Alex Neil delighted to ‘eradicate’ Millwall’s awful record at Norwich

Millwall head coach Alex Neil was delighted both with the performance and the historical significance of the result after his side’s hard-fought 2-1 win at Norwich.

A late goal from substitute Macaulay Langstaff not only made it a winning start to the new Championship season for the Lions but also earned them their first win at Carrow Road for 57 years.

“When you consider the two sides have been playing at the same level for quite a lot of that period it’s a strange one, and it was a big talking point in the lead-up to the game,” said Neil, who managed the Canaries between 2015 and 2017.

“It’s a long, long time since we won here so to eradicate that one from the record books was very pleasing.

“I know from experience how difficult it is to come to Carrow Road and get something so obviously I am delighted with the result.

“The atmosphere was terrific and I thought it took us a bit of time to settle but we defended well. In the second half we scored two and could have had more.

“We were up against a good Norwich side and created lots of chances while also showing what we are about as a team – the grit, digging in and finding a way to influence the result.

“It’s a great start which gives us and the fans belief and confidence going forward – but these sort of games are won by fine margins and it would be wrong to start looking too far ahead on the basis of one game.”

After a cagey first half, Millwall carved out a beautifully taken 51st-minute opener with Tristan Crama galloping down the right before driving in a low close which Camiel Neghli converted with aplomb.

Norwich soon levelled as keeper Steven Benda took too long to clear a back-pass, allowing Josh Sargent to block the ball straight into the net, but Millwall had the final say in the 83rd minute as Langstaff made an instant impact from the bench, slotting home Alfie Doughty’s inch-perfect pass.

New Norwich head coach Liam Manning said: “My overall feeling is one of frustration and disappointment with the manner of the goals we conceded.

“We needed to defend better in those moments, make better decisions, perform better when under pressure – and we need to own that and make sure we improve.

“For the first 25 minutes I thought we did well, playing the game in their half, but we didn’t create enough.

“Obviously it will take time for all the new players (11 in all) to settle but I don’t want to talk about that too much. It’s something we need to accelerate to ensure we are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

“There’s no doubt the potential is there and everyone needs to stay focused and make sure there is no hangover and we are ready for next week.”