Millers boss Matt Taylor admitted that his side had an evening to forget in the capital as Millwall ran out comfortable victors at The Den.
Ryan Longman, Zian Flemming and Tom Bradshaw netted for the hosts as Taylor’s side made the long trek north empty-handed.
“It was similar to the weekend, really. We were second best in too many physical moments. The brightness and the first contacts of the game went their way more than ours. We changed the shape a little bit and put an extra body in our backline but it did not materialise in the way we’d hoped. We had no real platforms on the pitch. Against a strong, home team like Millwall, you pay the price.
“We felt Sam (Nombe) and Jordan (Hugill) would be a handful but they didn’t get the service and every time the ball went towards our defensive line, it kept going in that direction. It was similar to the Huddersfield game. We have been excellent in structured, clean games but this week, especially, when the game is a bit more messy and a bit direct with a high tempo, we struggle with it a little bit. I understand our weaknesses and we try and nullify them where we can but it certainly didn’t work tonight.
“The second half was better but the second goal is where we are at the moment. That came out of nowhere. It was not a dangerous position for us to defend and then suddenly it’s in the back of our net.
“We have no cavalry around the corner to make a difference so I’ve got to make sure these group of players are mentally strong enough to get through this difficult time.”