Millwall boss Neil Harris praises Ben Amos shoot-out heroics

Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2018 by PA

Millwall manager Neil Harris hailed match-winner Ben Amos after the goalkeeper inspired the Lions to a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over Gillingham.

The former Manchester United trainee saved two spot-kicks to guide the Lions into the second round of the Carabao Cup following a goalless draw with the Gills after normal time.

Bolton loanee Amos thoroughly impressed his new manager, who expects the 28-year-old to get back to his best sooner rather than later.

“I think he’s still finding his way,” said Harris. “He certainly came in rusty when he joined us halfway through pre-season but he showed his qualities as a goalkeeper.

“In the way we play, he’ll get better and better all the time, and I thought his handling – the few amounts of shots he had to deal with – he did really well.

“The penalty saves were outstanding.”

Tom Elliott, the returning Byron Webster and Shane Ferguson all netted from 12 yards as Amos denied both Mark Byrne and Brandon Hanlan.

And, in more ways than one, the shoot-out went to plan for Harris.

“[There’s] no blame culture. I don’t expect anyone to put their hand up but if they do put their hand up and take it, it’s their decision,” he said.

“But if they do put their hand up, I expect them to be calm and methodical with what they’re doing.

“Unfortunately for me, seven players put their hand up – and I made the decision about who were the five.”

Millwall winger Ferguson came close to opening the scoring in the first period but his hooked attempt was cleared by a combination of Bradley Garmston and Gills goalie Tomas Holy.

Tom Eaves hit a curling strike just wide for the visitors while both Hanlan and Regan Charles-Cook both shot wide after sealing a march on the Lions defence as the clock wound down.

While disappointed to see his troops bow out of the cup, Gills manager Steve Lovell was more than happy to focus on how his team mixed it with Championship opposition.

“It was a good game. I said to the boys that I enjoyed watching them play, so it’s pleasing,” he said.

“I’m very pleased with the boys. I thought they played the ball around well, we used our pace when it was on and we caused Millwall a few problems.

“It’s another game where we’ve not lost in 90 minutes. The penalties won the game for Millwall but I’m just taking that as we’re undefeated in the time that we’ve played.

“It’s a one-off situation and fair play to Millwall; they’ve won the penalties quite handsomely and they deserve to go through.”