Millwall 1 Reading 0 28th Aug 04 by Joe Broadfoot Any fears that Millwall would become sidetracked by the excitement of the UEFA Cup draw were dispelled by a gritty 1-0 home victory over Reading last Saturday.

With two Canadians in Millwall's line up - Josh Simpson and Adrian Serioux - and two Americans playing for the Royals, it could have been billed as a "North American derby".

But it was Canadians who earned the earned the bragging rights thanks to Danny Dichio's late headed goal from a well-worked set play involving Darren Ward and Dave Livermore.

It was enough to clinch the victory, but after the game Reading boss Steve Coppell bemoaned his side's luck: "We deserved something from the way we played and also from the chances we created."

The Royals boss also mentioned three penalties appeals turned down: "It takes a brave referee to come to the Den and give a penalty to the away side."

The penalty appeal Coppell described as "nailed on" came just after the interval, when American substitute Bobby Convey got sandwiched between Matt Lawrence and Serioux in the box.

Referee Keith Hill was well placed to make the right decision, even if Coppell claimed the official got it wrong.

Millwall assistant boss Ray Wilkins also felt he had reason to complain, being dissatisfied with certain aspects of the Lions' display: "I'm pleased with the result but not the second half performance.

"It was another clean sheet and another goal from a set play.

"Some of our passing in the first half was exceptional, but Reading probably had the better chances and may have deserved a draw."

Talking of draws, many Millwall fans have been planning a trip to Budapest ever since the Lions were drawn against Ferencvaros in the UEFA Cup.

The two-legged affair is scheduled for the 16th and 30th September, but Wilkins refused to get carried away with the growing excitement at the club.

He said: "I sincerely hope we can keep our focus.

"After we got to the FA Cup final both Watford and Reading beat us at home, so we can't afford to be distracted."

He also issued a stark warning: "If we see any of our team take their foot of the gas, they won't play in the UEFA Cup."

Ferencvaros sent their reserve team boss Josef Dzurjak to monitor Millwall in action, and prior to kick off he said: "Our players are delighted to have the chance to play in London.

"It will be a difficult game, but it could be in our favour that Millwall lack European experience.

"Dennis Wise is known as a tough competitor in Hungary, so we expect his team to have the same mentality."

After three victories on the trot, Wise and Wilkins should be quietly confident that the Lions are capable of pulling off a shock against Ferencvaros though the league match away at high-flying Ipswich Town on Sunday 12th September (kick 1pm) is the next obstacle.

First comes the international week which may be considered a welcome break for some players, but for Millwall's Canadian duo Josh Simpson and Serioux there is a danger of burn-out.

Wilkins said: "It seems to be affecting Adrian more than Josh.

"Adrian looked extremely tired and now that they're training every day they're probably feeling it."

If Millwall hope to field an unchanged winning team for the next couple of games, they will need the pair to return unscathed and fully fit from international duty.