Report: Millwall 1-0 Bristol City

It had been a fairly even game but former City loanee Benik Afobe won Millwall a penalty, which substitute Wallace converted just after the hour-mark.

The Lions had hit the post late in the first half after Bentley had made a great close-range stop to deny former teammate Afobe on the goalkeeper’s 100th City appearance.

However, the hosts held on to end the visitor’s five-match unbeaten run and deny them a fourth consecutive away victory.

The Background

City went five games unbeaten after the 1-1 draw with Fulham on Saturday and were going up against a Millwall side which had only won once in the league all season.

Assistant Manager Curtis Fleming took charge of the team with Nigel Pearson self isolating after returning a positive PCR test. In total there were two changes from the team that started last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Ashton Gate as Joe Williams earned his first league start of the season in place of Nahki Wells, while Nathan Baker came in for Cam Pring.

What happened

The teams were evenly matched with City frustrating the home side with a solid defensive display.

The Lions settled quickly enough without really testing Bentley, as City’s defence dealt with a handful of whipped crosses.

At the other end, Matty James wide struck wide when the ball fell to him lurking on the edge of the penalty area, before Weimann capitalised a misjudged headed but he could only force a blocked shot as he ran through on goal.

George Tanner was presented with another chance when he met Jay Dasilva’s back-post cross but his header was off target.

An injury to Nathan Baker forced the Robins into a first-half change, with Cameron Pring introduced as his replacement and soon enough the hosts began to penetrate.

There was a big chance for Afobe as he latched on to a headed ball back over City backline, but he was denied by Bentley from close range. Afobe then saw a header rattle the post as again he was denied against his former side, before the first half came to a close.

City started the second half positively and introduced Callum O’Dowda to team for his first appearance since the opening day of the season.

Despite their bright beginnings after the break, it was former Afobe who won the hosts a penalty. City lost possession in midfield and Afobe chased down a through ball. He was closed down and nudged to the floor by Rob Atkinson and the referee Dean Whitestone quickly pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Wallace, who only a short while ago had come on as a substitute and he powered the ball beyond Bentley from 12 yards.

There had been little separate the sides until now so a big push was needed in a tight affair. Atkinson advanced forward but saw his own appeal for a penalty dismissed before Kasey Palmer was welcomed to the pitch, replacing Williams.

A low save from Bentley prevented Billy Mitchell from doubling Millwall’s lead late on, while Weimann saw a shot blocked at the other end.

This was a game where City would be frustrated around the box all evening.

They now look to pick themselves up as they hit the road for a trip to Peterborough on Saturday (October 2^nd, 3pm).

City v Millwall: Bentley, Tanner, Baker (Pring, 31), Kalas, Atkinson, Dasilva (O'Dowda, 55), James, Bakinson, Williams (Palmer, 69), Weimann, Martin. Subs not used: O’Leary, Simpson, King, Scott.