Millwall 1 Stockport County 0

The victory propelled Millwall up to third in the tight race for the Championship, one point behind leaders Scunthorpe.

Stockport arrived at The Den on the back of a run of form that had taken them to within touching distance of the playoffs, bolstered by an unbeaten away record this season. And they were worthy opponents for the Lions in a competitive League One encounter.

Target man Tresor Kandol returned to the side after being withdrawn from the cup clash with Chester City last week, while Marc Laird also took his place in the team after injury.

Harris nearly opened the scoring just after kick off, but his shot was saved by Stockport stopper Owain Fon Williams after he latched onto Laird's pass. But Anthony Pilkington could have put the away side ahead soon after, as he clattered the underside of the bar following heroics from Millwall keeper David Forde.

In a second half short on chances, Millwall manager Kenny Jackett rolled the dice with the introduction of Gary Alexander for Kandol, and David Martin for Chris Hackett. And it was the midfield sub that proved the difference in the later stages, blasting a free kick through the wall and past the flat-footed keeper.

Lewis Grabban's challenge on Leon McSweeney three minutes later had Stockport players and fans hollering for a penalty, but Millwall held on for another important victory.

Manager Kenny Jackett said: "I'm very pleased with the win as Stockport are a big team, they work hard and are very organised.
In a tight game it was great to get the goal, Dave Martin hit the free kick hard and firm, it went through the wall and gave us the lead.
"The first half was 50/50 in terms of possesion and their keeper made a great save from Marc Laird.
"In the second half we were the better team and had a lot of chances. It's terrific to keep a clean sheet against a team with an unbeaten away record.
"I have a lot of respect for County and I think they'll be in the top six at the end of the season."

Millwall: Forde, Dunne, Robinson, Craig, Frampton, Hackett (Martin 64), Laird, Bolder, Grabban (Spiller 89), Harris, Kandol (Alexander 64). Subs Not Used: Edwards, Bignot.

Bookings: Grabban, Frampton, Craig, Martin.

Goals: Martin 76.

Stockport: Fon Williams, McSweeney, Mullins, Tunnicliffe, McNulty, Anthony Pilkington (Baker 57), Blizzard, Turnbull, Rowe, Raynes, Davies (McNeil 46). Subs Not Used: Rigby, Dicker, Thompson.

Bookings: Blizzard, Davies, Fon Williams, McSweeney, Tunnicliffe.

Att: 9,030