Millwall managed to claw their way back into the automatic promotion spots in the Championship, yet they could only settle for a late 1-1 stalemate at Leicester, a club already doomed to relegation. The visitors’ equaliser came from substitute Macaulay Langstaff, who netted his first goal since February, nullifying an early strike by Harry Souttar for the Foxes.

Souttar’s goal was notable because it marked his first appearance since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon 16 months earlier. The result nudged Alex Neil’s side up to second place, pulling them a point clear of Ipswich Town.

However, the Tractor Boys now face the reality of having two matches in hand, which could prove decisive as the season draws to a close. Ipswich’s upcoming fixtures include a trip to West Brom on Saturday and a clash with Southampton on Tuesday, both televised live on Sky Sports. Consequently, Millwall must keep their hopes alive and hope that the points they have already amassed will be enough when they host Oxford United next Saturday.

Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu was the first to miss a chance, slicing his effort wide. The Foxes’ fate had already been sealed earlier in the week, but they still pressed for a goal.

A crucial intervention came from Hamza Choudhury, who blocked a potential strike from Josh Coburn. Choudhury’s timely tackle forced Coburn to be substituted for Mihailo Ivanovic in the 10th minute after the forward collided with the Leicester captain. Both teams created chances in the opening half.

Casper De Norre and Camiel Neghli saw their shots smothered by defenders, while Ryan Leonard’s effort struck the side netting as Millwall applied sustained pressure. The Sky Sports app offered live updates, and fans could also watch the EFL action via NOW. Harry Winks tried to launch a reply for Leicester but sent his effort wide.

Meanwhile, Ivanovic required treatment after a clash with Harry Souttar, who appeared to have elbowed him in the face. The referee, Farai Hallam, judged the contact accidental and did not issue a red card. Millwall’s Zak Sturge then attempted a shot, but it failed to find the target. Shortly before the break, Derek Mazou‑Sacko became the latest Millwall player to have a strike blocked.

In the second half, Leicester’s goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, making his first appearance of the match after replacing Asmir Begovic, made a crucial save five minutes in when Neghli’s cross reached Sturge and was headed towards the back post. Ivanovic’s close‑range attempt was also denied as Stolarczyk’s legs blocked the ball.

Millwall captain Jake Cooper received a booking for a late challenge on Fatawu, which left the Leicester forward needing on‑pitch medical attention. Some home supporters felt the foul warranted a sending‑off, but the referee only issued a yellow card.

Stolarczyk then produced another impressive stop, tipping over a powerful header from Thierno Ballo just before the hour mark. Choudhury was also booked for a robust challenge on Mazou‑Sacko. Later, a swift pass from Neghli found the Leicester goal, but the effort was turned away.

Leicester’s substitutes Louis Page and Jeremy Monga both saw their attempts deflected, and it was Harry Souttar who finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute. Luke Thomas delivered a cross to the back post, where the Australian defender headed the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and two defenders, securing a 1-0 lead for the Foxes.

Millwall responded almost immediately. In the final minute, Langstaff, who had come off the bench, seized the opportunity. Ryan Leonard’s flick found the forward in space inside the box, and Langstaff calmly slotted the ball past Stolarczyk, earning a point that could prove vital in the final tally. After the match, Leicester manager Gary Rowett reflected on the evening: “We knew it would be a tough night after confirming our relegation on Tuesday.

I wondered how the squad would react and perform. We spoke candidly about staying professional and doing our jobs at the very least.” He praised Souttar’s impact: “He cleared everything from our box and then, when we finally got a chance, he attacked it as if he were the only one who could score. After being out for roughly 450 days, it’s incredible he played 98 minutes. Our medical and performance staff begged me to take him off around the 75‑minute mark, but he kept heading the ball away.” Millwall boss Alex Neil commented on his team’s position: “We sit second at the moment, but Ipswich still have a couple of games in hand.

We’re on 80 points and have a home game coming up. West Brom and Southampton will be eager to win, as will Oxford when they face us. Football is a strange game; whoever finishes second over the season deserves that spot.

If they do, good luck to them – we’ll be focusing on the play‑offs.” He added, “There’s disappointment we didn’t win, but we were never truly in contention for the top two at any point. These players have done a magnificent job.” The match also highlighted the ongoing promotion battle, with the £250,000 Super 6 prize still up for grabs, free to enter until 3 pm on Saturday. The draw leaves Millwall with a slim margin, and the coming weeks will determine whether they can convert their current standing into automatic promotion or be forced into the play‑off gauntlet.