Neil Harris believes Derby County's improved second half made it difficult for Millwall - prompting fears of a repeat of the opening day draw with Middlesbrough.

Jake Cooper and Shaun Williams scored twice inside 20 minutes to instigate hope of the Lions getting their first win in the Championship this season.

But substitute David Nugent scored within five minutes of coming on, though despite late drama the hosts managed to hold on for all three points.

Harris said: “I think the majority of the ground is going, ‘Here we go again’.

“I told the players we have no divine right to win football matches, whether you score in the first minute or the last minute. I thought in the first half we were really good, but in the second half Derby showed their class and made it really difficult.

“I thought the game management was much better. Frank will be disappointed with the goals they conceded, in the first half we were really good but Derby showed their class.

“Our subs at the end played a huge part in us getting three points because we had some tired legs.”

Millwall took a two-goal lead against Boro on the opening day of the Championship season, only to concede late twice to throw away all three points.

But the Lions have now claimed five points from a possible nine from their first three league fixtures.

The win also serves as vengeance over the drubbing they received against the same team last season, as they look to host promotion hopefuls Swansea City soon as well.

Harris also believes Gregory scored the opening, despite confusion over whether it was him or Cooper who got the final touch from Williams’ indirect free-kick.

He added: “I'm sure Frank got a warm reception from our fanbase, but he's going to be a cracking manager, the career he has had and the man he is, the professionalism and the success he's had is going to take time.

“He'll do hugely well as manager.”