Birmingham 0 Millwall 1 – Fred Onyedinma’s goal makes it six unbeaten for Lions and three away wins on the spin in league

By Richard Cawley at St Andrews

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Substitute Fred Onyedinma sealed a third straight away Championship win for Millwall and extended their unbeaten run in the league to six matches.

The Lions produced yet another masterclass in defending as they shut out the hosts.

And manager Neil Harris’ decision to bring on the pace of Onyedinma paid off as he hit the 71st-minute clincher.

Birmingham were ultra-patient in possession – often to the frustration of their home support – and their best two chances in the opening 45 minutes came from distance. Both looked extremely close to being on target.

Jeremie Boga got the dip on his free-kick over the Millwall wall to perfection but it sailed just past the left post.

And Lions keeper Jordan Archer was also full-stretch when Craig Gardner spanked an effort narrowly wide from 30 yards out.

Millwall’s threat in that opening 45 minutes was intermittent. Jed Wallace’s shot was pushed around the post by David Stockdale, his run picked out by Lee Gregory.

And the last of three corners in quick succession for the Lions ended with desperate Birmingham defending denying George Saville’s thumping shot from crossing the line.

Saville had his head in his hands following another set-piece from the visitors. Ben Marshall’s free-kick was only partially cleared but the former Wolves midfielder’s first-time effort failed to hit the target.

Gardner was a threat with his striking and the ball took another deflection following a Birmingham move which had the Millwall backline looking stretched shortly before the break.

The Blues made an attacking change as they brought on Jota for Jason Lowe, and they applied heavy pressure in the early stages without converting it into chances.

Millwall soaked up the attacks and Steve Morison found the side-netting from a Ben Marshall cross, the loan signing’s last action before Onyedinma came on.

The youngster’s pace offered a different option and Shaun Hutchinson’s long ball invited him to chase it. Although Stockdale kept out his initial shot, the substitute followed up to convert at the second attempt with 13 minutes remaining.

Gardner fired over for Birmingham to sum up their lack of conviction after the restart.

And it needed Stockdale to swat away Cooper’s header to prevent the Lions moving 2-0 ahead and making it game over.

Hutchinson then nodded wide of the target after substitute Tim Cahill headed a Shaun Williams corner back across the penalty area.

Gardner had a late chance to once again set his sights with a free-kick awarded for Hutchinson’s trip on Sam Gallagher, but Archer was able to push it away from the net.

Lions boss Neil Harris made just one change to the side which drew 1-1 at home to Cardiff just over a week ago, with Shaun Williams replacing Ryan Tunnicliffe in the starting line up.