Millwall vs Reading. Sky Bet Championship.
The DenAttendance10,399.
Tuesday 26 September 2017 22:52, UK
Millwall's George Saville scored twice in the final 10 minutes to seal a 2-1 comeback victory against Reading at the Den.
Dave Edwards' first goal for Jaap Stam's team appeared likely to secure a much-needed victory but the hosts scored twice in the space of five minutes to steal a valiant win.
Millwall started like a team aware they need more wins instead of draws and in the 10th minute, Byron Webster tested Reading's Vito Mannone with a forceful header from 15 yards. Shaun Williams then produced a similarly powerful 20-yard strike to force the goalkeeper into another stop.
It was last season's losing play-off finalists, however, who took the lead in the 73rd minute. From Sone Aluko's right-wing corner, Edwards leapt to head beyond Jordan Archer from close range and take the Royals into contention to win their first game in five.
With Lee Gregory suspended, Millwall were short of quality in the final third, but seven minutes later, when Williams crossed from a corner on the left, Saville headed his third goal of the season into the top left corner.
Their recovery and first win over Reading since August 2004 was sealed in the 85th minute when the visitors could only clear as far as the edge of the area, from where Saville sent a half-volley beyond Mannone and into the bottom lefthand corner of Mannone's goal.
Neil Harris: "The goals were good, but the belief is the key. At this level, against good sides, to come from a goal down is a big ask. They've built that belief during the last six weeks with their performances. Our discipline, organisation and shape was magnificent; our patience.
"I couldn't see Reading scoring, and we didn't particularly trouble their goalkeeper either. I'm really pleased for George. He deserved his goals. We're still in that transition period. But beating Norwich, beating Leeds, beating Reading, three big clubs at this level, shows we so far well and truly deserve to be here."
Jaap Stam: "Cruel game. It's very disappointing. You're hoping to maintain 1-0 and that they're going to play even more direct, if it's possible. Last season we sometimes had that bit of extra luck maybe more than we have now. Most of the time if that ball falls in the box it works against us. But you need to make your own luck.
"Sometimes certain teams start very well in the beginning of the season and then towards the end they go down. Lets hope for us we're starting slow and within a couple of weeks can start winning games again and have a good run towards the end of the season."
