Bristol City 0-0 Millwall: Goalless at Ashton Gate

Bristol City and Millwall were both denied by the woodwork as they fought out a goalless draw in a full-blooded Sky Bet Championship clash at Ashton Gate.

Joe Bryan hit the crossbar for the hosts in the second half before Millwall substitute Tom Elliott rattled a post with a header. The visitors were worth at least a point and almost won it at the death when Frank Fielding saved well from another substitute, Fred Onyedinma, with Eros Pisano blocking the follow-up effort from George Saville.

Millwall were fast out of the blocks in the first half and spent the first five minutes camped in City's half. Jed Wallace was off target with a couple of shots and Steve Morison volleyed over before having a header tipped over by Fielding.

Bobby Reid had a 37th-minute penalty claim rejected by referee Darren England after being checked inside the box by Conor McLaughlin. But Millwall continued to threaten and Josh Brownhill had a make a vital goal-saving challenge on Lee Gregory to prevent him latching onto a Morison cross.

It was the hosts who began the second half on the front foot, Reid brilliantly turning his marker before unleashing a low shot from distance that was palmed around a post by Jordan Archer.

But as the half wore on Millwall began to threaten again and Fielding produced a fine diving save to his left to keep out a 70th-minute volley from Wallace.

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City head coach Lee Johnson used all three substitutes, sending on Callum O'Dowda, Gary O'Neil, and most recent recruit Cauley Woodrow in an effort to lift his team's performance. It almost paid off on 74 minutes when Bryan interchanged passes with Reid and saw his right-footed drive from just inside the box crash against the crossbar.

Millwall boss Neil Harris almost came up with a telling substitution of his own on 80 minutes, sending on Shane Ferguson for Wallace. Ferguson's first job was to take a free-kick from the right which Elliott headed against the far post. At the other end Woodrow had a low shot saved in a frantic finish.

The managers

Lee Johnson: "I'm slightly disappointed, but still proud of my players for the commitment they showed to achieve our first clean sheet of the season. It was a very tough game for us and Millwall deserve credit for that. I was vexed by the start we made because I didn't feel we were doing the things we had worked on in training.

"But I can't criticise my team because they gave everything. The fans will probably be disappointed that we weren't as creative as in our previous home games, but it was asking a lot to maintain that standard. We have had a busy programme to start the season and I can't fault the effort that has been put in."

Neil Harris: "I told them if they keep playing like they have been this season victories will come soon. We have put in some outstanding performances and deserved more from our games. It is only a matter of time before we get the right reward.

"Today all we lacked was a bit of luck in front of goal. I was delighted with the way we nullified Bristol City's strengths and kept them under pressure. Our defending as a team was terrific and my strikers also looked dangerous going forward. Steve Morrison and Lee Gregory will score goals at the level. There is no doubt about that."