PDL play-off clash with Millwall Under-21s after extra-time loss to Birmingham City

MILLWALL Under-21s are out of the Professional Development League after losing 2-1 to Birmingham City.

Abdul Abdulmalik gave the young Lions the lead in the first half, but Birmingham Junior Dixon equalized before the break.

Millwall would have the best chances in the remainder of normal time and extra time as the hapless Tom Leahy failed to convert some big chances.

Dixon then scored in the second half of overtime to give Birmingham the win.

Millwall were looking to retain the play-off title they won last year, but can still take solace in the league title they won last month.

The under-21 players were presented with medals by chairman James Berylson before the post-match trophy presentation to reflect their achievements during the league campaign.

Match details

It was an understanding start to the game before a moment of quality broke the deadlock. The furious George Walker broke down the left, the first of several adventurous runs forward for the left-back, but was blocked in the box.

The ball fell to Abdulmalik who took a small step inside before curling the ball into the bottom corner.

Birmingham needed some time to recover but eventually found an equalizer after 40 minutes. Striker Dixon picked up a loose ball and fired past Lions goalkeeper Dillon Addai.

The Midlands club finished the half stronger and were on top early in the second half. But as the sun went down and the spotlight came on at The Den, the young Lions picked up steam.

Kyle Smith broke free down the right before the hour and sent a low cross to Ra’ees Bangura Williams who hit his effort just wide. Walker allegedly beat Birmingham goalkeeper Bradley Mayo after going in again.

A hat-trick of chances arrived for striker Tom Leahy, but poor finishing, lack of composure and good goalkeeping respectively meant he failed to make his mark.

Smith then sent a free kick on the left side of the box just wide in the dying minutes of normal time.

Kavalli Heywood and Jack Howland, who both excelled in the FA Youth Cup semi-final winning under-18 side, were brought on minutes into extra time.

Howland would be involved in Millwall’s brightest moment in the first period of extra time when he played in Leahy in goal. The Birmingham keeper rushed off his line and blocked Leahy’s wicked effort.

Howland showed even more energy and guile early in the second period of extra time, bursting into life outside the box and firing over. Leahy then got another decent opportunity when he was played in, but again his finish went wide.

Birmingham thought they might break through at the other end but were denied by a superb save from Addai before Chin Okoli pulled off an equally impressive block to deny the comeback.

But Birmingham were to reap the rewards for their pressure as Dixon headed home at the back post in the final few minutes after a curling free-kick was deflected into the box and headed home.

Heywood was close to grabbing a spectacular equaliser, but his chipped effort from outside the box went wide.