Honours even as Swans held by Lions

Slovenian forward Zan Vipotnik’s sixth goal in seven matches had put the Swans in the ascendancy, but the home side would not be able to turn possession into chances as Josh Coburn equalised on the stroke of half-time to change the complextion of the match.

The Swans would have the better chances after the break, with Vipotnik coming close and would be unlucky not to gain a late penalty, whilst new signing Adam Idah snatched a glorious late chance of a winner as both sides lacked the clinical edge to win the match and would have to accept a share of the points.

Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Birmingham last time out, the Swans would look to bounce back and continue a strong home record under head coach Alan Sheehan, which has seen just one defeat in the last ten home fixtures (W6 D3).

In a tough test, both mentally and physically, the Irishman’s side would face off against an organised Lions outfit, well-drilled under the tutelage of Championship managerial stalwart Alex Neil.

One place and two points better off the Swans in 10th position in the table, after gaining seven points from nine on the road so far this season, the Swans would know they would have to be at their best to obtain a result against a Millwall team victorious in four of their last five meetings.

Sheehan would name a side with one change from the defeat in the Midlands, with Malick Yalcouye freshening things up in midfield, coming in for Gonçalo Franco.

Opposite number Neil’s squad depth would be tested with several first-teamers absent through injury, including influential midfielder Casper De Norre, the scorer of the winner in Sa1 last October.

The former Norwich boss would make one change from the side that picked up their first home win of the season against Watford on Monday night, with former Southampton playmaker Will Smallbone returning from injury to take his place in midfield.

It would be the home side that would have the best of the opening proceedings, coming out of the traps with pace and intent in their play.

An early short corner routine seeing a late delivery fall at the feet of in-form striker Vipotnik. The Slovenian’s shot from just inside the area, though, would deflect wide of the target.

It wouldn’t take the home side long to open the scoring, and it would be a moment of magic from the club’s number nine. Vipotnik’s deft flicked finish outfoxing former Swansea goalkeeper Steven Benda after Ronald had shown good composure to calmly find the frontman.

Whilst the Swans would have the lion’s share of possession, Millwall would have the next chance. Smallbone almost hitting back straight away, flashing an effort just wide of the post.

Yalcouye would then almost double the Swans lead as the home side’s impressive start continued, the Brighton loanee drilling a left-footed effort just wide of the post as Millwall would fail to clear their lines.

But much like in the previous home fixture against Hull, the Swans would fail to be potent in the final third while on top of proceedings and would be caught cold by the Lions just before the break.

Millwall forward Coburn, who had moments earlier fired a warning shot at the Swans’ defense, making no mistake to finish unmarked to level the scorelines at the break, nodding in Cooper’s cross from close range.

The second period would be more of a tense, muted affair, lacking impetus and conviction from either side to seize the moment. A couple of long-range efforts for Millwall, whilst Ronald will be thinking he should have done better for Swansea after neat hold-up play from Vipotnik had given the Brazilian space to shoot – the shot, however, would be high and wide.

Swansea would feel aggrieved not to gain a penalty after Millwall skipper Cooper would seemingly pull back the Slovenian stretching to reach Josh Tymon’s low ball across the face of goal, as the home side would be the more likely winner in the closing stages.

Substitute Idah also snatching at the impressive Vipotnik’s cross with both sides looking to the bench for a decisive intervention, before his strike partner’s low drive troubled Benda as stoppage-time loomed.

Time though, would run out with the Swans pushing for a winner as both sides would have to settle for the draw, which keeps either placed in the middle regions of the Championship table.

Swansea City XI

Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Tymon, Josh Key, Ben Cabango (captain), Cameron Burgess, Malick Yalcouye (Adam Idah 79), Marko Stamenic, Ethan Galbraith, Ronald (Manuel Benson 72), Zeidane Inoussa, Zan Vipotnik.

Millwall XI

Steven Benda, Ryan Leonard, Joe Bryan, Tristan Crama, Jake Cooper (captain), Derek Mazou-Sacko (Billy Mitchell 78), Massimo Luongo, Will Smallbone (Macaulay Langstaff 67), Thierno Ballo (Camiel Neghli 67), Aidomo Emakhu (Raees Bangura-Williams 88), Josh Coburn (Mihailo Ivanovic 79).

[Lead image: Swansea City]