Harris hopes derby win gives Millwall belief

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Millwall boss Neil Harris is hoping his players can take momentum and belief from last night’s 3-1 win over rivals Charlton.

In the last EFL action before Christmas, and in front of a packed Den, Steve Morison’s brace and Aiden O’Brien’s header meant Nicky Ajose’s goal for Charlton was a mere consolation – and the Lions earned local bragging rights.

The win stretched Millwall’s unbeaten run in the fixture, with the Addicks last beating them in 1995, and has lifted them to tenth, just four points off the League One play-off places.

“The fact is we’re on the same points tally now as at the same stage of last season – that gives us belief.” Harris told the official club website after the game.

“This win gives us momentum, confidence and belief. It puts belief back into the fan-base, who I thought were brilliant.

“We have to make sure now that we follow that up in our games against Swindon and Gillingham with the same outcome.”

Last season ended in heartbreak for Millwall, who were beaten in the play-off final by Barnsley, but despite a mixed first half of this campaign, Harris believes they can replicate last season’s form to give themselves another shot at promotion.

The Lions manager said: “We are notorious at Millwall for being an excellent second half of the season team. Why? I don’t know.

“We don’t take it for granted that it will happen this year. We have to make it happen.”