Millwall make a huge statement on Wednesday night with a comfortable victory over Preston North End which ensured the Lion's best start to a league campaign for 12 years.

Having been left frustrated with two points dropped against Barnsley on Saturday, the Londoners dusted themselves down and completed a professional job to record their second consecutive win at Deepdale to move into the top-six.

Kenneth Zohore's opener, assisted by Jed Wallace shortly after half-time, put Millwall in control on Lancashire before Wallace himself grabbed his fourth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot after Murray Wallace had been fouled.

Whilst it was an impressive team performance from the Lions, Wallace heaped praise on Alex Pearce and Shaun Williams, after the pair stepped in on the touchline in place of Gary Rowett and Adam Barrett - with the pair self-isolating after their positive COVID-19 test.

Wallace had special praise for Pearce. He told Millwall's official club website: "It was an unbelievable night. On a personal note, Pearcy [Alex Pearce] and Willow [Shaun Williams], two of my best friends, so to score when they're managing is doesn't happen often.

"Pearcy is the best captain I've ever played for, and Willow one of the most respected players I've ever played with."

 

The 15-question Millwall higher or lower quiz – Can you get 15/15?

 

The Verdict

Millwall are the form team in the Championship at present - with no side in the division taking more points from the previous four matches than Rowett's men (10).

All successful sides need a close-knit dressing-room and a togetherness in the camp, and the Lions have that in abundance right now - epitomised by the aftermath of Wallace's goal, when all 11 players, even goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski, joined in the celebrations.

Even without the leader of the ship in Rowett, Millwall got down to business, produced a professional performance, and travelled back to London with yet another three points in the bag.