RELUCTANT hero Darren Pratley turned back the clock to hand Wanderers a rare three points at Millwall.

The midfielder struck a 68th minute winner to give the Whites only their second league win at The Den – new or old - in more than 80 years.

It was Pratley’s first league goal since August 2013 but proof positive for Neil Lennon that the Londoner was rediscovering the kind of form which once made him one of the most chased players outside the Premier League.

“Pratley was outstanding in the things he does and it was a fantastic finish,” he said. “I have always thought he was a good player and we’re seeing the Darren Pratley of maybe four or five years ago.

“He has shown great character. He was the whipping boy and people turn on you very quickly but he has come through that. He has become a very important cog in the team.”

Lennon was especially pleased to return home with three points having been stripped of so many players through injury.

After Max Clayton, Craig Davies and Joe Mason were ruled out, Eidur Gudjohnsen also had to play up front alone despite suffering from a heavy cold.

“It is a massive win in the context of our season,” he said. “The style of football we played was very pleasing.

“Second half we dominated. What pleased me more than anything were the chances we created. The stuff we are trying to implement in training is there for all to see.”

Ian Holloway was upset his side had not earned a second-half penalty when Lee Gregory went down under contact from keeper Andy Lonergan.

Lennon admits the Lions boss had a point – but also felt Rob Hall should have earned a penalty in the first half when he was tripped by Alan Dunne.

“At 1-0 you never know,” he said. “We may have conceded a penalty, we may have had one when Hally was bundled over but I thought we thoroughly deserved the win.”