Millwall 2-3 Norwich: Canaries leapfrog Lions in play-offs race

Millwall's Tom Bradshaw (right) challenges for the ballImage source, Getty Images
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Tom Bradshaw (right) scored at both ends for Millwall

Millwall's Tom Bradshaw scored at both ends as Norwich came from behind to triumph at the Den.

The Lions striker opened the scoring with his 13th goal of the season but Jacob Sorensen put the visitors level.

Bradshaw then diverted an Onel Hernandez cross into his own net before Gabriel Sara's screamer made it 3-1.

Zian Flemming headed in a late corner to give Millwall fresh hope but the Canaries clung on to leapfrog their hosts into sixth place.

A sell-out crowd that included Fifa president Gianni Infantino watched as the two play-off contenders traded blows, with Millwall looking stronger in the initial exchanges.

Flemming went close before setting up the 21st-minute opener for Bradshaw, who burst onto the Dutchman's through ball and thundered his fifth goal in six games beyond the helpless Angus Gunn.

Oliver Burke almost made it 2-0 soon afterwards, breaching the Canaries' backline again but his attempt flew just wide and the visitors hit back seven minutes before the interval.

Norwich made the most of a slick corner routine, with Sara playing the ball across for Sorensen and the Danish midfielder steered home his second goal of the campaign.

Image source, Rex Features
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How do you like the Championship Mr President? Fifa boss Gianni Infantino was in attendance at The Den

The visitors snatched the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Hernandez sent in a ball from the left and Bradshaw's touch sent it sailing past George Long into the net.

Millwall might have regained parity immediately but Gunn's saves thwarted Bradshaw and Jake Cooper - and Sara soon extended the Canaries' advantage with a classy third, swivelling on another Hernandez cross before rifling home with his left foot.

However, the Lions fought back as Andreas Voglsammer floated in a corner and Flemming rose to head his third goal in as many games.

But Millwall were unable to carve out an equaliser and could not avoid their first home defeat in 12 games.

Millwall manager Gary Rowett told BBC London 94.9:

"We've got into good positions and created some chances. We did what we've done to a lot of teams, maybe Norwich just dealt with it a tiny bit better and we didn't quite punish them at times.

"I thought there was a lot to like about the performance. We just had a little spell where we came undone with two poor goals.

"It was those small margins and little lapses of concentration that cost us a chance to win the game.

"Norwich are a very good side and they will get a lot of good results between now and the end of the season. I don't think losing to Norwich is anything to be ashamed of."

Norwich head coach David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk:

"We conceded a very avoidable goal but how the group reacted was wonderful. We had the support from the stands and the energy on the grass as well and we scored three wonderful goals.

"I think it was because of the togetherness and fighting spirit but we played some very decent football as well and deserved this win.

"You've seen today how important set-pieces are and for us to score from two was great.

"For 70, 75 minutes (Gabriel) Sara was the best player on the pitch. Defensively he played like a proper British football player in circumstances like this and with the ball he made so many good decisions and a wonderful goal as well - a goal which he deserved."

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