Millwall Player Ratings: 9/10 has 'spring in step' and 'superb' 8 as play-off rivals Derby County beaten

Millwall took another big stride closer to securing a play-off place with a 1-0 win over Derby County under the lights at The Den on Tuesday night.

The 7th-place visitors arrived in London looking to make up ground on the sides above them. It was always going to be a mission to overturn a Lions side locked on their promotion target with Alex Neil’s side having only lost once at home since mid-December.

Millwall dominance was perhaps not reflected in the 1-0 scoreline, despite a late flurry of Rams chances, a Josh Coburn header the difference maker on the night. Here’s how the Millwall players rated.

Millwall player ratings v Derby County

GK - Anthony Patterson, 7

A very, very quiet night in the Lions’ goal. Hoofed the ball well when called upon in a no-nonsense performance in between the sticks.

LB - Zak Sturge, 8

Drew a fine save from Josh Vickers in the Derby County goal with a first half header. Always a willing runner on the overlap, causing the visitors problems.

CB - Jake Cooper, 7

Looked a little shaky when a few long balls came bouncing his way in the first half with Patrick Agyemang breathing down his neck. Found his feet after that and helped his side to a clean sheet.

CB - Tristan Crama, 7

Made a vital block on an Agyemang shot after 14 minutes and looked up for the battle with the persistent Derby County forward, busting a gut to get back and cut him off one-on-one after the break - although that attack was ended for offside. Agyemang did get the better of him later but fluffed his shot and there was a slip that led to a decent Szmodics chance after that. Crama did hook the ball back into the box to assist Coburn.

RB - Danny McNamara, 7

Handed a tricky night well. Rhian Brewster clearly had the beating of the full-back for pace but never managed to cause any real problems.

LM - Camiel Neghli, 6

Neghli’s most impressive work came in his diligence to get back and help his team defend. Worked hard tonight but not one of the Lions’ principle threats.

CM - Barry Bannan, 8

A standing ovation when he came off in the 72nd minute, and rightly so. Covered a huge amount of ground and never looked leggy, making important tackles well into the second half.

CM - Billy Mitchell, 9

A real spring in his step tonight under the lights at The Den. Was pressure out of possession after two minutes but didn’t put a foot wrong after that, winning the ball high and almost teeing up Mihailo Ivanovic with a teasing ball in the second half.

RM - Femi Azeez, 8

Derby County couldn’t stop the winger from delivering dangerous balls into the box. Not sure how Azeez hasn’t picked up an eighth assist of the campaign this evening.

ST - Josh Coburn, 8

Got the crucial goal to secure another important three points for Millwall. It was clear early doors that Coburn would be in a physical battle against Dion Sanderson but never shied away. Was in the right place at the right time to nod home and leapt superbly to score.

ST - Mihailo Ivanovic, 6

Had a couple of decent opportunities with his head in the second half but couldn’t quite make enough contact. There was good service into the box tonight but the Serbian couldn’t capitalise on that. Nonetheless, some nice hold-up play and work off the ball.

Subs - Macaulay Langstaff (6), Luke Cundle (5), Tom Watson (7), Will Smallbone (6), Derek Mazou-Sacko (8).

In other news, Millwall and Leicester City monitor transfer swoop for 'physical' Charlton Athletic bagsman.