Millwall grabbed a late 1-1 draw at relegated Leicester as substitute Macaulay Langstaff scored his first goal since February to cancel out Harry Souttar’s opener. The point lifted Alex Neil’s side back into the automatic promotion places, up to second on 80 points, though Ipswich still have two games in hand.
Leicester began brightly with Abdul Fatawu forcing an effort wide before Hamza Choudhury intercepted Josh Coburn as Millwall looked to break. After that challenge Coburn was withdrawn and replaced by Mihailo Ivanovic in the 10th minute. Millwall then pressed, with Casper De Norre and Camiel Neghli seeing shots blocked and Ryan Leonard rattling the side-netting. Harry Winks sent Leicester’s best early reply tamely wide.
Ivanovic later required treatment after an apparent elbow from Souttar that the referee ruled accidental. Zak Sturge and Derek Mazou-Sacko also threatened for Millwall, and Jakub Stolarczyk made his first save shortly after half-time when Neghli met a Sturge delivery. Ivanovic’s close-range effort was kept out by Stolarczyk’s legs soon after.
The contest grew physical: Millwall captain Jake Cooper received a yellow for a late challenge on Fatawu that home supporters felt deserved a red, and Choudhury was booked for a strong tackle on Mazou-Sacko. Stolarczyk tipped Thierno Ballo’s powerful header over the bar, while Neghli flashed a dangerous pass across the Leicester goal. Substitute Louis Page and Jeremy Monga had attempts deflected as the game opened up.
Leicester took the lead in the 78th minute. Luke Thomas swung a cross to the back post and Souttar, making his first appearance since rupturing an Achilles 16 months ago, bundled the ball in past Anthony Patterson despite the attempts of two defenders. It looked like a deserved reward for his return and defensive work throughout the match.
Millwall kept pushing and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Leonard flicked a ball into the box, Langstaff found space and lashed a finish beyond Stolarczyk to level and earn a potentially valuable point for the visitors.
Leicester manager Gary Rowett admitted it was a tricky evening after relegation was confirmed earlier in the week and praised Souttar for his commitment and lengthy return to the side despite calls from the medical team to withdraw him. Alex Neil stressed that Millwall remain in a strong position with games to play, acknowledged Ipswich’s advantage from two games in hand, and said his side will keep fighting for the best possible finish despite the disappointment of not taking all three points.