Millwall 1-1 Brentford: Ivan Toney secures point with first Bees goal
- Published
Ivan Toney scored his first goal for Brentford following his summer move from Peterborough
Millwall continued their unbeaten start to the Championship season with a draw against London rivals Brentford in a game of few chances.
The Lions took an early lead when Jed Wallace headed in Mason Bennett's cross after the forward had outmuscled Pontus Jansson on the left flank.
Ivan Toney equalised for the visitors midway through the first half with a composed penalty, having been pulled down in the box by Shaun Hutchinson.
Millwall came closest to finding a winner on a windy afternoon at The Den, with wing-back Mahlon Romeo hitting the post before the break and Tom Bradshaw driving a low effort wide in the second half.
There was a minute's silence before kick-off for Sgt Matiu Ratana, the police officer who was shot dead in south London on Friday.
The Bees were able to call on Said Benrahma for the first time in 2020-21, with the playmaker coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute following speculation linking him with a move away.
The 25-year-old could not inspire his side to score a winner, although a good defensive header from Lions centre-back Alex Pearce stopped Toney getting on the end of a dangerous cross from the Algerian.
Brentford, last season's beaten play-off finalists, have won just one of their first three league games but saw Toney score his first goal for the club since his summer move from Peterborough.
Millwall defender Jake Cooper sent a back-post header wide in the closing stages, and Gary Rowett's side have taken five points from their opening three games.
Millwall boss Gary Rowett told BBC Radio London:
"I thought we were really good. We probably created the better chances.
"We have played two tough sides here in Stoke and Brentford and have more than matched them.
"I didn't think it was a penalty, but I can understand it as Toney got the wrong side of Hutchy.
"The referee has to realise there is not enough contact. We had to respond and I think we responded well - I was really enthused with the performance."
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank told BBC Radio London:
"We could have won it but I think it was a fairly even game overall.
"Millwall will create a lot of problems for a lot of teams, as they work extremely hard and want to play.
"We had maybe more chances, and a few opportunities where we lacked the final pass, touch or decision on the ball.
"It was good to see Said on the pitch. He has been working hard and he came close to deciding the game."