'Optimism levels up to 11 at The Den'

A blue banner containing the Millwall club crest and text reading 'Fan's voice'
  • Published
Macaulay Langstaff celebrates with his arm in the air after scoring for Millwall against Norwich CityImage source, Rex Features

Optimism levels have been turned up the 11 at The Den, for at least until 17:00 on Saturday anyway, all in the wake of a magnificent away win at Norwich City.

Over 2,000 travelling Lions were privileged to see an initially rusty first half transform into a very strong second half, indeed.

This year has seen some shrewd signings, improving experienced players and an emphasis on bringing through young talent at Millwall.

And this paid off handsomely after a first 45 minutes spent containing the expensive-looking Canaries who, despite having the bulk of the possession, were restricted to harmless long-range shots.

After the break, however, the Lions took matters up a gear and opened the scoring on 51 minutes via a fine right-sided cross from Tristan Crama, which was well finished by Camiel Neghli for 1-0.

Moments later we went from the sublime to the ridiculous when new keeper Steven Benda contrived to rebound a clearance off of Josh Sargent's back into an empty net.

"Oh gawd" was the collective view amongst the Lions following around me when that slapstick goal went in the net.

Thankfully however the Millwall heads didn't drop and, despite the normally reliable Femi Azeez missing a sitter on 60 minutes, an excellent through-ball from another new face Alfie Doughty finished matters.

A pass of beauty straight into the path of Macaulay Langstaff, who slotted it away like Bermondsey's answer to Erling Haaland for 2-1.

All in all, a beautiful day in East Anglia - particularly for Langstaff, who has struggled for form since signing from Notts County last season.

Find more from Nick Hart on Achtung! Millwall., external