Manager Neil Harris has said he was left very disappointed with our defending against Peterborough at the weekend.
Video – Peterborough Highlights
Audio – Harris On Peterborough Loss
Speaking to the official site with our unbeaten away run now over following the five three defeat, Harris knows that we can allow ourselves to defend like that in the future because when you score three away from home, you should be coming back with a victory.
‘I can’t fault the boys for their effort and flair. There was improvisation and quality at times, definitely, and the desire to score goals was top drawer. But what I am really disappointed with is the defending for five goals. The shot for the first goal could’ve gone anywhere and there was one great strike, but in general – and I’m not talking about my goalkeeper – five goals as a team is not good enough.’
The gaffer went on to say that at half time the chat was about getting ourselves back into the match and then continuing with a sensible shape and discipline and even though we did get ourselves back on level terms, we just didn’t keep that organisation at the back whilst we were looking for the winner.
‘The transition of play really hurt us at times and an open style allows their players to relieve a little bit of defensive duties to go forward, and that cost us. The difference was in and around the penalty area, even for the chances we created, they were a little more clinical than us.’
With a double injury on the day, Harris had to admit that it certainly didn’t help us, but he wasn’t looking for excuses having seen Jimmy Abdou head off with a shoulder injury inside of the opening five minutes of the game, and then seeing Ed Upson limp off with a knee injury in the second half.
‘I think the two injuries didn’t help. Jimmy in particular is really key to what we do and how we play. And it’s not just his ability, it’s his understanding of what we do and how we do in a game. To lose him was a problem but it was a great opportunity for young Ben Thompson to come on and get more experience. Losing Ed as well, just when we went behind, was hard. Overall there is frustration and when we look back on the game as a squad there will be a lot of disappointment.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Defending Disappoints Harris
