Millwall 0 Burnley 1: Howe hails battling qualities as Clarets lifted by Rodriguez

Burnley manager Eddie Howe claimed: “That was a real battle. To be honest, I don’t think either side got going and that might be a bit down to the weather.

“It was very hot out there and I certainly never liked playing in heat like that.

“I was most pleased how we battled out there, though – that was the most impressive part of our display. I think the personnel we have here have a real togetherness and a will to play for each other.

“It’s our first clean sheet in ages as well and that’s a nice little lift. Lee Grant in goal was magnificent.”

Rodriguez netted in the 37th minute from Ross Wallace’s corner as the Clarets piled the misery on the their hosts, who have not won for eight league matches.

Howe’s men, who stunned Nottingham Forest 5-1 in their previous match, secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

Kenny Jackett’s charges are facing a possible relegation battle after failing to score in a home league match for the third game running.

Brian Easton and Andre Amougou’s defensive efforts denied the Lions any opportunities of note in the first half.

Jackett introduced John Marquis for Jay Simpson and Millwall showed far more purpose in the early stages of the second half and Marquis slid the ball into the net, but was offside.

Brian Howard’s curling free-kick also saw Grant spring into action with a sprawling save. Feeney also fired a shot on target in the 70th minute but Grant was again equal to the challenge.

Marquis went down and was booked for simulation and then had a shot cleared off the line as the Clarets held on.

Millwall: Forde, Mkandawire, Robinson, Ward, Barron, Henry (Bouazza 71), Trotter, Howard, Feeney, Simpson (Marquis 46), N’Guessan. Unused substitutes: Mildenhall, Dunne, Abdou.

Burnley: Grant, Trippier, Easton, Amougou, Edgar, Wallace, McCann, Bartley (Marney 73), Stanislas (Treacy 79), Austin, Rodriguez. Unused substitutes: Stewart, Hines, Mee.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).

Man of the match: Lee Grant.