Millwall boss Alex Neil hails Josh Coburn’s fairytale return to Teesside

Millwall boss Alex Neil said sometimes “things are written in the stars” after Josh Coburn fired them to victory on his return to Middlesbrough.

The former Boro striker scored two second-half goals as the Lions boosted their Sky Bet Championship promotion hopes by coming from behind to win 2-1 at the Riverside.

Dael Fry put the hosts ahead with a header from Alan Browne’s cross, but in an improved second half from Millwall goalkeeper Sol Brynn was unable to stop Coburn’s effort trickling over the line.

Coburn then grabbed an 86th-minute winner with a cool finish into the bottom corner, taking his tally to five goals in his last five games, and Neil was full of praise for the striker.

“He was excellent, second half in particular,” Neil said.

“First half we didn’t really give him a chance, we were slinging balls up 70 yards to his throat, whereas second half we made the relevant passes we needed to open the space up and put the ball into him.

“I think sometimes in football some things are written in the stars a little bit, aren’t they? Certainly for his return today for him.

“The second goal was one he’ll remember and I’m sure his family will remember forever.”

Coburn swapped Teesside for south London permanently last summer and now has eight Championship goals this season, with Neil indicating physical improvements have been key.

“I think the biggest thing was his injury, it allowed him to get in the gym,” Neil added.

“He’s definitely got wider, got bigger, uses his body far better now than he did in the past. He’s always been a good finisher, good movement and he’s a great lad.

“He’s added a bit of grit, bit of determination and a bit of power. At this level he’s a top striker.”

The result saw the Championship promotion race take another twist as Millwall leapfrogged Middlesbrough into the top two.

The hosts were left to reflect on another frustrating display as they dominated, particularly in the first half, before slipping to a fourth match without a win.

Asked if their struggle to put games to bed was a growing concern, Boro boss Kim Hellberg said: “It’s also the question more of what should you do – should you stop playing good football and stop creating chances? It’s what can you do?

“Football is about scoring goals and we didn’t do that good enough and win games.

“When you concede two you’re in big doubt of taking the three points, we didn’t do it today.

“Of course it’s concerning, we’re working every day. It doesn’t help to have all those players away that have been scoring a lot of goals for us.

“It’s a concern, absolutely without a doubt. You have to fight and work through it. That’s what we’re trying to do. That’s why the energy will be important.

“Tomorrow we go again and I’m very proud of the players, proud of the supporters. If there’s someone to blame, it’s me.”