Late goal sinks The Pilgrims in SE16
Keaton Wood scored a last-gasp goal to book Millwall's place in the next round of the U21s Premier League Cup after a 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at The Den on Thursday afternoon.The defender reacted quickest to Alfie Pavey's centre and headed past Pilgrims keeper Deniz Mehmet in the 89th minute - a goal Millwall deserved after controlling large parts of the second-half.
It was the away side who began the brighter in SE16, however, with an early effort from Louis Rooney drawing a save out of Lions keeper Harry Girling before Ryan Brunt - one of four first team Plymouth players in their line-up - blasted over after a neat turn in the box.
At the other end, Mahlon Romeo, playing on the right wing, twice showed good pace down the flank but he couldn't find a team-mate with successive curling crosses.
Early in the second-half, Plymouth's Tyler Harvey came close with a tipping effort which Sid Nelson, making his comeback from a rib injury, had to head behind for a corner.
But Justin Skinner's side grew into the game as it reached its final 30 minutes and began to create chances against a tiring Plymouth backline. Kyron Farrell was impressive after moving into a central midfield position and began to dictate play, with Kris Twardek - also back from injury - a threat as he floated from one flank to another.
Despite their eventual control of the game it wasn't until the final moments that The Lions found a breakthrough. Pavey, a powerful presence up front throughout, managed to nod the ball back into the dangerzone and Wood, playing at left-back, rose highest to head into the top corner.
Millwall: Girling, Parr, Nelson, Mbulu, Wood, Romeo, Thompson (Ndjoli, 46'), Donovan, Farrell, Twardek (Eze, 71'), Pavey. Unused subs: Sandford, Chesmain, Brown