Gary Alexander wrote himself into the history books with Millwall's first ever reserve goal at Dartford - but The Lions still ended up empty-handed against an enthusiastic Eastbourne Borough outfit.
Despite slipping to a narrow defeat, there were a number of plus points for Lions reserve coach Richard Shaw.
Firstly, striker Alexander got a solid 60 minutes of action under his belt, and then his replacement, 15-year-old Jake Sammoutis, produced a super display for the final half an hour.
Fellow youngsters Jake Goodman and Luke Matthias also gained some useful experience, whilst Ali Fuseini put in a solid 90 minute shift in midfield.
In an entertaining game, Eastbourne took the lead with their first real attack on 12 minutes when Kia Richard sent a looping header over keeper John Sullivan from Jon Marzetti's right-wing cross.
The visitors had further chances to add to their tally with both Richards and then the powerful Joe Benjamin blocked by some good defensive work.
At the other end Millwall went agonisingly close to levelling on the half-hour mark when Alexander flicked on Jimmy Rogers' corner and Ikenna Ofoche's header smacked the cross bar.
A long throw from keeper Sullivan picked out Ofoche a couple of minutes later, and having superbly worked an opening, the youngster's cross was hacked clear by Ollie Rowe.
Alexander was involved again, this time seeing his fierce effort blocked from close-range after Hassan Janneh's deep delivery following a short Rogers' corner caught the visiting defence napping.
The Lions were left cursing their luck yet again on the stroke of half-time. On this occasion a long punt upfield from Sullivan was nodded on by Alexander to David Adedipe, who unfortunately his effort wide of the target from a central position 12 yards out.
Eastbourne nearly added a second goal just after the break when Benjamin, on loan at the south coast club from Northampton Town, used his strength and pace to work an opening on the left before firing straight at the keeper.
The former West Ham trainee, who was a real threat throughout, was not to be denied and he duly added a second goal after 56 minutes courtesy of a deep free-kick from the right flank that floated into the back of the net with Sullivan grasping at thin air.
However Eastbourne's advantage was halved just before the hour mark when Alexander produced a textbook header which gave Seb Barton no chance in the visiting goal.
That proved to be Gary's last contribution to proceedings and he was replaced by the impressive Simootas within seconds of scoring.
Having finally ended their goal drought at Dartford, stretching back some 510 minutes, The Lions pressed forward in search of a second goal.
Grant Ludford's sweet 72nd-minute free-kick was pushed away by a sprawling save from Barton and then substitute Goodman showed some neat control before hitting a first-time shot that the keeper again smothered.
Unfortunately try as they might, Millwall just couldn't get the second goal they perhaps deserved.
For Eastbourne, it was a highly satisfactory result and one they were clearly anxious to achieve.
So much so that way before the final whistle a desperate shout came from their bench to the ref 'Oi, come on and finish up. I've got a home to go to.'
'So have I' replied a smiling Mr McLaughlin - who promptly played on for another 10 minutes!
Millwall: Sullivan, Kingsmill, Ludford, Fuseini, O'Connor, Beckles, Rogers, Janneh (Matthias, 70mins), Alexander (Sammoutis, 60mins), Adedipe (Goodman, 76mins), Ofoche. Subs not used: Farmer.
Scorer: Alexander (59mins)
Eastbourne Borough: Barton, Marzetti, Hales, Brooks, Rowe, Lok (Hartley, 67mins), Johnson, Brown (Spinks, 61mins), Richard (Medlock, 70mins), Crabb, Benjamin.
Scorers: Richard (12mins), Benjamin (56mins)
