Player Ratings from Millwall’s win against Sheffield Wednesday

Millwall endured an afternoon of defending, after a Jed Wallace red card witnessed the Lions protect Matt Smith’s first half goal against Sheffield Wednesday.

Here is how the News Shopper rated Millwall’s players:

Bartosz Bialkowski - 7

Did well to get a hand to Liam Palmer’s shoot in the first half, but should count himself a lucky man after Adam Reach missed his 35-yard effort after midfielder spotted the Pole off his line.

Mahlon Romeo – 7

Failed to stop Kadeem Harris’ inevitable cut onto his right foot, albeit the fullback completed some vital inceptions.

Jake Cooper – 6

His continuous long-balls fell short of their destination, and his attempt to replicate a Harry Maguire-type run from defence ended with him on his backside. Defended well in the second half.

Alex Pearce – 8

Mopped up the majority of crosses that entered the Lions area and commanded the back-line in times of need. What would they do without his leadership?

Murray Wallace – 7

All of Wednesday’s diagonal balls were met by his head, but the converted full-back struggled to deal with Jacob Murphy’s pace.

Jed Wallace – 7

Caused Wednesday problems down the flank, and looked his usual self before he was questionably sent off for a tackle on Kieron Lee.

Ben Thompson – 7

Weaved in and out of Wednesday’s midfield and provided a number of key passes in the final third.

Shaun Williams – 7

Provided cover for his defenders when they ventured forward, sat deep and absorbed Sheffield Wednesday’s pressure.

Connor Mahoney – 7

A quiet afternoon for the winger in terms of his own standard but another game, another assist.

Matt Smith – 8

Scored the opening goal and became the first Millwall striker to score in consecutive games since last December. Became isolated in the second-half and was replaced by Bradshaw early on.

Aiden O’Brien – 7

Deployed as a striker in the first half and despite being in the right areas nothing fell his way. Became a winger in the second-half and pulled off some impressive defensive work to help out the full-backs.

Subs:

Tom Bradshaw – 6

Did what was asked of him, which was to hold up the ball and allow his teammates to make their way up the pitch.

Ryan Leonard – 6

Tackles are this man’s forte, allowing him to make the desired impact his manager would have wanted.

Shane Ferguson – N/A