Race for Wembley begins: Millwall face Scunthorpe in play-off semi final

The Cold Blow Lane end of The Den, Millwall’s football stadium

 

Shaun Hutchinson’s 85th minute goal during the 4-3 win over Bristol Rovers on Sunday saw Millwall stride into the play-off semi-finals as another thrilling Lions season nears its end.

The victory saw the play-off ties against Scunthorpe confirmed, with the Lions’ home game set for tomorrow (May 4) and the away game taking place at Scunthorpe’s Glanford Park on Sunday (May 7).

Having lost 3-1 to Barnsley in last year’s play-off final at Wembley, Millwall will be hoping to use the momentum from their last game to produce yet another energetic performance and secure a second chance of promotion.

Millwall’s previous two clashes against Scunthorpe were a 3-0 loss away at Glanford Park in December and a 3-1 victory at The Den last month.

The loss to Scunthorpe in December kick-started the 16-game unbeaten run that has brought Millwall so much success this season.

However, Scunthorpe go into the game with excellent form, having finished third in the league and coming off a four-match winning streak, with their last loss coming at the hands of Millwall on April 1.

Also contesting for a place in the play-off final are fourth placed Fleetwood Town and fifth placed Bradford City.

WHAT THE FANS SAY.

Musician and life-long Millwall supporter, Jack Clarke, 18, spoke to EastLondonLines about the Lion’s chances of reaching Wembley: “I think it will be a tough tie, both home and away.

“I can see both teams winning at their respective home grounds. I think it will be a case of who scores the most goals and it could even come down to penalties on the night.

“Scunthorpe have won every game since we played them (in April) […] which was probably our strongest performance all season.

“If Steve Morrison and Lee Gregory are both on top form they can be one of the strongest striking pairs in the league […] so it’s vital they both have good games.

“I, along with a lot of other fans, see this season as a bit of an underperformance. Coming out of the play-offs last season, with three strikers who have scored 48 goals between them this season, we should have been comfortably inside the play-offs, if not in the automatic promotion spots.

“I think if we perform as well as we should and have a good start against Scunthorpe, we could be off to Wembley again!”

(Find Jack on Twitter – @japhcl)

Millwall fan of 30 years, Dan Hollyhead, also spoke to EastLondonLines about the upcoming fixtures: “I think it’s going to be a tough game but if the crowd get behind them we can take a good lead into the second leg.

“Lee Gregory coming back to form and a return of Jed Wallace will be key.

“I thought we would definitely get play-offs but part of me was expecting a challenge for automatic promotion.

“Last year was a massive learning curve. I think the team have grown and learned from that and I hope that come May 20, we have that trophy in hand.”

(Find Dan on Twitter – @HollyheadDaniel)

After the victory at Bristol, Millwall manager Neil Harris praised the players’ character. Harris also immediately drew thoughts to Thursday’s play-off game, telling Millwall FC: “Play-off games at The Den are always very special occasions and I’m sure it will be rocking come that first whistle. That support will be crucial.”

Tickets for the home tie are still available online or at Millwall’s ticket office.

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