Despite naming the same side that beat Leyton Orient with an impressive display of midfield dominance last week Latics left the Capital empty handed.

Manager Dave Penney made one enforced change to his match day squad, introducing Chris Rowney in place of Danny Whitaker.

Whitaker was taken ill over night and Latics are concerned that he could be suffering from the same illness which has afflicted the Latics youth team over the last 7 days.

Against Orient on Saturday Latics took the lead after eleven minutes, this time however it was Athletic conceding.

Latics, who'd been under constant Millwall pressure, were unable to deal with a looped effort on goal from Steve Morison and his attempt fell to the unmarked David Martin at the back post, he made no mistake in smashing the ball into the roof of the Latics goal to give the hosts the lead.

With little over twenty minutes gone Athletic boss Dave Penney had seen enough, changing his side's approach to a standard 4-4-2 formation, after his 4-3-2-1 system failed to give Latics any consistent possession.

When Morison broke past Pete Gilbert a minute later Millwall really should have doubled their lead.

Morison turned into the Latics area unchallenged and had two teammates, Alexander and Martin, in the box totally unmarked. However he chose to force an angle drive himself and Dean Brill was able to save Latics blushes.

Just before the half hour mark Latics should have been level, Pawel Abbott wasting his spot kick after Andy Holdsworth had been felled by Tony Craig. More surprising than Abbott's miss from the spot was the decision by Referee Andy D'Urso not to send off Craig, despite Holdsworth being clean through when he was taken out.

Despite this set back Latics created their most flowing move of the game just before the interval.

Chris Taylor linked well with Abbott in the centre of the Latics attack and his through ball to Keigan Parker looked set to level the game, however frustratingly for the few Athletic fans that'd made the long journey south Parker fired into the waiting arms of Forde.

On 41 minutes Millwall were forced to replace Steve Morison with Neil Harris, Morison appearing to damage his groin when landing on the half way line.

However there was some confusion, as Harris never actually entered the field of play, the Referee unwilling to allow him on the field whilst he was wearing his wedding ring (which was stuck fast to the player's finger).

Harris did however start the second half for Millwall and had a large part to play in the second half.

A sweeping ball in by Martin from the Millwall left found Harris unmarked in the Latics area and as Dean Brill stood glued to his goal line the ball bounced wide for a dead ball.

Two minutes later it was Chris Hackett who put a near identical ball into the Athletic area. This time Latics were thankful that the yet again unmarked Harris could only find the arms of Brill, diving to his right.

The substitute will feel that he should have converted both chances and put the tie to bed, however the misses seemed to galvanise the visitors, who slowly developed a foothold in the tie.

Latics manager Dave Penney made his first substitution of the game on 74 minutes when he replaced Andy Holdsworth with former Millwall striker Darren Byfield, to the jeers of the home fans.

Athletic, whilst lacking a cutting edge, had been dominant for long periods when they almost levelled on 84 minutes.

Worthington collected a loose ball in the midfield and raced forwards, but his curling effort failed to hit the target, when he should have done better.

During 3 minutes of added time at the New Den Millwall put the tie to bed with a gifted chance.

A hopeful ball long over the Latics back line looked to be Brill's to claim, the Latics keeper instead backing off and allowing the outnumbering Millwall players time to create.

A looped ball into the area was flicked back towards Harris by Dunne and he was able to put away a comfortable header.

Latics will be disappointed to have created so many chances without really troubling Forde in the Millwall goal, however 3 points from two tough away trips to the Capital will be very welcome at Boundary Park.

Latics Player will have an in-depth interview available early tomorrow morning with manage Dave Penney to get his thoughts on the game, exclusive to Latics Player subscribers.

H/T: 1-0
F/T: 2-0
Att: 7,369 (163)