Millwall 0-0 Bristol City: Lions drop out of play-off places after draw

Millwall defender Jake Cooper challenges Antoine Semenyo for the ballImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Millwall have the best home defensive record in the Championship this season, having conceded eight goals in 12 games

Millwall slipped out of the Championship play-off places following an uninspiring goalless draw at home against out-of-form Bristol City.

In a game of few clear chances, the Lions almost broke the deadlock before the break when a fierce volley from Andreas Voglsammer was deflected on to the bar by Robert Atkinson.

Home goalkeeper George Long had to be alert with 13 minutes left to come off his line and smother Antoine Semenyo's snap effort on the half-volley following a defensive mix-up.

Andreas Weimann then spurned a glorious change to win it with the visitors, firing wide from a flick-on by Semenyo.

Millwall extend their unbeaten run to three games - and have been beaten only once in their past seven - but drop two places to eighth in the table after wins for Luton Town and Middlesbrough.

Nigel Pearson's Bristol City, meanwhile, have won just once in their past nine games in the league and are now winless in three outings but edge three points clear of the relegation zone.

Neither keeper had a save to make in the first half, with Zian Flemming putting a free-kick over the Robins bar before Tommy Conway and Semenyo sent efforts off target.

The first real save came when Alex Scott's tame shot was fielded by Long in the 73rd minute, but the Lions keeper was quickly called into action again when Semenyo looked set to break the deadlock.

Murray Wallace had a chance in stoppage time to grab all three points for the hosts, but struck over the bar from a corner.

Millwall's impressive defensive record at home, with eight goals conceded in 12 games, has helped Gary Rowett's side make it seven without defeat at The Den.

Millwall boss Gary Rowett told BBC Radio London:

"I thought we huffed and puffed a little bit.

"There were some moments where we had good control and couldn't find the final pass.

"When teams come with a back five and they are quite defensive then we need to show a bit more quality to make the difference.

"I think the players have tried to do the right things - but they haven't quite gone for us, we just didn't play with the right quality."

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol:

"I am not happy but the type of performance that we needed, we got. That is one of commitment and endeavour.

"They are really tough opponents who play pretty direct, but they have got some good footballers too.

"It was important we put up a performance with resistance, both physically and mentally, but also that we had a threat going forward. I think we always looked pretty dangerous.

"We are a bit disappointed we didn't convert one or two of the situations that we created. I suppose it is something we can build on."

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