Benik Afobe netted twice and Jed Wallace once as Millwall beat Town 3-0 at Portman Road in their final friendly of pre-season. Afobe gave the Lions the lead on 39, then made it 2-0 in the 50th minute before Wallace added the third on 54 to seal a comfortable victory for the Championship side.

Vaclav Hladky was in goal with Kane Vincent-Young at right-back, Matt Penney on the left and Toto Nsiala and Luke Woolfenden at the heart of the defence.

Lee Evans, who had missed the previous two friendlies with a groin strain, skippered and was joined in central midfield by Rekeem Harper with Armando Dobra and Wes Burns in the wide roles

Joe Pigott play just behind lone out-and-out striker Macauley Bonne, as was the case at Colchester on Tuesday.

Scott Fraser and new siging George Edmundson were missing from the 18-man squad but youngster Cameron Humphreys and Kayden Jackson, who came on as a sub against the U’s having been training with the U23s for most of the summer, were both on the bench. Also called up to the squad was youngster Matt Ward, who has impressed in the U23s in pre-season.

For Championship Millwall, ex-Blues keeper Bartosz Bialkowski was in goal, making his first appearance back at Portman Road since his July 2019 departure for the Den. Prior to kick-off the Polish international received a warm welcome from his old fans.

Town, wearing their white and black away kit, created the first chance of the game in the sixth minute when Burns caught George Saville in possession not far outside the Lions’ area. The former Fleetwood man cut the ball across the box to Bonne on the penalty spot but the striker scuffed his effort through to Bialkowski.

Two minutes later, Millwall went closer to taking the lead when Hladky somehow managed to keep out a Saville header when the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder seemed certain to score having been found by a cross from the right.

It was the sort of save Town fans got used to seeing Hladky’s opposite number at the other end of the field pulling off in his days as a Town player.

There was a flashpoint in the 17th minute when Nsiala and Jake Cooper clashed as Millwall prepared to take a corner from the right. While the pair were the main participants plenty of other players became involved before order was restored. Referee Andy Woolmer spoke to Nsiala and Cooper but issued no cards.

When the corner was finally taken Cooper charged into Nsiala as the ball came across but the central defender kept his cool. Afobe’s header was little trouble for Hladky.

Town had created nothing since Bonne’s early chance, all too often losing possession when in the opposition half. However, on 22 Pigott struck a 25-yard effort which Bialkowski saved comfortably down to his left.

Millwall right-back Danny McNamara was fortunate to stay on the field in the 31st minute when he wildly lunged into the back of Dobra’s ankles. It was a two-footed, out-of-control tackle which would probably have resulted in a red card in a competitive fixture but referee Woolmer showed only a yellow, while Dobra was rather fortunately OK to carry on.

Two minutes later, the Blues came close to going in front. Dobra brought the ball into the area and fed Penney to his left. The former Sheffield Wednesday man sent over a low ball which Shaun Hutchinson scuffed across the face of his own goal and just past the far post.

The Blues, who had struggled to make much of an impact going forward for most of the half, were suddenly on top and pressing for a goal.

On 37, a corner routine involving Dobra and Evans led to Burns poking a low shot which beat Bialkowski but stuck the outside of the post.

Two minutes later, Millwall took the lead. As the Lions broke, Town were short on numbers. Wallace struck a shot which Hladky stopped but failed to hold on to and Afobe slammed home. The new Town keeper will feel he should have done better.

The ex-Salford and St Mirren man went some way towards atoning for his error in the 43rd minute when he impressively clawed away Hutchison’s header to his right after the Blues had repeatedly been unable to clear a bouncing ball from inside their area, although the ball had appeared to strike a Millwall hand.

That was the last action of a half which Town had grown into in the latter stages when they created a number of chances, although with their football still lacking fluency.

The Millwall goal came somewhat against the run of play at that stage with Hladky subsequently preventing a second from the Lions just before the break.

Two minutes after the restart, Evans curled a 25-yard free-kick to Bialkowski’s right but the former Blues keeper was equal to it.

However, in the 50th minute the Lions doubled their lead. Following a well-worked move down the left, the ball was cut back from the byline and Afobe smashed a shot across Hladky and into the net from six yards.

Four minutes later it was 3-0. With the Blues caught on their heels, Sam Malone played a corner from the right to Wallace not far outside the area and the former Portsmouth man brought it forward a stride before slamming a well-struck low shot past Hladky to his left. Another poor goal for the Blues to concede and their third from an opposition set piece in two games.

As the game passed the hour mark Millwall, who had been very comfortable in the second half, made seven substitutions. Ryan Leonard, Mahlon Romeo, Billy Mitchell, Murray Wallace, Matt Smith, Mason Bennett and Connor Mahoney replaced McNamara, Daniel Ballard, Hutchinson, Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jed Wallace, Afobe and Saville.

Burns curled a Town free-kick well over, then in the 69th minute Conor Chaplin, who hadn’t been named on the teamsheet, was given his first action for the Blues along with Janoi Donacien with Burns and Bonne making way.

Vincent-Young moved to right midfield following the substitutions and quickly had an impact in that role, bringing the ball forward and exchanging passes with Chaplin - who played a clever lifted ball over the Millwall backline - before hitting a shot on the turn which was blocked. It was certainly Town’s best opportunity of the second half.

In the 77th minute a Millwall player gave the ball to Pigott midway inside the visitors’ half and the striker brought it to the edge of the area before turning and shooting weakly wide when a ball wide to Vincent-Young to his right would have been a better option.

With 10 minutes remaining Town switched Pigott, Vincent-Young, who had had a significant impact in his wide right role, and Penney for James Norwood, Kayden Jackson and Cameron Humphreys.

Evans shot wide for the Blues on 83, then Hladky saved low to his left from the edge of the box.

In the 89th minute Ward was given his second experience of first-team football, having caught the eye against Crystal Palace last week, for Dobra, who caused Millwall problems without having the same impact as at Colchester in the week.

It’s always been anticipated that Town’s quickly-assembled squad might take a little while to gel and on the evidence of today’s performance - although obviously against opposition from a higher division - the Blues look very much a work in progress.

Aside from a spell just before the visitors’ opening goal, Town were always second best to Millwall, who were very comfortable at 3-0 before the obligatory mass second-half substitutions.

For the second time in two games Town conceded three times, while at the other end they rarely looked like threatening.

But it’s early days for the much-changed Blues who will undoubtedly grow as the season progresses, while opening day League One opponents Morecambe, who visit Portman Road in a week’s time, are likely to be significantly lesser opposition than Millwall.

Town: Hladky, Vincent-Young (Jackson 80), Nsiala, Woolfenden, Penney (Humphreys 80), Burns (Chaplin 69), Harper, Evans (c), Dobra (Ward 89), Pigott (Norwood 80), Bonne (Donacien 69). Unused: Holy, Ndaba, Ward.

Millwall: Bialkowski, McNamara (Leonard 62), Cooper, Hutchinson (c) (B Mitchell 62), Evans, Ballard (Romeo 62), Kieftenbeld (M Wallace 62), Saville (Mahoney 62), J Wallace (Smith 62), Malone, Afobe (Bennett 62). Subs: Long, M Wallace, Thompson, Bradshaw, Smith, Romeo, Pearce. Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Photo: Matchday Images

midastouch added 17:37 - Jul 31 And no huge surprise to see Bart keep a clean sheet on his return to Portman Road either.
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OliveR16 added 17:38 - Jul 31 An amazingly forgiving set of comments given that this is the last pre-season friendly. Some of these observations (fitness, run out etc.) would be accurate for the opening friendlies, not the final one. Presumably we take the view that Morecambe's 1-1 draw with Championship Blackpool was because Blackpool were not really trying, like - er - Millwall . . .
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Monkey_Blue added 17:40 - Jul 31 It's a pre-season game. Results are not that important it's about performances and team shape. As I've not seen this game it's hard to come up with any kind of judgement. I'm still a bigger fan of evolution rather than revolution when it comes to building a team. It's a big risk to throw so many players together especially when there are no guarantees even after tine together of how many will work out. I wouldn't draw too many conclusions from a friendly though. It might all somehow click come Saturday. I know Millwall are hardly top championship opposition but they are better than Morecambe

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DaGremloid added 17:42 - Jul 31 grinch - I've never stopped worrying to be honest. I will give Paul Cook 10-15 games grace of the new season but I remain unconvinced by him, as I was last season. This was the last hit out before the season starts and he doesn't even include the two recent signings! Time and time again I've read posts by idiots thinking we're going to walk League 1 this season. Based on what? It will take at least a third of the season for this new team to gel - and that is why I will give PC time - but by then it might be too late to make an impact.

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Warkystache added 17:42 - Jul 31 I was there today. I thought we looked nervous. Millwall have better game players and I'm not sure about Pigott, he reminded me of Hawkins a bit. My players who have done enough to be picked for next Saturday: Evans was MOM for me, neat, good range of passing. I'd prefer Bonne and Norwood together up front. Young Dobra attacks and looks for the attacking option. We conceded stupid goals from set pieces and we looked a bit lethargic, still it is only pre-season and I'd hope we'd improve once Saturday comes. COYB!

2

bernie added 17:44 - Jul 31 That wasn't good , not gelling at the moment need to get up to speed quickly, no pattern to our play . Thought the goalie was good against palace but not today .
0

Nobbysnuts added 17:45 - Jul 31 I'm sorry but have I missed something??? Did we just play Manchester City??? No it was a covid ravaged Millwall...yes millwall with half their players missing pre season training because off illness. With one week to go it's just not good enough. If people keep saying we'll it was millwall .....then this club really is plunging new depths.
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shortmarine1969 added 17:47 - Jul 31 Fully aware only a friendly - but this is the pre-curtain game - and Millwall are not exactly Chelsea , and in reality only 10-15 places above us (we hope) so we should have given them a game , but we did not. 2nd half I think we had 1 tame shot on target.!. We lacked invention, Dobra aside , and defense is poor , also telling when we made changes some of the players coming on - were Donacian , Jackson and 2 18/19 year olds (ward and Humhphrys , we need still more quailty through the door, and the season starts next week!..Certainly not worried yet by far, but plenty do do if we really want to get out of Div 1 first time of asking under Game Changer regime.

4

ringwoodblue added 17:47 - Jul 31 Did the two teams know this was a friendly? Judging by the fight in the first half, obviously not. Hopefully Cook learned more about his new team today and can make sure we don't make the same errors from next week onwards. One thing for sure, this season is going to be interesting. Can't wait for it to start.
1

blueboy1981 added 17:50 - Jul 31 Yes only a Friendly. But much STILL to do - make NO MISTAKE !!
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TrumptonBlue added 17:51 - Jul 31 Ward played last week, Phil.
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blueboy1981 added 17:57 - Jul 31 GOALS Win Games. Maybe our Club has forgotten that ... !!!
3

Bazza8564 added 17:58 - Jul 31 3-0 was a bit harsh on us but we have much to do as others have said. Evans looked excellent as did Harper, the speed of their release is so much quicker than last year, but we look frail at the back and honestly we need another CB and left back to add some depth. we also looked tired with many more of our players playing 75 minutes plus. Millwall made 7 changes after 55 minutes and loads more after too. Dobra was good at times, Burns had a good spell in the first half but was out of it before and after and looked to lack a bit of sharpness and the two forwards were well marshalled. Millwall looked stronger and better organised, a product of having played together, which we clearly havent. But we wont be playing an established Championship side next week and our first few games do give us some time to gel. There were some very encouraging signs for me, disappointed with losing those two second half goals which really killed the game, but out midfield looks far more purposeful than last year and with more additions to come, no need to panic just yet.

2

RegencyBlue added 17:58 - Jul 31 I've known seasons where we won every preseason game and started the League appallingly and also season where we lost every preseason game and started like a train! Next Saturday will tell us more!
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Monkey_Blue added 17:59 - Jul 31 Ringwoodblue… I was sort of assuming he knew all about the players he's signed.It's no point signing them if you need to learn about them after. I honestly think we were 3 or 4 good players away. People act like we've been fighting relegation in league one. Given the spend cook has put his head on the chopping block, especially as we were far worse under him and he had more than a third of a season. No new manager bounce

5

bluesteel added 18:07 - Jul 31 perhaps we should try and win a game before anyone talks about promotion this season
6

suffolkblueeye added 18:09 - Jul 31 No Toto at the back please, accident waiting to happen....
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Drifter3012 added 18:10 - Jul 31 It is important to keep positive and to think on all that has happened in the last 6 months. However I do think that we all have to be feeling slightly disappointed. Not enough to be worried but still I think the vast majority of Town fans hoped for a better preseason with the players we have brought in. The starting 11 have all trained together for the past 3/4 weeks, so not complete strangers so I would have hoped for some more cohesive football. Just hoping that this week Cook and his team work harder on defending set pieces and on goalkeeping. None of us expect Morecambe to give us that kind of test but it will be much better if we can put them away early with some quick goals which will calm everyone's nerves.

1

delias_cheesy_flaps added 18:17 - Jul 31 In the last 45 years the IQ of the Ipswich fan seems to have diminished along with our footballing prowess! For god sake give yourselves a shake it's a new team in a friendly. ITS GOING TO TAKE TIME!!
5

StowTractorBoy added 18:17 - Jul 31 A very disappointing performance today and not many positives to take from it. Bart may as well have stayed at home as we lacked any kind of threat up top. This performance was way below the Palace display and it is worrying that we do not look like creating chances let alone score. Yes you have to have service and this was also in short supply. Can't argue with the effort of the lads but right now on this display we have much to work on.

2

mib added 18:22 - Jul 31 Should have given Lambert the money, not convinced re. Cook at the moment.
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ringwoodblue added 18:34 - Jul 31 Monkeyblue- I didn't mean learning about the players individually, I meant learning about how they play together as a team, how they react to going behind etc which you can't know until you see them in a real match like today. We need more signings but come the end of Aug, that's it, no more second chances, it's time for Cook and the team to start delivering
1

Drifter3012 added 18:37 - Jul 31 Meant to add that with 2 disappointing goalkeeping displays this week it was interesting to read that Adam Przybek was given a glowing report in the media when he came on as a sub goalkeeper when Wycombe beat Leicester during the week. Maybe we should have kept hold of him?
0

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:37 - Jul 31 While I'd much rather we'd won, maybe this was a bit of a wake-up call we all needed: manager, players, and fans. Teams in L1 will be out to prove a point against us, so things won't be easy. But we need to remain patient and SUPPORT the team.
1

Orraman added 18:41 - Jul 31 I was totally underwhelmed when Cook was appointed and I have seen nothing since to make me change my opinion. MM and PL showed passion from the dug out but today Cook just stood apparently completely emotionless. What is that terrace chant ‘we only get s*** refs' Beginning to look like we only get s*** managers
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