Ryan Longman’s wonder strike led Millwall to a 1-0 victory over Championship leaders Leicester City as the Lions moved four points clear of the Championship relegation zone.
Leicester had near complete control of possession but struggled to create many clear-cut chances against a much-improved Millwall, who came into the clash following losses to Rotherham and Huddersfield. The Foxes were punished mid-way through the second half as Neil Harris’ side struck on the breakthrough Longman’s stunning curling strike.
Matchwinner Longman provided an early threat, as Leicester’s backline left the forward completely unmarked in the penalty area after just 30 seconds. But the former Hull City man headed straight into the arms of Mads Hermansen.
Leicester quickly seized control of possession and the Foxes’ leading assister for the campaign, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, tried to set up an early goal for the visitors. The midfielder first set through Saturday’s goalscorer Stephy Mavididi, whose heavy touch allowed Matija Šarkić to rush off his line and smother the danger.. Dewsbury-Hall was then trying to pull the strings moments later as his perfectly weighted through ball found Jamie Vardy and the experienced striker poked a lifeless effort on target.
Despite having near complete control of the ball, Leicester rarely threatened in the final third. Much of the visitors’ frustration came from the Lions’ well-drilled defence, with Jake Cooper particularly strong in clearing anything put into the South Londoners box.
A strong defensive performance from Harris’ side was nearly complimented by an opener when Cooper rose highest in the area just before the break. Still, the Millwall skipper couldn’t trouble Hermansen.
Leicester’s command continued early in the second period, yet Enzo Maresca’s outfit lacked the cutting edge to break down Millwall’s backline. Eventually, the Foxes were punished for having too much patience and Longman produced the pivotal moment when he raced forward and thumped an unstoppable curling strike over the outstretched Hermansen for his first league goal at the Den since September 2023.
Inevitably, Leicester played with more urgency to overcome the one-goal deficit. However, Millwall held their line and the hosts went close to notching a decisive second on the break as Obaefemi dribbled past Jannik Vestergaard and forced Hermansen into a strong save with a low strike.
The late Foxes’ onslaught eventually came with substitute Dennis Praet clipping a first-time through ball to Ricardo Pereira, who shot low from close range only to be denied by Šarkić. One last-gasp effort came for Maresca’s side to salvage a point when Kelechi Iheanacho’s powerful goalbound header was cleared off the line by Billy Mitchell.
After taking one point from their previous four, and conceding six in the process, a home win to nil was the perfect remedy for Millwall, who remain unbeaten at the Den in four consecutive matches under Harris. It was a frustrating evening for Leicester, who have dropped points in three of their last five fixtures, and the Foxes missed the chance to go four points clear of Leeds and Ipswich.
