A Fairytale Start for Neil Harris’ Fourth Millwall Reign
In a script that even Hollywood would envy, Neil Harris marked his return to Millwall with a thrilling 2-1 victory over promotion-chasing Southampton at St Mary’s. The Lions’ legend, now beginning his fourth association with the club (twice as player, twice as manager), watched Japhet Tanganga and Zian Flemming deliver three precious points that lifted Millwall out of the relegation zone on Six6s Championship coverage.
The atmosphere crackled with nostalgia as Harris – Millwall’s all-time record goalscorer – took charge of his first game since replacing the sacked Joe Edwards. “Super Neil Harris” chants echoed around St Mary’s from the traveling supporters, who witnessed their team’s first win in eight matches (1 point from previous 21 available).
Tactical Breakdown: How Millwall Outfoxed Southampton
Defensive Solidity Meets Clinical Finishing
Harris implemented a compact 5-4-1 system that frustrated Southampton’s possession-based approach (68% possession for Saints). Tottenham loanee Tanganga was immense – scoring his first professional goal after just five minutes, then making a goal-line clearance to deny Che Adams. The 24-year-old’s performance exemplified Harris’ demand for “players who’d run through brick walls.”
Millwall‘s winner came from textbook route-one football:
- Long clearance from Sarkic
- Obafemi (ex-Southampton) challenges Bednarek
- Shot deflects onto Bednarek’s arm
- Flemming converts penalty (7th goal this season)
Southampton’s Promotion Hopes Take a Hit
Russell Martin’s side has now lost three of their last four, with all seven of their league defeats this season curiously coming in September or February. Their Achilles’ heel? Defending set-pieces and crosses – both Millwall goals originated from these situations.
Key issues for Saints:
- Bazunu’s questionable positioning for Tanganga’s header
- Bednarek’s unfortunate handball
- Wastefulness in front of goal (Adams’ 11th season goal their only conversion from 18 shots)
Post-Match Reactions: Contrasting Emotions
Russell Martin (Southampton Manager)
“We’ll be fine in the promotion race… but we conceded two rubbish goals today. When analysts suggest there might have been an offside on their first goal, and we failed to clear properly for the penalty, that’s the story – not tactics.”
Neil Harris (Millwall Manager)
“The fans needed that performance. Millwall teams always find a way – today was about heart. You don’t have to be the best player, just work harder than everyone else. That’s what I demanded as a player, and now as manager.”
Championship Implications
For Millwall:
- Moves to 18th (4 points clear of drop)
- First win since December 29
- Momentum boost for survival battle
For Southampton:
- Remains 4th (now 7 points behind top two)
- Must address defensive vulnerabilities
- Next three games: West Brom (A), Birmingham (H), Liverpool (FA Cup)
This result perfectly encapsulates the Championship’s unpredictability – where a team battling relegation can outfight promotion contenders through sheer determination. As Six6s analysts noted, Harris has immediately reinstilled Millwall’s traditional values: organization, commitment, and making every set-piece count.
For Southampton, questions will be asked about their automatic promotion credentials after this setback. Can Russell Martin’s possession-heavy philosophy withstand the physical demands of Championship football? The next month will provide answers.
