The chances of Millwall finishing the season as London's top Nationwide Division One club became even more likely after a well-earned 3-3 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Although the prospect of a summer sale or two is on the horizon, the fans can take solace from the emergence of the young stars of the future.

Youth team skipper Tony Craig could not have picked a much tougher match to make his senior debut in, especially given the enforced absence of away support at the City Ground.

Craig remained composed throughout and unfazed by Forest, who took a step closer to the Premiership after confirming their place in the play-offs.

His youth team-mate Marvin Elliot also got his first taste of action, making a cameo appearance as a substitute.

Millwall boss Mark McGhee seemed impressed with the pair's contribution. He said: "It's not just about blooding youngsters. It's about blooding them and then seeing if they're up to it.

"Probably with Marvin Elliot it's difficult to say how he did. He got in a few tackles and seemed to be enjoying himself out there.

"I thought Tony Craig did very well. I only took him off because he had been booked and I thought maybe with his enthusiasm he could possibly get himself sent off."

Despite the presence of the youngsters, it was Tim Cahill making his first start since a lengthy lay-off who stole most of the plaudits with a superb all-round display and a well-taken goal.

With Millwall trailing 2-1, Cahill proved he has more strings to his bow than just traditional goal-poaching by curling in an exquisite free-kick to equalise and end a good week for the highly-rated Australian had missed most of the season with injury, but marked his return by heading the winner in the Easter Monday 3-2 home victory over Crystal Palace.

Another plus for Millwall was the effectiveness of strikers Neil Harris and Mark McCammon, with the former scoring and the latter instrumental in the Lions' first goal.

Facing an uphill struggle when two-down, Millwall rallied when McCammon headed on Matt Lawrence's throw for Cahill, whose shot was blocked. But skipper Stuart Nethercott seized upon the opportunity, hammering home like a true striker from six yards.

Harris' contribution was even more significant. Once again, Millwall had fallen behind and after receiving Andy Roberts' pass there seemed little chance of Harris scoring. But after his shuffle deceived Michael Dawson, Harris curled in a trademark effort with his right foot.

Although the Lions' attack was deadly, perhaps questions will be raised about Millwall's defending for the goals conceded.

For the first goal, Eugen Bopp's right-wing cross was only half-cleared by Cahill and Darren Ward, before it fell to Eoin Jess, who gratefully drove home.

The second came from the other flank, as David Johnson skipped past Lawrence before picking out Bopp, who made it two-nil.

After being pegged back, Forest restored their lead when the ball broke to John Thompson following a tackle from Robbie Ryan, on as a late substitute. Thompson's cross was only half cleared to Jess, whose shot wickedly deflected off Johnson to give Millwall keeper Tony Warner no chance.

Except for the setback of losing 3-0 at play-off team Wolves, it has been a good spell for the Lions with a 2-1 away win at Derby County, when Harris and McCammon were on target.

This Saturday, Millwall play their final match of the season at home to Coventry.

April 30, 2003 11:30