Stoke City fight back to end Millwall’s winning run

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Captain Ben Gibson salvaged a point for Stoke as Millwall’s four-match winning streak came to an end at the Bet365 Stadium.

The visitors took the lead at halftime with their first shot on target. Femi Azeez’s low cross across the six-yard box found Josh Coburn, who bundled it home from close range.

Stoke had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Jake Cooper fouled Wouter Burger as he prepared to score from point-blank range.

However, the hosts deservedly equalized when Gibson flicked in a header from Bae Jun-Ho’s corner at the near post—Millwall’s first goal conceded in five matches, breaking their run of four consecutive 1-0 wins.

The draw extended Millwall’s unbeaten streak to seven matches, while Stoke have lost just once in their last eight under manager Narcis Pelach.

Millwall’s typically solid defense, having kept four clean sheets in a row, was tested early on when Million Manhoef’s low cross found Tom Cannon unmarked at the far post, but the striker missed the target.

Bae’s low shot from 20 yards forced a full-stretch save from Millwall goalkeeper Lukas Jensen as Stoke dominated possession in the first half with over 70%, though they struggled to create clear chances.

Millwall grew into the game, with Azeez firing into the side netting before setting up Coburn for his second goal for the club, and his first since his debut.

Referee Will Finnie further upset the home crowd when he awarded Jake Cooper a yellow card for dissent, which would lead to a one-match suspension due to his fifth booking of the season.

The added intensity from Stoke saw Gibson score for the second consecutive home match, as Millwall conceded just their sixth goal in their last 13 matches.

Azeez almost found a late winner for Millwall with a shot just past the post, while Stoke’s Eric-Junior Bocat fired a good chance over the bar as time ran out.

Stoke City head coach Narcis Pelach told BBC Radio Stoke:

“It’s a penalty for us, a red card, and then probably we win the game, so I’m disappointed.

“It would have been a great week with three wins, but we have to take the point, it is what it is, and don’t get frustrated.

“They (the officials) got it wrong. It’s clear, everyone has seen it. The job of the referee is not easy, we are all human beings and we make mistakes.

“They have apologised for the mistake. I have been in charge for 10 or 11 games here and it has happened three times to me now.

“I accept the apologies. We’re all human beings, I’m okay with that, it is what it is, and then hopefully one day it will go the other way.”

Millwall boss Neil Harris told BBC London 94.9:

“It’s an excellent point. The whole ground, and probably the whole football industry, thought ‘Millwall are 1-0 up, that’s how it’s going to finish’, but Stoke are a good side in a good moment.

“They caused a lot of problems in the middle third all game, but I think we had the better chances, so I’m delighted with a point.

“Ultimately it’s not just one game – I look at the week and the seven points in a week.

“For us to play Burnley and Leeds at home and come to Stoke, a ground where we’ve not done great at for a long time, it’s a fantastic week for us.”