Millwall 2-0 Southend (From News Shopper)

Millwall 2-0 Southend

9:10am Wednesday 27th January 2010 in

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KENNY Jackett was pleased to see Shaun Batt score on his debut and fire the Lions into the League One play-off places with a 2-0 win over Southend last night.

The home side emerged victorious from a scrappy clash with the Shrimpers and moved into sixth place, leap-frogging MK Dons and Huddersfield Town.

Despite both sides struggling to create chances on a heavy pitch, the Lions went in at the break a goal to the good through Danny Schofield, who slotted in from close range after Jack Smith’s miscued shot fell kindly for the midfielder in injury time.

Southend, though, were justifiably disappointed a clear foul and offside were missed by the referee in the build up to opener.

Despite the circumstances, the Lions deserved their lead and after the break put the pressure on their visitors with on-loan debutant Batt combining well with Steve Morison.

Batt doubled the home side’s lead on 64 minutes when he burst into the area before cutting back inside his man and slotting into the far corner.

Morison, Smith and Batt all went close to adding a third, but, with the Lions back line relatively untroubled throughout the latter stages, Millwall sealed their third win in four league games to the delight of Jackett.

“It’s good to be in there,” said the Lions boss.

“We’re trying to get into the Championship but the beauty of this league is the top 10 can all get there.

“But we’re there in the mix again and it’s all to play for in the last few months of the season.”

Speaking about the Southend result, Jackett felt his side were deserved winners.

“The pitch has had so much snow and rain on it that it was like a pudding today and that did have an effect on the flow of the game,” he said.

“But I feel we created enough chances to win the game and I’m pleased to say we took two of them.

“I have heard Southend were disappointed about the refereeing for the first goal.

“Well, we have had a lot of things go against us this season, including countless penalty appeals that would have got us more points, but sometimes they are given and sometimes they are not.”

Jackett also reserved special praise for debutant Batt who, despite only arriving at the club the day before the game from Peterborough, slotted into the side well and was a real threat on the Southend goal all night.

“Shaun wants to know,” said Jackett about his enthusiastic new signing.

“He came here really keen to play and I’m pleased with his debut.

“Obviously to get a goal is a big thing for any striker. It settles you down and encourages you.

“He took it very well and looked a threat as part of a front two with Morison. He has got pace, can win a header and has a little bit of everything.”