Harris happy as Lions roar

EYES WIDE SHUT . . . Chris Taylor competes for the ball with Lions defenders during Athletic’s 2-0 loss at Millwall back in the 2009-10 season.

NEIL Harris was delighted with the way his players bounced back following an unexpected exit from the FA Cup.

Millwall’s manager, who boasts one of the biggest playing budgets in Sky Bet League One, cut a frustrated figure as his Lions side was seen off 2-1 at home by lower-league opponents Wycombe last weekend.

But with his front two of Steve Morison and Lee Gregory firing once more, his mood improved significantly as he watched his men win 2-0 at Southend to make it into the Southern area final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night.

“They let our fans down on Saturday and they wanted to put it right — and that’s what they did,” Harris said. “I am delighted with the response. Our front two had been poor on Saturday, but they were brilliant here. Southend hadn’t been beaten at home since September, so this was a terrific achievement.”

Millwall are seventh in the division and, after a return to League One featuring four straight home losses, have gradually climbed back into the picture at the top of the table.

A powerful all-Yorkshire centre-half combination of Mark Beevers and Byron Webster will pose a formidable barrier as Athletic bid to pick up a rare but much-needed home victory.