MILLWALL columnist AYSE SMITH wasn’t too impressed with referee Lee Probert’s display in last night’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

BECAUSE last weekend’s opponents Yeovil were still in the FA Cup, the Lions had a 10-day gap between games – the perfect opportunity for boss Ian Holloway to take the players away for a much-needed training session.

They went away to Portugal to a place known well by Holloway, who was familiar with the pitches and the facilities, which were exactly what they needed.

No doubt his new number two Marc Bircham thought it was a good idea too!

The players had been working hard hard having nine-hour training days, so this was certainly no jolly in the sun.

Holloway has also added to his signings for the club.

Early last week he signed 32-year-old Blackburn striker DJ Campbell on loan until the end of the season, with the new addition quickly joining up with the training camp in Portugal.

Both had worked well together at Blackpool, but Campbell hasn’t been doing so well since he parted company with Ollie.

After leaving Blackpool and signing for his childhood club QPR things didn’t turn out as he had wanted and he only started two games for them because of an injury-plagued spell at Loftus Road.

Let’s hope signing for us is the revival he has needed, as he can be a great player.

On Monday we signed 27-year-old Shaun Williams from MK Dons, a defender who can also play in midfield, making him a pretty useful player.

All of this activity meant last night's game against Sheffield Wednesday was going to be a cracker - nice fit players who should be up the challenge against an Owls side scrapping down the bottom of the table with us, even though they have had a fantastic run and haven't lost in eight games.

They have made their temporary manager permanent and were up for it, so this was a six-pointer if ever there was one.

In the howling wind and pouring rain at The Den, the officials were horrendous as per usual, giving so many contentious decisions I actually lost count.

Millwall had missed out on an opening goal with chances from Lee Martin, Danny Shittu, Steve Morison and Liam Feeney before Sheffield Wednesday scored in the 69th minute against the run of play.

Substitute Giles Coke made a great run which finished with him dribbling round Stephen Bywater to score into an open goal.

Wednesday seemed to be allowed every decision and even when Morison was clattered around the head in the six-yard box, nothing was given.

Referee Lee Probert still allowed the game to carry on, but luckily for Millwall we gained possession and new signing Cambpell scored with 10 minutes to go.

The temperature was certainly rising as the game was drawing to a close.

Sheffield Wednesday keeper Chris Kirkland went for the ball with his hand at least 10 yards out of his box and was allowed to get away with it.

Tensions were getting pretty high and then Shane Lowry, after being pulled all over the pitch for most of the game by Wednesday’s Atdhe Nuhiu, ended up in an altercation which saw both him and Coke were sent off.

Eight minutes of injury time were played but it was just not meant to be for the Lions.

Hopefully Ollie has now seen the kind of performances he wants and who will give them to him, enough so he can have a clear out before it’s too late.

Don’t forget to get the new issue of The Lion Roars Fanzine on sale at the gates at The Den on Saturday!!!