Bristol City 0-3 Millwall
Adam Baker reports from Ashton Gate

City endured a nightmare start to the 2010/11 as newly-promoted Millwall romped to a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate.

Darren Ward's first half goal came, perhaps, against the run of play. But the Lions took charge after half-time and could have scored more than the two further strikes - from Danny Schofield and Paul Robinson - they enjoyed in the second period.

Darren Carter's dismissal for a second caution was the only blot on their copybook, whilst all City could muster was a shot against the post from David Clarkson. And to make matters even worse, Sam Vokes suffered a debut injury and Damion Stewart was dismissed in stoppage time.

City were given a major boost before kick-off with the news of Nicky Hunt's fitness at right-back. The former Bolton defender was expected to miss three weeks with an ankle problem but the medical team had worked miracles.

Staff at Ashton Gate were putting up the sold out signs at 2pm, meaning a vociferous atmosphere for the big kick-off 60 minutes later - 18,308 gracing Ashton Gate for the big season opener.

Special cheers were reserved for David James' first few touches of the ball, followed by the predictable "England's number one" chant.

Ivan Sproule fired the first shot in anger on 11 minutes but his drive from distance was deflected over the top.

For Millwall Schofield took aim from 25 yards but his effort was always rising and cleared the crossbar.

Albert Adomah used cunning and skills to work his way into the penalty area and following two blocked crosses, sent the rebound into the sidenetting.

Ten minutes before half-time City survived a major scare as Steve Morrison picked out Carter in the area. The on-loan Preston North End midfielder took aim and watched his shot blocked by Liam Fontaine, albeit via faint appeals for handball.

But Millwall's 1,800-strong travelling support were celebrating seven minutes later. Morrison teed up Kevin Lisbie in the area and his turn and shot rattled the ball against the post. The ricochet fell kindly for Ward who coolly slotted home the rebound into the roof of the net.

Ivan Sproule almost provided an instant response but his curling attempt from 20 yards flashed just wide.

The second half had hardly got into full swing when Millwall snatched a second goal. Schofield wriggled his way into the box and brilliantly curled a right-shot shot inside the far post, leaving James with no chance.

Home boss Steve Coppell responded by introducing Wolves loan signing Sam Vokes into the attack, replacing Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

However, the Millwall onslaught continued as Marvin Elliott produced a last-ditch tackle to deny Carter. And from the resultant corner an unmarked Morrison sent a bullet header wide.

On 58 minutes a long ball forward from James put Clarkson through into the area. From the angle David Forde saved the Scotland international's first attempt, and with a follow-up chance Clarkson lashed his shot against the post.

Marvin Elliott then flicked Jamie McAllister's corner kick towards the far post and James Henry cleared from the line.

The killer third goal arrived on the hour from a set-piece. Henry's corner kick was met at the near post by the head of Lisbie and the ball rattled against the bar. The rebound fell perfectly for Robinson and he made no mistake from ten yards, drilling home.

It could have been a lot worse moments later when Lisbie clipped the ball to the back post for Henry's perfectly-timed run. The former Reading midfielder guided his header downwards and James produced a superb save to keep the score 3-0.

Millwall were reduced to ten men when Carter blocked Adomah's blistering run, forcing referee Michael Oliver to dish out a second booking to the midfield man.

At the other end substitute Vokes pulled up with a hamstring problem and was stretchered away, with Marlon Jackson taking his place in the attack.

By that point the game was already lost. City were unable to really muster anything in the opposition half - bar a tame shot from substitute Jackson - as they slipped to a crushing defeat on day one of the new campaign.

And with the last foul of the game, Stewart was dismissed for a second bookable offence, bringing down Lisbie on the half-way line.