Millwall 1 Leeds United 1
Neil Harris struck 19 minutes from time to earn Millwall a slender but crucial advantage in their League One play-off semi-final against Leeds United with the winner facing MK Dons or Scunthorpe at Wembley.
Millwall's record goalscorer pounced on the best chance of the game to hand Millwall a 1-0 advantage at the end of the semi-final's first leg. His effort separated the clubs at the end of a contest which was predictably physical but short on quality.
Andy Frampton's early strike which sliced wide of goal was Millwall's clearest opportunity before Harris' goal, while Leeds came no closer than a snap-shot from Luciano Becchio on 28 minutes. Like Frampton's strike, Becchio was unable to direct his attempt on target.
Jermaine Beckford was denied shortly after half-time when Frampton deflected his close-range shot wide, but Millwall fought back with Zak Whitbread driving a shot over Casper Ankergren's crossbar and Harris' back-heel bringing a superb save from United's goalkeeper.
Harris finally broke the deadlock on 71 minutes when he controlled Gary Alexander's cross inside the box and stabbed a low finish past Ankergren, sparking a pitch invasion by a number of Millwall's fans.
Lions boss Kenny Jackett warned his side they will need to be on their best form in the second leg of their play-off semi-final with Leeds if they want to get to Wembley.
The home side's defence restricted Leeds' impressive forward line to limited chances, but Jackett concedes that his side will be in for a tough game in West Yorkshire.
Jackett said after the game: "It's all set up and we know we've got to go to Yorkshire and play right to our maximum if we want to go through. These play-off games are very tight and this one is no different. It was a very good clean sheet. The back four kept a very good Leeds frontline quiet and it was key. It's very tight but there's no doubt that today has helped us slightly but we need a big performance to go through to Wembley."
Harris started on the bench but was called into action before the midway point of the first half when Jason Price suffered a hamstring strain, which is set to keep him out of the second leg. But the Lions' record goalscorer was a constant threat and took his goal well after Richard Naylor was unable to cut out Gary Alexander's cross.
He continued: "It's a goalscorers goal. I'm pleased to see he kept it low. Maybe it was written. It was a terrific goal."
Remaining League One Play-Off Fixtures
Thursday, 14 May 2009:
Leeds v Millwall, Play-Offs Semi-Final, L2, 19:45.
Friday, 15 May 2009:
MK Dons v Scunthorpe, Play-Offs Semi-Final, L2, 19:45.
League One Play-Off Final (at Wembley):
Saturday 24 May 2009, 13.00.