THE Lions leapt to sixth in the Nationwide Division One table after a 1-0 home win over Portsmouth at the New Den on Thursday, with the in-form Richard Sadlier claiming another late winner.

Pompey's Japanese international keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi has yet to keep a clean sheet since his arrival in England, and in the 79th minute he misjudged David Livermore's free-kick, allowing Sadlier to net his 11th goal of the season.

Steve Claridge had earlier gone close to breaking the stalemate in the first half, with a lob that rebounded off the bar with Pompey's 5ft 11inch keeper all at sea. Steven Reid followed up but the awkward bounce of the ball made it difficult for him to keep his header on target.

But, just prior to the interval, Portsmouth also hit the woodwork. Croatian international Robert Prosinecki's shot was too hot for Millwall keeper TonyWarner to handle and Kevin Harper fired the rebound against the base of the post.

Although it was a finely balanced match, Millwall had a couple of other decent chances and also had a penalty appeal turned down, when Ryan Green's drive appeared to strike Carl Tiler's hand, while Paul Ifill powered in a shot that Kawaguchi spilled.

After the game, Millwall boss Mark McGhee said: "It's now the halfway stage of the season, we're sixth in the table, and I'm very satisfied.

"We had to be patient against Portsmouth, but we kept our discipline, worked hard and eventually got what we deserved.

"I have a great belief in the squad, but I know they've got to keep working. They realise that they have to get better and we still need to improve the squad in terms of numbers and quality."

McGhee added: "I think we can better, as we are not playing as well as we can and you can see where we have to improve. We need to improve both individually and as a team."

On the subject of Sadlier, who many are tipping for a place in Mick McCarthy's Eire World Cup squad, McGhee said: "He had six games at the end of the last season while Paul Moody and Neil Harris were suspended and he came to life during that period.

"There are a lot of good players in the Ireland squad and he would have to be fortunate to get in. But if Mick McCarthy has problems and needs to look for a striker then he doesn't have to look too far."

Next up for the Lions is the challenge presented by table-topping Burnley. At Turf Moor, Millwall's record is unenviable, but at least you don't have to go back too far for the last win there.

In November 1997, the Lions won 2-1 in Division Two, with Bobby Bowry putting the Lions ahead as early as the second minute. Burnley equalised, but Dave Savage grabbed the winner which kept Millwall in contention for promotion.

Of course, the season ended disappointingly with the Lions slipping to finish just three places above relegation, but still higher than Burnley.

NEXT FIXTURES

Saturday, December 22

v Burnley (away)

Wednesday December 26

v Crystal Palace (home)

Saturday, December 29

v Crewe (home)

Tuesday, January 1

v Watford (away)

Saturday, January 5

v Scunthorpe (home)

FA Cup 3rd round

December 20, 2001 15:00