MILLWALL ran out comfortable winners on their maiden visit to Princes Park as a display of attacking quality saw off the challenge of Dartford.
A sell-out crowd of just over 4,000 crammed into the Darts’ stadium as goals from Neil Harris, Jason Price (2) and Danny Senda capped the Lions’ first appearance of many to come at the venue where the club’s second string will be based this season.
Millwall boss Kenny Jackett rewarded those who packed into the ground by fielding a strong starting XI, while Darts boss Tony Burman opted to leave striker Adam Burchell, impressive in his side’s previous friendlies, on the bench.
Congestion outside the ground meant a 15-minute delay to the kick-off, and many fans were still taking their places in the ground when Harris was on hand to tuck away Lewis Grabban’s centre after good work by the winger.
The goal seemed to spur the Lions’ attack, boosted by the return of Price from a kidney infection.
Ashley Grimes, playing primarily on the left-flank, saw his shot comfortably saved by goalkeeper Andy Young after a smart one-two with Marc Laird, before the former Manchester City youngster fired wide after a Price knock-down.
With the Darts growing in confidence, the game looked to be evening out with midfielder James White firing a volley just wide of John Sullivan’s left-hand post.
But Millwall had the perfect response in the 33rd minute when Price was on hand to tap home after an effective, if clumsy, move involving all of the Lions’ four attacking forces.
And it was to get better for the Lions just moments later, as Senda was on hand to smash home Grabban’s pass after overlapping with the winger down the right-hand side.
After dominating the first period, it was much the same story after the break.
Price added his second and Millwall’s fourth six minutes into the half when the Welshman was on hand to tap in after Grimes had struck the upright.
Former Dart Dave Martin soon joined the action, albeit at left-back, and went close to setting up Harris for Millwall’s fifth but the Lions’ record scorer could only head wide of the post.
The arrival of Burchell did seem to inspire the Darts despite the large defecit. The ex-Gillingham youngster soon won his side a penalty, which was duly dispatched by Ryan Hayes, after being tripped by Lions debutant Chris Hegarty.
Millwall created chances but were unable to convert them as the game petered out, but Jackett will have been pleased by his side’s attacking quality and professionalism.
Dartford: Young (Ibrahim 80), Burgess (c), Gross, Flanagan (Beales 54), Coyle, White (Burchell 61), Hayes (Eferakurho 84), Day, Haworth (Isa 88), Burns, Bradbrook. Subs not used: Guest, Dafter.
Millwall: Sullivan, Senda, Hegarty, Smith, Barron (Martin 56), Grabban (Hackett 84), Laird (Abdou 84), Fuseini (Bolder 84), Grimes, Price (Alexander 84), Harris (c) (Morison 84). Subs: Forde, Dunne, Craig, Frampton, Anderson. Att: 4,022.
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