Table-topping manager Mark McGhee was the most relieved man in the ground after watching his title-chasing Millwall squad chalk-up a League double over plucky Colchester United.

"We've never been put under so much pressure this season as Colchester made us endure in the second half of this match," said McGhee. "They battered us and it was only good goalkeepeing from Willie Gueret and resilient defending in the end that kept us in the game."

He added promotion rivals Wigan had to face the U's this Saturday.

"If they didn't already know it, they are sure to be in for one hell of a game."

A goal down to a 20th minute Paul Ifill shot going into half-time, the U's threw everything but the kitchen sink at McGhee's Lions after the break - but they just couldn't score.

There was great goalkeeping by Frenchman Gueret.

But he was nowhere when Gavin Johnson's long range 53rd minute drive skidded off the crossbar and a vicious David Gregory rising drive four minutes later was only inches too high.

The U's constant pressure looked certain to have paid off just past the hour.

But just when the soccer-starved home fans were preparing to celebrate a goal, Millwall's Robbie Ryan somehow scrambled David Gregory's powerful header, from a Joe Dunne cross, off the line and then turned Barry Conlon's follow-up shot behind.

By this time it was all one-way traffic towards the Lions' goal and Gregory was just wide with another speculative shot.

Millwall did break out of their second half shackles long enough for top scorer Neil Harris and match-winner Ifill to shoot inches wide.

Ifill has now scored in four consecutive games against the U's.

And the U's outstanding keeper Andy Woodman was twice forced into action to deny Harris and Ifill again with tremendous saves.

U's boss Steve Whitton described last night's defeat as both very encouraging and disappointing.

He said: "I was more disappointed with our performance in our draw at Bournemouth last Saturday than I was when going down to Millwall in this one.

"Apart from the first 20 minutes when Millwall scored their goal I felt we won the fight."

He said: "David Gregory and Aaron Skelton were excellent in midfield while Ross Johnson and Scott Fitzgerald marked Millwall's two dangerous strikers Paul Moody and Neil Harris out of the game.

"Andy Woodman also kept us in the game early on with two or three great saves."

Colchester may not have won this splendid game played in treacherous conditions underfoot, but League football was back at Layer Road after an enforced lay-off of 46 days but the U's fans were clearly the winners.

Battle in the mud - U's defender Scott Fitzgerald tussles with Millwall's Paul Moody

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