Goals from Ryan Leonard and Camil Leonard led to a comfortable win over Preston at Deepdale, a result that is a true indication of the direction both teams are heading towards the end of the season. 

Preston North End knew that anything but a win against Millwall would probably be the nail in the coffin towards their playoff ambitions. Considering their heartbreaking end to the match against Swansea, the fact that they only won one in their last eight matches, and that they haven’t beat Millwall in almost seven years, the odds weren’t in their favour. Millwall however, were in great spirits after beating Birmingham 3-0, solidifying their 3^rd position, sitting eight points clear of the first non-playoff place. 

It was all Millwall to begin the match, as the visitors swiftly took control of the rhythm after ten minutes of the two teams getting a feel of the poor pitch at Deepdale.  

It was Joshua Coburn who brought the first real opportunity for Millwall, who headed a loose ball in the box. The shot was deflected by Odeluga Offiah to hit the post, followed by a safe catch by the North End goalkeeper. 

The pressure was too much for Preston as Ryan Leonard broke the deadlock for Millwall in the 30^th minute. It was an unusual position that Leonard found himself in at the edge of the box who suprised second choice keeper David Cornell with a first-time effort that had absolutely no run-up. 

The Preston manager Heckingbottom must have been fuming with his team’s reaction, as it remained Millwall on top for the rest of the half. Most notably, it was Algerian international Camiel Neghli, who went for a volley outside the box that if it wasn’t for the goalkeeper, would have been a goal Camiel would have in his highlights reels for the rest of his career. 

The start of the second half saw Preston with most of the possession, although Millwall was comfortable with them having it. It was in the 69^th minute when the first serious chance of the half appeared. Milutin Osmajic’s header set up Callum Lang in the box, but his touch was too heavy which led to a shot comfortably saved by the away keeper. 

Femi Azeez got to show his brilliance late in the game with a dazzling run that beat three men, with the finish being the only lacking factor. The run indeed was a display that Millwall became increasingly comfortable in Lancashire. 

To wrap up a successful visit for Milwall up north, Neghli converted a perfect cross from Azeez, who doubled their lead with an empty net in front of him. 

Preston remained winless over Millwall since 2019, and Heckingbottom and his players will probably be better off building for next season. They will be looking to turn a better result next friday against relegation fighting Oxford. Millwall continue their good form and chase of automatic promotion, looking for much of the same against Hull next Saturday.