Gary Rowett delivers Millwall verdict after Stoke City win

Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes his side "created the best chances" to come away with the win, after defeating Stoke City 2-0 at The Den.

Leeds loanee Charlie Cresswell scored the two goals after being handed his debut, after arriving on a season-long loan from Elland Road. Though the visitors went closest in the first-half after Bartosz Bialkowski spilled Tyrese Campbell's low shot, they were unable to capitalise on their chances. And despite the bad day in the office, Ben Wilmot was taken off with an injury in the closing stages of the encounter.

Speaking about his side's performance, Rowett told South London Press: "You never want to say it too much, because it sounds a bit critical of the opposition, but in terms of the game we created the best chances by far and didn’t really allow Stoke to have any clearcut chances. We defended really well as a group and as a team.

"When you come out of the tunnel, the atmosphere is electric and then your team match that energy from the crowd, that was a key thing early on. We made it very difficult for them first half. We scored the goal and looked reasonably comfortable.

"Maybe at 1-0 we just rushed a few little things, maybe could’ve played with a little more composure but our energy second half was just as good. The changes late on gave us a little more control.

"Stoke were always going to have a little bit of the ball late on but I don’t think they ever truly opened us up very many times. It was down to our energy, desire and diligence. Two set-piece goals is always pleasing. Could’ve possibly had one or two more."

The former Potters boss was also pleased that his squad have kept their composure despite losing some players this summer. "When you lose certain players