Millwall advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over National League side Dagenham & Redbridge at The Den.
The Championship club controlled the match from start to finish, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Leeds United in the next round.
Millwall Dominate from the Start
The hosts took charge early on, keeping 70% of possession in the first half and limiting Dagenham to sporadic counter-attacks. Despite their dominance, Millwall struggled to convert chances until Mihailo Ivanovic broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. The Serbian striker’s persistence paid off when he headed the ball over the line from close range while lying on the ground after an initial save by goalkeeper Elliot Justham.
Dagenham defended valiantly but lacked a cutting edge in attack. Their best opportunity of the first half came from a corner, but it was comfortably dealt with by the Millwall defence.
Second Half: Millwall Seal the Win
The second half continued in the same vein, with Millwall dictating play. Casper De Norre doubled the lead in the 70th minute with a well-taken volley after a pinpoint cross from Joe Bryan. This goal settled any lingering nerves for the Championship side.
Raees Bangura-Williams, making his senior debut, provided the moment of the night. The youngster came on in the 76th minute and made an instant impact, scoring Millwall’s third with a dazzling solo effort. After gliding past Tom Eastman in the box, Bangura-Williams calmly slotted the ball past Justham to cap off a memorable evening.
Daggers Struggle to Threaten
Dagenham & Redbridge, who had battled through three away ties to reach this stage, failed to trouble Millwall’s goalkeeper Lukas Jensen until the 58th minute. A tame effort from Jake Hessenthaler marked their only shot on target in a performance where they struggled to compete against their Championship opponents.
“It’s a wonderful finish and brilliant skill from the youngster! Alex Neil is suitably impressed,” said former Premier League defender Steve Brown on BBC Radio London, referring to Bangura-Williams’ debut goal.
The visitors will now turn their focus back to the National League, where they visit FC Halifax next weekend.
Writer’s View
Millwall’s performance was professional and clinical, showcasing their depth and ability to manage games against lower-league opposition. Bangura-Williams’ debut goal adds an exciting storyline to an otherwise routine victory, and his development will be worth watching. For Dagenham, the result underlines the gap between the divisions, but their fans will take heart from their cup run and hope it fuels their league campaign.
