Millwall boss Kenny Jackett believes his side must not dwell on their heartbreaking defeat against Southampton for the rest of the season.
The Lions suffered another loss at The Den courtesy of two late controversial penalties from Rickie Lambert which turned the game on its head.
It all looked so good for Millwall after an own-goal from Jose Fonte and a first-half strike by Paul Robinson gave them a 2-1 lead before Lambert snatched three points for the Saints right at the death.
And Jackett is wary of any hangover from the defeat ahead of their visit to Doncaster on Tuesday night.
He said: “We have Doncaster on Tuesday night, which is a massive game, so we can’t be too disappointed that this affects the rest of our week.
“We need a big performance on Tuesday night and that is what we have to focus on because it is a big game for us.”
But Jackett was pleased by the performance of his players as they were more than a match for the table-topping Saints.
He added: “We competed very well but unfortunately you do need points to follow but there is a lot we can take out of the match.
“In many ways it was a very good performance although one that ultimately got us no points.
“Southampton started very well and deserved their lead but we came back into it great.
“In the second half we pretty much had the measure of them I felt and I didn’t think we would get nothing out of the game.”
The defeat was the fifth in seven matches for Millwall, who are still without a home win in 2012.
That worrying run has seen the Lions fall to within six points of the relegation zone but Jackett believes his side are just lacking a bit of luck.
Jackett said to the players: “Games like Saturday have just slipped through our fingers too many times. We have not had many draws because we have gone for sides and played two upfront.
“We’ve done it against the league leaders and we have done it away from home. We generally play two up front and have a go at sides.
“Days like Saturday, where we could have got something out of the game, within that seven games there has been plenty like that.
“We had two very good wins at Burnley and Peterborough but ultimately we just need to find a small edge that can get us over the line.”
With just nine matches left, Millwall visit 23rd-placed Doncaster on Tuesday night knowing defeat could set relegation alarm bells ringing.
Jackett confirmed Robinson had a sore ankle after the Southampton game and is a slight doubt for the match, but Liam Trotter will definitely not be fit.
He said: “Liam will be out for another two weeks I think.
“We need to turn our preparation and focus to Doncaster which is a big game for us.”
Meanwhile, Millwall midfielder Dany N’Guessan looks set to join neighbours Charlton on loan for the remainder of the campaign, with Sheffield United’s Nick Montgomery heading into The Den on a temporary deal.
Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article