but Millwall quickly restored their dominance. Coburn finally got his reward when Bocat’s errant clearance fell to Neghli, who tapped in his tenth goal of the season.
The match featured a series of tactical adjustments from both managers. Neil praised his side’s resilience, noting that the team had fought back from a period of poor form and that the win was a testament to their determination to secure automatic promotion. He highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration in the final stages of the season and expressed confidence that the squad could still achieve their ultimate goal.
Stoke’s manager, also Alex Neil, was visibly frustrated after the defeat. He lamented the lack of consistency and the inability of his players to deliver when it mattered most. "I am sick of teams who come here and look ordinary and take the points," he said, emphasizing the need for a change in attitude and approach.
He added that the season had promised much at the outset but had fallen short of expectations, leaving him and his supporters yearning for a turnaround. Looking ahead, Millwall will focus on their remaining two fixtures, aiming to add to their impressive points tally. With 79 points already secured – the club’s second‑highest ever total in the second tier – the Lions are poised for a historic campaign. Neil reflected on the significance of the achievement, stating, "It is the biggest achievement the club has had in the last 24 or 25 years and we still have two games to play." The match also featured a promotional element, with a £250,000 Super 6 prize on offer, free to enter until 3 pm on Saturday.
This added a layer of excitement for fans following the action beyond the pitch. In summary, Millwall’s 3‑1 victory over Stoke not only reclaimed second place in the Championship but also reinforced their status as serious contenders for automatic promotion. The win showcased the attacking prowess of Neghli, Azeez and Coburn, while also highlighting Stoke’s defensive frailties. As the season draws to a close, both clubs will look to address their respective challenges – Millwall to sustain their momentum and Stoke to revive a faltering campaign.