Charlie Cresswell got here off the bench to set Millwall on their strategy to ending a run of three straight defeats with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff at The Den.
It was the centre-back’s third aim of the season – following up his opening-day double in opposition to Stoke – whereas it additionally softened the blow of the Lions dropping their captain Shaun Hutchinson to harm, with Benik Afobe’s late strike ensuring of the factors.
Nevertheless, it was one other irritating day for the Bluebirds, who struck the woodwork twice in south London as their winless run within the Sky Guess Championship was prolonged to 5 video games.
Millwall named deadline-day signing Callum Kinds of their midfield, though Cardiff’s Callum Robinson was made to attend barely for his debut as he was named on the bench.
There have been a few early efforts from distance, with Zian Flemming testing Bluebirds goalkeeper Ryan Allsop earlier than Jaden Philogene fired comfortably excessive.
Philogene then had the sport’s first large probability after 14 minutes when Max Watters chipped the ball in in direction of the Aston Villa loanee, who might solely head vast regardless of getting in forward of the defence.
The Lions had an honest opening themselves shortly after as Andreas Voglsammer laid the ball off for Flemming, who bent a low effort vast of the far publish.
That preceded spell from the hosts, which included Murray Wallace taking pictures vast of the close to publish after a marauding run down the left.
George Saville then had a header from Jamie Shackleton’s cross saved by Allsop earlier than Cardiff got here inside a whisker of going forward themselves when Sheyi Ojo prodded Niels Nkounkou’s low ball in opposition to a
publish from point-blank vary.
Millwall misplaced Hutchinson to what seemed like a groin pressure early within the second half and he was changed by Cresswell.
Cardiff have been then cursing their luck once more simply after the hour mark when half-time substitute Mark Harris reduce inside from the left earlier than his positioned effort ran in opposition to the far publish.
The Lions made essentially the most of their success by taking the lead within the 63rd minute when Scott Malone, solely simply on himself, performed in a nook that Cresswell rose to fulfill and head dwelling.
One other of the hosts’ substitutes, Tyler Burey, tried to double his aspect’s benefit when he tried his luck from distance, however Allsop saved simply.
Nkounkou continued to look vigorous on the left and he virtually pressured an equaliser when his low shot needed to be pushed away by Millwall keeper Bartosz Bialkowski at his close to publish.
The hosts’ victory was then sealed by Afobe within the last minute as he ran on to an extended ball earlier than beating Nkounkou and lifting the ball over Allsop with a neat end.
