“Probably as poor as we’ve been”: Neil scathing despite Millwall’s fightback against Lincoln
Sunday 18 October 2026 · By Dominic Hale
Millwall rescued a point at The Den on Saturday, but Alex Neil was in no mood to celebrate. Two goals down to Lincoln City at half-time, the Lions hit back through Kyrell Lisbie and Jake Cooper to draw 2–2. A win would have taken them into the top eight. Instead they sit 12th on 15 points, two off the play-off places.
The start could hardly have been worse. Andrei Coubiș scored for Lincoln after just 25 seconds, and Rob Street added a second in the 33rd minute. Neil felt that second goal should not have stood, with Reeco Hackett appearing to handle the ball in the build-up. “It was a poor decision,” he told the BBC.
But Neil was even harder on his own players. “Probably as poor as we’ve been first half in the time that I’ve been here,” he said. It is the strongest criticism he has made of his side this season, and it came after a week in which Millwall also lost 1–0 at home to Swansea.
The second half was much better. Lincoln hit the post twice early on, but Millwall gradually took control. Lisbie pulled one back in the 63rd minute with his first goal for the club, and Cooper levelled in the 82nd. Lincoln’s Deji Elerewe was then sent off for a last-man foul on Lovelace in the 84th minute, but Millwall could not find a winner against ten men. They had 69% of the ball and 18 shots, according to BBC statistics.
There was a goalkeeping worry, too. Filip Marschall went off at half-time after he clattered into a post and rolled his ankle, and Max Crocombe replaced him. There has been no update yet on how long Marschall might be out.
Off the pitch, there has been a development in the investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at Swansea’s Eom Ji-sung during the game at The Den on 13 October. The Metropolitan Police says a 51-year-old man was arrested at an address in Kent on Wednesday 14 October on suspicion of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress. He has been released on bail until mid-January pending further enquiries, and no charge has been reported. The club has repeated that it operates a zero-tolerance policy and that anyone found responsible will face “the strongest possible action”.
Neil was criticised by Kick It Out after questioning the decision to stop that game. No further comment or clarification from him has been reported.
Millwall now travel to Portsmouth on Saturday 24 October (12:30 BST). John Mousinho’s side have won their last two league games and also play Wolves on Tuesday, so they may have tired legs by the weekend. Fratton Park is never easy, though.
After that, the Lions host Derby at The Den on Saturday 31 October (15:00 GMT). Neil will want a much sharper start in both games. With the table so tight, a couple of wins could quickly lift Millwall into the play-off places.
The Den is Millwall’s home in Bermondsey, south-east London. Opened in 1993 a short walk from the old Cold Blow Lane ground, it holds just over 20,000 and was the first new English stadium built to the all-seater standard after the Taylor Report. Four steep, two-tier stands wrap a conventional grass pitch. For visiting supporters the ground is compact, loud and easy to read once you know which end is yours.
The two ends sit behind the goals. The North Stand is the away section. From South Bermondsey station a dedicated matchday walkway runs to the visiting turnstiles, which keeps travelling fans off the home approaches. Allocations vary by fixture. Historically the whole North Stand could be given over; more recently the stand has been split, with away supporters typically in the blocks nearest the station side and home fans occupying the other half when demand is high. Upper-tier seats give the better view of the whole pitch. The concourse behind the away end is tight when a large following travels, so arrive early if you want a pint and a pie without a crush.
Opposite is the Cold Blow Lane Stand, the home end that keeps the name of the old approach road. That is where Millwall’s loudest support gathers. Yellow seating in that stand spells out “The Den”. Do not wander around that corner after the whistle unless you have a reason to; use the segregated route back to the station.
Along the sides, the Barry Kitchener Stand is the main stand: dugouts, press, directors and hospitality. It is named after the club’s record appearance holder. Across the pitch is the Dockers Stand, named for the Thames dock workers who formed much of the club’s early following. Zampa’s Family Stand and a run of executive boxes sit in the Dockers. Side-stand seats give the cleanest view of the pattern of play; end seats put you behind a goal.
Address for maps is The Den, John Berylson Way, London SE16 3LN. There is no public car park for supporters. The club and police expect away fans to come by official coach or by train to South Bermondsey. Canada Water (Jubilee and Overground) is a longer walk with step-free access if you need it. Buses serve Old Kent Road, Ilderton Road and Surrey Quays; check TfL on the day. Bag searches are routine. Leave large bags at home.
Tickets are category-priced by opponent. Collect or buy extras only at the away ticket office by the North Stand turnstiles unless your club tells you otherwise. Cash and card are usually taken, often with a small matchday surcharge. Wheelchair spaces for visiting supporters are in the North Stand at pitch level, with companion seats. Follow stewards for the accessible gate.
Inside, expect a proper Championship atmosphere rather than a tourist ground. The stands are steep, the noise carries, and the home support will let you know you are in their house. Keep colours covered until you are on the away walkway if you are arriving through mixed streets. After full time there is often a short hold-back before the walkway reopens towards the station. That is normal; wait it out rather than peeling off into side streets.
If you treat the ground as it is — compact, well signed for visitors, and proud of its edge — The Den is a straightforward away day. Get the train, use the walkway, sit in the North Stand behind the goal that faces Cold Blow Lane, and you will see the match from the right end of the pitch.