Millwall 2 v 2 Doncaster Rovers

Coca-Cola League One

CHRIS HACKETT'S spectacular long range second half strike secured a vital point for The Lions as they drew at home to Doncaster Rovers.

The game started slowly with both teams failing to find any composure or rhythm as they frequently gifted possession to one another.

Doncaster had the Lion's share of possession in the first half and were rewarded when Jonathan Forte fired a stunning left-footed strike into the back of the net from just outside the 18-yard box on 17 minutes.

Millwall replied on 39 minutes when Darren Byfield scored the equaliser.

Zak Whitbread began the move passing the ball to Ben May on the edge of the box.

The striker turned sharply and sent the ball toward the bottom left-hand corner of the goal but Ben Smith got a hand to it and palmed it into the path of Byfield, who converted.

Rovers took the lead on 52 minutes after Hackett gave away possession.

Jason Price took on Millwall's defence and found a way through to finish for the lead, even though Lenny Pidgeley got a hand to the ball.

Hackett made up for his error when he received the ball on 58 minutes and fired home a 30-yard first time strike which caught the Rovers keeper by surprise and provided Millwall with an equaliser.

Both teams found passion and urgency in the final quarter of the match as they both went for the win.

Chances were created but neither team looked like scoring as the game drew to a close.

However, Rovers nearly stole all three points in the final minute of injury time when substitute Hefferman hit the post from close range before the ball catapulted off McDaid for a goal kick.

Millwall boss Willie Donachie said: "The first 20 minutes were the worst by a mile.

"After that, they showed a lot of character, worked for each other and came back twice form a goal behind.

"The passing and workrate is good but they need to do it with more intelligence.

"I feel we are going in the right direction and we have a strong front two."

Millwall travel to league leaders Nottingham Forest this weekend.

MATCH FACTS:

MILLWALL: Pidgeley, 6, Senda, 7, Robinson, 5, Lee, 5, Whitbread, 6, Dunne, 6, Elliott, 5, Hackett, 7, May, 6 (Hubertz, 83), Byfield, 6, Zebroski, 5 (Williams, 72).

SUBS NOT USED: Day, Phillips, Bakayogo.

ATT: 8,670.