Ivanovic scores with unique header as Millwall beat Dagenham

Chris Peddy
BBC Sport at The Den

Millwall comfortably beat National League side Dagenham & Redbridge to set up an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leeds United.

Mihailo Ivanovic opened the scoring with an unusual header when laying on the ground, and Casper de Norre scored a second before 20-year-old Ra'ees Bangura-Williams scored his first Millwall goal after coming off the bench.

Alex Neil left Romain Esse out of the matchday squad and confirmed a speculated move for the attacking midfielder - linked with Crystal Palace - is looking more likely when speaking to BBC Radio London after the match.

Millwall will visit Elland Road to face Championship leaders Leeds over the weekend starting Saturday, 8 February.

Mihailo Ivanovic scores with a header while laying on the ground against Dagenham & RedbridgeRex Features

Mihailo Ivanovic scored his third goal of the season with an unorthodox header from the ground as Millwall beat Dagenham & Redbridge at The Den

The Lions found themselves in unfamiliar territory with almost 61% possession against their non-league opponents, but for much of the first half they struggled to convert that into clear chances.

The travelling support generated a big atmosphere in an otherwise sparsely attended match at The Den, and loudly cheered as first early efforts from Joe Bryan and Femi Azeez sailed over the bar.

But the home side deservedly took the lead on 30 minutes as Ivanovic headed in while down on the turf, after seeing his volley well saved by Daggers keeper Elliot Justham.

The visitors enjoyed their best spell of the game early in the second half as a Josh Rees effort deflected behind, and Millwall somehow survived a scramble from the resulting corner that ended with midfielder Jake Hessenthaler's volley into the ground reaching the welcome arms of Lukas Jensen.

Ivanovic missed a clear chance to double his side's lead before De Norre did just that with a fine volley at the far post following a deep cross from Bryan at the end of a move started by the Belgian midfielder.

Perhaps the moment of the night came when substitute Bangura-Williams, fresh from signing a new long-term contract, tucked away his side's third goal with a neat left-footed finish to wrap up new boss Neil's first win since taking over from Neil Harris at the end of December.

'If you'd written a script, that would have been it' - reaction

Ra'ees Bangura-Williams scores Millwall's third goal of the nightGetty Images

Ra'ees Bangura-Williams came off the bench to score his first goal for Millwall

Millwall boss Alex Neil speaking to BBC Radio London:

"It was a really strong performance. I think the only disappointment was in the first half we probably should have been more ahead, we created some really good chances.

"I've got to give credit to Dagenham, they made us wait until midway through the second half to get that second goal that then settles us down. It gives me an opportunity as well to put on some of the younger players and see what they can do, and they certainly didn't disappoint - I thought they were excellent."

On Bangura-Williams' goal: "The bit where he takes out the centre-back and glides past him, and then the confidence just to slide it under the goalkeeper. If you'd write a script before the game, you wouldn't be too far off from what happened tonight, so I'm delighted for everyone."

On whether Esse's proposed move to Palace was more likely than it had been last week: "Yeah, I think that's fair to say."

Dagenham & Redbridge caretaker manager Lewis Young said:

"I was disappointed a little bit at half-time, I didn't think the players showed themselves. You know when you're on a big stage and you've got a chance to go and show everyone, there was a little bit of fear, a bit of enormity and the size of the stadium and players they're facing.

"There was a 20-minute period in the second half where we had a couple of chances and had them really on the back foot.

"Ultimately they're a Championship club but I'm so proud of that 20-minute period and the reaction."

On the club's search for a new manager: "That's out of my hands. I've got a burning desire to be a football manager, I want to be successful.

"All I can do is try and help the group as best I can and that's what I've done and [maybe] that's down to someone else but I'll just keep preparing the team as best as possible for the next game."

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