Preston North End 0-0 Millwall - 23-Sep-2017 : Match Report

23 September 2017 05:25
Preston extend unbeaten run to six games after Millwall stalemate

High-flying Preston were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Millwall at Deepdale in a game of few clear-cut chances.

The draw extends Preston's unbeaten run to six Sky Bet Championship games and they were the side who came closest to breaking the deadlock, with opportunities wasted either side of half-time.

Millwall, seeking their first away win at this level in 12 attempts dating back to February 2015, had the first chance after 13 minutes as George Saville's shot was parried by Chris Maxwell before Steve Morison blazed over from 12 yards.

Preston have lots of pace to allow them to threaten on the counter-attack and showed that three minutes later as Tom Barkhuizen cut into the area from the right and his low shot was tipped wide of the far post by Jordan Archer.

The first half was punctuated by a number of fouls from both sides which broke up any pattern of the game.

Preston threatened with a couple of set-pieces after 25 minutes, the second of which broke to Daniel Johnson 15 yards out, though he skied his volley high into the Millwall fans.

On the stroke of half-time, Johnson slipped a pass through for Sean Maguire inside the area but he sliced the ball into the side-netting from eight yards.

The best move of the match came from the hosts after 53 minutes when Johnson slid Barkhuizen in behind and his low cross found Josh Harrop with an open goal, but the forward could not get enough contact as he lunged at the ball from three yards out.

Preston were the side threatening though and they had another opportunity a minute later as the ball dropped to full-back Darnell Fisher 20 yards out, but he hit the effort well over the bar.

Archer was forced into one of the few saves in the match after 66 minutes when Barkhuizen crossed from the left and Maguire got a glancing header on target but it was straight at the Millwall keeper from 12 yards.

Millwall had not looked like breaching the Championship's tightest defence, but they had an opportunity to do so on 75 minutes. Ben Davies gifted possession away and Jed Wallace was able to chip the ball through to Saville, who could only poke over the bar from eight yards.

Preston pushed for the win late on, but Millwall held firm and are now unbeaten in three Championship games.

Source: PA