Millwall 0-0 Stoke City: Lions seal Championship survival with draw
- Published
Jed Wallace registered Millwall's only shot on target against Stoke
Millwall were held to a goalless draw by Stoke City at The Den but retained their Championship status after Rotherham United were relegated.
The result in Saturday's early kick-off moved the Lions four points clear of Rotherham in the table, meaning the Millers had to at least draw with West Bromwich Albion to take the relegation fight to the final week of the season.
But their defeat at The Hawthorns ensured Millwall's survival, despite their frustrating stalemate against the Potters.
Stoke's best chance came before the break, James McClean crashing an effort off the underside of the bar before Joe Allen's effort on the rebound was blocked on the line by Alex Pearce.
Visiting goalkeeper Jack Butland was not troubled until the 51st minute, with Jed Wallace going on a fine run before calling the England international into action from a tight angle.
Mahlon Romeo went for the spectacular to try to win it for Millwall, sending a half-volley just wide from 30 yards, before Lee Gregory sent a last-minute effort for the Lions over the bar.
Against Stoke, a side resigned to a mid-table finish in their first season in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League, Millwall rarely threatened before the break.
The closest the Potters came to winning in London for the first time in 22 visits was a double chance that saw McClean hit the bar before Pearce cleared the danger on the line after Allen tried to pounce.
Millwall's first and only shot on target came after the interval, Wallace demanding a fine save from Butland, and while the Lions looked rejuvenated they were well contained by the visitors.
Millwall manager Neil Harris:
"We haven't played at our best for a few games now, but the players care. They were all watching the telly downstairs waiting for other results because that's how much it means to everybody.
"The time for summing the season up is going to be next Sunday. What I can say is my team battled and they ran and they challenged and they competed. They did everything that was asked of them.
"Stoke were better than us first half, their shape against ours. No complaints, we couldn't enforce the game-plan because they were just so good with the ball.
"We changed the shape at half-time, I felt we had to get a higher press on the ball. We were much better second half, we were the better team."
Stoke City manager Nathan Jones:
"We had a couple of good opportunities and should have been given what was a stonewall penalty.
"We were entirely dominant during the first half and yes the second half was a bit more end-to-end, we lost control a little bit, but we defended superbly well again.
"It is disappointing but I am proud of the fact we are only playing for pride and trying to finish well for our fans, and we have come to another difficult place, played against a side with everything to play for and performed well."