Millwall’s season drew to a close with an emphatic, but comfortable, 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town.

There was plenty up for grabs on the final day, just not at The Den. However, Connor Mahoney stood out, with a goal and two assists.

Millwall’s playoff hopes were ended after last Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 defeat away to QPR, making the season’s conclusion something of a damp squib.

Rowett rotated the side, giving starts to Connor Mahoney, Jayson Molumby, Ben Thompson, James Brown and Matt Smith. There were a number of youngsters on the bench too, hoping to get minutes ahead of more involvement next season.

The home side got off to a flyer. Mahoney made the most of his first start since February, opening the scoring on four minutes. The mercurial winger collected Smith’s knockdown, dummied past the Huddersfield defender and finished smartly into the bottom right corner.

The game had all the hallmarks of a dead rubber, neither side playing at a pace with nothing to play for.

There were half chances for both sides, both Steve Mounie and Matt Smith having efforts.

The Terries equalised on 36 minutes. Under pressure, Alex Pritchard sorted his feet well and slid in Karlan Ahearne-Grant. The Charlton academy graduate finished emphatically.

Millwall were back in front within two minutes of the restart. Connor Mahoney’s excellent whipped corner was met at the back post by Jake Cooper. The ever-present centre back scoring his third of the season with a powerful climbing header.

Huddersfield had a chance minutes later; Grant forcing a save from Bartosz Bialkowski at his near post. Alex Pritchard could only put his rebound over the bar.

The Lions doubled their lead. The lesser spotted Jiri Skalak capitalised on Richard Stearman’s poor touch and confidently to Jon Coleman’s right hand side. It was the Czech’s first goal for Millwall on what could prove to be his last game for the club.

Millwall added a fourth on 79 minutes. That man Mahoney gathered Murray Wallace’s wayward cross and cut it back for Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, who had a simple finish from six yards out.

Although there will be an air of disappointment with the conclusion of the season, there was positives to take from the final game for Millwall. Hayden Muller and Tyler Bury both made debuts, with Billy Mitchell and James Brown also getting minutes.

Connor Mahoney’s man of the match performance may spring hope of a more successful second season.

Rowett will be seeking improvements to his squad and is looking to act quickly.

Millwall finish the season in 8th place, matching their 2017/18 finish. With Rowett at the helm, there is a lot to build on. Fans should be positive ahead of next season.

Teams:

Millwall: Bialkowski; Brown (Muller 60), Hutchinson, Cooper, M. Wallace; Molumby (Mitchell 70), Williams; Mahoney, Thompson (Bodvarsson 70), Ferguson (Skalak 60); Smith (Burey 80).

Subs: Steele, Bradshaw, Leonard, Tiensa.

Huddersfield: Coleman; Rowe, Stearman, Chabolah, Toffolo; O’Brien, King (High 77); Ahearne-Grant (Brown 82), Pritchard (Daly 70), Duhaney; Mounie (Smith-Rowe 70).

Subs: Lossl, Schindler, Hogg, Obiero, Willock.