KENNY Jackett was happy with Millwall’s battling performance as they beat Preston 1-0 in a nervy FA Cup third round tie on Saturday.
After taking the lead in the first half the Lions came under heavy pressure from the League One visitors after half-time but held out to advance to the fourth round with a home date against Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.
And Jackett is happy his side did what was necessary to progress, despite being far from at their best for long periods against spirited League One opponents Preston.
He said: “At times we had to battle and scrap it out but I was very pleased with our defending in the last 35 minutes where we restricted Preston to very little shots and efforts.
“We had quite a dominant first half and at the start of the second we had two very good chances.
“You always felt without that second goal the game was going to swing the other way.
“It did and we defended very well.
“Perhaps we needed to be two goals up.
“We had to put in real defensive shift and I’m pleased to say we did that.
“Preston had a number of corners and put a lot of pressure of us but if you have periods like that when you have to defend, then so be it.”
Millwall forwards Darius Henderson and Dany N’Guessan had a fruitless day at the office but Jackett was pleased with their contributions as he continues his search for Chris Wood’s replacement.
“We are always looking to improve but the effort and commitment from the strikers was good,” said the manager.
“They would’ve wanted to convert the chances and the pressure in the first period I’m sure but it was a real team commitment to be able to do the job to get through.”
The Lions return to league business this weekend with a trip to Bolton and Jackett hopes to have Danny Shittu and Liam Trotter back after they missed Saturday’s match due to injury.
He said: “I’m looking forward to the game and taking a side up there against a team from the Premier League with aspirations to get back there, so it is a big game for us.
“Playing in the Championship every week is great for us but an added cup run would be fantastic for the club.
“We are hoping for Shittu and Trotter to be back.
“If we can get them that will be great.”
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