JORDAN Archer said Millwall’s defence was “outstanding” after a fifth successive clean sheet at home in the 2-0 win over Burton Albion on Monday night.
It’s almost 15 years since the Lions last achieved that sequence, when they didn’t concede in 10 games at The Den at the end of 2000-01 and the first fixture the following season.
The omens are good as Millwall achieved promotion from Division 2 in 2000-01.
They were rarely threatened against Burton, who started well but were knocked off their attacking stride after Millwall scored twice in the first 18 minutes through Aiden O’Brien and Lee Gregory.
Archer had earlier saved Mark Duffy’s low shot, one of the few times Burton looked like scoring.
Archer picked out a moment late on when Joe Martin produced a back-header under pressure as evidence of Millwall’s will not to concede. Mahlon Romeo, Byron Webster and Mark Beevers also repeatedly came out on top in their defensive duels.
“The boys in front of me were outstanding, especially the two centre-halves,” Archer said. “They curbed their attacking players really well so as a goalkeeper I can’t complain.
“Throughout the game and for the last few months the back four have been outstanding. It’s key moments like that (Marin header), it only takes one small slip in concentration and they can score and it makes the last 10 minutes very difficult.
“I’ve got to praise them, everyone who has come in and the rest of the team, they have protected me very well.
“They’re top of the league for a reason, they’re organised and they’re a dangerous side. They started well but it’s my job to make saves.
“I managed to do that and the boys at the other end were very clinical. I’ve done my job and they did theirs and that enabled us to get the three points.
“You can be 2-0 up like we were at Swindon and they came back and drew. We’ve been there a few times this season so we had to stay organised and carry on doing what we were doing.
“It was about staying organised and concentrated and seeing it through.”