DAVID Forde was disappointed with Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough but is confident the Lions can turn their fortunes around by securing more clean sheets.

Second half goals from substitute Emmanuel Ledesma and Albert Adomah sealed the win for Middlesbrough in a game which left the Den faithful more than a little restless.

Millwall fans were calling for manager Steve Lomas to be sacked at the final whistle, but Forde feels becoming more solid at the back will see them rise up the table.

The keeper said: “It’s very disappointing to lose like that, especially after the run we had been on at home.

“When we put in a performance like that it’s very disappointing.

“It’s always disappointing to lose at home and we know it wasn’t good enough, so we’ve got to be better and it’s just a case of looking ahead to Watford now.”

Forde added: “Previously we’ve always been pretty solid and consistent when it comes to clean sheets, so that is also very disappointing.

“If we want to get anywhere in this division we need to get back to earning cleans sheets.

“We were unbeaten in seven at home before this game, which is not bad, and it had to come to an end at sometime I guess.

“But it’s the manner of the defeat that is even more disappointing.”

Millwall travel to Vicarage Road on Boxing Day looking for their first away win since the victory against neighbours Charlton back in September.

The Hornets themselves are on a poor run of form having failed to score in more than 380 minutes of football at home, a run of five defeats which cost Gianfranco Zola his job.

Forde admitted it is a big match for the Lions but one which could help them get back on track as they look to stride clear of the relegation zone.

The Irish international explained: “The game against Watford is massive because you’re thinking all of a sudden you have lost two on the bounce and you know you need to bounce back and pick up the win.

“We’ve been here before. We’ve been solid and I guess the only saving grace from today was a few of the results below us were in our favour, so hopefully we have still got a little buffer on them.

“The pressure is on for Watford as well, so hopefully we can get a good result because they are struggling too.”

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