Millwall take Neil Harris derby bragging rights

Neil Harris made substantial changes to the starting 11 that drew to Bromley just days ago. Bauer, Kaikai, Ahadme, Bradshaw and McConnell were all called upon to deliver in the Neil Harris derby. Two keepers, Hughes and Briggs, were named on the bench as were under 18 academy prospects McDougald and Herd. Millwall made 10 changes from their 3-0 win over Norwich on Saturday. The only surviving starter was captain Jake Cooper.

Dykes came closest in the opening stages with a curled effort from the edge of the box which rattled the crossbar. A quick counter attack gave Dykes time and space on the corner of box. However the Millwall pressure continued and after another crossbar save to spare United and Bennett clearing the ball off the line, the subsequent corner was stabbed in by captain Jake Cooper.

The U's weren't able to enjoy the comforts of keeping the ball and it was evident. Mpanzu and McConnell, two players who haven't played much recently, both picked up good positions in the final third but their decision making was often too slow and the incorrect option.

Arguably United's best chance of the first half came with just seconds to spare. A beautiful spell of possession saw Bennett rise highest from a Kaikai corner, but the right back's header trickled wide to end the half.

Harris made just the one halftime change with Gassan Ahadme making way for Louis Appere in what was most likely a pre-planned substitution as Ahadme returns from injury.

The U's came out swinging with Heath at the centre of both of United's best chances in the opening minutes of the second half. Heath skipped past his defender and his low driven cross was met by McConnell who's shot would only trickle into Crocombe's hands.

Another injury to add to the list after Bauer was forced off after clutching at his hamstring. Perry replaced the German but the depth at centre back will now be a cause for concern in CB5. McLoughlin was forced off in the first half against Bromley before Knight limped off in the second half. With Stead still injured, Ahadme not back to full fitness and Lavery incredibly unlikely to play 90 minutes this side of the new year United could be in for a hectic last week of the transfer window.

Dom Ball made way for debutant Dan Herd as Lavery replaced Kaikai. Harris changed the formation with two strikers on and McConnell remaining in the 10, an attacking approach was visible by the U's with 30 minutes to spare.

The best chance of the game for United came in the 66th minute after beautiful vertical effective football between Lavery and Heath. Mpanzu's pass found McConnell in acres of space but his shot dragged low across the far post and the best chance for the U's goes begging.

The U's were much the better side in the second half and were able to occupy great attacking positions on either wing but none of the six shots through 80 minutes have been on target. In a bid to continue finishing the game strong and resting starters, Harris replaced Isaac Heath for youngster Lohan McDougald for just his third competitive appearance for United. The youngster was thrown straight into the deep end as McConnell's long ball found him but a subpar first touch led to a U's throw in.

McDougald was determined to restore the result for and his purposeful run won a freekick on the edge of the box. Perry stepped up to take but his free kick was deflected for a corner. Eastwood came up for the corner and was merely inches away from meeting the ball. Despite a strong second half and just one shot on target, the U's have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the 2nd round.