Millwall's next Championship opponents, Portsmouth, showed their resilience with a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night. The result keeps Pompey one place and one point behind Millwall, who sit 12th with 15 points from 11 games, ahead of their meeting at Fratton Park next Saturday.
Terry Devlin volleyed home an 86th-minute leveller for the visitors after Jordan James had put Wolves ahead just past the hour mark. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho rotated his squad heavily, resting four players including captain Marlon Pack, due to a demanding schedule of three games in seven days. His changes, which saw Devlin slot in at right-back, ultimately paid off with a valuable away point.
Neither side created many clear chances in a subdued first half, which ended with Wolves being booed off by their own supporters. The hosts improved after the break and took the lead when James's angled shot found the net. Portsmouth responded by introducing more experience from the bench, and their persistence was rewarded when Devlin controlled a cleared free-kick on his knee before firing past the goalkeeper.
Portsmouth supporters praised the team's gutsy performance and the impact of squad rotation, especially given a lengthy injury list. Wolves fans, meanwhile, voiced frustration over a lack of attacking options and a perceived shortage of quality, with some questioning their team's playoff credentials. The draw means Portsmouth have now lost just once in their last seven Championship outings.
For Millwall, the match offered a clear preview of the challenge awaiting them. Gary Rowett's side are also in a patch of inconsistent form, with their last five results reading draw, loss, win, draw, draw. They were held 2-2 by Lincoln City in their last outing, with goals from Kyrell Lisbie and Jake Cooper salvaging a point. The Lions have scored and conceded 18 goals this season, leaving them with a neutral goal difference.
The upcoming fixture against a confident Portsmouth side represents a key moment in a tight mid-table pack. Millwall's full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead, starting with this trip to the south coast. The Lions will need to improve on recent away form, having taken just one point from their last two matches on the road, to climb the standings.
Kick-off at Fratton Park is scheduled for Saturday, 24 October.
