Alex Neil rues ‘disappointing day’ as Millwall’s automatic promotion hopes hit

Manager Alex Neil felt Millwall lacked their usual energy as their automatic promotion bid suffered a blow with a 2-1 defeat by Norwich.

The Lions, who started Easter Monday in second, had taken the lead through substitute Mihailo Ivanovic shortly after half-time.

But the huge Good Friday win at Middlesbrough seemed to have taken its toll as the game wore on and goals from Pelle Mattsson and Oscar Schwartau condemned them to a home loss.

“The problem we had was energy in the middle of the pitch. We looked a bit jaded, we didn’t look our normal selves,” said Neil.

“We didn’t move the ball well enough. I don’t know whether it’s nerves or a lack of quality, but I thought Norwich were better.

“We managed to get the first goal and I think my biggest disappointment is we are usually good from that position.

“It’s a disappointing day. I don’t think over the piece we did enough to win the game and we didn’t defend two moments well enough.”

Norwich’s seventh win in nine away league matches has raised slim hopes of a late play-off charge despite their dismal start to the season.

But boss Philippe Clement said: “I’m not busy about that. We need to be realistic.

“If you get nine points from the first 15 games and you still get to the play-offs that would be a miracle. We will take it game by game.”

It was a deserved win for the Canaries in front of a packed away end, and Clement added: “I just said to the players in the dressing room that for me it’s been our best performance.

“I have huge respect for what Millwall and what the manager here are doing this season and what a tough place this is to come.

“If you don’t have enough movement against this team you get smacked.

“To be that dominant and to be the better team shows good signs. I challenged them again this morning and they responded.”

Norwich’s win actually did fierce rivals Ipswich a favour in the automatic promotion race, but they can make amends next weekend in the East Anglian derby.

“We want to give the fans something back for supporting the team all these months,” said Clement.

“I feel my players want give something so to play a derby at home is always special but I have a lot of respect for Ipswich and what they are doing.”