David Forde was delighted with victory at Brighton on Friday night following Millwall’s previous five-goal mauling by Middlesborough. 

Lee Gregory grabbed the Lions’ only goal of the game after 15 minutes to earn all three points. Millwall sit 20th in the Championship, five points above the relegation zone. 

Struggling Brighton rarely troubled Forde beyond him having to save smartly from Jake Forster-Caskey midway through the first half. 

Brighton saw a lot of possession after half-time but were unable to breach Millwall’s back-line, allowing the visitors to claim their second away victory of the season.

“It was a massive result,” the Irishman told News Shopper.

“It was a long time coming. We played very well in the first half and defended resolutely in the second. 

“It’s a huge three points. It was a six-pointer, so we’ve opened a nice gap between us and them. 

“I’ve always felt over the last few weeks that we were due a win and we’ve played well. 

“We disappointed in that we conceded five at home last week so it’s a great response.”

The clean sheet was of particular importance for the 34-year-old goalkeeper.

“It’s huge,” he said. “A 1-0 is like the perfect team performance – a clean sheet for the defenders and we scored up front. 

“It will give the whole side confidence going into the next game if we can keep building on that. 

“We’ve had some great clean sheets this year. It’s probably a case of that when we’ve conceded, we’ve conceded a few. We’re trying to rectify that and push on.

“They came out at the start of the second half and put in a good shift and put us under pressure.

“They had a lot of possession. We were resolute, we stayed strong and managed to weather the storm. 

“Sometimes in this division that’s what you’ve got to do, weather the storm. Then you’ll have your turn to go and attack, and we certainly did.”

The Brighton fans at The Amex grew increasingly frustrated with their own side. Some in the crowd turned on their team and called for manager Sami Hyypia’s head. 

Forde confirmed that hearing the home crowd’s discontent served to encourage he and his team-mates.

“It gives you a bit but you’d never get too comfortable either, because you never really know with football, they could take one chance. 

“Teams always get a couple of chances which they had towards the end of the second half. Lucky for us they didn’t capitalise on them.

“It’s not nice when you hear fans singing that they want the manager out, but we came, we did our job and that’s the main thing for us, really.”

Forde also praised goalscorer Gregory, who signed for Millwall from Conference side Halifax Town in the summer.

“He’s scored four already this year,” recalled Forde.

“It is a difficult step up. I’ve been in Non-League myself so I definitely know how difficult it can be. 

“He’s a fantastic lad, he works hard, and he’s hungry for success.”

Millwall next face Bolton Wanderers at The Den, on Friday evening. 

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