Our Under-21s slipped to a 3-1 defeat away to Millwall on Monday afternoon.

Alfie Pavey fired the hosts into a first-minute lead at the Den with a spectacular strike from range, before their advantage was doubled on 14 minutes courtesy of Keaton Wood’s looping header.

The United youngsters threatened as the half-time whistle approached, with Luke Parkin clipping the post with a low effort and Alex Purver forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Harry Girling.

But the Lions added a third eight minutes after the restart through Pavey’s second of the afternoon, rounding goalkeeper Charlie Horton before slotting into an empty net.

Tom Pearce converted from the penalty spot three minutes later, picking out the top corner to make the game a contest going into the final half hour, but that proved to be the final goal of the afternoon as the U21s were dealt their first defeat since the opening day.

Under-21s team vs Millwall: Horton, Coyle, Vann, Skelton, Denton, Purver, Lyman (Oduor 77), Walters, Pearce, Parkin (Wilks 64), Stokes (Vieira 64). Subs not used: Richardson.