Swans head coach Alan Sheehan had given some interesting insights into his coaching style in the build-up to this game, explaining how he would ideally want his team to play.
Unlike some of his predecessors, who set out to pass opponents into submission, the Irishman said his philosophy is more focused on getting forward quickly, winning possession and then trying to hurt teams in the transition rather than, as he put it, “just having the ball”.
Swansea’s opening goal was a clear illustration of that approach, as Zeidane Inoussa regained possession near the Millwall penalty area, drove forward and crossed for Ronald, whose low shot was backheeled into the net by Vipotnik.
The Swans had opportunities to extend their lead, with Inoussa firing agonisingly wide after Ethan Galbraith went close with a curling effort from 25 yards.
However, they gradually allowed Millwall back into the contest, and the visitors were denied what seemed a certain leveller when Coburn was denied on the line by a sliding Cabango.
That was not much of a reprieve as, four minutes later, the visitors launched a deep free-kick towards the back post, where Jake Cooper headed the ball across goal for Coburn to nod in.
The second half was a scrappier encounter but, in the closing quarter of an hour, both sides had chances to win.
A defensive calamity from the home side presented Langstaff with a golden opportunity, but his shot was well blocked by Cabango.
Ronald fired over wastefully for Swansea, who then thought they should have had a penalty when Vipotnik went down under pressure from Cooper.
The hosts also had the ball in the net late on but substitute Adam Idah had kicked the ball out of the hands of Millwall’s former Swans goalkeeper Steven Benda.
The Republic of Ireland striker appealed for that goal more out of hope than expectation and, in truth, a draw was a fair result for two sides who were far from their best on this occasion.