Jackett pays lip service as Lions slip to another defeat

Last updated : 20 February 2008 By The Blue Pimpernel
Kenny Jackett
Jackett: Strangely positive
The 100 or so fans that made their way to the Galpharm Stadium last night were probably rather grateful that the fog descended over Huddersfield as the match progressed as Kenny Jackett's men served up another portion of dire, attack-shy football.

Having found the net a mere eight times on their travels before last night, The Lions looked doomed once Luke Beckett converted The Terriers' 29th-minute penalty. The result leaves Millwall fifth from bottom but with Gillingham now having a game in hand over Jackett's team, its not looking good as Millwall try to avoid the drop to the basement for the first time in over forty years.

But you would not have thought the club were in such dire straits if you had a chat with the manager. Such is his seemingly positive outlook on life that a third-successive away defeat didn't seem to trouble him much.

"I thought we played some constructive football, but we couldn't convert it into goals," he told the club's official site. "We had some young players out there who showed some nice touches; we created chances and looked like we had the pace to get behind their defence but just could not take advantage of it.

"I felt the opportunities were there at the start and end of the game for us, both of which were probably our strongest spells in the game."

Despite The Lions lack of goals away from The Den, Jackett is confident his side can turn it around, even though he seems to think an untried youngster is the answer when veteran Neil Harris continues to sit on the bench.

"If we keep creating chances and work on our finishing in training then it will come right," he continued. "We have the ability to get out of this situation - but we know it is not going to be easy.

"There is ability and spirit here. It's important that we keep going, keep believing and the wins will come. We will climb the table."