Millwall’s poor home record continued into 2021 as they were brushed aside by Coventry at the Den.

Gary Rowett’s side has not played since 19th December due to a number of players testing positive for COVID. 

Given the busy nature of this season schedule, many would have welcomed a break over Christmas. However, it seems the Lions may have enjoyed a bit too much festive cheer, playing like strangers as they struggled to find any fluidity.

The away side capitalised on a dismal first half from the Lions, scoring twice in 6 minutes.

Jake Cooper was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own goal, as Jordan Shipley’s effort rebounded off the post on 20 minutes.

Gustavo Hamer scored Coventry’s second in the 26th minute. His inital free kick struck the wall, but he turned in the follow up from the edge of the area, his effort deflecting off Cooper and past a static Bialkowski.

It could easily have been three by half time. Bialkowski was forced into a couple of good saves, denying Shipley and Ben Sheaf on 27 and 41 minutes respectively.

Jake Cooper almost doubled his tally for the away side, heading Hamer’s whipped cross onto his own bar from four yards out.

Shipley came close once again, a minute into the second half. His effort from range striking the post.

Rowett’s change of shape, and introduction of Troy Parrott helped Millwall get a foot hold in the game.

Parrott’s movement and passing gave the home side some much needed creativity as they searched for a way back into the game.

The Spurs loanee used his body well to win a penalty, which was calmly put away by Jed Wallace on 74 minutes.

It was too little too late for Millwall though. Their first half display proving too much to come back from.

Murray Wallace, who’d had a torrid game, was sent off late in stoppage time for a second yellow card after dragging down Callum O’Hare.

The Lions will need to make some big additions to the side in this January window, as they now seek to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

Lineups:

Millwall (4-2-3-1): Bialkowski; Romeo (Burey, 86), Hutchinson, Cooper, M. Wallace; Woods, Williams (Smith, 86), J. Wallace, Bodvarsson (Parrott, 45), Bennett (Malone, 45); Bradshaw.

Subs: Fielding, Ferguson, Leonard, Thompson.

Coventry City (3-5-2): Wilson; McFadzean, Hyam, Ostigard; McCallum, Sheaf, Shipley, Hamer, Dabo; Godden (Biamou, 15), O’Hare.
Subs: Camp, Allen, Bakayoko, Bapaga, Dacosta, Giles, Hilssner, Thompson.