1 min
Millwall are now winless in their last 10 league games after losing 3-0 away to Middlesbrough with all three goals coming in the opening 20 minutes.
Boro broke the deadlock in the 13th minute after a good move involving Chuba Akpom, George Saville and Marvin Johnson enabled Duncan Watmore to tap home.
And it went from bad to worse for the Lions two minutes later as Marcus Tavernier picked up possession on the right wing before cleverly curling the ball past Bart Bialkowski in the Millwall goal.
Middlesbrough effectively ended the game with their third five minutes later – a mis-hit shot from Saville falling at the feet of Watmore to claim his second.
Although the second-half saw an improved Millwall display, a defensive mix-up between Jake Cooper and Shaun Hutchinson almost allowed Akpom to make it four.
Millwall had chances to decrease the deficit with substitute Matt Smith shooting just wide in the 61st minute but ultimately the damage was already done.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Millwall’s heads dropped after the second goal allowing Boro to feel more comfortable on the ball.
Moan of the Match
Millwall struggled to create any real goal scoring chances and, despite a formation change seeing a much-improved second-half display, it was still too little too late.
Talking Point
Could it have been more of an even game if Millwall had started with a back four rather than the ineffective back five?
Man of the Match
Duncan Watmore – looked lively throughout and made Millwall pay for their slow start in the all-important first half.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Darren Bond (Lancashire) – lots of niggly fouls that were correctly given and nothing contentious awarded. No complaints.
Atmosphere
As Middlesbrough is in Tier 3 the only noise was amongst the press, but you could still hear Boro boss Neil Warnock swear from the gantry!
Verdict
A comfortable victory for Middlesbrough with Millwall never looking like scoring, let alone coming back after the second goal went in.
