A draw at West Brom was a ‘massive point’ for Millwall says captain Alex Pearce.

The result backed up Neil Harris’s side’s season opening win over Preston seven days earlier, and set the standards of what is to come this season.

Matt Smith came off the bench to score his first goal for the Lions, cancelling out the skipper’s own goal which gave the possession heavy hosts the lead before the hour.

“It’s a good return for us, four points out of six,” the 30-year-old said.

“We can be more than happy.

“It was disappointing to concede off a set piece but we showed great character getting back in the game.

“We knew they’d have a lot more of the ball, but we knew they’d find it hard for them to break us down as we’re a tough nut to crack.

“We defend well as a team and thought we did that today, but we do need to be better on the ball and on the counter-attack, but the effort was there.

“But it’s great for our confidence.

“We’ve had a good start, not getting carried away.

“We know there’s tough times to come, but we’ve got a squad that’ll stick together and ride the bad times and enjoy the good times.”

READ:

Millwall's Neil Harris expecting big things from Matt Smith

This Is Local London:

The Lions rescued a point thanks to Pearce’s fellow new-signing Smith getting on the end of his header to fire into the roof of the net on 75 minutes.

Smith, who found himself on the bench despite impressing against Preston, came in for special praise from his captain.

“Smudge coming off the bench was a key part for us,” he added.

“We know what he can do, he’s such a handful in the air and the way we play and the way he plays is very effective for us.”

Pearce also acknowledged the travelling support that made their way to The Hawthorns.

“They were fantastic all game, especially when we got the goal.

“We needed them in the last ten minutes to see it out, to get the point, which in the end, was a good point!”