By Jr
April 24 2005

After upsetting play-off hopefuls West Ham in their last outing, Millwall were in danger of reversing the damage with a 2-1 victory against one of the Hammers’ rivals in the top six. After upsetting play-off hopefuls West Ham in their last outing, Millwall were in danger of reversing the damage with a 2-1 victory against one of the Hammers’ rivals in the top six.

Preston came to the Den needing just three points to clinch promotion, yet the Lions got off to a dream start with Peter Sweeney sweeping home Jody Morris’ cross sweetly with his weaker right foot.

Barry Hayles could have put the game to bed when he capitalised on a poor back header, but though he showed admirable composure in front of goal he could only watch - amazed as the TV viewers presumably -as Carlo Nash clawed his effort away.

The chance to redeem himself came in the second half, with the scores at 1-1, as Hayles finished a clever one-two with strike partner Danny Dichio to put Millwall ahead for a second time.

Though Preston’s £100,000 signing from Bury, Dave Nugent, equalised with the scores at 1-0, he was unlikely to repeat the feat as Millwall looked more likely to score in the closing stages.

It wasn’t all good news for the Lions however, as keeper Andy Marshall was knocked out after a clash with Richard Cresswell and was hospitalised.

The injuries didn’t end there, as Sweeney limped off in the first half with an ankle problem.

After the game, assistant manager Ray Wilkins spoke about the uncertain future of the management team: "I sincerely hope we will still be here, but I have no idea.

“We have contracts for another season, but you never know what will happen when a new chairman takes over.

"If the club decide they don't want our services any more, they will do away with us, but we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here.

"We said when we came that we wanted to leave the club in a better situation than the one in which we found it, and it would be for others to decide whether we've done that."