Millwall 2-0 West Brom: Ahmed Hegazi scores own goal and is sent off as Lions win

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Millwall players celebrate after an own goal by Ahmed HegaziImage source, Rex Features
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Millwall players celebrate after Ahmed Hegazi's own goal

West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi scored an own goal and was sent off as the Championship promotion hopefuls slumped to defeat at struggling Millwall.

Ryan Tunnicliffe drilled his shot low underneath the diving Sam Johnstone in the first half to give Millwall the lead before Ben Thompson's drag-back across the face of goal went in off the Baggies defender after the break.

West Brom had an opportunity to make it 1-1 after Dwight Gayle was fouled in the area by Jake Cooper but top scorer Jay Rodriguez dragged his penalty wide of the left-hand post.

And Hegazi's afternoon got worse after the centre-back was sent off for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes to go.

The Egypt international was booked just before half-time, but was sent for an early bath after fouling Lee Gregory and lashing the ball into the stands.

Jed Wallace starred for Neil Harris' side as the Lions dominated the match throughout with the winger, Thompson and Gregory proving a handful for the West Brom back four.

Caretaker manager James Shan had not experienced defeat in charge of the Baggies, but his side only managed one shot on target at The Den and are now seven points behind second-placed Sheffield United with six games to play.

Millwall's first Championship home win in 2019 proved to be even more crucial to their survival chances as they remain just one point above the relegation zone after rivals Rotherham beat Nottingham Forest.

Millwall boss Neil Harris said:

"I thought we dominated large parts of the game. We hugely deserved the win, without a shadow of a doubt.

"We had a bit of fortune along the way, which is much needed in football at the business end of the season, with the two goals and the missed penalty, but it would have been a travesty if we hadn't won the game.

"I thought without the ball we were good, and with the ball, we're still tagged as a long ball team who just get the ball forward, but we showed real composure, some quality, and some of the moves leading up to chances were outstanding."

West Brom caretaker manager James Shan told BBC WM:

"I think the game played out as expected. I knew we'd be up against a quick bright start. The atmosphere generates a lot of momentum as well and I thought we weathered it really well. We had the momentum up until the point when they scored.

"Big moments, Jay (Rodriguez) obviously misses a penalty. Had we scored the momentum would have stayed with us and swung towards us massively. I was saying to the lads at half-time if we score one we'll score two or three.

"They go up the other end (and score again) four or five minutes later. I haven't seen it yet but the lads are telling me the ball went out of play."

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