Millwall see off brave Portsmouth to go into next round of EFL Cup

Millwall got a nasty shock in the EFL Cup this evening when League One visitors Portsmouth took the lead inside four minutes through former Charlton forward Recco Hackett-Fairchild.

But normal service was resumed thanks to goals from Scott Malone and George Saville – and the chances of the Hampshire side getting back into the contest were badly damaged when they were reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute.

Pompey defender Callum Johnson saw red to make it an uphill task for Danny Cowley’s side, which featured ex-Lion Shaun Williams in midfield, making his first appearance for the South Coast club.

And the hosts duly saw out the last 40 minutes of the game, in front of the first Den crowd of the season, without too many scares.

More to follow….

Pictured: George Saville celebrates what would turn out to be the winning goal. BRIAN TONKS