Steve Lomas 'satisfied' with Millwall victory over Charlton

Some fans had called for Lomas to be sacked before crucial win at The Valley

Andy Sims
Saturday 21 September 2013 15:39 BST
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Millwall boss Steve Lomas
Millwall boss Steve Lomas (GETTY IMAGES)

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Steve Lomas proved a week is a long time in football as Millwall made it back-to-back wins by beating Charlton 1-0.

Last Saturday Lions fans were calling for manager Lomas to be sacked after the 5-1 home capitulation against Derby - their sixth game without a win.

But fast-forward a week and Lomas and his side were applauded off the Valley pitch having followed up Tuesday's maiden victory over Blackpool with a 1-0 derby-day success.

"That was the aim after Tuesday," said Lomas.

"These are knowledgeable fans and when the lads give that level of commitment and pride for the shirt then they will back you.

"Everyone was on a downer after the Derby game and rightly so. But today the lads have done their job well, and that's satisfying."

Scott McDonald was the hero with his first goal since joining Millwall from Middlesbrough over the summer, although he got a big slice of luck with his 37th-minute strike.

Charlton goalkeeper Ben Hamer was already diving to his right to keep out McDonald's speculative 25-yard drive when it flicked off defender Dorian Dervite and rolled inside the keeper's left-hand post.

The result meant Millwall, who were rock-bottom seven days ago, leapfrogged their south London rivals in the table.

"I'm pleased for Scott," added Lomas.

"We probably ask him to play slightly out of position on the left but it worked a treat today. He got a bit of luck with the deflection but he earned it.

"It's the first Sunday in a while I'll have a coffee and read the papers."

Charlton, without injured top scorer Yann Kermorgant, rarely threatened an equaliser.

Simon Church had their best chance 14 minute from the end when he was put through by sub Marvin Sordell, but Lions keeper David Forde made a fine save.

"It was a home game and a derby and I wanted us to put the opposition on the back foot but we didn't do that," admitted manager Chris Powell.

"In the first half I really needed more from my players, in respect of creativity.

"Then after the goal we were always chasing the game and although we had one or two situations we couldn't break the deadlock.

"We've got to realise it will be a tough old season for us but we have to believe we can turn it around.

"Millwall were buoyed by their result in the week and they've showed how quickly thing can change."

PA

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