Football Review | Millwall 2 - 0 Stoke City

In-form Femi Azeez grabbed another goal as Millwall's hot streak continued.

The win saw the impressive Lions leapfrog Stoke to move up to third in the Championship.

Author | James P

Stadium | The Den

Stoke had leaked just six goals in 10 league games this season going into the game but the meanest defence in the division was breached twice in the opening 21 minutes.

Azeez scored the first and Tristan Crama netted the second as Millwall overran Stoke before the break to register a fifth successive victory in home matches against the Potters at The Den.

Closer analysis of what happened

Thierno Ballo caused havoc down the left for Millwall, with the on-loan winger creating both first-half goals.

His pinpoint cross from the left in the 10th minute was met by 24-year-old Azeez, who headed home at the far post.

Eleven minutes later it was 2-0, as Crama grabbed his first goal for Millwall since joining the Lions from Brentford in January.

It was Ballo again who supplied the cross, pulling back the ball into the path of Crama after the French centre-back had flicked on a free-kick, and Crama drilled into the roof of the net.

READ MORE | QPR 1 - 2 Millwall

Mark Robins' decision to make four changes backfired as Stoke were overrun in midfield.

While the Stoke manager made a triple change at half-time and the introduction of Million Manhoef briefly sparked some life into his side, Millwall held the visitors at arm's length after the break with relative ease.

The nearest Stoke came to a goal was when substitute Aaron Cresswell tested Max Crocombe at his near post, but the Millwall goalkeeper was equal to it.

Millwall had good chances to extend their lead through Luke Cundle and Mihailo Ivanovic but Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson saved well, while Ben Wilmot came to the rescue for Stoke as he got a foot in to deny Casper de Norre after Ballo had put him through.

The victory (not the margin) was all that mattered, though.

The only downside for Millwall was another injury to add to their collection, with Will Smallbone pulling his hamstring in the first half.