Match Report: Boro 0 Millwall 1

A Romain Esse goal settled matters on the opening day of the season as Millwall nicked a 1-0 at the Riverside.

The Millwall sub scored the only goal of the game with 11 minutes remaining on the clock.

The game was preceded by a moment’s applause in memory of all those who are sadly no longer with us.

Millwall had an early opportunity when Zian Fleming sent an effort just wide of the mark after an incisive break by the visitors.

When Boro responded, Paddy McNair delivered a teasing cross, but it went untouched across the face of goal.

Both sides played some good football during the first half, but chances were at a premium either end. Darragh Lenihan made one decisive clearance while Marcus Forss almost got on the end of a delightful ball from Hayden Hackney.

Former Boro man Duncan Watmore also had an effort deflected narrowly wide of the mark.

Boro had the ball in the net shortly before half-time when Matt Crooks crossed for Hackney to apply a terrific finishing touch – but the effort was ruled out after the ball was adjudged to have gone out of play.

And on the stroke of the interval, Morgan Rogers played a delightful ball to Hayden Coulson, whose right-foot shot was narrowly off target.

Dael Fry made an important intervention at the start of the second half to avert one chance, and moments later, Joe Bryan wasted a great opportunity for the visitors.

When Boro came forward, Dan Barlaser had a free-kick deflected to safety and Matija Sarkic had to cling on to a high ball into the box from McNair.

Sarkic was also called upon to get down well to save from Forss, who tried his luck from the edge of the box.

Boro were starting to apply some real pressure, but Millwall were always a threat on the counter and Seny Dieng made a great save to deny Kevin Nisbet a debut goal for the Lions.

Rogers had a shot blocked by Murray Wallace which had Sarkic at full stretch again and Boro enjoyed another great spell of pressure.

There was a moment of humour as the game headed towards its closing stages, Watmore heading for the wrong bench after being substituted.

And it was from that double change that Millwall took the lead. Aidomo Emakhu escaped down the Millwall left and his low cross was met by fellow sub Romain Esse who lashed the ball home.

Boro were almost back on terms straight from the re-start with Sammy Silvera going close with a great strike from distance.

Jake Cooper had to head a Riley McGree free-kick over his own bar during the final minute of stoppage time as Boro sought an equaliser.