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

algarvefan added 18:42 - Jul 31 The negativity of some of you is astounding, Paul Cook was right in his comments about negativity at the fans forum, we are supposed to be supporters of this club and we all know it's a work in progress, in progress, as in not the finished item. There was a hint of realism from Cook about getting promoted this season, if it happens great but don't be surprised if it doesn't 'we are work in progress'. The huge changes at playing level, new coaching staff will have taken it's toll and it's going to be tough, we are not anywhere near the only 'big' club in Division One and the answer isn't always money. Some of you truly need to grow up and see things for what they are. The club was a rock bottom in May and it's not even August yet and some of you are complaining, unbelievable just unbelievable. Call yourself fans. Rant Over.

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bluesteel added 18:50 - Jul 31 no club can sack the whole of the tirst team, buy a dozen players and hope to get promoted in a season i'm happy to be patient but someone at the club has to dial down expectations
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Nobbysnuts added 18:56 - Jul 31 One pre season game with a sort of first team out.....I think cook is losing the plot. I just don't get playing players who clearly won't start next Saturday...absolute madness.
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grinch added 19:11 - Jul 31 I didn't think 3-0 was harsh and it wasn't Millwalls starting 11 so there is no excuses there. I agree that pre season does not mean that much and that there has been other seasons where we lost I think the worrying aspect is that we have not looked like a team and the only area we look the same is at the back which is still like a sieve. We have speedy things in midfield but with a single striker you can play as fast you want but if there is no one up top its fruitless. My major concern is we defend badly and have not bite up top this has not changed in the whole of Cooks tenure and again his win ratio is extremely poor I hope he proves me wrong but currently I am worried he is not the manager to take us forward he has shown us no signs since his arrival that he can take us on any sort of improved style or winning formula

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Facefacts added 19:14 - Jul 31 Millwall, referee weak, recipe for disaster. Through the back of Dobra, our whole team should have been around the referee screaming for a red. So Cooper and Nsiala clashed, he spoke to them both, no cards, then seemed to miss Cooper taking Nsiala out less than a minute later. No such thing as a friendly. Thugs get away with it. Wonder why Millwall were offered this game, Bart can wave to the fans. Steer clear of this type of friendly.

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inghamspur added 19:14 - Jul 31 I have to be honest and say that was very disappointing today. A friendly and all that but we were stuffed at home by a mid table championship team. Performances were below par all over the pitch when you would be expecting they would be pushing to impress to secure a starting place next Saturday when the serious stuff starts. And the 3rd goal was just awful. Maybe expectations should be tempered whilst the new boys get familiar with each other and play as a team. Having said all that, still better than the shower we had last season.

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Nobbysnuts added 19:24 - Jul 31 @delias cheesy flaps....I have reported your last comment...hopefully you will get barred for using derogatory comments about disability. Idiot
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dannyrr added 20:11 - Jul 31 Many changes today at Portman Road today - the team - the manager - the ground. One thing that hasn't changed though is the level of officiating at games. The first goal came from what should have been a throw in for us after it being about a foot over the sideline. If our player had made the tackle on Dobra against a Milwall player it would have been a straight red. I had heard so much about the new keeper and how awesome he was. Today I didn't see any of that even Bart was more likely to come off his line than our keeper. All three goals came from our defence not closing down. Yes it was a friendly today but I sincerely see more bite next week than today. I don't think we would have scored today even if we played another 30 minutes- echoes of many of the last few seasons.

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dirtydingusmagee added 20:26 - Jul 31 ok it was a friendly, but Paul Cook is not exactly shining as the manager since he took over, plenty of talk but he has done zilch to suggest he can get us moving in the right direction. The friendlies were all against very minor teams and an ex Town team until today, you could reasonably expect some sign of progress just to lift the fans but there has been none.True the team will need time to gel, but COOK needs to up his game, these are HIS players,HE decided to demolish the old squad, NOW Cook needs show he is as good as he thinks he is, i cant see him holding the fans very long if he cant start getting something out of his players, we have seen it all before ,for too long .imo. A lot of fans seem to think we will now stroll through to promotion, those fans will be the first to turn ugly when it dosnt go well. Roll on Saturday lets get down to the real game and hope things improve.coyb

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mike added 20:28 - Jul 31 How many fans were there today?
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mike added 20:30 - Jul 31 What was the gate attendance today?
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blues1 added 21:11 - Jul 31 Nobbysnuts. Keep up will you. Their players who had covid are all back and in the squad
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TractorRoyNo1 added 22:44 - Jul 31 I'm all for freedom of speech but surely it is time for the Cook Out nutters to stand up and be counted, then the rest of us can get on with supporting the Club from top to bottom.
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Northstandveteran added 22:50 - Jul 31 There are some very sensitive little flowers on here this evening aren't there?
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GiveusaWave added 03:51 - Aug 1 About right result wise but we were up against a top 6 Championship side with Bart returning to Portman Road...and we weren't at full strength. Even though we lost I like the fact that we didn't give up even when we were 3-0 down. We still kept going...unlike in previous seasons. If Millwall had upped the pace we probably would have lost by more...but they seemed happy with their 3-0. Feel we still need 3 or 4 players...preferably before the start of the season.

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blueboy1981 added 07:11 - Aug 1 Well, the much needed clear out has largely happened. Now, we await some positive results ... !!!
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Nobbysnuts added 07:37 - Aug 1 Steady on Delia....your be crying in a minute...😂😂😂😂😂😂
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Dog added 08:51 - Aug 1 TractorRoy - "cook out nutters" is a bit strong. For the record, i want Cook to succeed, i really do, however, i think he is a bit of a gobby chap, who really hasn't sparkled at Town. Yes, he only had 16 games last seasonbut lets face it those players hated him, downed tools and produced the worst football in living memory. The lucky chap has been backed, he has his own players, so in about 10 games we will see if he is a one trick pony, a tactical genius with numerous game plans or a poor mans mourinho who can only alienat players and reminds us of past successes. What i would like to know from everyone is will they tolerate a defeat at home to Morecambe - the worst team on paper in the division. That would represent a new low to me. For the record i go Town 3-1.

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planetblue_2011 added 09:06 - Aug 1 Oh dear town that is a terrible result😳 I know its only a friendly but loosing 3-0 at home against Millwall who are not the greatest of championship teams. Will the team gel straight away? after that result I'm not sure
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Nobbysnuts added 09:13 - Aug 1 Delia...after your use of the term 'retards' to describe people on here I can only assume you are a child....let's hope you mature as you grow up.
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 10:18 - Aug 1 Thanks Nobby, I wondered what had upset you, the post had been removed but you have put it back. QED
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 10:26 - Aug 1 We have had to get used to loosing over the years but I am not concerned about this result, it is a work in progress, the key word being progress. Our personnel rota is already a class up in quality on last season, let's give it ten games at least before we have conniptions.
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cat added 12:28 - Aug 1 If you ain't happy as an ITFC fan in this moment then you might as well go spread your unwelcome doom and negativity somewhere else. New owners, new sponsors, quality additions to the squad, massive clear out of everything wrong at the club and a general feel good factor around the ground, what's there to be negative about. If you don't like it then pish off to Colchester and follow Chambers and co!

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Dog added 13:26 - Aug 1 Someone posted on here that the IQ of an ipswich town supporter had diminished over recent years. Step forward IpswichT62OldBoy for using the word conniption. I had to look up the meaning. I salute you Sir and tip my hat in your direction.
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Linkboy13 added 13:56 - Aug 1 Must admit little bit worried about the Morecombe game. We look miles away from being a organized unit. I know these are only friendlies but we should be at least look more threatening in front of goal. Could be a very frustrating afternoon next Saturday hope im wrong but it could end in a nil nil result.
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